This month, ‘CNN Business Traveller’ comes from one of the few places in the world where construction on a mass scale is progressing at a rapid pace – the Gulf. Billions of dollars are spent here constructing street after street of new buildings to cater for an influx of foreign investors. Next, the show examines the rivalry between the region’s airports as they compete to create leading hub and spoke operations - viewers are taken behind the scenes of the annual Routes Conference where airlines and airports decide where the public will fly in the very near future. Also, the programme escapes to the United Arab Emirates’ first national park where the emphasis is not on breakneck construction, but on saving the region’s threatened animals.
Decades of high oil prices have pumped billions of dollars into the oil-rich Middle East. The region’s rulers are now using that money to turn their desert capitals into economic oases for international business and travellers. The amount of money being spent is staggering – UAE airlines have ordered $55 billion worth of new planes, whilst another $20 billion is being spent on upgrading and building new airports. But is it worth it? Will the major carriers survive? ‘CNN Business Traveller’ asks the CEOs of Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and Etihad.
Also this month, viewers will be taken behind the scenes at the annual Routes Conference, dubbed ‘speed dating’ for the airline world. Every year, airlines and airports descend on a particular destination to negotiate where the public will fly in the future, and Dubai was chosen this time around. A high-pressure situation, where airports have just 20 minutes to convince airlines why they should be added to their schedules. ‘CNN Business Traveller’ provides a unique insight into where might be next on people’s ‘must –see’ lists.
Could the days of longer airport queues be over? More than one month after the alleged UK terror plot, British airports have relaxed their strict rules on hand baggage. The European Union and US are in talks to harmonise security rules, but how close are they to reaching an agreement? ‘CNN Business Traveller’ investigates just how long passengers may have to wait before they have one simple and sensible set of rules.
Finally, the crane-filled skyline of Dubai is left behind as the programme escapes to the undulating dunes of the Arabian Desert. Just one hour away from the traffic snarls and towering scaffolding is Al Maha, a luxury desert resort in the UAE’s first national park. Here, the emphasis is not on construction, but conservation. The park is home to an endangered species of Oryx, and this lends itself to trying out the ancient sport of falconry, as well a spot of sand skiing in the blistering heat!
‘CNN Business Traveller – In The Gulf’ can be seen on Saturday 14th October at 1930 BST / 2030 CET.
