Executive Opinions

Steady economic growth over the past two years should result in similar positive growth in 2012, says H.E. Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai. Talking to Phil Blizzard at the Dubai Economic Outlook 2012 conference he outlines the strongest sectors, whilst stating that further growth is being held back by the real estate and construction sectors.

Michel Wormser, VP & COO, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) talks to Phil Blizzard about the role of the political risk insurance arm of World Bank Group and the funding which is available for development projects across the Middle East and North Africa. The agency has a U$1billion programme in place to help investors return to the region with projects in key sectors such as infrastructure, power and roads.

Michael Andrew, Global Chairman KPMG International, tells Edward Poultney why the group is looking at a shift in growth to the Asian economies, making these KPMG's most important future markets, and how the first half of 2012 going to be a very tough period although some optimism should emerge toward the back end of the year, especially around the US economy, the implementation of China's 13th five-year-plan and emerging markets - but long-term structural issues need to be addressed in Europe and the US.

Michael Andrew, Chairman KPMG International, talks to Edward Poultney about the current pan-regional trends affecting global brands, the importance of having local contacts and people on the ground, and why the Eurozone crisis is making investors view that market as a long-term slow growth environment while other regions pick up the gaps left by the European slowdown.

A Rolls Royce car is for many the ultimate luxury vehicle and despite the global economic downturn the demand is still very high. The Middle East is a significant market for the UK manufacturer and is riding the economic storm well says Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, in conversation with Phil Blizzard. He talks about their 30% global growth, including 70% in Dubai, along with the importance of the emerging markets and the BRIC countries against the backdrop of the new models in the Rolls Royce range.

Dubailand is back with City of Arabia flexing strong muscles and several other entities in serious negotiations with Dubai Property Group, says CEO Khalid Al Malik. He talks to Phil Blizzard about the recovery of this stalled entertainment destination, the interest in the mixed, residential and commercial, development of Bay Square in Business Bay. He outlines the strategy of the Dubai Property Group and the importance of dialogue with stakeholders involved in the numerous projects.

Khalid Al Malik, CEO, Dubai Property Group talks about the consolidation of the group since the property market collapse and the challenges he has faced in the two years at the helm of this Dubai Holding entity. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he outlines the diverse portfolio they have, with the key element now being quality as they deliver significant developments in 2012.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a bridge between the long established institutions in cities such as London in the West and Hong Kong in the East. In this special insight Phil Blizzard talks to Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, DIFC Authority about their key role, the development of the DIFC - which has 813 active institutions employing over 11,500 people, the demographic shift in the financial markets and the positioning of Nasdaq Dubai.

The evolution of the DIFC from being a regional financial hub to a global one will see the number of people employed rise from 11,500 to over 55,000, making this a 'city within a city'. In part two of this insight Phil Blizzard talks to Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, DIFC Authority about the lifestyle aspects - the many art galleries, restaurants and retail outlets which make up this financial cluster. They also talk about the education intuitions, like the London Business School, developing human capital and the significance of the New Silk Route and trading with China.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) talks to Phil Blizzard about the influx of companies to the freezone, which is located at Jumeirah Lake Towers in new Dubai and the strategy for future development for the DMCC. He also talks about their marketing and awareness campaign using a branded car. 2011 is expected to be a stellar year in the trading of diamonds and gold at DMCC which, in 2010, saw diamonds worth $35.1bn being traded and gold to the value of $40bn.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)has seen solid growth during 2011 with more than 1000 new companies being registered in the first 10 months. Phil Blizzard talks to Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC about their mandate and development, and the range of commodities traded.

The telecoms sector in the UAE went through a major shift when moving from the environment of a monopoly to that of a duopoly. H.E. Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, DG, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority talks to Phil Blizzard about that process, Abu Dhabi as the world's No 1 connected capital, the internet exchange and the prospects of market liberalisation.

Mark Holden, Global Strategy and Planning Director, PHD Worldwide explains to Edward Poultney how marketeers and brands need to adapt to ongoing technology-led access to information for consumers, why, despite increasing amounts of auto-generated data, the advertising industry will continue to rely heavily on creativity, and how hyper-targetted content will become a crucial part of campaign strategies involving a payback for access to consumers' habits.

Dassault Falcon are one of the world leaders in private executive jets and at the Dubai Airshow displayed their latest and most technologically advanced aircraft. On board the Falcon 7X Phil Blizzard spoke to John G Rosanvallon, President & CEO, Dassault Falcon about market trends, aircraft development and the importance of the Middle East market.

H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq Bank talks to Phil Blizzard at the MEED Middle East Retail Banking 2011 conference in Dubai about how the banks became too greedy during the 'good times', the effect of defaults during the economic downturn and their strategy for the future.