http://www.kippreport.com Kipp Report is the Middle East's first online-only business magazine. Kipp Report promises to be home to new business thinking from the Middle East. It is published by Mediaquest, written in Dubai. http://www.kippreport.com/images/logokippsmall.jpg http://www.kippreport.com Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:10:56 +0400The colonial settlers of Cape Town, South Africa, are a good example. Knackered after sailing half way round the world, they didn't waste too much time thinking of name for the bay's most notable landmark. Table Mountain looks like a table. Note to RTA: keep it simple. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1376 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1376Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:10:56 +0400Giant floorspace is described in terms of football pitches; length is compared to the Great Wall of China; height, Eiffel Tower. There is little thought as to how many readers play football, or have visited China or Paris. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1372 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1372Wed, 2 Jul 2008 11:13:43 +0400DFM's troubles are blamed on a lack of transparency (stand up Deyaar and Dubai Islamic Bank), while DIFX looks dismally shallow. Ten of the 12 companies listed accounted for less than 1 per cent of traded value, some have seen absolutely no trading. The market is unlikely to revive any time soon. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1368 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1368Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:03:41 +0400Taking out loans to buy sparkly handbags, new golf clubs, flat screen TVs and $100 all-you-can-eat champagne brunches is now considered a 'bad thing'. That money might have been better spent on investment. Boring. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1362 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1362Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:58:20 +0400It will be called FlyDubai and it should start flying some time in the middle of next year. Emirates is slowly revealing details of its standalone low-cost airline; the logo and branding will be with us later in the year. Category-killer, or a me-too brand with little new to offer? http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1358 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1358Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:08:33 +0400It's a toss up as to which bit is most amusing: the fact Dubai is now building a tower that will rotate 360°over a week, the accompanying PR waffle ('Never before in the History of Architecture has a structure been designed to emerge, that moves in sync with the earth, sun and time.'), or the fact the developers have named a handover date. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1351 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1351Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:44:05 +0400Okay, so there are raffles, face painting, music and the shops go on Sale. But does that really explain why 2.5m people will come to Dubai over the summer. That's 38,000 for every day Dubai Summer Surprises is running. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1339 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1339Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:13:57 +0400These terror alerts surely can't boost numbers or encourage expats to get out and about. In the absence of official measurements, it is tempting to read much into the most innocent of things: last night's pub quiz at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, usually packed with expats, had spare tables. What caused the stayways? http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1333 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1333Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:54:51 +0400It will have five grassed polo fields, an indoor arena and 800 air conditioned stables for the horses. Just eight per cent of the land is expected to be built up, the majority will be landscaped greenery. To an internationally-minded environmentalist it has the makings of a nightmare. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1327 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1327Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:46:13 +0400The writer claims the owner of Jeddah flower shop became handicapped after his Filipino workers insisted on leaving and returning home: "When they left, I felt as if I had lost my arms. I was so sad that I lost my appetite," says the distraught owner. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1323 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1323Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:53:45 +0400The bloke behind the counter smirked and shook his head when Kipp asked him why there was a 12 per cent mark up. The place is out in the middle of nowhere, but as Jumeirah's website explains, it's only 45 minutes from the airport. Surely it's not transport costs. http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1319 http://www.kippreport.com/kippsblog.php?articleid=1319Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:19:40 +0400