With the boom of the internet usage in the UAE, many consumers are turning to buying and selling their goods online. The competition between portal website is intensifying and now consumers have plenty of options to choose from.

One of the most popular website in the UAE is souq.com. Souq.com is a UAE based website that acts like an auction, where buyers and sellers bid for products. With a username and password, you are ready to go and start your shopping experience online with anything listed on this portal such as mobile phones, jewelry, cars, tickets, and many other products, new and used. Kristy Melia, the sales and marketing manager of souq.com, confirms the “great growth” they are experiencing in the market and how they have a customer base of more than 400,000 members.

Competition is present in this industry with another portal in the market. Dubizzle is considered a market leader in classifieds in the UAE, with items ranging from property for sale or lease, jobs, to community services such as car lifts. JC Butler, the managing partner of Dubizzle, states that they had a healthy growth in terms of revenues and customer subscription and that they play at the top of the game in the e-commerce competition.

The latest entrant in the Dubai market is the Lebanese portal Elmazad.com. Elmazad.com has its headquarters in Lebanon and has operations in Dubai with plans to expand to other nearby countries. The website invites users “buy and sell anything free on the largest online market in Lebanon and UAE”. “Anything” can be items like mobile phones, clothes, cars, accessories, and even real estate properties. The COO of elmazad.com in Lebanon, Hisham Al Ashkar, sees Dubai as a great potential for the business to grow as it is still focusing on brand awareness with its marketing campaign through SMS, Facebook and other magazines.

According to company spokespersons, all of the above websites have experienced a huge growth in their customer base. Nowadays, consumers are shifting their buying behavior to online websites or auction sites for many reasons.

One reason is the cheap prices that one can get through such websites. The exact products found in the market are being sold for a discount in dubizzle and souq.com. Unwanted gifts from jewelry to business pens are sold online for less than their original prices in store, and trust us, there are a lot!

In addition, these websites have done a lot to develop their offerings to attract more customers. Souq.com for example introduced a free shipping promotion to encourage more customers to spend online.

The recent economic downturn has also affected much of the regular shopping that is going on in the marketplace. Many people are moving in and out of the country, requiring to sell or to buy their household goods. During financial distress, consumers would turn to buying used products at a cheap price or selling their unwanted stuff to get some extra cash.

Last but not least, while the prospects of online shopping are definitely better during hard times, it is the quality of experience that is more important. Just like window shopping is fun for some of us, so is shopping online. With just a few clicks of a mouse and some searches for the item that you’re looking for, the product becomes yours! You don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam, finding a parking space for your car, or not finding what you’re looking for in the mall. One of the many ways the internet continues to make life simpler.

Once again we couldn’t help ourselves but to highlight the exceptional work of geniuses at Google (or rather their advertising agency). All in all this is a fantastic ad; simple, honest and heartfelt. Many can relate to this experience, and it rings true to anyone who has ever explored a new city by looking online. The only thing that we feel brings the ad down is the last couple of searches as if all of life’s journeys ultimately end in two things, marriage and a child (come on, a baby’s laugh? It’s a little cheesy). We personally would have liked the final text be in French, which would have shown off a whole lot more of Google’s actual capacity then trying to leave viewers with a shallow family-friendly ending. We understand the target that this is going after, and despite the end, overall it succeeds brilliantly.

New solutions make global collaboration easy and cost effective

Dubai, UAE — March 9, 2010 — SMART Technologies has announced that it has recently launched in the Middle East its new SMART business solutions, comprising integrated hardware and software products developed specifically to provide customers with easy-to-use tools that improve collaboration in interactive meeting spaces. The new SMART business solutions line includes SMART Board interactive whiteboards, SMART Board interactive whiteboard systems and collaboration software, including SMART Meeting Pro 2.0 collaboration software and SMART Bridgit 4.0 conferencing software.

The range of SMART Board interactive whiteboard models ships with SMART Meeting Pro. SMART Board interactive whiteboard systems include a SMART Board interactive whiteboard with integrated projector and either SMART Meeting Pro or a collaboration appliance. SMART business solutions provide easy and immediate access to data and applications, enabling meeting participants to review files, share information and save and distribute their work to all team members. The components of SMART business solutions integrate easily, so users can create a solution that truly meets their needs – whether they want to upgrade their meeting rooms from flipcharts and dry-erase whiteboards or connect people in several locations in real time.

Aaron Fright, Country Manager, Middle East, SMART Technologies, said: “The new SMART business solutions continue to unlock new possibilities in terms of collaboration for any corporate organisation. SMART Technologies is essentially making it possible to collaborate in a more intuitive and user-friendly manner, which will enhance learning, efficiency and productivity. The Middle East remains an important market for the SMART business solutions in view of increasing technology adoption and growing focus on knowledge-based business strategy in the region.”

SMART Board interactive whiteboard systems include both widescreen (16:10) and standard (4:3) interactive whiteboards with integrated projectors. For meeting spaces that already have a dedicated computer, users can choose an interactive whiteboard system that includes SMART Meeting Pro. For meeting rooms without a dedicated computer, users can choose an interactive whiteboard system that includes a collaboration appliance, which enables users to create, share and distribute digital notes without the need for a computer.

Business users also have the option to choose a premium system that includes SMART Meeting Pro Premium collaboration platform (Microsoft® Windows® operating system only) and is configured for SMART Bridgit server software. SMART Bridgit conferencing software enables local and remote users to collaborate and share data on their SMART Board interactive whiteboards and laptops in real time, regardless of location. Notes and annotations can easily be captured and e-mailed to attendees, lowering printing costs and reducing environmental impact. Using SMART Bridgit conferencing software reduces travel requirements, lowers costs, increases productivity in meetings and enables people to collaborate more efficiently. SMART business upgrade kits will be available to existing users of the SMART Board 680 and SMART Board 685 interactive whiteboard systems in March and include a fixed wall mount, USB speakers and either SMART Meeting Pro or a collaboration appliance.

”Online collaboration in the business world is very PC-centric and, as a result, knowledge workers have been somewhat constrained by the keyboard-and-mouse-only model,” said Alan Greenberg, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research. “Changes in technology are enabling new, more natural and open ways for business people to collaborate, brainstorm and do better work in group settings – SMART Technologies is continuing to respond to the needs of the market with this announcement.”

“In today’s complex business environment, organisations require easy-to-use, integrated tools that facilitate collaboration and help teams make the most of their meeting time,” said Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The new SMART business solutions will enable organisations to create more engaging meeting spaces, increase productivity and make information sharing simple and efficient.”

SMART business solutions features

SMART Board interactive whiteboard – Includes a SMART Board interactive whiteboard with SMART Meeting Pro software.

SMART Board interactive whiteboard system – Includes a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, short-throw or ultra-short-throw projector and either SMART Meeting Pro software or a collaboration appliance.

SMART business upgrade kit – Includes SMART Meeting Pro or a collaboration appliance with a fixed wall mount and USB speakers to retrofit SB680 and SB685 SMART Board interactive whiteboards.

SMART Bridgit 4.0 conferencing software new features

SMART Scheduler – Allows the SMART Bridgit server to integrate with Microsoft Exchange Server and Outlook® clients to schedule and book recurring SMART Bridgit meetings.

Bridgit Global Server Network (GSN) – Multilocation networking provides increased scalability and improved support for a multisite SMART Bridgit server deployment and optimises WAN bandwidth.

Multiple display sharing – Enables meeting presenter to share multiple displays with local and remote participants.

Integrated webcam support – Enables SMART Bridgit software to support an increased number of simultaneous webcam streams.

Got Talent is one of the most popular TV series of the last several years, broadcasted on hundreds of channels around the world. It has captured the interest of all of those who are gifted with a talent—and even many that aren’t. The concept started in the UK by host Simon Cowell, although it was America’s Got Talent that cemented the show as an international platform for singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages.

In a recent move to bring the series closer to local audiences, MBC group has partnered with the Got Talent franchise in order to give the Arab world the chance to show off their talents to a wider public. Casting calls are being made in the month of March and are open to peoples of all ages and all backgrounds (provided they can speak Arabic).

In previous seasons of the Got Talent show, we have seen acts that have both horrified and amazed audiences, with judges screaming everything from rude obscenities to YES YOU CAN! Notable acts like Susan Boyle—who was mocked the moment she was on stage—broke all conventions after just a few seconds on stage, leaving the crowd’s eyes wide open and jaws dropped from her incredible voice. Maybe one of you out there can do the same…

During the first season of Arabs Got Talent, which will be aired on MBC4, the public can register online and will be chosen accordingly by talent and availabilities. From heartfelt performances to hilarious gags, we can’t wait to see who’s got talent in the Arab world!

Get on stage at http://riyadhciti.com/2010/02/arabs-got-talent/.

Dubai, March 9, 2010: AREVA Transmission and Distribution is showcasing a number of the company’s major projects during this week’s Wetex 2010 exhibition which will run till March 11, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zabeel Halls. Dedicated to ensuring an energy-efficient future, AREVA’s exposition will concentrate on smart grids, renewable energy solutions and turnkey capabilities. AREVA’s T&D division is one of the top three global leaders in electricity transmission and distribution, with approximately 31,000 employees based in 72 industrial sites and serving 30,000 customers in 160 countries.

One of the highlights at this year’s booth is AREVA T&D’s augmented reality program, where attendees will be able to experience the company’s recent GCCIA Phase interconnection project in 3D. The GCCIA—an organization dedicated to creating integrated and sustainable energy economies amongst the Gulf States—selected AREVA T&D for the design, engineering, manufacturing and construction of a 1,800 MW HVDC back-to-back converter station—The first in the region—structured through three separate 600 MW poles.

AREVA T&D has conducted a full set of system studies to assess HVDC operation under extreme conditions over 20 years. This solution will increase the grid stability and effi-ciency, leading to a special role and relationship that AREVA T&D has developed with GCCIA. The AREVA Integrated Energy Management and Control and Protection Sys-tems have been selected to ensure the full control of the installations based on AREVA T&D e-terra application.

In addition to latest 400 kV substations projects to be promoted at Wetex, AREVA T&D will exhibit models of their new F35 Gas-insulated switchgear and one of their 132 kV substation delivered in U.A.E.

Commenting on the company’s exhibit, Mazen Hamadallah, Regional Vice President, AREVA Near & Middle East, says, “Wetex 2010 is an invaluable opportunity for us to meet with our customers and industry experts and to enhance AREVA T&D’s worldwide profile as architects of an energy efficient future. The event provides an avenue for industry leaders to keep abreast of the latest developments in the Gulf region in the field of water, energy and environment.”

Hamadallah also believes that Wetex is an ideal location for discussing the building of Smart Grids within the Middle East; a major priority within AREVA’s research and development department that the company is focusing on during the year.  “Smart Grid products and energy management solutions are specifically designed to address global energy challenges and sustainable generation methods,” added Hamadallah.

AREVA’s research initiatives include real-time monitoring applications which automatically adjust and reorganize electricity transmission to optimize performance. These Smart Grids offer higher standards of efficiency by continuously adapting to demand and supply variables while integrating active consumer participation into the grid. AREVA T&D provides equipment, systems and services to achieve this safely and effectively.

Arab Business Leaders

Within this monthly forum, O2 takes a look at some of the most influential Arab business leaders shaping today’s markets. These individuals have achieved incredible success while advancing best practices in their respective industries. If you know someone who you think fits this description, let us know at editor@pr2live.com.

Lubna Olayan
She is one of the most influential business women and was listed as the top 100 most influenmtial people of 2005 by Time magazine. Ms. Olayan was born on August the 4th, 1955, to a Saudi business man, Suliman Olayan, and mother Maryam Abdulwahab, and has many significant achievements in the world of business.

Ms. Lubna Olayan is the chief executive officer of the Olayan Financing Company (OFC). The company was founded in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1947 by her father Suliman Olayan. OFC is a private multinational enterprise engaged in distribution, manufacturing, services, and investments. OFC operates in more than 40 countries and is one of the largest investors in the Saudi and regional stock markets.

Ms. Lubna’s first significant appearance was in 2004 where she was the first woman in Saudi history to deliver an opening keynote at a major conference at the Jeddah Economic Forum. Also in the same year, she was elected to the board of Saudi Hollandi Bank. In 2006 and 2007, Ms. Olayan joined the International Advisory Boards of Rolls Royce and Citigroup. She is also the member of the International Business Council of the World Econonic Forum and the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations.

She also has significant roles in Saudi Arabia where she joined the Advisory Board of Effat College, a private and non-profit girl’s college in Jeddah.

Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal
The most significant figures in today’s Arab business world
From banking to media, one of the most significant figures in today’s Arab business world is Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Prince Al-Waleed was born on March 7, 1955 to his father Prince Talal, the son of the founding king of Saudi Arabia, and his mother Mona Al-Solh, the Daughter of Lebanon’s first Prime Minister Riyad Al-Solh.

As a young man, Prince Al-Waleed completed his undergraduate studies in Menlo College in 1979 with a degree in business adminstration. Later on in 1985, he earned his master’s degree at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in the U.S.

His business career started right after his graduation from Menlo College in 1979. His business activities as an investor started when he bought shares in Citicorp in the 1990s when the firm was in distress. Now, his holdings in Citigroup account for $1billion, nearly double his initial investments in the 1990s of $550 million. After his investments in Citibank, he earned an international nickname as being the Saudi Warren Buffett.

Later, he made he made significant investments in large media companies such as AOL, Apple Inc., Motorola, News Corporation Ltd and other companies. Prince Al-Waleed also holds 10% stake in Euro Disney SCA, as well as real estate holdings in Four Seasons hotel chain and Plaza Hotel in New York.

Early in 2005, Al-Waleed purchased Savoy Hotel in London to be managed by Fairmont Hotels—in which he owns 16% stake. As of 2008, there are plans to construct the tallest building in the world, The Tower of One Mile. The tower , which is proposed by Al-Waleed’s own company, Kingdom Holding Company, is said to be a super tall skyscraper and the tallest tower in the world with a height of one mile (1609 meters).

In August 2009, his fortune was estimated to be US$16.3 billion and was ranked the 22nd richest person in the world.

Dr.Saad H. Al Barrak
The Deputy Chairman and the Managing Director of Zain
Dr. Saad Al Barrak is the Deputy Chairman and the Managing Director of Zain, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the Middle East. Al Barrak, of Kuwaiti nationality, is a distinguished engineer and businessman of international reputation.

He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering, an MSc in Systems Engineering from Ohio University, and a PhD in Information Systems & Technology Management from the University of London. He is also an alumnus of Harvard University.

Prior to his appointment with Zain (previously known as MTC), Dr. Al Barrak was Managing Director of International Turnkey Systems (ITS), one of the leading IT companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Under Dr. Al Barrak, ITS’s revenues grew from $5 million in 1985 to exceed $100 million in 2000.

Dr. Al Barrak was Vice-Chairman of the Social Development Office (SDO) of the Amiri Diwan in Kuwait; Chairman of Egyptian software developer IT Soft; Chairman of Arab Telecom; and a non-executive Director of Arab Management Association in Cairo.

Since his appointment as the CEO in 2002, Zain’s customer base has increased from 600,000 to a conglomerate of 24 operations with over 70 million active customers across the Middle East and Africa. In this period, Zain’s market capitalization on the Kuwait Stock Exchange has increased from less than US$2.5 billion to exceed $20 billion (September 30, 2009).

In 2003, he received the ‘E-businessman of the Year’ award in the region. Later in 2005, he received the Middle East’s ‘CEO of the Year’ award in the Information Communication Technology sector.

In September 2007, Dr. Al Barrak received the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from leading industry magazine COMMSMEA. Dr. Al Barrak is also an Executive Board Member of Celtel International and a Member of the Board of the GSM Association.

07 March 2010: Canon Middle East, a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging solutions for businesses and consumers, has recently announced the appointment of Anurag Agrawal as the new Managing Director. Agrawal will oversee operations of Canon in the Middle East and North Africa and will lead in developing strategies for its continued growth in the region.

With over 15-years experience in the regional market, Agrawal has been with Canon Middle East for 10 years handling various assignments. He joined Canon in 2000 and has been responsible for various sales, marketing and service-oriented initiatives through his different assignments in Canon.

Agrawal succeeds Bertil Widmark as the head of Canon Middle East operations. Widmark, returns to his home country to take over as Managing Director of Canon Sweden.

Commenting on his successor, Widmark said: “Mr. Agrawal has been heavily involved in the success of Canon’s growth in the Middle East and North Africa and has extensive experience in developing sales, marketing and service strategies for the company. With his solid background and knowledge of the regional industry, Mr. Agrawal is highly capable of driving Canon’s growth in the region.”

Outlining his strategy for the Middle East and North Africa, Agrawal said: “I look forward to using my experience to continue in working closely with our partners, and to drive growth by understanding the needs of the market and customers better”

Riverbed to Highlight How Companies Can Increase the Performance and Value of Their Existing IT Infrastructure

Dubai - March 7, 2010 - Riverbed Technology, the IT performance company, will demonstrate its wide area network (WAN) optimization solutions at its ‘Think Fast, Think Riverbed’ seminars taking place on March 9 at the Grand Habtoor Hotel in Dubai and March 10 at the Sheraton Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Many organizations are delving into new IT initiatives such as virtualization, private clouds, IT consolidation and cloud computing.  These organizations can leverage Riverbed WAN optimization to improve remote and mobile employee productivity, enable private clouds, and provide enterprise-wide network and application visibility. During these seminars, Riverbed will showcase how its solutions can speed the performance of applications between remote offices, private data centers and mobile workers, in some cases by up to 100 times. Riverbed Steelhead® products enable companies to consolidate IT, improve backup and replication processes to ensure data integrity, and improve staff productivity and collaboration.

“Organizations are constantly under pressure to improve the performance of their IT functions while reducing overall IT costs. During the seminars we will discuss how Riverbed can assist in achieving both of these goals through its broad range of solutions, including Steelhead appliances, Cascade, Steelhead Mobile and the Riverbed Services Platform (RSP),” said Philippe Elie, Regional Director, South Europe, Middle East & Africa, Riverbed.

“Riverbed is a critical part of our IT infrastructure. Without Riverbed we would have paid for a costly bandwidth upgrade. Riverbed enabled us to not only delay this expense, but we’ve also seen an improvement in employee productivity,” said Mehboob Lalani, infrastructure team leader at Aldar Properties.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the expected demand for Riverbed’s products and services, and statements relating to Riverbed’s ability to meet the needs of distributed organizations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include our ability to react to trends and challenges in our business and the markets in which we operate; our ability to anticipate market needs or develop new or enhanced products to meet those needs; the adoption rate of our products; our ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with our distribution partners; our ability to compete in our industry; flu
ctuations in demand, sales cycles and prices for our products and services; shortages or price fluctuations in our supply chain; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; general political, economic and market conditions and events; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  More information about these and other risks that may impact Riverbed’s business are set forth in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 12, 2010.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Any future product, feature or related specification that may be referenced in this release are for information purposes only and are not commitments to deliver any technology or enhancement. Riverbed reserves the right to modify future product plans at any time.

Dulsco strengthens portfolio of customised HR and knowledge solutions catering to IT sector

March 4, 2010

Dulsco has announced that it has witnessed a significant surge in demand for IT professionals in the UAE, reflecting the excellent growth potential of the IT sector, which according to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2009 to around USD 4.7 billion in 2013.

Dulsco believes that the UAE government’s increased focus on attracting global IT firms and its efforts to promote e-governance and provide online services have been key factors in creating exciting employment opportunities in the IT sector. Moreover, the UAE has also been investing in telecommunication and IT infrastructure as well as human resource as part of a strategy to develop the UAE into a premier regional hub for IT, which will help expand the country’s economic base by tapping into a potential market of nearly two billion people in Asia and the Middle East.

Satnam Grover, Senior Manager, Contract Staffing, Dulsco HR Solutions, said: “We believe that the growth of the IT sector in the UAE is dependent on two things: infrastructure development and human resource development. However, expenditure on IT infrastructure has always been one of the priorities of the UAE Government and the private sector, so I believe it is time to focus on recruiting world-class IT expertise.”

“HR will certainly play an important role in the growth and development of the IT industry, which will in turn boost recruitment activities in the IT sector. Dulsco is committed to complement the ongoing trend in the job market by developing customised HR outsourcing and recruitment solutions that cater to the demands of the IT sector. we can provide organisations with IT manpower and knowledge resources without requiring our clients to take long-term staffing commitments, this gives us the competitive edge in the market,” Grover added.

Dulsco’s HR Outsourcing division provides long-term, short-term and temporary staffing options for any office environment, including IT professionals, data entry operators, finance and administration, front and back-office support, counter sales, call-centre agents,. Dulsco also offers payroll management designed to provide Clients an option to outsource their HR department as a process hence allowing them to concentrate on core business activites.

Epson has announced the appointment of Ahmad Qasem as its new Channel Sales Manager for the Middle East region. Qasem had previously served as General Manager for Al Yousuf Digital, one of Epson’s local broad-line distributors. In his new role, Qasem will lead Epson’s efforts in strengthening the Middle East team and forging stronger ties with the company’s channel partners and clients across the region. He will also be tasked with promoting greater brand awareness for Epson products and will focus on developing new channel partnerships by tapping into new markets.
 
Commenting on the appointment, Khalil El Dalu, General Manager, Epson Middle East, said, “Epson has long valued the important role played by our channel partners and distributors. Implementing a strategy that will allow us to closely work with our partners will not only lead to stronger ties but also help drive in more sales growth in the region. Ahmad Qasem brings with him 12 years of solid experience in the 1st and 2nd tier channels in the Middle East and will be a valuable addition to Epson Middle East as we look to consolidate our market leadership.”

Ahmad Qasem said, “I am humbled by the confidence shown in me by Epson Middle East and I am eager to leverage my experience and in-depth local market knowledge to boost sales of Epson products and reinforce the company’s presence in the high potential regional market.”  

Qasem holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines. He has also attended various sales and computer trainings and seminars, which includes a course in Sales Management and Techniques from the University of Michigan in the US. Qasem was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by Epson for two years in a row from 2004 and 2005 and also received the Outstanding Contribution to Middle East Channel award in 2009 from ITP.