Results 1 - 25 of about 1,900
Etihad Airways profit for 2012 jumps 200 per cent
Audio: A second year of profit for the UAE national airline Etihad Airways has been announced with a net profit of US$42 million in 2012. Phil Blizzard reports on the announcement made by James Hogan, President & CEO, Etihad Airways who said "This has been a game changing year for the airline".
RIM rebrands to 'Blackberry', unveils two new smartphones
Audio: RIM is now simply 'Blackberry', it was announced yesterday as the new Z10 and Q10 smartphones were unveiled. Steven Bond was at the Dubai launch, syncronised with other venues around the globe, curious to see whether the former phone giant could once again rival Apple and Samsung. He discussed the new offerings with Chris Corsi, Blackberry's Country Director for the UAE, Oman and Pakistan.
TravelTalk Pt 2 - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray becomes scintillating entertainment venue
Audio: TravelTalk from the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and as the hotel enters its third year of operation Phil Blizzard talks to Christophe Mousset, Hotel Manager about the opening of the Music Hall, and in the near future The Supper Club, both which will place the resort high on the elite entertainment scene.
TravelTalk Pt 1 - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray two years on
Audio: In this edition of TravelTalk Phil Blizzard visits the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai to talk to Christophe Mousset, Hotel Manager about key moments during their two years of operations. Christophe talks about how the resort is developing as it enters its third year and how they are introducing the first Supperclub into the region.
Rolls Royce Middle East market grows 26%
Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars talks to Phil Blizzard about the factors driving their record breaking growth and where both the UAE and KSA fit into their global sales top 10. He also talks about the significance of their bespoke options, with Abu Dhabi boasting the highest uptake in the world.
Rolls Royce to launch their boldest and most dynamic car
The strategy for 2013, which includes the launch of their boldest and most dynamic Rolls Royce to date, is given by Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars. Talking to Phil Blizzard he also gives an overview of their global market in 2012, indicating that the Middle East, and in particular the KSA, has not reached its full potential yet. He also provides an insight into the resurgent luxury car market by UK automobile manufacturers.
UAE firms up to date with IT storage solutions
Audio: Storage technology in the region, particularly in the UAE, is at 'the cutting edge' with companies investing in the latest solutions. Steven Bond spoke to Andrew Calthorpe, CEO of Dubai-based IT storage firm Condo Protego, about the industry, the benefits of virtualisation, and the company's work within Dubai.
World Luxury Expo debuts at Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Audio: An impressive line-up of luxury automobiles greets visitors to the World Luxury Expo which has made its global debut at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. Phil Blizzard joins Paul Jackson, CEO, World Luxury Group in the impressive Grand Pavilion, surrounded by an equally impressive showcase of items from world's leading luxury brands.
Just Falafel opens in Covent Garden, London
Audio: Dubai based Just Falafel has opened its first store outside of the Middle East in Covent Garden, London. Phil Blizzard joins Fadi Malas, CEO, Just Falafel to talk about their London presence and their expansion plans in the UK capital, for what is one of the fastest growing franchise operations.
KPMG Pt 1 - Key changes in personal and corporate taxation
Key changes in direct taxation around the world include significant increases in personal taxation in many countries, whilst corporate tax is still on the downward trend. Greg Wiebe, Head of Tax, KPMG International talks to Phil Blizzard about taxation trends around the world and the present immunity of the UAE to such trends. He also talks about the significance of the 50 tax treaties signed by the UAE with countries around the globe, as well of the strong oil price.
KPMG Pt 2 - VAT offers Middle East governments a secure revenue source
Greg Wiebe, Head of Tax, KPMG International focuses, in part 2, on indirect taxation such as Value Added Tax (VAT), which has the key benefit of offering governments a secure revenue source. He talks to Phil Blizzard on how VAT could be introduced in the GCC region, the complexity of local taxation rules and regulations for multi-nationals as they expand their business operations, particularly in developing countries.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort re-opens after 11 month long closure
Audio: One of Dubai's most popular beach front resorts has just re-opened after being closed for 11 months. Phil Blizzard visits Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina to look at the refurbished property and talks to Stewart Selbie, GM, Mina Seyahi Complex about the new product and why it was necessary to close.
TravelNews - Dreamliner woes for Qatar Airways, World Travel Awards and Trader Vic's
Audio: A round up of travel and tourism news from across the region with Phil Blizzard featuring the latest airline developments, including generator problems for Qatar Airways and their new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, aircraft deliveries for Emirates and new destinations for both airlines. Hospitality developments include the opening of the first 4 star beach front hotel in Dubai and the arrival of Trader Vic's at Dubai Festival City. Plus a round-up of regional winners at the finals of the World Travel Awards.
Ray Stanton, BT Global Services Pt 2 - IT Doomsday is a real possibility
Audio: The focus is on SMEs and the protection of their IT infrastructure in part two with Ray Stanton, VP Professional Services, BT Global Services. He also talks to Phil Blizzard on how the advent of Quantum computing, and along with the migration from IP4 to IP6, could lead to the entire internet system collapsing in a Doomsday scenario.
Ray Stanton, BT Global Services Pt 1 - Business resilience to cyber-attacks essential
Audio: "Resilience from cyber-attacks is essential to maintain business efficiency, wherever in the world you operate" says Ray Stanton, VP Professional Services, BT Global Services. Talking to Phil Blizzard he provides an overview of BT services in the Middle East, including their 'Prosperity' programme and looks at some of the key IT threats in this region.
MEBA 2012 at Dubai World Central attracts a fleet of executive jets
Audio: The Middle East Business Aviation 2012 show has attracted exhibitors from across the world and a fleet of world class business jets. Phil Blizzard reporting from Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, which is hosting its first major aviation event, is joined by Ali Al Naqbi, Founder, Middle East Business Aviation Association.
Property Talk - 2012 review of Abu Dhabi real estate sector
Audio: A review of the 2012 Abu Dhabi property with Gurjit Singh, COO, Surouh who talks to Phil Blizzard about the de-cantering of various asset classes, the impact of the rent cap and end users moving from old to new stock. He highlights some of their key achievements during 2012, including The Gate Towers, Reem Island and the growth of their retail brands. He also talks about the importance to the residential sector of the on-going major projects across the UAE capital.
J M Marquis Dubai Pt 1 - Worlds tallest hotel opens
Audio: The world's tallest hotel, standing at 355m has opened in the heart of Dubai with their focus being very much the convention market. Phil Blizzard meet up with Rupprecht Queitsch, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai to talk about the positioning of the property and the significance of the recent announcement by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum for the go-head to complete of the hotels second tower, which will take the number of rooms to beyond 1600.
J M Marquis Dubai Pt 2 - newest hotel for Emirates Group
Audio: Phil Blizzard meets up with Rupprecht Queitsch, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai to talk how this Emirates Group hotel will be integrated into their network, and in particular their premium class passengers, as well as the impact of two major hospitality brands, the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah and The Conrad, opening in the city. He also talks about the growth of the MICE sector which will eventually contribute to 50% of their business and the prime markets for their convention facilities.
MEBA set to open at Dubai World Central
Audio: Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport is the new venue for the bi-annnual Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show. In this preview to the event Phil Blizzard talks to Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, Co-Founder, Middle East Business Aviation Association about the growth of the show, the range of aviation services at the exhibition, including several new sectors and the aircraft which will be on static display.
Jeffrey Singer, CEO, DIFC - Shifting Centre of Gravity pt 2
Audio: Jeffrey Singer, CEO, Dubai International Financial Centre continues his analysis on the "Shifting Centre of Gravity". He also talks to Phil Blizzard, at the DIFC Forum, about the impact to the region of the estimated $US4 trillions worth of infrastructure projects and the way the DIFC could be involved in the financing of these projects. He also talks about the impact on this region should the United States become energy independent, and gives an outlook on the DIFC for 2013.
Abu Dhabi global leader for bespoke Rolls Royce
Audio: Abu Dhbai tops the world in sales of bespoke Rolls Royce cars, with spoke version costing over 2.3million dirhams. Phil Blizzard talks to Kadhim al Helli, Brand Manager, Rolls Royce, Abu Dhabi Motors about the creativity and options available with the various bespoke options - which range from light to heavy. He also talks about the state of the luxury car market where Abu Dhbai is expected to see sales of more than 130 luxury Rolls Royce cars during 2012.
TravelTalk Pt 2 - Holiday Inn 60 years and regional expansion
Audio: Travel Talk looks at the 60th Anniversary of Holiday Inn with Phil Blizzard talking to Spence Wilson about some of the innovations which they introduced into the hospitality industry - from technology to the first use of credit cards. Pascal Gauvin, COO, India, MEA provides an overview of the regional presence of Holiday Inn and their expansion plans.
TravelTalk Pt 1 - Dreamliner in Doha, Emirates profits and Holiday Inn 60 years
Audio: Travel Talk looks at the 60th Anniversary of Holiday Inn with Phil Blizzard talking to Spence Wilson, son of the founder, and also Pascal Gauvin, COO, India, MEA on regional developments. Travel News includes profits announced by Emirates Airline and Air Arabia, the arrival Qatar Airways Dreamliner and the opening in Dubai of the world's tallest hotel. Plus news on Dubai openings for The Conrad and Fairmont Palm Jumeirah.
Abu Dhabi economy on track to reach Vision 2030 goals
The Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 plan expects revenue from the non-oil sector to account for 60% of the GDP. At the 7th Annual MEED Abu Conference Phil Blizzard talks with H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdulla, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, about their economic performance, SMEs, DFI and the new Industrial Development Bureau, along with emerging investment opportunities.
Last updated: Tuesday, February 12 - 2013 at 10:50 UAE local time (GMT+4)






