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Emirates set to boost trade with new service to Rio de Janeiro Emirates are adding two more South American destinations to their network and in doing so will create stronger trade connections with Brazil and Argentina. Phil Blizzard talks to Nigel Page, Senior VP Commercial Operations, The Americas about the new service to Rio de Janeiro, and onto Buenos Aires, which begins in January 2012. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website QE2 in Dubai is set for lavish New Year party The outside deck of the QE2 is to be the 'set' for one of Dubai's most lavish and exclusive New Year's Eve parties. The famed ocean liner, now berthed at Port Rashid, will lower its gang planks to an exclusive guest list of celebrities and royalty as explained by Leili Gerami, Project Director, QE2 in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website St Regis Resort Saadiyat is set to open in Abu Dhabi The St Regis resort on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi marks the arrival of the brand's first hotel into the Middle East. In an exclusive preview of this elegant property Phil Blizzard talks to John Pelling, GM, St Regis, Saadiyat about the history of the brand, what it stands for and some key features of this development, which features residential properties alongside the hotel. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre - Pt 2 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 go ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre - Pt 1 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. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sharjah Tatweer Forum 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs' 2011 Conference 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. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BP Solar generating renewable energy growth in the UAE The use of sunlight to produce solar power is steadily growing as organisations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai set targets for sustainable energy. Phil Blizzard talks to Vahid Fotuni, Director, BP Solar about their heritage, expertise in photo-voltaic solar power and the lead being shown by China with their U$50 billion investment in green energy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website AED3.4 billion Adventure World theme park for Abu Dhabi Tourism in Abu Dhabi is set to have a big boost with the development of Adventure World. The year-round theme parks consist of more than 25 attractions for all the family, themed hotels and entertainment, along with a large aqua park. Phil Blizzard spoke with Peter Jan Mulder, CEO & Chairman, Adventure World, Abu Dhabi about the 700 million Euro project which will employ over 1000 staff. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai target 5% of energy from solar power and other renewables Faisal Rabee Al Awadhi, Director Demand Management, Supreme Council of Energy for Dubai talks to Phil Blizzard about the drive to generate power through renewable and sustainable energy forms, and the targets which are being set. Talking at the 'Developments along the New Silk Road' conference he also talks about the initiatives being set by DEWA and importance of China as a supplier of hardware for renewable energy generation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist, DIFC: the globalization of the Redback The strength of the Chinese economy could see the Yuan becoming an international currency by 2015, according to Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist, DIFC. At the 'Developments along the New Silk Road' conference he spoke with Phil Blizzard about the necessary steps China will need to take for international acceptance of the redback and the role which would be played by the DIFC. He also talks about the broader issue of Chinese trade and the establishment of new trade routes. ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cherie Blair Pt 2 - The Foundation and on being a techie at 10 Downing Street Cherie Blair talks about being a techie and how she used technology at 10 Downing Street, London during the time her husband was Prime Minister. She also talks to Phil Blizzard about the aims of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cherie Blair Pt 1 - Women Entrepreneurs in Mobile Retail Channels At the Middle East Telco Summit the report 'Women Entrepreneurs in Mobile Retail Channels: Empowering Women, Driving Growth' was launched by Cherie Blair and her foundation. Phil Blizzard spoke to the wife of former UK Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair about the findings of the report which highlights the inclusion of women in the mobile value chain and the challenges they face. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website H.E. Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, DG, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority 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, also about Abu Dhabi as the world's No 1 connected capital, plus the internet exchange and the prospects of market liberalisation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Private investors should hold onto cash for future invstment opportunities 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. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Focus on Business Bay Dubai Business Bay, Dubai is a waterfront development in the heart of the city, designed to create a mixed-use central business district alogside sections of the extended Dubai Creek. Phil Blizzard takes a look at the progress of this development and talks to Porush Jhunjhunwala, Head of Commercial Poperty, Better Homes and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Saqer Al Nahyan, Chairman, R Squared Offices. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mastercard offers back office solutions to SME's Alfred Dagher, VP, Corporate Payment Solutions, MEA, Mastercard Worldwide talks to Phil Blizzard about various business tools offered to SME's who take advantage of the SME Mastercard. These tools include Smart Data Gen2 which enable SME's to automatically create a report of expenses occurred when paid for by using the card. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Airshow closes on a high with orders placed worth $63.3billion The 2011 Dubai Airshow closed with $63.3bn worth of orders for aircraft and associated aviation services and products, well up on the 2009 show which closed with orders at $14bn. Phil Blizzard joins Alison Weller, MD, F&E Aerospace, organisers of the show, for a closing review of this year's event. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gama Aviation to expand into KSA Gamma Aviation are a Sharjah based business aviation services provider with a 29 year heritage across the globe. At the Dubai Airshow Phil Blizzard spoke to Dave Edwards, MD, Gama Aviation about their announcements of expansion into KSA and the Far East. They also talk about the benefits of private aviation for busy executives and the fleet of aircraft they operate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Empire Aviation Group look skywards at Dubai Airshow A growth rate of 23% in 2010 was significant for the Empire Aviation Group - a Dubai based business aircraft service provider. At the Dubai Air Show Phil Blizzard spoke with Steve Hartley, Executive Director, Empire Aviation Group about their growth, the type of aircraft they are affiliated with and services they offer the bizjet sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Airshow opens with Emirates signing a recording breaking order for Boeing The 2011 Dubai Airshow started with Emirates signing a recording breaking order for 50 Boeing 777 - 300ER aircraft and a stunning display by the UAE aerobatic team. Phil Blizzard reports from the show which has also attracted the latest aviation star - the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, making its Middle East debu Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE based Quest Helicopters take off at Dubai Airshow Quest Helicopters, a new name in aerospace, helicopter design and technology was launched at the Dubai Airshow with the mock up of a 'state of the art' aircraft. At the show Phil Blizzard spoke with Mike Creed, Commercial & Deputy Project Director, Quest Helicopters about their aims and the development of their innovative aircraft. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Airshow opens with Emirates ordering 50 Boeing 777-300 ER The 2011 Dubai Airshow got off to a flying start with Emirates Airline signing an order with Boeing for an additional 50 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, worth approximately $18bn in list price. Phil Blizzard reports from the air show on the single largest aircraft order in dollar value in Boeing's history. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jaguar unveils supercar at Dubai International Motor Show Two concept cars, the fastest production car from Jaguar and the new Land Rover Evoque form part of an impressive line up for Jaguar Land Rover at the Dubai International Motorshow. In part two of this interview with Robin Colgan, MD, Jaguar Land Rover MENAP Region he talks to Phil Blizzard about their latest products and what can be expected in the future. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jaguar Land Rover display strong performance at Dubai International Motor Show With demand outstripping supplies for Jaquar Land Rover, along with 2010 profits of 1 billion pounds sterling and the the creation of 1000 more jobs this brand is in a very strong position, despite the downturn in the global economy. Robin Colgan, MD, Jaguar Land Rover MENAP Region talks to Phil Blizzard at the Dubai International Motorshow about their success, both global and local - with Al Tayer enjoying the largest sales in the world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Fly Dubai - Pt 2 Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai in part two with Phil Blizzard talks more about the on-board innovations for passengers on their aircraft, the advantages of a single aircraft type fleet and the record breaking summer for passenger traffic. They also discuss the potential growth in the Middle East for the low cost airline sector and the challenges facing the airline industry, as well as the new destinations coming on stream Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Fly Dubai - Pt 1 FlyDubai is regarded as the fastest growing airline in the world and in just two years it now flies to 40 destinations with its fleet of 19 aircraft making almost 700 flights per week. On board the latest version of the Boeing 737-800NG Phil Blizzard talks to Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, FlyDubai about the development of the airline and also the innovations found on this aircraft Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Saeed Al Tayer, CEO, Meydan Pt 1 - Strategic business collaborations Saeed Al Tayer, Chairman and CEO, the Meydan Group talks to Phil Blizzard about their strategic business collaboration with Longines, why they selected this luxury brand of watches and what it means to the develop of horse racing at The Meydan, as well as the broader community. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Saeed Al Tayer, CEO, Meydan Pt 2 - Longines to compliment Meydan Saeed Al Tayer, Chairman and CEO, the Meydan Group continues his conversation with Phil Blizzard about their alliance with Longines and how that will develop across a broad spectrum of activites in their long term partnership. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi cruise tourism boost as sailings by Italian operator MSC commence The deployment of a cruise liner in Abu Dhabi for the winter season, by Italian operator MSC, will offer a significant boost to the emirates tourism industry. Neil Palomba, Corporate Operating Officer, MSC Crociere talks to Phil Blizzard about the decision to use Abu Dhabi as a base, the number of quests expected during their debut season and the ports of calls they will visit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ras al Khaimah to embark on cruise tourism Cruise tourism across the Middle East is growing a significant pace and the northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah, UAE is gearing up to receive liners. At the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention Phil Blizzard talks to Victor Louis, COO, Ral Al Khaimah, Tourism Investment and Development Authority on what they will offer as it becomes one of the newest 'ports of calls'. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Impact of Euro zone issues on UAE private investors In this interview with Phil Blizzard the focus is very much the Euro zones as Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD provides an overview on the economic health of key regions across the globe. He also talks about market conditions for private investors in the UAE. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq Bank - pt 2 H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq Bank talks to Phil Blizzard 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. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Boeing Dreamliner to visit Dubai Airshow The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is set to fly into the Dubai Airshow for its debut appearance in the Middle East. Phil Blizzard previews this major aviation event with Alison Weller, Director, Aerospace, F&E the co-organizers along with the Government of Dubai, of this B2B show. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq Bank - pt 1 H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, Mashreq Bank talks to Phil Blizzard about the evolution of the bank and their pioneering approach to retail banking, including the creation of 246 Mashreq Millionaires. He also states what it means to receive the MEED Leadership in Banking Award. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Indian Ocean piracy increases operating costs for Dubai bound cruise operators An outspoken Sebastian Ahrens, MD, Hapag Lloyd talks to Phil Blizzard at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention about the impact of increasing piracy in the Gulf of Aden and calls for international action to alleviate this problem. He also talks about the cost to cruise operators of providing security for guests and crews of ships transisting these troubled waters on their voyages to Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cruise tourism expected to yield AED3.5 billion into Dubai Economy The significant growth of cruise tourism, as Dubai develops its cruising hub, will see annual cruise tourism income of AED 338 million in 2010 growing to AED 837 million in 2015. This will see a yield of AED 3.5 billion into the Dubai economy over those years, explains Hamad bin Mejren, DTCM Executive Director of Business Tourism. He talks to Phil Blizzard at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention about benefits to the Dubai economy and the cruise related industries. ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Seatrade Cruise Covention to highlight growth and opportunities in Middle East A gathering of global cruiseline executives will discuss the growth and opportunities of the Middle East cruise line industry at the Dubai hosted Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention. Phil Blizzard talks to Hamad bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism, DTCM, Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade and Abdin Nasrallah, VP Meydan Hotels & Hospitality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Societe Generale Private Banking: Middle East is one of the engines of growth Daniel Truchi, Global CEO of Société Générale Private Banking, tells Edward Poultney how the private banking landscape has changed since the economic crisis, what client base the bank is looking to cater to in the region and talks about the inclusion of Shar'iah prodcuts into the portfolio. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East airlines absent from the Global Brands 100 The latest edition edition Global Brand 100 results saw tech brands like Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung enjoy significant growth for reasons explained by Michael Benson, Regional Director, Interbrand. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he also explains why brands with a global reach, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways do not appear in the results. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Coca ColaTop Global Brand for 12th year For the 12th consecutive year Coca Cola has been named the Number 1 Global Brand. Michael Benson, Regional Director, Interbrand in conversation with Phil Blizzard explains how the brands are assessed and then runs through the top five brands which include General Electric, IBM, Microsoft and Google, but not necessarily in that order. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates NBD and the six pillars of Priority Banking pt 2 They keys aspects of priority banking for the mass affluent customer sector is alluded to by Frederic De Melker, Head of Priority Banking, Emirates NBD in this interview with Phil Blizzard at the MEED Middle East Retail Banking 2011 conference. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website EmiratesNBD and the six pillars of Priority Banking pt 1 The Middle East Retail Banking 2011 conference held in Dubai and organised by MEED assembled a panel of top class speakers talking on the trends and activities in the retail banking industry. In this interview Phil Blizzard talks to Frederic De Melker, Head of Priority Banking, EmiratesNBD about the mass affluent customer proposition. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Damac launches Suites and Spas Damac Properties are adding a hospitality element to their diverse portfolio as Phil Blizzard discovered at Cityscape Global. Ziad El Chaar, MD, Damac Properties talks on how they have survived the real estate downturn, their developments and projects across the retail, residential and commercial sectors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 10th edition of Cityscape opens in Dubai The 10th edition of Dubai's premeir real estate event Cityscape opened with an announcement from master developer Nakheel on a new project on Palm Jumeirah. Phil Blizzard reports on who is participating at the event which is described by the organisers as the largest B2B real estate brand in the Middle East. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nakheel Chairman looks at the future in a positive way Retail expansion, including the relaunch of the Palm Mall is the focus for Nakheel says Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman, Nakheel in this interview with Phil Blizzard at Cityscape Global, Dubai. He also talks about the newly announced Palm Residence development which will be located off the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director, RTA, Dubai H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director, RTA, Dubai talks to Phil Blizzard about the development of the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, it's integration with the Red Line, the expected useage and announces the date of the opening of the RTA's next project - the Sufouh Tramway Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Green builldings in the UAE encouraged with carbon credits This edition of Property Talk goes green with the focus being 'Building for the Future'. Phil Blizzard talks to Adnan Sharafi, Chairman, Emirates Green Building Council about the council's role in developing sustainable properties, the significant energy loss by poorly designed buildings and the introduction, in line with other countries around the world, of carbon credits Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing special Pt 3/3 - Risks to consider In the final part of AMEinfo's special report on cloud computing, Peter Ward speaks to George DeBono, GM, Red Hat MENA, about the risks and dangers a company faces when migrating to the cloud. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MENA rail projects on track with US$250 billion spend A rail boom across the MENA region will see the development of numerous projects worth a startling US$250 billion. Phil Blizzard at MEED's MENA Rail 2011Conference reviews the main rail, tram and metro projects in the KSA, Qatar and the UAE with railway expert Ala Ghanem, Regional Director, MENA & Turkey, Invensys Rail. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Qatar Integrated Rail Projects to cost US$35billion The Qatar Integrated Rail Projects comes under the spotlight at the MEED MENA Rail 2011 Conference in Abu Dhabi. Phil Blizzard talks to Geoff Mee, Deputy CEO, Qatar Rail about the key aspects of this major rail project which is costing US$35 billion and must be completely operational for the 2020 FIFA World Cup. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Huawei unified communication solutions for MENA rail networks An integrated telecommunications system is essential for the efficient and safe running of a modern rail network. At the MEED MENA Rail 2011 Conference Phil Blizzard talks to Rabii Ouadi, Business Development, Rail Telecom Solutions, MENA, Huawei about their GSM-R technology for both operational aspect and the passenger experience. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website OPEC members will cut production when Libya commences full oil production OPEC member countries will cut back on oil production once Libya is up and running says OPEC Secretary General. H.E. Abdalla El Badri at the Gulf Intelligence Energy Market Forum in Dubai. He also talks about the time frame for production and also says the country does not require investment - Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Caution is the advice from Emirates NBD for UAE Investors With turbulent waters in the American and European banking sectors, the possibility of a Greek default, and with gold in the $1,800 zone investors should move with caution says Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD in this market review with Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rail Agency CEO talks on opening of Dubai Metro Green Line The Dubai Metro Green Line serves the densely populated areas of Dubai, enabling easier commutes to work says Adnan Al Hamadi, CEO of Rail Agency, RTA, Dubai. He talks to Phil Blizzard about the operation of the new line, how it integrates with the established Red Line and how it should benefit commuters from the Northern Emirates of the UAE. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing special Pt 2/3 Private v public cloud The public or the private cloud debate is the key subject in part two of our series with Red Hat. Peter Ward catches up with George DeBono, GM, Red Hat MENA, to talk about the public and private cloud options and also the other lesser known option the hybrid cloud. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Metro Green Line opened by Sheikh Mohammed The inner city loop of the Dubai Metro sytem is now open to the public following its inaugration by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In this the first of a series of reports Phil Blizzard, at the offical opening, looks at the operation of the Green Line and who it will serve. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing special Pt 1/3 - Decisions to be made when migrating to the cloud In the first of a three part AMEinfo report on cloud computing, Peter Ward talks to George DeBono, GM, Red Hat MENA, about the points a business should consider prior to migrating to the cloud. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai tourism needs to diversify says hospitality expert Mike Scully, MD, Seven Tides predicts a strong H2 and makes a call for a more diverse approach to tourism in Dubai in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Hospitality expert Mike says opportunities are being missed by not embracing numerous sectors - ranging from those which focus on special family resorts to adventure tourism, singles holidays and also ones for the older generation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The 'Khalifa' gold bullion coin good for the UAE The impact of the 'Khalifa' gold bullion coin becoming legal tender in the UAE and across the Middle East is discussed down on the commodities trading floor Jeffrey Rhodes, Global Head of Precious Metals & CEO, INTL Commodities, Dubai. First he also talks to Phil Blizzard about the production of gold at this record breaking time and the value of other precious metals including silver and platinum. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates aircraft fly with greater environmental efficiency Reduction in carbon emissions and the reduction of fuel usage are key factors in the drive for greater efficiency in flight operations and their environmental impact. Captain Alan Stealey, Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard on how these reductions are being implemented, the impact of the more 'environmentally friendly' Airbus A380 and how the 'perfect flight' is achieved. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Most annoying telephone habits across UAE revealed by Intel A recent survey conducted by Intel has revealed the top gripes and grievances associated with mobile phone use in the Middle East. Peter Ward talks to Nassir Nauthoa, GM - GCC, Intel about the findings, how technology is changing the way we use our phones, and Intel's future in the smart phone market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Asteco reports shows steady Q2 for Dubai property market The Dubai real estate market activities for the second quarter of 2011 is the focus for this edition of Property Talk. Join Phil Blizzard and Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco Property Management as they talk about the state of the market and give some indication of real estate trends for the latter part of 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Factors driving gold to record highs explained by Dubai metals expert With the price of gold going beyond US$1800/- per ounce Phil Blizzard talks to Jeffrey Rhodes, Global Head of Precious Metals & CEO, INTL Commodities, Dubai about what is driving the value of gold to such a high price, the impact on both private and institutional investors, along with Treasury Funds. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Airline expansion continues across GCC This round up of the regional travel news is dominated by the aviation sector with new aircraft deliveries for FlyDubai, route expansion for Doha based Qatar Airways and also Emirates, with the Dubai based carrier, also expanding their network of destinations for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, reports Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE store to let customers shop for free A store offering consumers the chance to try out products for free is to open in the UAE this year. Peter Ward talks to Anthony James, founder of Sample Central, about the concept and the advantages to brands and customers alike. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Google+ takes on Facebook as Insights MENA is launched Google recently launched its competitor to Facebook, Google +, which has been tipped to become a genuine challenger to the social networking giant. Peter Ward talks to Najeeb Jarrar, Head of Marketing, Google MENA, about the features of the site and also the launch of Insights MENA, an online media research tool. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE investor market impacted by US events says Emirates NBD A downgrade of the US credit ratings from AAA to AA+, along with uncertain fiscal policies on both sides of the Atlantic and the value of gold tipping the US$1800 mark are creating very challenging times for the UAE private investor says Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD in this review of the market with Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views - Emirates Group on good environmental practice "Good environmental practice makes good business practice" says Andrew Parker, Snr VP, Public, Industry, International and Environmental Affairs, Emirates Group following the publication of their first comprehensive environment report. Phil Blizzard talks to him about the key findings in the report which shows that the airline's carbon dioxide emissions efficiency was 26% better than the global airline average. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates fleet 26% more efficient than industry average The first Emirates group Environment Report has just been published showing that the airline's carbon dioxide emissions efficiency was 26% better than the global airline average. Phil Blizzard looks at the key findings of the independently audited report which looked at all aspects of the Emirates group, which also saw the airlines fuel efficiency at 4.12litres per 100 passenger-kilometres being 25% better than the IATA industry average. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Toyota looks at Ramadan to reach targets Innovative marketing for the Toyota brand during the month of Ramadan by Al Futtaim Motors, Dubai has been implemented to boost sales following the devastating Tsunami which slowed production earlier this year. Phil Blizzard talks to Simon Frith, MD, Al-Futtaim Motors about the brand's activities during the Holy Month and the implementation of a low deposit scheme, aimed at driving more sales. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ramadan a strong hospitality driver in the UAE In this Ramadan focus Phil Blizzard looks at the preparations of the important fast breaking Iftar meal and talks to Hussein Hachem, GM, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai about the significance of Ramadan and the importance of the holy month to the hospitality industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Evolution of Banyan Tree Al Wadi Ras Al Khaimah Ras Al Khaimah's Banyan Tree Al Wadi is a luxurious resort located in the tranquil and eco-rich Wadi Khadeja, offering quests opulent tented villa's in a secluded desert environment. Pascal Eppink, GM, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah talks to Phil Blizzard about the evolution of the resort, the group's developments in the region and the philosophy of Banyan Tree. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Facebook sees a decline in users The launch of Google plus could well impact exisitng social networking sites by diluting their useage. Facebook has recently seen a decline in the number of users it has in the US, prompting claims that the social networking site is on the wane. Peter Ward talks to Mohammed Elzubeir, MD, Mediastow, about the future of the site and its popularity in this region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Toyota storm back with 16% growth in UAE Toyota has announced a 16% growth in UAE sales for the first half of 2011, compared with 2010, and this is double the growth of the local auto-mobile market. Simon Frith, MD, Al-Futtaim Motors talks to Phil Blizzard on how this has been achieved following the affects of the devastating tsunami which hit Japan in March 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website London Olympics eye Middle East visitors With less than one year to the start of the London Olympics 2012, Phil Blizzard talks to Chris Foy, Head of 2012 Games Unit, Visit Britain about some of the more unusual locations which are being used in England for the variety of sporting competitions. Plus a look at their target to increase visitor numbers from 26 million per year to over 30 million by 2014, the year of the Commonwealth Games and golf's Ryder Cup. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Impact of Euro Zone and US economy woes on UAE private investment A round up of the key issues affecting the private investment market in the Middle East is provided by Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he talks about the impact of the Euro Zone and US economic issues, the high value of gold and also the commodities market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Impact of Euro Zone and US economy woes on UAE private investment A round up of the key issues affecting the private investment market in the Middle East is provided by Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer, Private Banking, Emirates NBD. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he talks about the impact of the Euro Zone and US economic issues, the high value of gold and also the commodities market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Social Media; a way forward for brand recognition. Social media is an effective device to convey messages for many companies worldwide in order to bolster business. John Brash, Chief Executive & Founder, Brash Brand talks to Phil Blizzard on the importance of social media to companies in the UAE and discusses steps on how to become a super brand. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing presents risks as well as rewards As companies look to migrate to the cloud, there are a number of obstacles and risks that they face. Steven Rose, managing director at CommVault talks to AMEinfo about handling these issues. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Superbrands Dubai hold 7th annual Tribute evening Over 1300 nominees, with an eventual 52 Superbrand winners, made the 7th annual Superbrands Tribute evening in Dubai a special event. Mike English, Director, Superbrands talks to Phil Blizzard about the scoring procedure, the range of brands winning the awards and how consumers react when they see the Superbrand logo on a brand. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai villa rents up while apartments decline in Q2 The Q2 report for the Dubai Real Estate market from Jones Lang LaSalle shows an increase in villa rental rates and a decline in rates for apartments. Phil Blizzard talks to Jesse Downs Head of Management Consulting, Jones Lang LaSalle about the key findings of the report which covers the sectors of hospitality, residential, office and retail. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports - Economic importance to Dubai of the aviation sector Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports talks about the economic importance of the aviation sector which makes a substantial contribution to the emirates economy. With the expansion outlined by the Strategic Plan 2020 the aviation sector contribution to the Dubai's GDP is expected to rise to 32%. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the developing role of Dubai World Central which opened to cargo traffic in June 2010. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Fifty two Superbrands awarded at Dubai Tribute event 2011 The 7th edition of the Annual Superbrands saw Dubai Duty Free winning for the second consecutive year the coveted 'Brand of the Year' Award 2011. Phil Blizzard reports on the event which saw the crowning of 52 Superbrands from a wide range of brands - including AME Info, Flydubai, LG Electronics, UAE Exchange and Etisalat. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Duty Free only brand to win the 'Brand Of The Year' twice At the seventh annual Superbrands Tribute Event Dubai Duty Free won the coveted 'Brand of the Year, award for the second consecutive year and becoming the only brand to do so. Phil Blizzard, at the event, spoke to Colm McLoughlin, MD, Dubai Duty Free about winning the award, the selection of brands with-in their outlets and the creation of their own brands. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports - $7.8billion expansion for Dubai International Airport Dubai International Airport is set to undergo a massive expansion which will see additional terminals being added to the existing airport. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports talks to Phil Blizzard about the $7.8 billion programme which is focused on the city airport, rather than Dubai World Central. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East brands embracing digital outlook For companies in the US and Europe, having a digital presence is a must. But the Middle East is catching up fast, and this is providing a number of opportunities in the region. Peter Ward talks to Iain Miller, head of innovations at Rufus Leonard, about the digital brand market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Symantec says SME's are vunerable to attack The hacking of IT systems belonging to big global organisations shows their vulnerability of business at the top of the ladder. So how vulnerable are those lower down - the SME's and also personal users? Dale Zabriskie, Principal Technologist, Symantec in conversation with Phil Blizzard talks about the threats and ways of avoiding attacks, particularly with the explosion in use of mobile devices. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Landmark offers advice on summer property management Practical advice on how to take care of your property when you go away for a summer vacation is offered by Christiane Murray, Head of Property Management, Landmark Property Management. She also talks to Phil Blizzard on the services offered by property management (PM) companies, compared to facility management (FM) organisations, and how a short time contract may offer 'peace of mind' when on vacation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Swiss airline gears up for summer rush out of UAE The Middle East is an important market for most international airlines and with the busy summer season on the horizon we look at what some are doing to entice passengers on board. On this occasion Phil Blizzard takes a look at Swiss International Air Lines which has several on-board enhancements following a record breaking financial year which saw an increase in yields and profits. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tips on maintaining your car during the hot summer months The high temperatures experienced during the summer months can be extremely demanding on your car. Phil Blizzard talks to Mohmmed al Ghandi, Al Ghandi Auto on how you should prepare your car before you go on vacation and also for driving in these high temperatures. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Air Show selling strong at Paris aviation event The organisers of the Dubai Air Show are seeing strong sales of stand space for their November event due to their participation at the Paris show. Phil Blizzard links up with Alison Weller, Director of Aerospace, Fairs & Exhibitions organisers of the Dubai Airshow for a round up of the main stories on day two of the Paris Air Show - which includes big sales for Airbus and a bio fuel flying display with a Boeing 747. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Qatar Airways Al Baker confident with Boeing at Paris Air Show On day one at the world largest air show Qatar Airway's stole the limelight with their order for six Boeing 777-300ERs in an order valued at $1.7bn at list prices. Phil Blizzard links up with Alison Weller, Director of Aerospace, Fairs & Exhibitions organisers of the Dubai Airshow for a round up of the main activities at the Paris Air Show. These which the expected large orders for the energy saving Airbus A320neo, a look at innovative aircraft of the future and the sell ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emril offers property management services on-line Landlords and home owners living overseas can now manage their properties on-line using a customer portal developed by Integrated Facilities Management (FM) organisation Emrill. Phil Blizzard talks to Ben Churchill, MD, Emrill Services LLC the customer experience and what the portal offers Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sustainability key to development of Dubai Airports An insight to the robust sustainability plans to make the Dubai Airports greener is given by Anita Mehra, VP Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports. These include the banning of Chapter 3 aircraft from Dubai International Airport to staff programmes on saving energy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Android OS most vulnerable says Symantec Tablets using the Android operating system are the most venerable to attack by malware and other intruders says Dale Zabriskie, Principal Technologist, Symantec in conversation with Phil Blizzard. He also predicts an explosion in the use of apps which will mimic the intrusions seen on PC's and gives an insight on Symantec endeavours to keep ahead of the cyber criminals. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lufthansa upgrades Middle East services ahead of summer demands The Middle East is an important market for most international airlines and with the busy summer season on the horizon we look at what some are doing to entice passengers on board. Phil Blizzard speaks with Joachim Steinbach, VP, Sales & Services, Middle East, Lufthansa German Airlines about their new in-flight services and the openning of a Senator Lounge at Dubai International Airport. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views - Prof Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor, MasterCard Worldwide Professor Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor, MasterCard Worldwide talks to Phil Blizzard on the findings of the MasterCard Insight of Global Destination Cities which shows Dubai is now ranked 9th. The insight provides a wealth of statistics on global travel and also takes into account the expenditure by visitors and in this aspect, despite being known as a shopper's paradise, Dubai ranks only 18th in the global top 20. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Facility Management advice from EFS Advice on the key services which any reputable facilities management (FM) company should provide, the standard of quality and some indication of price structure comes from Keith Birch, Head of Business Development, EFS, a leading facilities management company. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about how FM has moved on from being a 'fix it' service to being a total management operations provider and one which these days embrace the important aspect of sustainability ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Luggage to come under better control with green systems The nightmare of many travellers is that of lost luggage and that of the operator is luggage which falls apart and forces a system breakdown. At the Airport Show in Dubai Phil Blizzard spoke to Stephen McSorley, Systems Engineering Manager, I.O. Systems Ltd about the developments in belt systems which make them greener and how new operating aspects will elevate lost luggage. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai World Central passenger flights towards end of decade Passenger traffic could migrate to Dubai World Central towards the end of the decade suggests Anita Mehra, VP Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports. The reasoning behind that time frame is explained to Phil Blizzard at the Airport Show, Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Speedy airport security checks generates greater business Speedier security checks means passengers are less stressed and are likely to speed more time in Duty Free shopping, meaning greater business for airport operators. Andy Dowe, Business Development Manager, Herbert Systems explains to Phil Blizzard how this can be achieved with their automatic tray return system. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Innovations in passenger security checks and baggage handling to be introduced at airports Security checks are to be quicker using innovative technology which aims to speed up the process and reduce stress encountered passengers at airports. Phil Blizzard reports on the latest developments which will increase traffic flow at security checks and also the technology which will provide greater efficiency in the handling of baggage. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai a haven of peace says Gerald Lawless, Jumeirah Group Talking about the impact of the unrest in the Middle East on the Dubai hospitality sector Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group says that Dubai and the UAE is seen as a 'haven of tranquillity, security and peace'. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the public-private partnership encouraging visitors to Dubai, especially those from across the GCC during the summer season. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates A380 terminal to be supported by Cavotec in multi-million dirham deal A multi-million dirham to supply advanced ground support equipment for Dubai International Airport's new dedicated Emirates Airline A380 terminal has been won Cavotec. At the Airport Show in Dubai Phil Blizzard spoke to Jurgen Strommer, MD, ME & India for the global engineering group and airport systems integrator. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Drake and Scull see competition from China and Turkey At the Arabian World Construction Summit Khaldoon Tabari, CEO, Drake & Scull International says competition from construction companies from both China and Turkey is impacting their business in the region. At the event organized by MEED, he talks to Phil Blizzard about the growth of his company and also about the impact of regional unrest. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jumeirah Group to open hotels in Baku and the Maldives Dubai based hospitality organisation the Jumeirah Group are expanding their international portfolio at a fast pace, expecting to have 60 properties signed or under management by the close of 2012. In this interview Phil Blizzard talks to Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless about the hotel in Baku and the two properties in the Maldives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website KSA vision for industrial sector development At MEED's Arabian World Construction Summit Ahmed Al Bader, National Industrial Strategy Consultant, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia talks to Phil Blizzard about their their vision for the development of the industrial sector as part of the diversification plans for the country. He also talks about MODOM, the Industrial Property Authority, and its role in the growth of the industrial sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website RERA Dubai talk Facilities Management Developments in the Facilities Management (FM) sector of the real estate industry are discussed in this roundtable session, headed by Phil Blizzard, with Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, CEO, RERA talking about the direction RERA is taking with regards to FM. Mahmoud El Buri, Snr Director, RERA talks about the RERA Institute and FM eductaion, whilst Ali al Suwaidi, MEFMA Board Member, offers an insight into their activities and sustainability. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group - Pt 2 The winner of the Leadership Award at this years Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) was Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group. He talks to Phil Blizzard about this achievement, but first elaborates further on their expansion pipeline and the state of the hospitality industry in Dubai and across the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group - Pt 1 Executive Views with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group talking to Phil Blizzard about their international activities, which after a two year lull have restarted with the recent opening of their first property in China. He also talks about the pipeline for another four hotels in China, as well as those in other locations around the world, including the Maldives and at home in the UAE. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website IBM hits 100 years in IT IBM will this year mark its centenary across the globe. Peter Ward talks to Takreem El-Tohamy, GM, Middle East & Africa, about the company's role in this region and the world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hospitality companies withdraw project bids as unrest continues As unrest in the Middle East continues, companies and organisations in the tourism sector are facing challenging times. Peter Ward talks to Tarek Elsherif, MD, Five Continents Hospitality Group on how their plans have changed. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website STC still keen on Syria license deal Saud Al Daweesh, CEO, Saudio Telecom Company speaks to Peter Ward about the organisation's plans for Syria and the telecoms market in Saudi Arabia Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Buddha Bar looks at Dubai as location for hotel Buddha-Bar, the renowed chill out bar and restaurant, is considering Dubai as a location for their new brand of hotels. At the Arabian Travel Market Phil Blizzard spoke to Nabil Souhail, Director, Business Development, Buddha-Bar Hotels, Resorts & Spas about their hospitality developments following the opening of their first hotel in Praque. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Group profits up 42.9% on last year. For the 23rd consecutive year The Emirates Group has announced record profits and for 2010 - 2011 the group profits are up 42.9% on the previous year. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group talks to Phil Blizzard about how their record profit was achieved and how the Dubai-based carrier is riding the various challenges facing the airline industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rocco Forte's first Middle East hotel to open in Abu Dhabi Rocco Forte, the European luxury hotel brand, has announced that its first hotel in the Middle East will open in Abu Dhabi in the fourth quarter of 2011. Richard Power, the firm's brand managing director, talks with Jeff Florian about the strength of the Rocco Forte brand and the new hotel opening in the UAE. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website St. Regis to open its first hotel in the Middle East The first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East is scheduled to open in Abu Dhabi on 1 November 2011. John Pelling, the hotel's GM, speaks with Jeff Florian about the strengths of the St. Regis brand and the unique features of this hotel. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Challenges abound for Middle East carriers As soaring oil prices and political unrest continue to weigh heavily on carriers in the region, London-based aviation consultant John Strickland talks with Jeff Florian about the strategies carriers are using to combat these obstacles and the likelihood that some airlines may shut down for good. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emaar Hospitality bouyant first quarter Unrest in the region has ben a boost for hotels with-in the Emaar Hospitality Group and along with major events in the Emirates has created a strong first quarter for the group, which includes the Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa. Amit Arora, VP, Sales & Marketing, Emaar Hospitality Group LLC talking to Phil Blizzard says the future is bright for Dubai with higher occupancy and room rates, along with the number of night-stays per visit also increasing. ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Dubai - Saudi Tourism Saudi Tourism is looking at developing the hospitality industry beyond the current focus of religious tourism. At the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Phil Blizzard found out more about the plans for developing tourism with-in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for both domestic and international visitors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Forex.com takes investors behind the scenes of currency trading Forex or currency trading is one of the fastest growing segments of electronic trading. While it's fully established in the Western World, it's raising growing interest in the GCC with a dense concentration of wealthy investors who are starting to shift to international currencies, especially in KSA, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Brian Dolan, Chief Currency Strategist at Forex.com, talks to AMEinfo about the impact of rising oil prices and the US dollar on world currencies and ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Dubai - Changing Gears Multi-Speed Recovery of the hospitality industry is particularly apt in the MENA which is entering a new era, so what is in store for the hotel investor? Phil Blizzard talks to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, co-organisers of AHIC along with MEED Events ahead of 2011 edition. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Intel launches next generation of processors Intel's new family of processors has been launched with promises of increased performance and speed. Pete Ward talks to Nasir Nauthoar, GM, Intel in the GCC about the new products and what they will bring to PC users. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Peter Shanks, President Cunard Lines on Queen Elizabeth The latest cruise liner from Cunard made an overnight stop in Dubai on her maiden world voyage and with Peter Shanks, President & CEO, Cunard on board. He spoke to Phil Blizzard about the importance of Dubai as a cruising destination, the growth of this sector of the tourism industry and the concerns with regards to recent events across the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website HTC launch five smart phones and one tablet in MENA With the strategic launch in the MENA region of five smart phones and their debit tablet HTC aim to double their market share in 2011. At the launch Vladimir Malugin, Executive Director, MENA, HTC Corporation talks to Phil Blizzard about the devices, their evolving market share and their entry into the world of tablet computing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Top 11 Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2011 - Pt 2 The 'Top 11 Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2011' continues with the top 5 being revealed by Craig Plumb, Head of Research and Jesse Downs, Director of Management Consulting, both from Jones Lang LaSalle, MENA. Phil Blizzard also speaks to Blair Hagkull, Chairman, Jones Lang Salle, MENA to summarise the outlook for 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Top 11 Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2011 - Pt 1 From research conducted by Jones Lang LaSalle MENA the the 'Top 11 Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2011' are revealed in this edition of Property Report. In this part Phil Blizzard look at the first six trends, in ascending order of importance, with Jones Lang Salle, MENA executives Jesse Downs, Director of Management Consulting and Craig Plumb, Head of Research. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MICE sector growth for Shangri-La hotels, Abu Dhabi An integrated approach by the tourism stakeholders in Abu Dhabi is generating significant results says Levent Tekun, Director of Sales & Marketing, Abu Dhabi. He talks to Phil Blizzard at GIBTM about changing trends with-in the MICE sector and how the Shangri La Hotels are appealing to different segments of incentive and conference tourism. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Microsoft's IE9 launch sees complete browser overhaul Microsoft has launched the latest version of its Internet Explorer browser. Peter Ward asks Kerim Ozbakirci, Product Marketing Manager, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, how the new launch will affect the market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cathay Pacific to commence flights from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong The first direct flights connecting the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with Hong Kong will commence in June 2011. The four times a week service to this important gateway to China will open a new route for both tourism and business travellers, says Tom Wright, GM, Middle East, India, Africa & Pakistan, Cathay Pacific in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mandarin Oriental say Middle East unrest may benefit their European properties Mandarin Oriental Hotels in Europe may benefit from the present unrest in the Middle East with an increase in suite bookings, says Michael Hobson, CMO, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the development of their hotels on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi and in Doha, Qatar which are scheduled to open in Q1 2014. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Microsoft advice on how to stop intruders "Keep the windows and doors locked" is the advice from Oguzhan Filizlibay, Security Escalation Engineer, EMEA CSS Security & Incident Response Team, Microsoft on keeping intruders out. He talks to Phil Blizzard on what should be done to avoid malware attacking your system. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views - Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia pt 1 Air Arabia, CEO, Adel Ali has won the award for World CEO Low Cost Airlines on four occasions. He talks to Phil Blizzard about what that means for him and his team, as well as the evolution of the low cost carrier which has its main operating basis in the emirate of Sharjah. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Executive Views - Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia pt 2 "Society benefits from aviation growth in terms of greater employment and a stronger economy" says Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he also talks about the growth potential of low cost carriers in the region, the need for an ease in regulations, along with more airports. He also talks about their plans for 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Superbus could offer 250kph commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Carrying 23 passengers at 250kph on a dedicated speed track the Superbus could take passengers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in a fraction of the time, than the present daily commute. Chief designer Dr Antonia Terzi, Delft University of Technology, Holland talks to Phil Blizzard about the project of this green 'bus' which has more similarities to a high speed train. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Big firm partnerships giving IT companies the edge Said Akar, District Manager, EMC explains the benefits of partnerships between the major IT firms and his firm's deal with Microsoft in this interview with Peter Ward. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Play Station Portable targets Middle East Airlines Using Sony's Play Station Portable In-flight entertainment becomes more flexible from both the passenger viewing experience perspective and also the content loaded into the system. Howard Clark, Business Development Director, IFE, Services, UK talks to Phil Blizzard about the PSP and how it can either generate revenue for airlines, be a premium service offering and also the entertainment value. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gatwick Airport, London looks at Middle East carriers to boost trafffic and eyes F1 Airlines in the Middle East are well suited to match the requirements of passengers living with-in the rich catchment area of South London's Gatwick Airport says Commercial Director, Guy Stephenson. At the Aviation Outlook MENA Conference he also talks to Phil Blizzard about how they are enhancing the passenger experience at the airport and how an F1 team are collaborating in an air side feasibility study on aircraft turnaround. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing 'needs to be put in proper context' Duncan Campbell, VP - Marketing for Converged Infrastructure, HP, tells Peter Ward that the Middle East is ready for cloud computing, but it should only be used in the proper context. Campbell also reveals HP's take on the data storage problem. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Holidays optimistic at ITB Berlin Regional strife has "no significant impact on Emirates Holidays" says Frederick Bardin, Senior VP, Emirates Holiday as he talks to Phil Blizzard from ITB, Berlin. He talks about the mood of the European travel industry as it moves on from the recession, discusses trends and what he perceives to be the key European destinations for Gulf travellers this summer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nokia eyes corporate smart phone market following Microsoft deal Illuri Nurmi, VP, E-series, Nokia talks to Peter Wardabout the firm's Microsoft deal, its business solutions offerings and the future of the E-series of phones. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East hotels face challenges finding talent Hotels in the Middle East are finding it harder to attract talent as salaries for employees in the hospitality sector across South Asia are rising, says Raj Bhatt, Director, Hozpitality group. Speaking with Jeff Florian, Bhatt discusses the opportunities and challenges facing hiring managers at hotels in the Middle East. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Westport Yachts sail into Dubai Florida based Westport Yachts made the long journey to the Dubai International Boat because of it's importance on the yachting calendar and the good sailing available, especially in Oman and Yemen. Philip Purcell, VP, Westport Yachts talks to Phil Blizzard about the business potential and the full service offered to customers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Apple iPad 2 revealed by Steve Jobs "It is a new design and not a tweak" says Apple's Steve Jobs who came out of medical leave to reveal the new iPad 2. A rousing applause from the audience greets Steve Jobs as he announces they key improvements to the iPad. For details of the new features listen to this report from Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East unrest is Dubai tourism's gain Dubai has benefited from the turmoil in the Middle East as tourists have avoided regional hotspots and flocked to the emirate, says Guy Wilkinson, managing director of hospitality consultancy, Viability. Speaking with Jeff Florian about the fallout from the protests, he also forecasts a swift recovery for Egypt's tourism sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bahrain yacht group sail into the Dubai International Boatshow The 19th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show has attracted boat and yacht manufacturers from across the gulf region and beyond. Phil Blizzard talks to one exhibitor from Bahrain about their participation at this major event. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hackers increasingly using targeted attacks David Emm, senior security researcher at Kaspersky Lab talks to Peter Ward at the IDC Middle East CIO Summit about the increased number of targeted attacks on individuals and companies, and the best ways to avoid them. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website IT lays foundations for Egypt revolution Dr Khaled Ismail, board member of ITIDA, a government organisation supporting IT in Egypt, tells Peter Ward at the World Mobile Congress, Barcelona of the important role IT took in the Egypt revolution and the future of the IT and telecoms market in the country. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Location based services make their mark in Middle East region At the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona Peter Ward talks to Ciara Shepherd, Marketing Communications Manager, Creativity Software about location based services and how the Middle East telecoms market has reacted to it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Kenneth Gile, COO, Flydubai 'Manage for the future' is the mantra for Kenneth Gile, COO, Flydubai who talks to Phil Blizzard about the importance of managing people and how the fleet management will follow that. He also spoke on how to 'Manage and Survive the Growth' as the low cost airline sector continues to expands. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free pt 2 - looking forward to opening of Dubai World Central Colm McLoughlin, MD, Dubai Duty Free talks about their planned growth for 2011 with sales expected to exceed 5 billion dirhams, the opening of Dubai World Central and the logistics of running such a large retail operation with over 70 million pieces of merchandise being sold in 2010 - including 20 tons of confectionary per day. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free pt 1 - 14% growth in 2010 Dubai Duty Free's 27th Anniversary saw record breaking sales of Dhs66.7m ($18.5m) within the 24 hour period, with close on 122,000 transactions. Colm McLoughlin, MD, Dubai Duty Free talks to Phil Blizzard about those spectacular figures, their growth throughout 2010 and changing trends, like Chinese travellers overtaking Russians as top luxury spenders. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lebanon heading for 3G as Minister slams past attitudes to telecoms Dr Charbal Nahas, Minister for Telecoms in Lebanon, prior to the collapse of government in the country recently, talks to AMEinfo's Peter Ward at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona about the introduction of a 3G network in the country and the current state of the telecommunications industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website IDC Middle East CIO Summit set to open Jyoti Lalchandani, VP & Regional MD, IDC Middle East, Africa & Turkey talks to Phil Blizzard ahead of the CIO Middle East Summit about the core topics which will be discussed, who will be attending and how the ITC environment is changing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Festival City lights up with DSF The Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 saw a 20% growth on the previous year at Dubai festival City and this years event is looking to better that. Phil Evans, Director - Commercial & Retail Leasing, Al Futtaim Group Real Estate talks to Phil Blizzard about the importance of DSF to their retailers, the special activities taking place and looks forward to the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website FIFA World Gup 2022 a catalyst for infrastructure spending Qatar's winning bid for the FIFA World Cup 2022 will act as a catalyst for infrastructure spending according to George Nasra, MD, IBQ. Talking to Phil Blizzard at Meed's Qatar Projects 2011 conference the managing director of the International Bank of Qatar says this will be the 'Mother of all economic booms'. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Qatar Projects 2011 conference report from Doha The project industry in the State of Qatar is set for a boom driven by 2030 Vision plans and the boost achieved from winning the bid to host the 2012 FIFA World Cup. The Qatar Projects 2011 conference, by MEED, resulted in over 600 delegates attending to gain an insight into the projects and their pipeline, as Phil Blizzard reports from Doha. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Oman Air looks at year of consolidation After a year of new aircraft deliveries, more destinations added to the network Peter Hill, CEO, Oman Air says 2011 will be a year of consolidation. Phil Blizzard spoke with this aviation veteran at Dubai,s Middle East MRO where the airline had signed a MRO agreement with Lufthansa Technik. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Fujirah International Airport to provide MRO facilities Fujairah International Airport (FIA) are to expand their revenue generating streams with the operation later this year of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities. At the Middle East MRO event Phil Blizzard spoke with Dr Khalid Al Mazroui, GM, FIA about this and a new highway which will provide greater accessibility to the airport. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Former F1 World Champion Mansell at Lotus T125 launch The global launch of the Lotus Exos experience, a $1m package whose centerpiece is the F1 styled Lotus Exos T125 racing car took place at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Phil Blizzard talks with former F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell about this very limited edition supercar of which just 25 will be produced and what the select group of owners can expect. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates and Oman Air sign with Lufthansa Technik at MRO, Dubai Outsourcing of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) by leading airlines in the region continues as fleets expand. AT MRO Middle East both Emirates and Oman Air both signed agreements for various aspects of MRO with leading provider Lufthansa Technik. Phil Blizzard talks to Walter Heerdt, Snr VP, Marketing & Sales, Lufthansa Technik about the nature of the services to be provided, along with the importance of the Middle East market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies a major MRO provider Aircraft operators in the region and beyond avail of the MRO services provided Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies as their CEO Jeremy Chan explains to Phil Blizzard at the MRO Middle East event held in Dubai. He say's they are looking to strong growth as the aviation industry in this region continues to expand. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Boeing offers gold service at MRO Middle East Airline expansion is creating demands on operators to keep their fleet in the air and less time on the ground and that requires an efficient Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul(MRO) industry to support the carriers. Darrell Hokuf, Manager, Positioning & Promotions Commercial Airplanes, Boeing talks to Phil Blizzard at MRO Middle East, Dubai and about the changing landscape in this industry sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Aviation College nuturing business skills Training programmes in business skills at the Emirates Aviation College provide a good grounding for students wishing to pursue a career in this rapidly growing industry sector. Brendan Noonan, Senior VP, Group Learning & Development, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard about their open day and gives an overview of the career prospects for those who embark on this type of programme, with as many as 50% of students being recruited. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emaar Hospitality closes 2010 with a strong Q4 says CEO At the opening of At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa Phil Blizzard joined Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group to talk about the group's last quarter performance. Located on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa At.mosphere is the world's highest restaurant, with-in a building, at a height of 442m. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Blackberry has Patient in the Pocket apps The Blackberry application 'Patient in your Pocket' from CSC combines several powerful features which will enable care providers to spend more time on front-line patient care, Phil Blizzard reports from Arab Health in Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Aircraft MRO sector growth in Middle East As the aviation industry in the Middle East, and the Gulf region in particular, see dramtic growth the demands on the maintence, repair and overall of aircraft fleets has grown proportinally. The MRO Conference & Exhibition at Dubai Airport Expo is aimed at professionals in this aviation sector as Phil Blizzard reports in this interview with Alison Weller, MD, F&E Aerospace. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Airbus COO talks on impact of extreme weather High passenger load factors are what airlines aim for, but there is a downside to this when airports are hit by extreme weather conditions. John Leahy, COO - Commercial, Airbus talks at their annual results conference on the aspect of under capacity of aircraft in the fleets of major carriers. Global load factors now average 80% and in the United States rises above 90%, causing problems passengers looking for seats at peak times. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Airbus CEO says A380 deliveries impacted through Trent engine problem Airbus are expected to deliver between 20 and 25 A380 superjumbo's in 2011. Tom Enders, CEO, Airbus talks about the impact of the Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine problems on those deliveries and how the adopted a 'customer first' approach. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Airbus leads the market in aircraft manufacture The 2010 annual results for European aircraft manufacturer Airbus show they are still market leaders. Phil Blizzard reports on the press conference, held in France, with John Leahy, COO - Commercial, Airbus in this part talking about their market positioning and the developments for 2011 and beyond Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Charles Neil, CEO, Landmark Properties - prospects for 2011 A look at the key developments in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate markets during 2010 with Phil Blizzard talking to Charles Neil, CEO, Landmark Properties. They reflect back on the past twelve months and look ahead to how the market will evolve, given the expected increase of inventory in both the residential and commercial sectors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Oracle's Primavera P6 for project management Oracle's Primavera 6 is designed to offer project management and closer integration between on going projects. Phil Blizzard spoke with Richard Sappe, Industrial Strategist, Primavera, EMEA, Oracle about the key features of the suite and how it will integrate into existing architecture. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Range Rover Evoque displayed in Abu Dhabi The brand new Range Rover Evoque made it's first Middle East appearance at the 2010 Abu Dhabi International Motor Show. Prior to the reveal event Phil Blizzard spoke with Robin Colgan, MD, MENAP, Jaguar Land Rover about the car which will be the smallest and lightest Range Rover in production. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 2010 a year of expansion for Gulf airlines Around up of the regional travel and tourism news from Phil Blizzard and this time a look at 2010. The year saw significant expansion for airlines in the region and growth of low cost carriers. Dubai Duty Free had a record breaking day on their 27th anniversary and it was also a record breaking MEBA for business jets. Looking head the cruise industry in Dubai is set to boom. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website ENOC in Emirates Hill. Dubai goes green Phil Blizzard takes alook at the first green petrol station in the Middle East which has been opened by ENOC. At the service station in Emirates Hills he talks with Zaid Al Qudaidi, CEO, Retail Business Stream, ENOC about the multitude of innovations implemented to reduce carbon emissions, save energy and re-cycle waste products. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Defining the brand - Jaquar Land Rover Jaguar and Land Rover are two very distinctive brands with strong global awareness, so why the need of a brand director! At the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show Phil Blizzard spoke to John Edwards, the Global Brand Director for Jaguar Land Rover about branding and took the opportunity for a sneak preview of the new Range Rover Evoque. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nad al Sheba golf to tee off at The Meydan Floodlit golf is to resurface at The Meydan, based around part of the orginal Nad Al Sheba course. Phil Blizzard talks to course designer Peter Harradine on the nature of the new course and how real estate is driving the way courses are designed. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jumeirah Etihad Towers is Abu Dhabi debut for Dubai hospitality group Dubai based Jumeirah Group are set to make their hospitality debut in the UAE capital with a 596 keys property. Phil Blizzard spoke to Doris Greif, GM, Jumeirah Etihad Towers in this preview to talk about the key features, the positioning in the Abu Dhabi market and their concerns for the environment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Abu Dhabi real estate market in 2010 The year 2010 saw the property market in Abu Dhabi maturing and in this Property Report we look the evolution of project development in this sector. Real estate expert Gurjit Singh, COO, Sorouh, PJSC talks to Phil Blizzard about the state of the market and says "there is now a mood of reality". He also gives some indication to the delivery of their numerous projects and discusses the rent in-balance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the prospect of a levelling out. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Trend Micro on security threats to mobile devices and social networking Phil Blizzard talks to Rik Ferguson, Senior Security Advisor, Trend Micro on the security aspect of social networking from both a personal and corporate level, the impact on new forms of mobile devices and the vulnerability of the various operating systems. He also offers advice on how to make your mobile device secure. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates and Etihad flights hit by European snow Severe snow in Europe is affecting flights into and out of the Gulf, causing delays for thousands and passengers. In this report Phil Blizzard looks at two of the regions major carriers, Emirates and Etihad, and their advice to people flying into and out of Europe. Tim Clark, President, Emirates hits out at the British Airport Authority on their handling of the closure of London's Heathrow Airport. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Fujairah Media Group five years old with jazz in Berlin The Fujariah Media group are spreading their reach beyond the Emirates with the recent acquisition of a major stake in Jazz Radio Berlin. Robert Lewis Tadros, VP Sales & Marketing, Fujariah Media Group talks to Phil Blizzard about the development over the past five years, the services the offer, including trade licences for across the UAE, and future developments. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari cars at The Meydan MICE event Over 140 Ferrari cars alongside the race track at Meydan created a stunning line-up for a prestigious MICE event organised by the Ferrari Owners Association. Phil Blizzard talks to Abdin Nasralla, VP, Meydan Hotel & Hospitality about the importance of Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibition events, their strategy for increasing business in this industry sector and what they can offer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Falconcity of Wonders project progress Salem Al Moosa, Chairman & CEO, Falconcity of Wonders talking to Phil Blizzard he expresses his views on the 'state of the market' and how the project is progressing. He talks about the infrastructure being in place, to residential units having been handed over and other sectors coming on stream. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website VW Touareg glides across desert sand in RAK The new VW Touareg is over 200kg lighter than the previous model and that has a big effect when driving across the desert sands. Phil Blizzard finds the variations in the desert landscape found in the northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah a good testing ground for this sporty SUV. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dassault full range range of Falcon biz jets seen at MEBA The full range of Falcon jets from Dassault Aviation were on display at MEBA Dubai led by the best-selling Falcon 7X, along with the Falcon 2000LX and Falcon 900DX. Phil Blizzard spoke with Olivier Villa, Senior VP, Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation Business about the line up of jets and their strong sales in the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bombardier Aerospace at MEBA, Dubai At the Middle East Business Aviation show in Dubai Phil Blizzard spoke with Bob Horner, Snr VP, Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft, about their range of business jets, including the new Global 7000 and 8000 models and also the support they offer customers in the region with Leartjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Budget hotels could prove to be profitable in post-credit crunch Dubai Layia Hotels recently celebrated its anniversary in the UAE and the opening of a new hotel. Freddy Farid, area vice president of Layia Hospitality, talks to AMEinfo's Peter Ward about the firm's past, present and future move into budget hotels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website AJA Airbus A318 Elite in high demand Luxury private airspace is the philosophy of Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) and over the past few months their fleet of corporate jets has been enhanced with the new Airbus A318 Elite. Phil Blizzard talks Dr Mark Pierotti, COO, AJA, which is part of the Abu Dhabi based Al Jaber Group, about the demands for this aircraft and also their development strategy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rizon Jet to fly Airbus Corporate Jet Doha and London based Rizon Jet are developing their operations with fleet expansion and new facilities in Qatar. Phil Blizzard spoke with Patrick Enz, Chief Executive, Rizon Jet about their customer centric services. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi International Motorshow opens The 13th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Motorshow opens with major manufacturers displaying their latest models, interactive attractions for visitors and a World Indoor Land Record Attempt. Phil Blizzard previews the show which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with Peter McConnell, Show Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Airbus corporate jet record announced as MEBA opens As the Middle East Business Aviation show opens in Dubai Airbus announced a record year for the delivery of corporate jets. Phil Blizzard talks to Francois Chazelle, VP Airbus Executive & Private Aviation, about the state of the market and what can be expected in the development of corporate jets. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MEBA Association ready for Biz Jet Show The Middle East Business Aviation Association has seen membership soar sky high since it's formation in 2006. On the eve of MEBA 2010 Phil Blizzard talks to Founding Chairman Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi about the aims of the organisation, the profile of its associates and the biz jet show in Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Richard Bowker, CEO, Union Rail pt 2 Richard Bowker, CEO, Union Rail talks to Phil Blizzard and in this parts provides an overview of the rail network across the UAE, how it will link up with neighbouring countries and the progress to date, along with the expected time frame of the project. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Richard Bowker, CEO, Union Rail pt 1 As the process of constructing a 1,500km long railway across the UAE gets underway Phil Blizzard talks to Richard Bowker, CEO, Union Rail. With extensive experience in the railway industry, including senior positions with transport operators like Virgin Rail and National Express in the UK his track record is the starting point of this interview. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website British Airways sees first class recovery on Dubai route Signs of recovery in the load factor for the premium fare paying passenger are being shown on the British Airways flights into Dubai. Phil Blizzard talks to Paolo De Renzis, Area Commercial Manager, Middle East, British Airways about the turn around and their product enhancements. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MEBA Biz Jets to soar skywards with 40% growth The business aviation focused show MEBA looks to soar skywards with a 40% increase in participants when it opens on December 7th at Dubai's Airport Expo. Phil Blizzard talks to Alison Weller, MD, F&E Aerospace, organisers of the show on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai scores in sports tourism with world class events The World Golf Championships, Louis Vuitton Trophy, the World 25m Swimming Championships, plus the Dubai Rugby 7's form an impressive end of year sporting calender, attracting visitors from across the globe to Dubai. Donal Kilalea, CEO, PromoSeven Sports talks to Phil Blizzard about the economic importance of sports tourism. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Audi flagship A8 L launched in Dubai Mall Dubai Mall was the setting for the elegantly designed launch-exhibition 'Audi A8L artSpace' of the company's flagship car. Phil Blizzard spoke with Jeff Mannering, MD, Audi ME about the launch, their strategy and the opportunity for mall visitors to see the display. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai to open world's largest Audi showroom Al Nabooda LLC Automobiles have announced they are to open in Dubai the world's largest Audi showroom for new cars. Phil Blizzard spoke with K Rajaram, CEO, Al Nabooda LLC Automobiles to find out what the new facility will feature and the expected time frame for construction and opening. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website HP technology in the classroom - BETT Middle East Gabriele Barbera, EME&A, Public Sector Manager, HP gives Phil Blizzard a lesson or two in their 'Classroom of the Future'. The tour of the HP stand at BETT Middle East looks at how technology is being used to provide 'Freedom to Learn'. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing in the education sector - BETT Middle East The benefits of cloud computing and virtualization are being embraced by many sectors of business and industry and now are slowly being adopted by education establishments. At BETT ME Phil Blizzard talks to Ahmad Zia of NComputing about 'cloud in the classroom'. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Capital through bonds attracting new interest says HSBC Talking in Abu Dhabi about project financing in the present economic climate Declan Hegarty, MD & Head of Business, HSBC MENA also tells Phil Blizzard that the raising of capital by bonds is attracting renewed interest. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Luxury brand Louis Vuitton races in Dubai Dubai is hosting the final leg of the Louis Vuitton Trophy which is often referred to as the F1 of sialing. Phil Blizzard talks to Saeed Hareb, CEO, Dubai International Sailing Club about the Emirates sponsored event and what it means in terms of the sport and as an economic driver for tourism and hospitality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Kaspersky - we are in a time of cyber wars Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and co-founder of Kaspersky Labs talks to AMEinfo's Peter Ward about impending inter government cyber wars and the firm's new sponsorship of the Ferrari Formula One team. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website World land speed record holder to speak at BETT, Abu Dhabi Special guest speaker at the debut BETT Middle East in Abu Dhabi will be Richard Noble, OBE, the holder of the land speed record between 1983 and 1997. He will be talking about the Bloodhound Project designed to inspire children to study STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. In this feature Phil Blizzard talks to Richard about his record breaking experiences. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jenson Button ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Ahead of the final F1 race of the season the defending world champion Jenson Button talks about the Yas Marina Circuit, the highlights of the season and the year ahead. Phil Blizzard spoke to the racing star who starts with his views before the start of the 2010 racing calendar. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Euducation and ICT at BETTS Middle East debut The debut BETT M E at Adu Dhabi's National Exhibition Centre will feature over 200 exhibitors showcasing a world of innovative educational ICT solutions and is expected to attract educational professionals across the region looking for the latest innovations. Phil Blizzard previews the event. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Yas Hotel gears up for F1 racing weekend Phil Blizzard talks to Stephen Banks, Director of Sales & Marketing, Aldar Hotels about the impact on business with the opening of Ferrari World, the F1 racing weekend and subsequent events on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Superyachts sail into Yas Marina for F1 Grand Prix Phil Blizzard, onboard a luxury yacht with Cedric Le Rest, Manager, Yas Marina & Yacht Club previews the racing weekend from a rather unusual view of the race track and the superyachts moored up ready for the F1 action. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Conference delivers the vision The 2010 Abu Dhabi Conference looks at the the delivery of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, with the governemnt and private sectors coming to together. Phil Blizzard in Abu Dubai sends this report which features H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdullah, Undersecretary, Dept of Economic Development, H.E. Ahmed Mohamammed Al Sharif, Undersecretary, Dept of Municipal Affairs and Declan Hegarty, MD & Head of Business, Abu Dhabi, HSBC Middle East Ltd. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Infected computers in the UAE on the rise Phil Blizzard talks to Rik Ferguson, Senior Security Advisor, Trend Micro, about the volume of computers being infected by harmful viruses is increasing dramatically in the region. He also explains how cyber criminals are penetrating these computers and their action Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari World Abu Dhabi set for public opening The world's first Ferrari World is ready to open its doors and visitors will be greeted by the roar of the powerful F1 engines, the adrenaline rush of the white knuckle rides and a step back into the world of Ferrari success on the F1. As the doors to the biggest indoor theme park Phil Blizzard spoke with Claus Frimand, GM, Ferrari World about the visitor experience. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Yas Marina Abu Dhabi ready for F1 action on and off the track The 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the star event on the UAE sporting calendar. At the race track Phil Blizzard talked to Peter Rae, Communications Director, Yas Marina Circuit, about the racing weekend and the action on and off the track. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gulf travel professionals head to London for World Travel Market Travel and tourism professionals from across the GCC will be descending on London for the annual World Travel Market (WTM) which takes place in November. Phil Blizzard talks to Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions about the impact on both the show and the travel trade of the global economic slowdown. They also look ahead to the next Arabian Travel Market which will be held in Dubai, May 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari World Abu Dhabi drives the F1 passion The much anticipated look inside the world's first Ferrari based theme with a tour of some of the key attractions. Phil Blizzard reports on Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor theme park, which symbolize's the passion of Ferrari and F1 racing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari World all set to open Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, with the fastest roller coaster ride in the world is all set to opens on October 27th. Phil Blizzard talks to Claus Frimand, GM, Ferrari World about the development of the theme park, the visitor experience and variety of attractions, as well as the admission structure. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website At Gitex an iPad clone 'The APad' Phil Blizzard previews one of the first iPad clones to reach the Emirates. Using the Android OS the APad, which has a 7 inch touch screen, might be smaller than Apple's iPad but it does pack several more features than the larger tablet. Seen at Gitex, Dubai the device should be available in Q4 this year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nokia N8 smartphone at Gitex A preview of the latest smartphone from Nokia with Phil Blizzard at Gitex talking to Steve Lewis, Head of Marketing ME&A, Nokia about the key features the new devices which uses the latest Symbian OS. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates 25th anniversary celebration HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard in this report reflecting back on the airlines 25 years. Founding CEO Maurice Flanagan and Tim Clark, President, Emirates talk about the start of the airline and of some of their challenges. There are also lighter moments with HH Sheikh Ahmed in Venice, plus the delivery of their first Airbus A380 aircraft in Hamburg. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Ports Company's Mina Zayed development continues apace Abu Dhabi Ports Company CEO Tony Douglas talks to AMEinfo's peter Ward about the huge expansion plans in development at Mina Zayed and some of the IT infrastructure behind it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Corporate travel trends indicate turn around says DNATA As the Business Travel Show Middle East is set to open we look at how corporate travel in the region is developing following the economic slowdown. Phil Blizzard talks to Ailsa Pollard, VP, Business Development, DNATA, Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone at Gitex The hot BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone could well become the preferred communication tool for the professional business person and is previewed at Gitex by Phil Blizzard. The device also has substantial multimedia functions, including a 5 mega-pixel camera. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Citirx partners with Microsoft for desktop virtualization Antoine Aquado, Regional Director, Mena, Citrix explains to Phil Blizzard the benefits of desktop virtualization and also talks about their newly announced partnership with Microsoft. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Substantial growth for 20th edition Gitex Shopper The 20th edition of Gitex Shopper, Dubai Expo is experiencing a visitor number growth of between 20% and 25% according to Hemesh Chandavarkar, Project Manager for organisers Dubai World Trade Centre. Phil Blizzard also talks to Ashish Panjabi, COO, Jacky's to find out what are the hot devices and is astounded by the prospect of this retailer selling between 8 and 10 thousand laptops at the event. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Prodea to supply du with home media hub Anousheh Ansari, CEO & Co-founder, Prodea talks to Phil Blizzard about the host of functions which will be available on their multi-media home hub which they are partnering with du. This will range from video on-demand through to social networking capabilites with Facebook and Twitter. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Google Enterprises makes move to bring cloud services to Middle East Google's head of Enterprise in the Middle East Abdel Bendaoua talks to AMEinfo's Peter Ward about his firm's investment plans in the region and the future of the cloud. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Data security advice from Symantec as business adopt the cloud As businesses embrace cloud computing and virtualization the important elemnts are explained by Johnny Karam, Mena Regional Director, Symantec.He also talks to Phil Blizzard the key security issues required in protecting data at various levels of risk. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Etisalat makes move towards cloud computing, expects 4G technology in 2011 Gitex 2010 coverage with news from Etisalat and the company's move into cloud computing and the expected introduction of 4G mobile broadband. Peter Ward talks to Abdulla Hashim, Senior VP, Business Solutions, Etisalat. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Microsoft expecting strong Windows Mobile 7 take up Steve Guggenheimer, Corporate VP, Microsoft OEM, talks to Peter Ward about the release of the Windows Mobile 7 operating system, the firm's position in the tablet market and its business going forward in the Middle East. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nokia N8 at Gitex Mobile Apps and Content World Steve Lewis, Head of Marketing, ME&A, Nokia talks to Phil Blizzard, at Gitex 2010, about some of their new mobile devices, including the Nokia N8. He also talks about Nokia's Middle East strategy in the sphere of mobile apps and how they can assist developers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gitex Day 2 - TRA and RIM, GE-Satcom and du form partnerships and the Blackberry Torch 9800 A daily round up from Phil Blizzard of the key stories from Gitex 2010. In this edition news of a strategic partnership formed by TRA, RIM, Etisalat and Du, also an agreement between GE - Satcom and Du, plus some new product launches. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Travel agents look towards Business Travel Show Leo Fewtrell, MD, Dubai Travel & Tourism Agents Group, DTTAG, talks to Phil Blizzard about the forthcoming Business Travel Show, Dubai as well as the state of the market with regards corporate and business travel. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 20th Gitex Shopper opens to big brands Gitex Shopper is one big emporium of electronic devices and gadgets, which attracted more than 150,000 consumers last year. Phil Blizzard at the Dubai Airport Expo talks to Hemesh Chandavarkar, Project Manager for organisers Dubai World Trade Centre about the expansion of the event and what is new this year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cloud computing amongst the latest trends as Gitex opens Mobile applications and cloud computing are some of the new IT sectors being featured at Gitex 2010. This premier show celebrates its 30th anniversary and opens in Dubai reflecting the latest trends in ICT. Phil Blizzard reports from the Dubai World Trade Centre on the show which is expected to attract over 130,000 visitors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sun shines bright for Oracle at GITEX Arun Khehar, VP, Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Oil & Gas, Middle East & Africa, Oracle talks to Phil Blizzard about what they will be focussing on at the 30th Edition of GITEX, Dubai and in particular the new Oracle-Sun new relationship.. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 30th Anniversary of GITEX set to open in Dubai Phil Blizzard previews the 30th GITEX Technology Week and it's new features which include sections dedicated to new trends such cloud computing and mobile applications. GITEX is held at the Dubai Trade Centre has grown from its debut show in 1981, which had just 46 exhibitors and 3000 visitors, to become one of the world's top 3 ICT events. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Formula Rossa set to launch at Ferrari World The largest and fastest roller coaster experience in the world, with speeds of up to 240kph will soon open at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi. In this world exclusive preview, Phil Blizzard gets ready for Formula Rossa, the ultimate white knuckle ride, encouraged along by Claus Frimand, GM, Ferrari World. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Intel looking to increase Middle East's technology capacity As the Middle East bids to become a technology hub, initiatives are emerging to encourage talent in IT to shine through. Peter Ward talks to Sam Al-Schamma, Regional Director, MENA, Intel about his company's efforts in the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website VW launch new Touareg in Middle East The second generation VW Touareg has been launched in the Middle East, offering a raft of new features as Phil Blizzard discovered in the desert close to Ras al Khaimah. After the drive he spoke with Hans-Heiner Tuting, Executive Director Sales CIS, ME & Africa, Volkswagen AG about the lighter, longer and enhanced new era Touareg. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emaar plans more Armani hotels and a sky-high restaurant Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hotels & Resorts, talks with Jeff Florian about developing the Armani Hotel brand and opening the highest restaurant in the world in Burj Khalifa. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Increased video traffic placing strain on networks Sally Davis, CEO, BT Wholesale, talks to Peter Ward about the problems associated with consumers' increasing demand for more content online and the potential solutions to the challenges associated with it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cluttons Q3 report and key factors for Abu Dhabi Following the publication of their Q3 Report Steven Morgan, Head of Cluttons, UAE provides a synopsis of the Abu Dhabi market for both the residential and commercial sectors in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Egypt real estate company Sodic eyes rapid development An increasingly more affluent society is driving the real estate market in Egypt explains Youssef Hammad, Chief Commercial Officer, Sodic, to Phil Blizzard. He also talks about their key projects and the opportunities for Gulf based investors and developers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai International Jewellery Week a glittering event The 15th Dubai International Jewellery Week will show off a glittering range of precious gems, contemporary and traditional jewellery. Phil Blizzard talks to Khush Kazmi, Project Manager about the show which has attracted over 300 exhibitors from 27 countries to the Dubai World Trade Centre. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website War, corruption and the Taliban: Afghan telecom review AMEinfo talks to Karim Khoja, CEO, Roshan Telecom in Afghanistan, on the issues his firm faces in the war-torn country. Suicide bombings, widespread corruption and employees being kidnapped are just some of the challenges he experiences every day. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cluttons Q3 report and key factors for Dubai Steven Morgan, Head of Cluttons, UAE provides an overview of their Q3 report for both the residential and commercial markets across Dubai in this interview with Phil Blizzard Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Injaz waterfront project in Damman to boost tourism Omar Abdulla Al-Kadi, MD, Injaz Development Company talks to Phil Blizzard about Damman's Al Marina seafront development in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Tthe project and the strong interest it is attracting from companies outside of the KSA and is designed to boost property and tourism activities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cluttons look to expand their overseas business UK property consultants Cluttons are looking to significantly increase their overseas business in the next few years, using their established base in Dubai to leapfrog across to Asia. Phil Blizzard talks to Steven Morgan, Head of Cluttons, UAE about their heritage, development plans and range of services. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bahrain Bay to hand over the Arcapita headquarters Abdulla Faisal Al Doseri, Deputy CEO, Bahrain Bay Development talks to Phil Blizzard about the progress of the $2.5bn landmark waterfront community located off the north shore of Manama and how they were able to take advantage of the slowdown, due to the global credit crunch. This major development in the Kingdom of Bahrain is ready to handover its first property - the Arcapita headquarters. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel opens in Dubai Guy Epsom, Director of Business Development, Movenpick Resorts & Hotels talks to Phil Blizzard about their developments across Dubai and the challenges of 'selling' a new hotel. As the first guests arrive he provides an overview of what the Ibn Battuta Gate property has to offer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cityscape Global offers regional and international mix The re-branded Cityscape Dubai opens with key local developers Emaar, Damac, Nakheel and Meydan alongside exhibitors from across the world as they aim to attract investors to their opportunities. Phil Blizzard reports on the new Cityscape Global. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Charles Neil, CEO, Landmark Properties pt 2 The changing real estate landscape is a key topic as Charles Neil, CEO, Landmark Properties, talks to Phil Blizzard on how their organisation is adapting to the 'new order' in real estate and how this market sector is likely to evolve, but first his involvement with the start up of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Charles Neil, CEO, Landmark Properties pt 1 From being a professional banking expert, to being the current CEO of Landmark Properties, Charles Neil talks to Phil Blizzard on banking experiences in South America and Bahrain in the 80's and how the Middle East region surpassed recession in those times. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Green technology reduce data centers power consumption The latest green technology in cooling data centres creates greater efficiency and lower energy consumption. Phil Blizzard talks to Rodney Callaghan, VP, Gulf Countries of APC by Schneider Electric on the energy savings and the growing concern for many business in the region as power demands increase. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tom Cruise's into Dubai for image and tourism boost The news that Tom Cruise and his co-stars will be filming a large segment of Mission Impossible 4 is generating a lot of excitement amongst not only stargazers but also those eyeing business opportunities. Phil Blizzard in his latest assignment reports on the business potential and talks to hospitality expert Russell Sharpe, MD, Messe Associates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website RAK Airways relaunch with 10 dirham flights With the mission of 'Small fares, Big Deals' RAK Airways re-launches in October with fares starting at just Dhs.10/-. Phil Blizzard talks to Omar Jahameh, CEO, RAK Airways to find out more about their routes, on-board services and how the airline plans to position itself with-in the busy aviation sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sharjah Expo Centre gears up for busy season Ahead of the Mideast Watch and Jewellery Show, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, DG, Expo Centre Sharjah spoke to Phil Blizzard about the growth of shows in the emirate and their importance to Sharjah from both a trade and tourism perspective. They also preview the 10th International Auto Show and the regions largest book show. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East sees strong representation at Oracle Open World conference As companies from all over the world flock to San Francisco for the Oracle Open World Conference, Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, VP, Oracle Middle East, tells AMEinfo.com how this region has been involved and plans for a conference in the Middle East in the future. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website HP and Oracle make up as new deals announced Despite recent tension between Oracle and HP, the two firms announced their latest deal at the Oracle World Conference. AME Info in San Francisco speaks to Kevin Lyons, Director of Solutions & Alliances, HP about the details of the deal and the future of collaboration between the two companies. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Real estate investor scheme launched in Dubai A scheme to help investors who have lost money on off-plan property investments in the UAE has been launched in Dubai. Phil Blizzard talks to Benjamin Smith, CEO, Smith & Ken Real Estate, on how the Real Estate Recovery Scheme works and about the benefits to both parties. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Business Travel Show, Dubai is set for growth The Business Travel Show to be held in Dubai, October 2010 is a key event for those involved in corporate and business travel. Phil Blizzard in this preview with the show director talk about the seminars, the travel organisations which will participate in the exhibition and how companies can streamline their business travel accounts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Double Take Software provide disaster recovery solutions To avoid data loss in the event of a systems failure disaster recovery solutions need to be in place in an IT environment. Phil Blizzard talks to Wouter Vancoppenolle, Regional Sales Director, ME&A, Double Take Software about secure data systems in both physical and virtual servers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Land Rover Global MD on the new Range Rover and 40 years heritage Global MD, Land Rover Executive Phil Popham talks about their new compact Range Rover Evoque, the development of this premiere luxury brand and the 40th anniversary of the Range Rover 4x4 in this report from Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website IDC analyse the future of IT spend in the UAE Jyoti Lalchandani, VP, IDC, MEA talks to Phil Blizzard about the changing IT landscape and what CIO's need to address in order to reduce their IT spend in light of the global economic crisis. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UPS Boeing 747 cargo plane crashes in Dubai The news of the UPS Boeing 747 cargo plane which hit the desert close to Silicon Oasis, just after take off from Dubai International Airport, posses the question on how safe are freighter aircraft. Phil Blizzard reports on the Dubai crash and others in the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Infiniti QX launched in Dubai The second generation Infiniti QX launched in Dubai is previewed by Phil Blizzard who talks to Antoine Barthes, GM, Infiniti Business Unit. This large luxury SUV is being described as a completely new car, 'from the wheels up' and its innovative onboard technology offers many features for safer driving. They also talk about the rebound in the luxury automobile market across the GCC. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website DNATA Travel trends and Eid packages What are the most popular travel destinations for travellers from the GCC and what are the trends this summer. These are some of the questions put by Phil Blizzard to Ailsa Pollard, VP - Business Development, DNATA Travel Services, along with a preview of packages for the Eid Holidays. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jaquar XKR runs at The Meydan, Dubai The 2010 Jaquar XKR 2010 is a second generation model with enhancements like the new V8 engine, offering impressive sprinting prowess.In this test drive at The Meydan, Dubai, Phil Blizzard experienced the Jaguar XKR, which is a grand tourer first introduced in 1996 as a replacement for the famous XJS. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Low Cost Dubai site targets residents As sign of the recession, perhaps, as low cost and Dubai form an unlikely juxtaposition. Ainsley Duncombe, Co-Founder & Director, LowCostDubai.com, explains to Phil Blizzard the aim of the website, it's target audience and how the concept has been met in Dubai and beyond. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website New routes and new aircraft for Emirates and Qatar Airways This round up of Travel News from across the region is dominated by the major airlines Qatar and Emirates launching new routes and aircraft deliveries, plus an interesting development from Abu Dhabi's Etihad as Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ajaz Sheikh, Zuma Dubai pt 2 - hospitality and surviving the downturn With a career history steeped in the London luxury hotel sector Ajaz Sheikh, Director of Operations, Zuma, Middle East talks to Phil Blizzard about the state of the luxury hospitality market and the focus needed in order to survive in these challenging times. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE airports see significant passenger growth Airports in the UAE report significant growth during July, with Dubai International Airport recording a 14% increase in passengers and Abu Dhabi International Airport registering a record breaking 1 million plus passengers. Phil Blizzard reports on the growth, with comments from Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ajaz Sheikh, Zuma Dubai pt 1 Ajaz Sheikh, Director of Operations, Middle East talks to Phil Blizzard on what Zuma is all about, the evolution of this luxury restaurant brand and their positioning with-in the Dubai Financial Centre. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Royal Amwaj, Palm Jumeirah investment opportunities Phil Blizzard takes a look at The Royal Amwaj, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and talks to Michael Scully, Managing Director - Hospitality, Seven Tides, developers of the project, the investment opportunities and its features which include condominiums, lagoons and water bungalows. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Aviation College open week The key aviation college in the region has an Open Week, until August 26th, to showcase it's wide range of programmes. Phil Blizzard talks to Phil Blizzard talks to Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor, Emirates Aviation College, about the courses they offer, prospects for students and the development of the college, not only in Dubai, but overseas as well. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Audi 2020 strategy plan from a Middle East perspective Jeff Mannering, MD, Audi Middle East, talks Phil Blizzard about market conditions in this region and how they predicted sales in the economic slowdown. He also reveals what lies ahead in terms of new models from this premier brand and their 2020 strategy plan, Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Philippines - The Nation of Islands The award winning Philippines form this featured travel destination as Phil Blizzard looks at what the award winning 'Nation of Islands' has to offer from the perspective of the Middle East traveller. Flying time is around 8 hours and GCC airlines provide around 18,000 seats a week. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mazda enters UAE sub-compact car segment The award winning Mazda 2 sub-compact car has been launched in the UAE, marking the Japanese auto maker's entry into this market segment. In a region know for its large SUV's and 4x4's Phil Blizzard asked M P Mahmood, GM, Galadari Automotive Group, who would be attracted to the sub-compact car. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Single software enterprise solutions from Epicor Single software enterprise solutions enables companies to conduct 'business without barriers' with a unified application. Rishikesh Trivedi, Marketing & Channel Development, Epicor, MEA & India talks to Phil Blizzard about the advantages of using this type of software. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lebua Hotels explore Middle East opportunities As investment in the Middle East's hospitality sector beings to pick up, Peter Ward talks to Deepak Ohri, CEO, Lebua Hotels, on why the region is once again being viewed as a key destination for luxury hotels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website GE Aviation win big engine orders from Middle East carriers The ongoing fleet development by the major airlines in the Gulf has seen significant orders for not only the aircraft but also the engines to power them. Muhammad Al-Lamadani, GM, E. Europe, Middle East & CIS, GE - Aviation, talks to Phil Blizzard about the orders won at the Farnborough Airshow and how engine servicing facilities will develop in this region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website First compact car from Range Rover the Evoque The Evoque will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient car from Range Rover. The highly anticipated all new compact Range Rover is previewed in this report from Phil Blizzard. The Evoque remains true to the spirit of the original LRX concept car first revealed in Detroit in 2008. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 10th World Free Trade Zone Convention goes to RAK The tenth World Free Zone Convention will be hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority as it also celebrates its tenth anniversary of operations. Phil Blizard talks to Oussama El Omari, CEO, RAK FTZ on the importance of the convention and how the RAK FTZ is growing. The event will be held on November 2 & 3 at Al Hamra Convention Centre in RAK. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mohammed bin Zaal, CEO, Al Barari pt 2 Nad al Sheba's exclusive Al Barari development in Dubai and located in a royal enclave is often referred to as the billionaire's row . Mohammed bin Zaal, CEO, Al Barari talks to Phil Blizzard about their flagship development and the development of this project, along with his views on the real estate market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mohammed bin Zaal, CEO, Al Barari pt 1 Phil Blizzard talks to Mohammed bin Zaal, CEO, Al Barari, first about the evolution of their company and the key aspects of their Al Barari project. They are the only family owned and operated property developer in Dubai and their flagship development is in Dubai's royal enclave of Nad Al Sheba, with villas in the Dhs20m to Dhs50m price range. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Evolving IT demands within the Emirates group Patrick Naef, Senior Vice President - IT, Emirates and Phil Blizzard check into the staff terminal at the new Emirates HQ talks to about the information technology infrastructure and requirements for the diverse range of operations within the Emirates Group. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates recruitment drive for pilots takes off Rick Helliwell, VP - Recruitment, Emirates Airline and Group, talks to Phil Blizzard about the recruitment drive for pilots and flight crew, as the Middle East's largest carrier receives a steady flow of new aircraft,including the prestigious A380. The airline needs to recruit more than 800 pilots in the next eighteen months in order to sustain its dynamic growth. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Atlantis launch for Honda Crosstour Phil Blizzard talks to Shailesh Dighe, Marketing Manager, Honda Middle East about the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) following the launch ceremony at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Now available in the UAE, the first region outside of the USA, the Honda Accord Crosstour is being seen as the combination of a premium saloon and a versatile SUV. Please note we apologize for interference affecting the audio quality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Forcasting of trends enable brands Edward Poultney at OMD Predicts talks to Jody Turner, CEO & Founder, Culture of Future, about global versus local trends, and how international groups are using the digital sphere to interact with their target markets and put themselves at the forefront of consumer consciousness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mercator to support smaller airlines and start ups Phil Blizzard talks to Duncan Alexander, VP, Mercator about the Emirates airline technology provider system and the acquisition of tikAERO passenger services system solutions. This IT solution will offer hybrid, regional, low-cost and start-up airlines worldwide an innovative world-class IT product. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE green property market is viable in the future According to the first UAE green building survey, which was conducted by Landmark Advisory in conjunction with Cityscape Intelligence, a green property market is viable, but regulation will be the key to implementation, as Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BMW X5M out on the track To test drive this sporty SUV Phil Blizzard finds a rather dusty race track away from the city. The BMW X5M is the first M version in the X series and has been developed to excel on the race track, rather than, perhaps, the urban environment. You can watch a video version in our Motoring and Test Drive channel. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Toshiba display masterpieces and laptop technology Salvador Dali, Van Gogh and Andy Warhol are just a few of the artistic masters being represented alongside the latest laptop technology at the Toshiba Masterpiece Exhibition in Dubai. Santosh Varghese, Regional GM, MEA, Computer Systems, Toshiba acts a guide as Phil Blizzard tours the gallery. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website First Centro in Dubai opens for Rotana Hotels in Barsha A modern, stylish and affordable business hotel is the philosophy behind Rotana's Centro brand. At the opening of their first Centro in Dubai Phil Blizzard talks to Sherif Madkour, Manager, Centro Barsha, about the hotel, the brand and the large volume of hotels in the Barsha district of Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Environmental Group judge Dubai Green Tourism Awards At the debut Dubai Green Tourism Awards Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group, talks to Phil Blizzard on how hotels are embracing their Corporate Social Responsibilities and how environmental awareness is gaining momentum. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai pt 3 - upwards and onwards Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai talks to Phil Blizzard, in part 3, about the flight path ahead as Flydubai grows at an astonishing rate with new aircraft deliveries and route expansions, spreading its wings to many more destinations across its arena of operations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Amwaj Rotana's first beachside hotel in Dubai opens The Rotana Group of hotels has officially opened their first beachside property in Dubai. Located in the rapidly developing area of Jumeirah Beach Residence the Amwaj Rotana is aiming to attract not only the leisure traveller, but also the business sector. Phil Blizzard previews the hotel on it's opening day with Michael Kempf a director with their management team. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai pt 2 - fastest growing airline in the world Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai and Phil Blizzard looks back over the first year of flight operations, starting with their debut service which was to Beirut. He also talks about their expansion which makes Flydubai the fastest growing airline in the world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai pt 1- the start up with Emirates Phil Blizzard talks to Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai as the low cost carrier, owned by the Government of Dubai, enters its second year of operations. In this part they talk about the fascinating start-up process of the fledgling airline which was done with the assistance of Emirates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Armani Hotel, Dubai achieves high occupancy Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts talks to Phil Blizzard about the first month of operation of the world's first Armani Hotel. With suite occupancy reaching 85%, at times, he talks about the allure of the property in Downtown Burj Khalifa and also talks on what is available with-in the hotel for the business professional, including the Armani Club Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cyberscammers tackle FIFA World Cup Cybercriminals are using the FIFA World Cup in phishing activities, alluring potential targets with very professional lottery type emails. Phil Blizzard links up with Greg Day, Director of Security Strategy, McAfee, UK on what to avoid and the techniques now being used by cyberscammers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Monitoring of social media essential says Mediastow MD Monitoring of social media is more crucial as sites like Twitter and Facebook are being used as marketing platforms in the business arena. Mohamed Elzubeir, MD, Mediastow, a Dubai based media intelligence consultancy, talks to Phil Blizzard about the importance of monitoring and how techniques are evolving. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates flights provide live updates on FIFA goals Goals scored in the FIFA World Cup matches are being relayed, as they happen, to all Emirates flights so passengers are updated as the action progresses in South Africa. Patrick Naef, Divisional Senior VP, Emirates Group IT explains to Phil Blizzard how this is achieved and how IT is keeping passengers better connected during their flights. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website First flight into Al Maktoum is Emirates SkyCargo Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International has received its first aircraft landing with the accolade going to Emirates Flight EK9883 and a SkyCargo Boeing 777. Phil Blizzard reports on this piece of aviation history with remarks from HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & Chairman of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports and Ram Menen, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UAE car manufacturer launches Capman Roadster Dubai's Capital Manufacturing LLC is the first company licensed to produce cars in the UAE and have launched a sporty roadster based on the vintage AC Cobra. Phil Blizzard talks to Nadeem Dweik, International Sales Manager about the Capman Roadster and their business goals. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Into the FIFA World Cup Arena, Barasti, Dubai A gigantic football shaped arena is the focus for the FIFA World Cup 2010 at the Barasti, Mina Seyahi Complex, Dubai. Phil Blizzard talks to Derryn French, Director, Marketing Communications about their substantial investment to provide fans with this exciting venue. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MEBA 2010 looking skyhigh with significant growth The Middle East Business Aviation show which takes place during December at the Dubai Airport Expo is expected to see significant growth. Alison Weller, MD, F&E Aerospace talks to Phil Blizzard about the show and the significant bookings and reservations taken at the recently held European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website FIFA World Cup shows at Meydan grandstand During the FIFA World Cup 2010 Meydan, home to the Dubai World Cup horse race, will host a series of television style shows presented by Showtime's Rob McCaffrey and Derek Whyte, along with special guests from the world of sport. Phil Blizzard talks to Mark Baker, MD, CEO Event Management and also Derek Whyte, former Scotland player. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates in Cape Town with FIFA World Cup Emirates are the first airline to reach Official Partner status for a FIFA World Cup tournament. In this special link-up with Cape Town, Phil Blizzard talks to Roger Duthie, Manager Group Sponsorship, Emirates, about this partnership and captures the atmosphere in one of the host cities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Du explains FIFA World Cup TV package delay Following a nerve wracking delay for its customers, Du recently announced the details of its FIFA World Cup viewing package. Peter Ward talks to Farid Faraidooni, COO, Du, about the reasons behind the wait and the details of the deal on offer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Du explains FIFA World Cup TV package delay Following a nerve wracking delay for its customers, Du recently announced the details of its FIFA World Cup viewing package. Peter Ward talks to Farid Faraidooni, CCO, Du, about the reasons behind the wait and the details of the deal on offer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Samsung target 50% growth in mobile devices Samsung are looking at growing their MENA region market share from 17% in 2009 to 25% for 2010. Phil Blizzard talks to Sandeep Saihgal, GM, Telecoms Group, Samsung on how they aim to achieve this 50% growth in market share and where demand is likely to grow most. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sophisticated approach to monitoring social networks needed Craig Hanna, Director, Econsultancy talks to Phil Blizzard about the monitoring of content on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites and how advanced technology will enable greater accuracy in the semantic analyses of content. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website AME Info goes inside Ferrari World Our first visit into the gigantic Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, takes us to Bella Italy and the racing heritage of this iconic brand. Phil Blizzard from the driving seat of a reduced scale Ferrari 250 California Spider talks to Claus Frimand, GM, Ferrari World. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BuildingSMART reduces costs and delivery time Building Information Models (BIM) enables a virtual 3D model of a building to be viewed, incorporating all the elements associated with the build. Nishakar Dubey, Market Intelligence Manager, Building Smart talks Phil Blizzard about the industry need to have a standard method with BuildSMART - a non-profit making international organisation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Samsung's Galaxy S aims to bite into Apple's iPhone market Samsung have launched two new smart phones in the MENA region with the aim to increase their market share. The Wave uses the company's Bada OS and whilst Android 2.1 is the OS for the Galaxay S, which will no doubt be compared with Apple's iPhone. Phil Blizzard talks to Sandeep Saihgal, GM, Telecoms Group, Samsung about the key features of each phone. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Flydubai first anniversary for world's fastest growing airline Phil Blizzard takes a look at the flight path of low cost carrier Flydubai which celebrates it's first anniversary and is expanding at such a rate to make it the fastest start-up airline in the world. The report features HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Flydubai and Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabtec Chairman speaks out against slim margins Talking to Phil Blizzard at MEED's Arabian World Construction Summit Riad Kamal, Chairman, Arabtec calls for the industry to look at sustainable margins and stronger cash flow options. He also talks about their early entry into Saudi Arabia following the slowdown in the UAE construction industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Al Hamra Residences at The Palace, RAK The Palace, Ras al Khaimah is a luxury hotel with apartments and studios forming part of the development. Phil Blizzard talks to Nikolaos Chatzipetros, VP Operations, Hamra Hotels & Resorts about the investment opportunities in this regal environment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Marriott expects 'dramatic' increase in occupancy in Middle East Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging at Marriott International, talks with Jeff Florian about how the downturn impacted the company's growth and offers a forecast for how the US-based chain will perform in the Middle East over the next few years. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dana Executive Jets pt 2 - flights to Iraq take off Neil Backhouse, Director of Sales, Dana Jets, Ras al Khaimah talks to Phil Blizzard about the growth of executive aviation, increased demand by the oil and gas sector, especially with flight to Iraq, and their fixed based operations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dana Executive Jets pt 1 - cost advantages of RAK Dana Excutive Jets operate out of Ras al Khaimah International Airport with a fleet of bizjets of various size and range. Neil Backhouse, Director of Sales, Dana Jets talks to Phil Blizzard about their heritage and the cost advantage to clients of operating from Ras al Khiamah. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian World Construction Summit debates regional growth The Arabian World Construction Summit in Abu Dhabi has attracted industry leaders to discuss the region growth potential, along with issues like reducing profit margins and cash flow. In this report Phil Blizzard talks to industry experts from Arabtec, MEED Insight and Saudi Oger. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Palace, RAK pt 2 - investing in a luxury vacation Investing in a luxury vacation in terms of a ROI is an interesting concept and one not associated, perhaps, with tourism. Philippe M. Rubod, General Manager, The Palace discusses this with Phil Blizzard along with the MICE market opportunities and the challenges on opening a hotel with such high expectations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Palace, RAK pt 1 - luxury hotel to open Hamra Hotels in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah are on track to open a luxurious beachside hotel in 2010. Philippe M. Rubod, General Manager, The Palace, talks to Phil Blizzard about the hotel's location and the various aspects of luxury it will offer. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Flydubai pleased with first-year performance Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of low-cost carrier Flydubai, talks with Jeff Florian about the success that the carrier has achieved in its first year of operation, the new routes it will be adding, and the lessons it learned during the downturn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ras Al Khaimah - aviation, luxury hotels and investments Luxury hotels, private aviation and property investment opportunities form the basis of a series of audio features on the northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah. Phil Blizzard previews the Ras al Khaimah focus with contributions from key players in the featured sectors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Alcatel IP Telephony business solutions at Mecom IP Telephony offers business solutions across a range of data and voice applications. At Mecom, Abu Dhabi, Phil Blizzard talks to Manish Punjabi, Marketing Manager, Al-Futtaim Technologies about those applications and if a business has to be of a critical size in order to benefit from IP Telephony. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hilton Hotels on 'path to recovery' in Middle East Hilton hotels in the Middle East have returned to growth following a slight downturn during the financial crisis, according to Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. He talks with Jeff Florian about the performance of his hotels in the region and explains how some aspects of the downturn were actually positive for the hotel sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group After the opening in Dubai of the first Armani Hotel, Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group talks to Phil Blizzard about the development of this new brand, as well as the Address Hotels. They also talk about their investment and development philosophy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lake Como's CastaDiva Resort targets Middle East The luxurious CastaDiva Resort, Italy, stands on the side of Lake Como surrounded by Hollywood stars. Steeped in heritage and culture, in particular music, this unique resort caught the ear of Phil Blizzard who spoke to Gregor Zielhardt, Deputy Director of Sales, to hear more about the resorts elegant and refined luxury environment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Online digital development and trends, including Four Square Craig Hanna, Director, Econsultancy and keynote speaker at Digimedia.me which was held in Dubai talks to Phil Blizzard about the latest on-line trends, including Four Square which he says is a cross between Twitter and Facebook. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Starwood Hotels & Resorts expansion plans for Middle East In part two of our interview with Roeland Vos, EMEA President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, he talks to Jeff Florian about the company's expansion plans in the region and how customer demand impacts room rates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Group post record profit increase The Emirates Group has posted a record profit increase of 248%, with group net profit of US$1.1 billion (AED 4.2 billion) as announced by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline. Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Starwood says downturn was growth phase At a time when many companies were contracting, Starwood Hotels & Resorts viewed the downturn as a time to expand, says Roeland Vos, the company's EMEA President. In part one of this interview with Jeff Florian, he talks about Starwood's growth strategy and the performance of its hotels in the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates flying high to Prague and Madrid following ash crisis Emirates will increase their European destinations this summer by adding Prague and madrid to their network, having just commenced a service into Amsterdam. Richard Vaughan, DSVP, Commercial Operations Worldwide, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard about their new services and also how they managed the volcanic ash crisis. They also talk about the FIFA World Cup from a marketing and traffic perspective, along with route expansion in Africa. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Holiday Inn global revamp 60% complete In part two of our interview with John Bamsey, COO, InterContinental Hotels Group, MEA, he talks about the company's $1bn rebranding programme across its over 3,200 Holiday Inn hotels, which is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry. He also talks about refurbishments underway at its other hotels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Phil Blizzard talks to Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) about the importance of winning the AHIC 2010 Leadership Award, their development strategy and the role of the Tourism Development Investment Company (TDIC). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai hotel numbers remain 'envy of the world' Despite a slowdown in growth, hotels in Dubai and the rest of the region continue to outperform most markets globally, says John Bamsey, COO, InterContinental Hotels Group, MEA. In part one of this interview with Jeff Florian, he talks about the strength of his hotels in the region and the company's upcoming projects Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi to open in October Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World will open in October, according to Claus Frimand, GM, Ferrari World. In this interview with Phil Blizzard he reveals the date of opening and talks about the various experiences for visitors and provides an update on the progress of the park's development. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website One and Only The Palm, Dubai The location on Palm Jumeirah makes the One and Only Palm Dubai a prime piece of real estate just a short boat ride from their mainland hotel. Phil Blizzard talks to Michael Payne the general manager of the new property about its key facilities and the confirmed opening date for later this year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website An Arabian Adventure with singer Rod Stewart As part of his world tour Rod Stewart stops off in Dubai for a one night show with Spandau Ballet. In this interview, out in the desert, Phil Blizzard chats with him whilst intricate henna designs are being drawn. Rod talks about his Arabian Adventure, his love for football and on a musical note he reflects on his musical career. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Etqaan to develop hotels in Saudi Arabia Tourism away from the major cities in Saudi Arabia is being seen as a strong growth area and to address this demand Etqaan Hospitality Management are set to develop a chain of 3* and 4* properties. At AHIC Blizzard talks to Eng. Khalid Albadi, President, Etqaan about this growth. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website World Travel Awards recognise Middle East Tourism The Middle East leg of the global World Travel Awards arrives in Dubai to recognise the key players of the travel and hospitality industry. Phil Blizzard talks to Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards about the state of the hospitality industry in this preview to the gala award ceremony. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jumeirah Group names new brand - Venu Hotels The Jumeirah Group, has announced that it will be launching a second brand of hotels later this year. The brand to be know as 'VENU Hotels' will be a collection of global destinations expressing the local soul for those who seek a sophisticated immersion in the destination. Phil Blizzard reports on the VENU branded hotels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jumeirah Group new brand - Venu Hotels The Jumeirah Group, has announced that it will be launching a second brand of hotels later this year. The brand to be know as 'VENU Hotels' will be a collection of global destinations expressing the local soul for those who seek a sophisticated immersion in the destination. Phil Blizzard reports on the VENU branded hotels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa now open The Armani Hotel Dubai, set within the towering Burj Khalifa, has opened and is expected to raise the benchmark for luxury hospitality. Phil Blizzard takes a preview tour of the hotel which is a joint venture between fashion designer Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website AHIC to unlock investment opportunities Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, co-organisers with MEED Events, provides a preview of the key topics to be discussed at this years Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Dubai. Phil Blizzard looks at the conference which has the theme of "Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa". Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Armani Hotel, Dubai ready to open in Burj Khalifa Located in the towering Burj Khalifa, the much anticipated Armani Hotel, Dubai is expected to epitomise the ultimate in luxury hospitality when it opens it's doors to guests, media and fashion aficionados, as Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 10th Airport Show opens in Dubai With an estimated US$65 billion investment programme to build and refurbish airports in the MENA the Airport Show, Dubai is a showcase for suppliers and providers. Phil Blizzard reports on the show held at the Dubai Airport Expo. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Global atlas of real estate investment show strong UK recovery A global overview of real estate investment activity in 2009 and early 2010 was launched at Cityscape Abu Dhabi by Cushman & Wakefield. Phil Blizzard talks with Michael Atwell, Head of Middle East Operations, Cushman & Wakefield and gets an overview on the latest International Investment Atlas. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Colliers International release regional property review A new review of the regional property market shows that formerly strong performers in the GCC are now being overtaken by countries in the Levant in terms of good investment returns. Phil Blizzard talks to Ian Albert, Regional Director, Colliers International about the findings in their report. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Standard Chartered outlook on lending in the property market Philippe Dauba-Pantanacce, Snr Economist, MENA, Standard Chartered takes a regional look at the prospects of recovery and growth in 2010. He talks to Phil Blizzard at Cityscape Abu Dhabi about the UAE's tight 'loan to deposit' and on a global perspective expects US interest rates to remain flat until Q3 2011. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Transguard Group pt 2 - breaking the cycle of poverty Mike McGeever, MD, Transquard Group, in conversation with Phil Blizzard, talks about their positioning within the Emirates Group and his expectations for the next financial year. Plus their Corporate Social Responsibility activities, both locally and internationally, and what they have achieved with their event section hosting shows by Bob Geldof and Queen. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates $10 million revenue loss per day With over 250 flights cancelled, aircraft standing on the ground and tens of thousands of passengers stranded across the network, Emirates is losing millions of dollars per day in revenue, says Tim Clark, President, Emirates. Phil Blizzard reports on the impact of the chaos caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Transguard Group pt 1 - sights on economic upturn With over 30,000 employees, across a range of sectors, Transguard Group LLC is more than just a security operator. Managing Director Mike McGeever talks to Phil Blizzard about their core business areas, which range from facility management to 'cash in transit'. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cityscape Abu Dhabi opens with 2030 vision Phil Blizzard reports of the opening day Cityscape Abu Dhabi with its star attraction being a large display showing the vision of the UAE capital in 2030. The event has attracted largest gathering, so far this year, of real estate professionals in the Middle East. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian Adventures pt 2 - Congress Solutions Frederic Bardin, Senior VP, Arabian Adventures & Congress Solutions International talks to Phil Blizzard about the large developing market of congresses, the opportunities for suppliers and what Dubai offers when hosting key events of upto 15,000 attendees. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cityscape Abu Dhabi views transparency Phil Blizzard talks to Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director in this preview of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010. The event will see 'greater transparency and the delivery of projects' being debated at the conference and exhibitors from all corners of the globe participating in the show which is being driven by host city Abu Dhabi. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates cancel all flights to UK Flights to Europe from around the globe have been disrupted following a volcanic eruption in Iceland. The impact of this on flights from the Middle East is severe with Emirates cancelling all flights to the UK, Phil Blizzard has the details in this audio report. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian Adventures pt 1 - MICE tourism suffers decline in UAE The region's leading Destination Management Company (DMC) has seen a decline in the MICE business, whilst general tourism has remained steady, according to Frederic Bardin, Senior VP, Arabian Adventures who talks to Phil Blizzard about the state of the market and the range of services they provide the tourism industry, along with the prospects of growth in 2010. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website McAfee report the exploitation of tragedies Spammers are taking advantage of breaking news stories and global tragedies in "get rich quick" scams to exploit users. Phil Blizzard talks to Greg Day, Principal Security Analyst, McAfee, EMEA, about the risks, what to avoid and how to protect your system. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Growth in meeting sector for Rotana at GIBTM Imad Elias, Executive VP & COO, Rotana, tells Phil Blizzard that the MICE has been affected by the economic climate but do see a growth in the exhibition and meeting sectors, and talks about their strategy to attract business. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Manchester a Northern Star for Emirates A380 Emirates is to operate an A380 super-jumbo on its route from Dubai to Manchester, which will become the most northerly point on the world's A380 network. Other notable facts are in this report from Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Firm demand for Movenpick at GIBTM Last year it was a lot of 'window shopping' at GIBTM, Abu Dhabi says Toufic Tamim, VP Sales & Marketing, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, ME, where as this year we are seeing firm demand. Phil Blizzard looks the importance of the MICE market to this hotel group. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iraq boost for UAE's Dana Executive Jets With a fleet of executive jets of differing capabilities the Ras Al Khaimah based Dana Executive Jets are able to offer solutions into countries, such as Irag, where commercial flights are restricted as Phil Blizzard reports. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mandarin Oriental pt 2 - Emirates to boost Prague Christoph Mares, Director of Operations, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group talks about the importance of the Middle East market, both outbound and inbound, the impact of direct flights by carriers like Emirates and in this present climate their aggressive development. Finally, Phil Blizzard tries to pin him down on future developments in the GCC. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MICE tourism upbeat at GIBTM Abu Dhabi The Gulf Incentive Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), Abu Dhabi, has the largest gathering of MICE professionals in the region. Phil Blizzard reports on the event, with the mood of this travel & tourism sector being voiced by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotels and also the new destination management group The Vision. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mandarin Oriental pt 1 - GCC debut in Abu Dhabi The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group make their GCC debut with a property on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Christoph Mares, Director of Operations, EMEA, for the group talks to Phil Blizzard about this luxury hotel, customer centric technology and the business of business guets. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Al Futtaim launch Prepaid card in UAE Rasool Hujair, CEO, JCB Finance, Majid Al Futtaim, talks to Phil Blizzard about the reasoning behind the launch of their Prepaid cards in the region, their advantages over credit and debit cards and defines the opportunities that exist. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Travel News - UAE carriers off to Japan, Flydubai expand A round up by Phil Blizzard of the key travel and tourism news from the across region. This edition includes new GCC routes from Flydubai and UAE carriers, Etihad and Emirates, are off to Japan. Emirates announce new European destinations and the rapidly growing cruise sector gets a boost from Costa and a new terminal in Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website MasterCard view GCC potential for Prepaid Prepaid is the fastest growing payment mechanism and is currently witnessing double digit growth with the Middle East being seen as the ideal region for greater expansion. Robert Walls, Snr Business Leader, Debit & Prepaid Product Management, APMEA Region, MasterCard Worldwide talks to Phil Blizzard on this growth and their prepaid program. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Meydan pt 2 - Racing to embrace MICE tourism The Meydan is located in the heart of Dubai, at Nad al Sheba, and forms part of the city's new home for horse racing. Abdin Nasralla, VP, Meydan Hotels & Hospitality talks about the positioning of the hotel in the leisure and business market and also about its potential for the MICE sector. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Meydan pt 1 - Luxury at the Heart of Horse Racing The Meydan is one of the newest and grandest hotels in the region, not only does it boast some of the largest rooms, its facilities include a world class horse racing track. Phil Blizzard speaks to Abdin Nasralla, VP, Meydan Hotels & Hospitality about its key features. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Germany breaks ground on The World islands The Kleindienst Group has become the first developer to start construction on The World islands in Dubai. Phil Blizzard joins the CEO, Josef Kleindienst, to view the island and talk about the construction process, what the island will feature and the selling philosphy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Tourism to sail the Volvo Ocean Race Seafaring Emirati's could be part of the squad tackling the Volvo Ocean Race in 2011. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority have signed an agreement which will see Team Abu Dhabi take part in this around the world yacht race which is know as 'The Everest of Sailing'. Phil Blizzard reports from the signing ceremony where Abu Dhabi will become the first Middle East host port. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Media Company CEO reflects on debut summit Edward Borgerding, CEO, Abu Dhabi Media Company talks to Phil Blizzard on the impact of the debut media summit which was held in the UAE capital. Also discussed was the divergence of media to satisfy demand and the 'East meets West' aspect of the summit, which was created by the Abu Dhabi Media Company. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai opens on time Following a 2 year build the AED 3 Billion, 196,000 sq m Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai has opened for business on schedule. Phil Blizzard was there on the opening morning and spoke with Peter Walichnowski, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties about their achievement in the present economic climate with more than 350 stores opening, 85% of the total, and also about the leisure and community aspects of the centre. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website DIFC Court and arbitration in economic recovery The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts are a young institution within the framework of Dubai's legal system. Their Chief Justice, Sir Anthony Evans, talks to Phil Blizzard on the workings of their judiciary, the types of cases they litigate and the importance of arbitration in economic recovery. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Countdown is on for Abu Dhabi's Yahsat Yahsat has started the countdown for the launch of the first, of two satellites, which will go into orbit in 2011. The Abu Dhabi based company, part of Mubadala, with provide a number of services for both business and consumer use as Shawkat Ahmed, COO, Yahsat explains to Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Vibrant business for live music in Dubai From Paolo Nutini to Rod Stewart and Spandau Ballet, along with the Meydan Race night concerts, the live music scene in Dubai is seeing something of a change in rhythm. Phil Blizzard talks to Thomas Ovesen, MD, AEG Middle East about the swing back to Dubai for major shows, after Abu Dhabi taking centre stage for awhile, and what this boost in shows means to those businesses associated with event organisation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website TDIC attractive investment opportunities Investment opportunities with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) are proving to be attractive as CEO, Lee Tabler explains in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Developments which were completed in 2009 are reflected upon and they look ahead to the projects scheduled for completion in 2010. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gulf Craft reveals plans for 2010 Dubai Boat Show The regions largest and internationally know boat manufacturer, Gulf Craft, has announced that it will have fourteen craft on display at the 2010 Dubai International Boat Show and will unveil details of the largest superyacht to be manufactured by the company. Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft talks to Phil Blizzard about the state of the market and their presence at the regions permiere boat show. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Media Summit attracts global speakers The debut Abu Dhabi Media Summit has been created by the Abu Dhabi Media Company to reflect the emergence of Abu Dhabi as a global media hub. Phil Blizzard talks to event organiser John Rossant, Executive Chairman, PublicisLive about the summit, key areas of discussion and who will be attending. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Trust International seeks hotel reservations in the Middle East It has been said that a Central Reservation System (CSR) can make or break a hotel chain. Heinrich Kessler, VP Sales, EMEA & Americas, Trust International, explains what a good CRS can offer, its importance in these challenging times and how they are expanding in this region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Italian Luxury Interiors 2010 opens at Emirates Palace The luxurious Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, is an obvious choice of venue for the high-end furnishing exhibition - Italian Luxury Interiors 2010. Phil Blizzard spoke with Francesco Alfonsi, Italian Trade Commissioner, UAE, about the importance of the UAE market to suppliers and manufacturers from his country and what visitors can expect from this debut show. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emocean yacht production in Abu Dhabi sails ahead UAE yacht manufacturers are buoyant with strong sales and increasing production facilities across this industry sector. Phil Blizzard spoke with Hamad Bachi, CEO, Emocean Marine, Abu Dhabi about the state of the market, their products and production levels for 2010 being sold out already and the packaging of luxury cars with luxury yachts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi driven by theme park expert Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, will be the first of its kind in the world and also the largest when it opens in the second half of 2010. Driving it forward is theme park veteran Claus Frimand, CEO, Farah Leisure Parks Management - a joint venture company between Aldar Properties and ProFun Management. He talks to Phil Blizzard about Ferrari World and the other theme based parks being developed on Yas Islad, Abu Dhabi. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Microsoft's Middle East debut of Tech.Ed opens Tech.Ed is the largest technology event globally for Microsoft and they have brought it to the Middle East for the first time. Phil Blizzard took at look and spoke with Ahmer Hasan, BG Leader for Server & Tools - Gulf, Microsoft on the event and the latest technology being demonstrated at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Cruise Terminal opens to supply demand Strong demand and growth of cruise tourism out of Dubai means a significant increase in the number of cruise liners and passengers using the facilities at Port Rashid. At the opening ceremony of the new terminal Phil Blizzard spoke to Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director, Business Tourism, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DT&CM). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website McAfee report oil and gas industry infrastructure at risk Losses by the oil and gas sectors could amount to millions of dollars per day because of cyber attacks on infrastructure according to the latest report from security experts McAfee. Phil Blizzard talks to Greg Day, Principal Security Analyst, McAfee, EMEA, about the risks, where they might come from and the protection which should be implemented. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lord Mayor tells DIFC London is open for business Phil Blizzard talks The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nick Anstee, on the 'mood' of the UK's financial centre, "rebuilding trust", the City's relationship with Dubai and in particular resolving the issue of financing Dubai World from a UK perspective. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Costa Cruises display confidence in Dubai In a sign of appreciation Europe's No 1 cruise operator Costa decided to in-augurate their latest liner in Dubai, the first in an Arab port. Phil Blizzard spoke to Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman & CEO, Costa about the occasion, their growth in cruising out of Dubai and their future plans. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Global Education Forum attracts practitioners to Dubai The Global Education Forum (GEF) aims to be a world leader for education professionals, says Dr Abdalla Mohamed AlAmiri on the eve of the 3rd event, which has attracted a broad spectrum of education experts. Phil Blizzard talks Dr Abdulla about the forum and education development across the region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Supplying the growth in Middle East Education As GCC government bodies continue to drive the improvements of the education system forward, combined with large, youthful populations requiring education, governments in the Middle East have turned to public private partnerships to meet this demand. GESS (Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions), in Dubai, is a B2B event offering solutions as Sue Rothwell, Group Education Director, F&E, explains to Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arabian Adventures make a logistic move It is more than four wheeled drive safari vehicles which Arabian Adventures, the region's leading Destination Management Company (DMC), need to supply and service and to do that with greater efficiency they have opened a brand new, state-of-the-art, operations centre at Dubai Investment Park. Phil Blizzard talks to Frederic Bardin, Senior VP, Arabian Adventures about the new facility. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Track legend Edwin Moses runs into Abu Dhabi Olympian and record breaking US athlete Edwin Moses talks to Phil Blizzard ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards. As Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy the track legend talks about their aims and what it means to have the awards in Abu Dhabi for the first time. The awards will be held at the Emirates Palace on March 10th. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website World's top aviation companies at Dubai 'Aerospace Week' Dubai Airshow organiser F&E Aerospace are bringing together the world's top aviation companies for a week of exhibitions, conferences and workshops. Phil Blizzard talks to Alison Weller, MD, F&E Aerospace about the three key events - Aviation Interiors Middle East, MRO Middle East and the Aerospace & Defence Training Show. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park ready for business Dr Marco Baccanti, Executive Director, DuBiotech talks to Phil Blizzard about their aims, the type of companies they are attracting and what they will contribute to this sector of science and business. Specializing in the business of biotechnology and with specific interests in the healthcare sector the Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park is now open. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi tourism growth on course Ahmed Hussein, Deputy DG, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority talks to Phil Blizzard at the brand new Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on how tourism in the emirate is on track, despite a shortfall of hotel rooms. Also, in his capacity as has COO, Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) talks about the recently open golf course and the raft of developments on the island. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Garyer Player says golf tourism important for Abu Dhabi Golf architect and legendary golfer Gary Player talks to Phil Blizzard at the new Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, Abu Dhabi about the business of golf and how golf is so important to the development of tourism in the emirate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cityscape Dubai becomes Cityscape Global Cityscape Dubai has been renamed Cityscape Global in a move which is seen as a 're-positioning' of this major real estate event, according to Rohan Marwaha, MD, Cityscape. In this conversation with Phil Blizzard he outlines their strategy which, could be said, reflects the changes in the local real estate market. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Societe Generale Private Banking 2010 investment tips Xavier Denis, Economist Strategist with Societe Generale Private Banking, gives Edward Poultney his views on various investment sectors in 2010, including movement on the currency markets and commodity predictions for the year ahead. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Guggenheim Abu Dhabi designer Frank Gehry second Saadiyat project Frank Gehry, designer of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, is to design a second project on the rapidly developing Saadiyat Island, a clubhouse for the recently opened Beach Golf Club. Phil Blizzard talks to the world renowned architect about the design elements of his first golf related project, the Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi and the origins of sustainability in buildings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Travel News from across the Middle East A round up by Phil Blizzard of the key travel and tourism news from the across region. This edition includes Emirates receiving the six thousand aircraft produced by Airbus, Royal Caribbean's deployment in Dubai and a green future for regional aviators. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Hotels & Resorts in optimistic mood In the concluding part of Executive Views with Tony Williams, Senior VP, Emirates Hotels & Resorts the talk moves to the urban environment. Phil Blizzard asks for an explanation on the reasons why Emirates handed over their Dubai Marina hotel over to Marriott, but first an opinion on the 'mood' of the industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Masdar Institute of Science & Technology looks to future energy John Perkins, Provost, Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, Abu Dhabi talks to Phil Blizzard about their role in developing the capital as a global hub in renewable and sustainable energy. He also provides an overview of their short heritage and their association with the MIT in the USA as well as local universities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emirates Al Maha Resort and the focus on conservation Executive Views with Tony Williams, Senior VP, Emirates Hotels & Resorts and in part one looks at the airlines venture into the hotel and spa sector with opening, 10 years ago, of the award winning Al Maha Resort and Spa in Dubai's desert. He also talks about the conservation work the company has done to reintroduce endangered species into the surrounding area and how the Al Maha model used in their Australian project. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Apple unveils the iPad tablet computer After much speculation on Apple's long awaited new device their Chief Executive Steve Jobs introduces the iPad tablet pc as "a truly magical and revolutionary product to kick start 2010". Phil Blizzard reports on the device which has a breakthrough price tag. Listen in for the details and to hear Steve Jobs creating this hot technology news. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arab Health attracts record UK trade delegation Arab Health has attracted a record number of participants from the United Kingdom offering expertise in all sectors of healthcare. Phil Blizzard met up with Dr Paul Crawford, Deputy Head of Life Sciences, UK Trade & Investment, to talk about some of the innovative technology on offer, the range of companies in the UK Pavillion and the importance of the GCC market to UK trade. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arab Health professionals look at US$14billion spend Phil Blizzard reports on the Arab Health summit in Dubai which is attracting medical suppliers from across the world and with an estimated US$14billion worth of projects underway in the GCC there are a lot of opportunities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Kaymer wins again The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship was won in thrilling form as players fought for the coveted Falcon Trophy, which was eventually won for the second time by Germany's Martin Kaymer. He talks to AME Info, a media partner for the tournament, about the win and his ambitions for 2010. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website WFES, Abu Dhabi closes with record attendance The Masdar hosted World Future Energy Summit attracted a record number of visitors, over 23,000, to this years event. Phil Blizzard reports from Abu Dhabi on the exhibition which sees the traditional hydrocarbon companies alongside those specializing in various forms of renewable energy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Tourism races ahead with sport From the FIFA World Club Cup to the Al Ain Airshow the capital of the UAE has been host to a mix of world class events. Phil Blizzard, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, reviews many of these events with Faisal al Sheikh, Events Manager - Major Events, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Abu Dhabi Tourism swings with golf At the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Phil Blizzard talks to Faisal al Shaikh, Events Manager - Major Events, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority about their strategy in developing tourism sport and the growth of this tournament which has attracted more than 120 international players to the season opener on the European Tour. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Chairman, QSTP, Qatar reflects on a succesful 2009 Dr Tidu Maini, Chairman, Qatar Science & Technology Park in conversation with Phil Blizzard provides an overview of their key achievements in 2009. These range from developing a solar demonstrator to technology advancements with QTel, serious breakthroughs in healthcare in association with GE, the racy Williams F1 team and with the Science Park at 95% occupancy there is talk of a new building. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Airports sets the global pace says Sheikh Ahmed Dubai International release figures that show a 9.2% increase of passengers through the airport in 2009 bringing the total to 40.9 million. HH Sheikh Ahmed, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports both comment on the growth in this report from Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website QSTP, Qatar to develop aviation biofuels Qatar Science & Technology Park are to establish the Qatar Advanced Biofuel Platform with the aim of producing sustainable, alternative fules for the aviation industry. Dr Eulian Roberts, MD, QSTP, talks to Phil Blizzard about the initiative and its key features. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Qatar Airways CEO talks on biofuels and Boeing 787 Qatar Airways, CEO, Akbar al Baker talks to Phil Blizzard about their determination to develop alternative and sustainable fuels for the aviation industry and their aim to be a global leader in biofuel technology. He expresses his delight in the debut flight of the Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' for which Qatar Airways has placed a substantial order. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Qatar Airways announce Biofuel Platform A joint initiative by Qatar Airways and leading national entities is to develop sustainable biofuels for the aviation industry with Biomass-to-Liquid jet fuel. In Doha, Akbar AL Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways made the announcement which is reported on by Phil Blizzard. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 'At the Top' - 450m up Burj Khalifa The highest observation platform in the world, is located above 450 m ground level. Called 'At the Top, Burj Dubai' this will, mostly likely, become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region offering superb views and more. Phil Blizzard jumped onboard the superfast elevator to the 124th floor to give this report, before the tower was officially named Burj Khalifa. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Forum opens following Burj Khalifa inauguration Following the spectacular inauguration of the Burj Khalifa the Dubai Forum opened at the Address Downtown in the shadow of the world's tallest building. Phil Blizzard reports on the conference which focused on the 'Architecture for Sustainable Societies' and featured over 40 speakers - from across the globe. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Burj Dubai opens as Burj Khalifa The spectacular opening ceremony produced many surprises, the biggest of which was the re-naming of Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa. Phil Blizzard was there, reporting on the proceedings around the inauguration of the world's tallest free standing structure. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Alabbar talks ahead of Burj Dubai opening A few hours ahead of the official inauguration of the world's tallest free standing structure Emaar's Chairman Mohammed Alabbar talks to Phil Blizzard. He says what the opening of Burj Dubai means to Emaar and Dubai, and on the recent negative media coverage of Dubai and also looks at the time frame for the Armani Hotel, commercial and residential sections with-in Burj Dubai. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Burj Dubai final preparations Phil Blizzard reviews the final preparations for the opening of Emaar's Burj Dubai and the official ceremony which is expected to be equally stunning, as the world's media descends onto Dubai for the inauguration of the world's tallest building. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Burj Dubai opening set for spectacular show The inauguration of the world's tallest tower will be conducted with a spectacular show. Pierre Marcout, CEO & Artistic Director, Prisme International is expected to stun Dubai and the world with another unique creation for the Burj Dubai opening ceremony and talks to Phil Blizzard on what it means to have this honour and the challenges faced Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Burj Dubai ready to reveal actual height The height of Burj Dubai is staggering and so are the statistics involved in the construction of this towering super structure. From over 12, 000 workers to 31,400 tonnes of steel rebar Phil Blizzard at the foot of world's tallest building provides an overview ahead of its official inauguration. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai constructs world's tallest hotel Located in Dubai's Business District the world's tallest hotel, standing at 333m, opened just ahead of Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building. Phil Blizzard looks at the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana with the hotel's GM Daniel Mathew. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website UN official says Dubai tourism will be become green "Dubai being a new and successful tourism destination have yet not gone as far as they need to in green tourism - but they will get there" says Geoffrey Lipman, Assistant Secretary - General, UN, World Tourism organisation in conversation with Phil Blizzard. He also talks about the four key issues which should be adopted in the region for it to succeed in sustainable tourism. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Morgan Freeman buys Emivest SJ30 jet from Dubai manufacturer Morgan Freeman's SJ30 jet purchase is a high flying development for the UAE corporate market since the aircraft he selected is from Dubai's Emivest. Phil Blizzard talks to the Hollywood superstar about his passion for flying, his choice of aircraft and is given a simulated take off with Morgan Freeman in the pilot seat. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Emivest delivers SJ30 jet to Freeman in Dubai At the handover of a SJ30 private jet to Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, at Dubai International Airport, Phil Blizzard spoke to Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chairman, Emirates Investment and Development Company on their venture into aerospace and the business they expect, despite the economic slowdown. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Jet Set Elite private flights from Dubai An exclusive trip in an executive jet from Dubai to Miami to celebrate New Year is one of the many luxury lifestyle offerings from Florida based Jet Set Elite who have teamed up with Dubai's Empire Aviation Group. Phil Blizzard talks to Matthew Miceli, COO, Jet Set Elite. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ford customer service reacts to counterfeits Brand protection and the fight against counterfeit motor parts are two key areas of action to protect not only Ford and their interests, but also the safety of their customers. Chris Noel, Director Customer Service, Ford Middle East talks to Phil Blizzard about their activities, including sting type operations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East rally star Sulayem says UAE is united "I have one President and one passport, so we are united" says FIA Vice President for Sport Mohammed bin Sulayem. Phil Blizzard spoke to the Middle East Rally star at the Dubai Motor Show about the rapid development of motor sport in the region and how it impacts the commercial aspects of the motor industry. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Zenvo ST1 supercar displayed at Dubai Motor Show The Zenvo ST1 limited edition luxurious and extremely powerful supercar made its debut appearance at the Dubai Motor Show. Phil Blizzard spoke with Jesper Jensen, CEO and Founder, Zenvo Automotive to get the details on the supercar from Denmark. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bentley Mulsanne stars at Dubai Motor Show A star attraction at the Dubai Motor Show is the elegant new Bentley Mulsanne, described as the pinnacle in British luxury motoring. Phil Blizzard talks to Chris Buxton, Regional Director, Middle East, Africa & India, Bentley about the fusion of power, elegance and sporting style, as well as the state of the luxury car market in this region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Motor Show roars into action The 10th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show is reviewed by Phil Blizzard with an A to Z tour - starting with the Alfa Romeo Spider and after numerous pitstops arriving at Z to look at the Zenvo supercar. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes to the sky Step by step coverage of the build up to the debut test flight by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is commentated on by Phil Blizzard who watched the approach and 'take off' via a special weblink to Boeings delivery plant in Seattle. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BMW M1 Homage to debut at Dubai Motorshow The unique sporting heritage of the original BMW M1, from more than 30 years ago, will star at the Dubai Motorshow as the BMW M1 Homage makes its regional debut. Phil Horton, MD, BMW Middle East, talks to Phil Blizzard about their presence at the 10th Dubai Motorshow with the X5-M, X6-M and hybdrid vehicles. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website New A380 for Emirates and Boeing to test flight Dreamliner A round up on Middle East aviation news from Phil Blizzard including new aircraft and routes for Dubai's Emirates and FlyDubai airlines, Oman Air with talk on board and talk of what they are offering, plus the long awaited test flight for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mandarin Oriental Bangkok pt 2 Jan D. Goessing, GM, The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, in this part talks to Phil Blizzard about the 'value proposition' of this unique hotel, why it is so different, it's heritage and on having reached his career pinnacle he is now looking forward to the hotel's 150th anniversary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Monitoring data centre costs Do you know how much your data centre is costing your company? In part 1 of our interview with Peter Hannaford, VP, Datacenters & Alliances, EMEA, APC, Rob Jones discusses how companies monitor the cost of their data centre and how they can squeeze maximum profits out of the infrastructure. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mandarin Oriental Bangkok pt 1 The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is one of those heritage 'Grand Hotels' which professionals in the industry use as a benchmark. Phil Blizzard looks at why the hotel has such a legendary status and what makes it so aspiring to hoteliers in the Gulf and beyond. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website An Emarati perspective on the current Dubai Financial market Trading is subdued on the floor of the Dubai Financial Market following the Dubai World repayment announcement and in this report Phil Blizzard gets a UAE perspective on the current market from investor Saeed Hassan al Helli. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Reactions on the floor of the Dubai Financial Market On the day following the largest fall on the Dubai Financial Market for over a year, Phil Blizzard talks to investors on the floor about the impact of the Dubai World announcement - which resulted in 7.3% drop in share value at the end of the first day of trading. Opinions were mixed and the general consensus was the need for more information and announcements from the Dubai Government. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Data centres: Should companies build or lease? Data Centres are growing in the Middle East, but companies need to decide whether they build their own or lease space within a third party environment. Herbert Radlinger, Business Manager, Data Centre Services, eHosting Datafort, explains what companies need to consider when deciding whether to build or lease, and tells Rob Jones of the importance of pinning down a contract upfront if they do use a third party. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East private aviation evolving for Bombardier Once the domain of royalty, business jets are now being seen as a valuable business tool for corporates and individuals. Kader Mattar, Regional VP - Sales, Bombardier talks to Phil Blizzard about the evolving market for bizjets in the Gulf region and how local banks are now offering finance for new and pre-owned aircraft. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East private aviation evolving for Bombardier Once the domain of royalty, business jets are now being seen as a valuable business tool for corporates and individuals. Kader Mattar, Regional VP - Sales, Bombardier talks to Phil Blizzard about the evolving market for bizjets in the Gulf region and how local banks are now offering finance for new and pre-owned aircraft. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Residence Suites from InterContinental Dubai Festival City Residence suites linked to a hotel offer a more 'home from home' experience for the longer stay quest. Phil Blizzard talks to Tom Lord, Hotel Manager, InterContinental Residence Suites, Dubai Festival City about what they offer and how this sector of the hospitality industry is growing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Boeing predict big Middle East demand for aircraft Paul Kinscherff, VP, Boeing Middle East Region in conversation with Phil Blizzard says Boeing predict that over the next twenty years operators in the region will require more than 1700 aircraft. They talk about the changing aviation landscape, the breakdown in market sectors and when the much anticipated Dreamliner will take to the air. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Award winning airline Etihad and the way forward World Leading Airline CEO James Hogan talks to Phil Blizzard about winning such a prestigious award and about the advantages the management of 'new wave' airlines have over the 'legacy' operators. He also talks about their increase in outsourcing and how the load factors are moving in an evolving network. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bahrain 10th destination for Flydubai and 6 month update Bahrain becomes the 10th destination for Dubai's lowcost carrier Flydubai. The airline made the announcement at the Dubai Airshow, where Phil Blizzard spoke to Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai about their first 6 months in operation and what the fledgling airline has achieved. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Flydubai financing deals and aircraft delivery 2010 The delivery of new aircraft in 2010 is previewed by Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai as he talks to Phil Blizzard at the Dubai Airshow. First, however, he talks about the two recent aircraft finance deals, worth $160 million, that the carrier has concluded - including their Islamic financing deal with Dubai Islamic Bank. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website BAe System Avro targets Middle East with pre owned business jets Selling second-hand business jets to oil rich clients in the Middle East might seem an anomaly. However, the pre-owned BAe 146/Avro RJ aircrafts look refreshingly new once completely renovated says Stewart Cordner, VP Business Development, BAE Systems, who also tells Phil Blizzard that the low purchase price, operating costs and other factors are proving to be very appealing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Macquire aircraft financing and Flydubai The financial options of aircraft acquisition is looked at by Phil Blizzard in this interview with Colin Bolie, Executive VP, Head of Marketing, Macquire Air Finance. The advantages of leasing are explained and they also talk about the recent agreement with Dubai based low cost operatore FlyDubai and the market potential in this region. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai Airshow opens as the largest to date Phil Blizzard reports on the 11th edition of the Dubai Airshow, which is the largest to date and opened with a mood of optimism. He looks at what can be expected within the exhibition pavilions and the daily flying displays over the Dubai Airport Expo. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports pt 2 Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports talks Phil Blizzard and in part two the focus is very much the construction of Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport and the development of Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports pt 1 Phil Blizzard talks to Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports about how the aviation landscape has changed since his appointment in 2007 and what effect the global downturn has had on development plans. We look at how passenger figures at the airport have changed, the costs involved in running an international airport and its various revenue streams. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 5 tips for security in a virtualised environment Rob Jones at the IDC Security Roadshow in Dubai, talks to Bob Kalka, Director of Channels, Enablement at IBM ISS, who, in part two outlines, five areas of best practice for security in a virtualised environment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website TravelWise pt 2 - Thailand's Royal Resort and Chiva Som TravelWise featured destination this time is the 'Royal' beach resort town of Hua Hin and its 'Haven of Life'. From the bustling capital Krung Thep Phil Blizzard travels south to visit the Chiva Som International Health Resort and, as usual, concludes the programme with another 'cool' travel tip. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Security rethink needed for virtual environments As the use of virtualisation grows, securing those virtual environments becomes more critical. While security is always an important issue, virtualisation creates new headaches for IT managers. Speaking to Rob Jones during the IDC Security Roadshow in Dubai, Bob Kalka, Director of Channels, Enablement at IBM ISS, outlines what those headaches are and how IT heads can ensure they are prepared for them. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website TravelWise pt 1 - Yas Island Hotels, new airline routes and Thailand special TravelWise with Phil Blizzard alongside the Choa Pyra River, Bangkok. The latest Middle East travel industry news features a raft of new hotel openings on Abu Dhabi Yas Island along with more new routes from regional airlines. Whilst the Travel Talk section looks at the iconic and much aspired to Mandarin Oriental Hotel with the General Manager, Jan D.Goessing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone