Since 1885, SAINT HONORE has been reknowned as a trendy watchmaker synonymous with the world-famous “Paris-style”, and have created collections of unrivalled design. From Paris to New York, and Tokyo to Dubai, the brand’s exceptional watchmaking expertise exerts an irresistible attraction on those who love contemporary pieces.

Backed by “Swiss-made” quality, a unique spirit, high-status materials and bold finishes, SAINT HONORE offers watches, jewellery and accessories that reflect and interpret today’s desires.

Today SAINT HONORE is a truly global brand with a presence in more than 50 countries and is a fast growing style icon and creative force to reckon with. With two production houses utilizing centuries old traditions and expertise and blending it with modern design trends to create a contemporary collection designed to meet the tastes of discerning audiences worldwide. SAINT HONORE’s Tourbillon 1885 range has firmly established the brand’s credibility and technical virtuosity amongst the elite of watchmakers.

IWC Schaffhausen and the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVI take on a big-screen role as Jackson Curtis, played by John Cusack, determines to save his family from disaster in Roland Emmerich’s highly anticipated action film 2012.

The Pilot’s Mark XVI is one of the most iconic and coveted watches in the IWC collection. Characterized by its 39mm case and uniquely bold, simple styling, the Mark XVI is a self-winding mechanical watch with a design reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit. It is equipped with a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields and antireflective sapphire glass secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. As a result it is the perfect fit for Jackson Curtis as he tries to save himself and his family.

Commenting on the announcement, Benoit de Clerck, President of IWC North America said, “In each of his films, and especially in 2012, Roland Emmerich has shown not only an impressive skill for story, but also incredible technical capabilities to realize the visual effects he’s envisioned. IWC shares his passion for innovation, precision, fine details, and craftsmanship, so we’re thrilled to play a role in the film and support its release.”

Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists, and governments. 2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. The film is directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser. The film is produced by Harald Kloser, Mark Gordon, and Larry Franco.

Probus Scafusia – Good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen

IWC Schaffhausen has been setting standards in technological development and highly complicated Haute Horlogerie for more than a century.

The International Watch Company, founded in 1868, has established a world reputation for itself as a Swiss watch manufactory with a long heritage and a passion for ingenious inventions, innovative solutions and technical refinements.

May 31, 2010

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), master developer and regulator of ports and industrial zones in Abu Dhabi, presented its development agenda to a delegation from the Arab Ports Federation, headed by Chairman H.E. Sheikh Dr. Sabah Gaber Al Ali Al Sabah, during a visit to ADPC’s corporate headquarters last Thursday (May 27, 2010). ADPC’s Executive Vice President – Ports Unit, Tawfiq Yousef Al Mubarak, welcomed the group. 

During the visit, ADPC officials provided updates on Khalifa Port, which will replace Abu Dhabi’s existing port, Mina Zayed, by 2012. ADPC is developing the harbour as part of the multi-billion dollar Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ), which will provide critical infrastructure to support the accelerated growth of Abu Dhabi’s industrial and commercial sectors as outlined in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision.

“Our development plans for Abu Dhabi’s ports are designed to be in alignment with the region’s long-term maritime strategy, which is why we consider H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al Sabah’s visit as an excellent opportunity to enhance collaboration on the overall Arab maritime agenda. We are pleased that H.E. shares our vision of developing ports that do not compromise the safety and health of its environments,” said Mr Mubarak.

The Arab Ports Federation was established in 1976 to reinforce the development of Arab maritime ports. As one of the Arab Specialized Federations working within the Arab League, the Federation oversees the maritime activities and needs of 20 member countries.

Founded in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports Company has control and regulatory enforcement power over all of Abu Dhabi’s commercial ports and assets. The company is developing several new ports along the emirate’s coastline to support the rapidly growing local economy. The first of five phases of its centerpiece Khalifa Port project is scheduled to be completed by the 4th quarter of 2012.

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/.

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.

Courtesy of adage.com What marketing campaigns form the last fifty years do you remember the most? Probably only a few, and we bet that most of them are the ones that touched your heart and moved you emotionally. It’s not all about making money, and these campaigns show that the most memorable work is done not for the company, but for the public.

1. American Express Statue of Liberty Restoration (1983): During a three-month period, American Express offered to contribute 1 cent for each card transaction and $1 for each new card issued. The campaign raised $1.7 million to restore the statue and Ellis Island.

2. Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives (1999 to present): Consumers were asked to save and mail in millions of sticky lids to raise 10 cents each to support Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer patient. To date it has raised more than $26 million.

3. Dove Campaign for Real Beauty (2004 to present): Unilever developed the Dove Self-Esteem Fund and hopes to reach 5 million young women with information on positive body image by the end of 2010.

4. 1,000 Playgrounds in 1,000 Days (2005 to 2008): The Home Depot and KaBOOM took employee volunteerism to build great places for kids to play within walking distance of their homes.

5. The Members Project (2007 to 2008): American Express pioneered the use of social media to direct corporate giving and buttressed brand appreciation with this effort. Over two years it gave away $4.5 million, including top winners the Alzheimer’s Association and U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

6. Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity (2004 to 2007): The appliance maker transformed its previously little-known commitment to CSR by providing a refrigerator to each Habitat for Humanity home built in the U.S.

7. Lee National Denim Day (1996 to the present): Lee, a traditonal male brand, embraced the breast cancer cause by empowering consumers to organize workplace drives at which employees contributed $5 for the right to wear jeans to work on the first Friday in October. Over 13 years, the program has raised nearly $75 million for breast cancer research and advocacy.

8. Product (Red) (2006 to the present): With their privately held company, Bono and Bobby Shriver created a cause marketing campaign (RED). They licensed the brand to GAP, Apple, Armani and many other retailers. (RED) has raised more than $140 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

9. Live Strong Bracelet (2004 to present): Nike and Lance Armstrong Foundation first came up with the idea to raise funds and awareness to super cyclist’s cancer by yellow rubber bands.

Get all the latest info on the newest innovations within the world of mass media. Whoever geeks out at the latest technology and innovations in the market should easily be able to spot out Kindle. Kindle is a software and hardware device that stores and downloads e-books and digital media. It is a thin, lightweight, electronic reading device that you can take anywhere to download your favorite books, newspapers or magazines. In 2007, the internet’s largest bookseller, amazon.com, introduced Kindle to the market.

The Kindle screen simulates paper, and you can read it even in bright sunlight with no glare whatsoever. One of the features of the device is its slim model. Kindle is just over 1/3 of an inch thick. Another feature is its light weight where it’s only 10.2 ounces. In addition to that, you can store over 1500 books in your Kindle, so it has plenty of space. Kindle also has a long battery life as you might be able to read for days without recharging. Moreover, with your wireless 3G mobile phone you can download new books anytime and anywhere. There’s even a “Read to Me Feature” where you can set the Kindle to read text to you whenever you want to give your eyes a break.

Definitely one of the coolest gadgets to come out in a very long time!

If you spend most of your time at a desk or sitting in meetings, you know that it takes a lot of work to maintain a healthy physique that you can be proud of. While exercising and sleeping are extremely important, there’s no denying that you are what you eat. A lot of research has been conducted regarding the diet plan in respect to one’s body, and we recently discovered that there are also plans depending on one’s blood type. A well-known concept “Blood Type Diet” is a plan based on the research conducted by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, and some of us at O2 have decided to give it a try. Maybe it will for you!

Type A should basically stick to fruits and vegetables (high carbs / low fat). They have thicker blood than other blood types, a sensitive immune system, and should not consume dairy products, animal fats and meats. They are at a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Type B should consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, grains, fish, dairy, meat. However, they should avoid chicken as much as possible. Type B have great chances of overcoming many types of diseases that include heart disease and cancer.

Type AB individuals should consume a mostly vegetarian diet, and only on rare occasions have fish, meat, and diary. Just like type B, they should not consume chicken.

Type O, which is the most common blood type among people, should basically stick to a high protein diet that includes red meat, low carbs, and enriched with fruits and vegetables. They should limit the intake of wheat germ, whole wheat products, corn, and avoid dairy products and most nuts. Type O types are commonly affected with hypothyroidism, high stomach acid that leads to ulcers, and thinner blood with greater resistance to blood clotting.

Choosing the right snacks for your office breaks is incredibly important to maintain a good work/life balance. If you don’t know your blood type, go to your local doctor and find out today! It could be the key to a healthier you…

As the concerns about the global warming and climate changes affect all of us around the globe, the UAE has established its own unique approach to encourage public awareness and resource conservation. On February 17, 2009, The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched a campaign centered on the websitewww.heroesoftheuae.ae.

The aim of this campaign is for everyone around the UAE to take action in being energy efficient and to raise awareness of the shortages of energy resources. The campaigns website contains a forum for the public to show their support for saving energy. Despite the many serious environmental problems lingering in the world, this website points out available and successful solutions adopted by everyday people.

The website features many graphics and animated images that explain the energy and environmental situation in a very simple manner. Cool features also include a list of energy saving tips and a calculator that can tell how households can save on their consumption. Other sections of the website show “green” case studies, some facts about the main issues in UAE, and competitions and quizzes for schools children.

This campaign really is a thoughtful gesture from the UAE for the sake of saving our planet. As they say, everyone should act now because anyone can be a hero.