Why the Middle Eastern airlines and the burgeoning aviation sector in the region are leading the way in these times of economic doubt.
Rebuilding Iraq
It’s a fractured and fragile country scarred by bloody wars, the shackles of sanctions and a despotic regime. But with green shoots of peace and stability sprouting, the Iraqi government is beckoning foreign companies and investors to resuscitate the nation and unlock its riches. There’s no doubt this is the land of opportunity – but is now the time to finally put Iraq on the business map?
The luxury collection
After conquering the Dubai property market Nakheel is taking on the world with its own portfolio of luxury hotels. BM meets Nakheel Hotels’ CEO Joe Sita.
First off the blocks
From the moment it touched down in Dubai in the 1970s, Drake & Scull International has appeared untouchable, raking in a series of lucrative contracts that saw it become the first specialist contractor to list on the Dubai Financial Market last year. Diana Milne meets CEO Khaldoun Tabari, and tries to find a chink in his armour.
The aviator
BMME meets Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, and finds out how he is taking the airline to new heights and why nothing will get in the way of aircraft shopping spree.
How the bubble burst
As the future of the GCC economies hangs in the balance we report on the devastating impact of the global downturn on the region's expansion plans and why thousands of expatriates are heading home.