Business and Finance

With economic growth at 17.8% the impact of the Eurozone crisis on the economy and project sector in Qatar is likely to be limited, says George Nasra, MD, IBQ. At the MEED Qatar Project conference he talks to Phil Blizzard about the challenges that might be faced in 2012, including a drop in demand for oil and gas, but highlights the strength of the banking sector at the growth enjoyed by IBQ - the International Bank of Qatar.

2012 is set to be a year of re-orientation in the private investment, out with the old and in with the new. Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, EmiratesNBD talks to Phil Blizzard about the importance of emerging countries - from Mongolia to Mozambique, the impact of regional issues and offers some key pointers for UAE based investors, including returns of upto 20% on commercial real estate in Europe.

Governments in the region have an ambitious agenda for driving forward their healthcare infrastructure - with some facilitating a strong private sector and others enhancing their own offerings. At Arab Health Roy Jakobs, President & CEO, Middle East & Turkey, Philips talks to Phil Blizzard about their strategy for the region, technological advances for mobile and digital healthcare services and the key issue of addressing fundamental health issues.

With growing populations across the Middle East and the corresponding financial pressures being placed on the governments in the region, the privatisation of the healthcare sector is imperative. At Arab Health 2012 Phil Blizzard talks to Malek El Husseini, Business Development Director, GE Healthcare, Middle East about their key strategies and long term plans.

The largest medical event in the Middle East is likely to attract more than 70,000 healthcare professional to the Dubai World Trade Centre for a showcase of the latest medical innovations. From Arab Health 2012, Phil Blizzard reports on the rapidly growing healthcare sector in the region, looks at what the show has to offer and what it means to the economy of Dubai.

Across the globe the generation of electric power from the wind stands at just 2%, with aims of increasing this to 10% in the coming decade. At the WFES Juan Araluce, President, Vestas Mediterranean talks to Phil Blizzard about the exploration and potential of wind power in the UAE, the need for a stable regulatory framework and which countries are leading the wind power race.

One of the most outstanding electric cars at the World Future Energy Summit was found on the Siemens stand where they were proudly displaying a futuristic Porsche 911 Turbo. Phil Blizzard spoke to Dr Ulrich Eberl, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Siemens AG about the direction they are taking in their drive for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has won the Zayed Future Energy Prize in the category of 'Large Corporations' for their efforts and innovations in renewable energy and sustainability. At the WFES, Abu Dhabi Phil Blizzard spoke with Isabelle Malinconi, VP Campaign Management, Schneider Electric about their initiatives and what it means to win such a prestigious award.

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon made a passionate 'call to action' at the WFES, Abu Dhabi to make sustainable energy available to all. Following this announcement Phil Blizzard spoke to Michael Liebreich, Spokesperson, Sec-Gen High Level Group on 'Sustainable Energy for All' for an overview of the initiative's key elements - who will benefit, how it will be implemented and the time frame involved. He also talks about the role of Bloomberg New Energy Finance of which he is Founder and Chief Executive.

The 5th edition of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with a call to action from the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon as he launched the 2012: The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All initiative. Phil Blizzard reports on the event which is expected to attract over 26,000 attendees to the summit which has the theme of Powering Sustainable Innovations.

From major events like the World Future Energy Summit to Arab Health in Dubai, the AME Info Broadcast team will be out and about producing video and audio reports, and interviews, on the latest developments. This is a preview of some of the video content for the month of January.

"A more certain Europe is the necessary economic requirement for 2012" says Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD. The final review of 2011 looks at the key global events of the past 12 months and how they have shaped the economic environment and - in particular - the effect on private investments. Starting with the Arab Spring and moving through the year, ending with America looking more positive and Britain in isolation after the 'treaty veto' by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Swiss Business Council, Dubai has over the past 15 years been promoting economic, social and cultural relations between the UAE and Switzerland. Peter Harradine, President, Swiss Business Council talks to Phil Blizzard about the aims and development of the organisation, along with its future plans. He also gives an overview of its members which range from SMEs to international companies.

The 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs' 2011 Conference organised by the Sharjah Tatweer Forum will encourage young people in the UAE to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Phil Blizzard talks to Jassim Al Bloushi, Chairman, Sharjah Tatweer Forum about their aims and the key aspects of the conference.

Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD provides an overview on the economic health of key regions across the globe - from the 'Thanksgiving Season' in America to technocratic Europe and the slowing down of Asia. He talks with Phil Blizzard about the strong UAE sectors of hospitality and aviation and the course of action for private investors in the region.