From the largest F1 theme park in the world to a marina berthing some of the world's biggest superyachts, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has many unique features. This includes Yas Marina Hotel, the only hotel in the world that has a race track running through it, offering guests a private, trackside experience of Sunday's inaugural Formula 1 race. Phil Blizzard reports on the development and the build up to the UAE's first F1 Grand Prix.
United Arab Emirates:
Thursday, October 29 - 2009 at 12:19
From the pit lane of the Yas Marina Circuit Phil Blizzard talks to Ronan Morgan, Clerk of the Course, and the person responsible for the smooth running of the trackside action at the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
United Arab Emirates:
Wednesday, October 28 - 2009 at 19:45
Despite the slowdown in retail sales, Dubai Festival City is offering enhancements for shoppers, like the recently launched premium complimentary shuttle. Phil Blizzard took a ride to sample the service for those visiting this retail and entertainment destination.
With energy savings features, image viewing capabilities and even on-line connectivity options Phil Blizzard tours the new Viera range of plasma and LCD televisions from Panasonic.
Dubai Festival City turns pink with Paris Hilton taking up residence for the production of her tv show. Phil Blizzard talks to Tom Miles, Director of Shopping Malls, Al Futtaim Group Real Estate, about the retail benefits, media exposure and increase in footfall expected at Dubai Festival City.
Located just off the Emirates Road in Dubai, the Mirdif City Centre will be the flagship of the Majid al Futtaim Group, whose portfolio also includes the Mall of the Emirates. Phil Blizzard tours the site, which is well under construction and on schedule for opening in Q1 during 2010.
Phil Blizzard looks at the retail aspects of the rapidly developing Mirdif City Centre in Dubai and talks to Richard Reid, Senior VP for Development, MAF Properties, about the project and what is meant by the description of it being a 'super regional shopping centre'.
Former Middle East rally champion Mohammed bin Sulayem, VP, FIA and President ATCUAE talks to Phil Blizzard about the long wait for the arrival of F1 racing in the UAE and makes a rallying call for people to be involved, either as marshalls or spectators, at the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In front of the imposing clubhouse at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club Phil Blizzard talks to the club's GM, Ian Gardner, about hosting a European Tour event, facilities for spectators and the impressive field of PGA players.
The greens are green, the fairways are long and so the scene is set for the 2009 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Phil Blizzard reports from the UAE capital on the challenges facing both the players, and the organisers, on and off the course.
With the festive season upon us those flying with Emirates, in or out of Dubai or indeed in transit, the new Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport offers a new style of shopping as George Horan, Deputy GM, DDF, explains to Phil Blizzard.
Powerful streamlined sharks to cuddly looking penguins, poisonous dart frogs to long legged starfish, just a few of the lifeforms at the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre that caught the eye of Phil Blizzard as he went under the water and through the rainforest at the newly opened Dubai Mall.
With long awaited anticipation, Emaar's mega-sized 'Dubai Mall' has opened its doors, with around half of the stores ready for business. Phil Blizzard had a preview tour, hours before the official opening.
The delight of offering Iftar and Suhoor at this special time of year is very special to Mohamed Al Bloushi, assistant F & B Manager, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the development of their palacious Ramadan tent.
Based on Baghdad's underground souq of the same name, Khan Murjan at Dubai's Wafi City is a labour of love, recreating the elements of a traditional Middle Eastern market, as Phil Blizzard discovered.