Heritage events & popular celebrations to attract travelers & boost local and regional business

September 1, 2010

Gamal-Sadek

The Sultanate of Oman has outlined its 2010 Ramadan and Eid program, which will run until September 9, 2010. The Oman government expects such events to accelerate tourism development and exceed the projected 3 per cent share of the tourism sector to the local GDP by the end of Oman’s Five-Year Plan spanning 2011 to 2015. The World Travel and Tourism Council has already predicted that Oman’s tourism sector will post the highest growth in the Middle East and the third-highest in the world in 2010.

The Ministry’s Ramadan and Eid programme includes entertaining and educational sight-seeing activities over the four-day Eid period. Children in particular will enjoy the visits to heritage locations in Oman’s interior region such as the Cultural Village in Bahla, Marah Land, Sawadi Beach, and Wadi Andam. Family-themed events such as group iftars, cultural and religious contests such as Quran memorization, and competitions in sports such as soccer and table tennis are also included in the Ministry’s 2010 Ramadan and Eid calendar.

“Last year’s Ramadan and Eid agenda was highly successful, so we are making sure that we have the right facilities, amenities and support for local businesses to repeat if not surpass 2009’s results. This season we shall once again fulfill our social responsibilities while supporting Oman’s overall economic growth. We call on the local business community to partner with us in securing a larger number of tourists while showcasing Oman’s unique heritage,” said Gamal Sadek, Director, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Offices, GCC.

Aside from its Ramadan programme, Oman’s Ministry of Tourism recently announced other highly-anticipated activities for the final quarter of 2010, including the Asian Beach Games, the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, and the 4th International Conference on Responsible Tourism.

Khalid-Al-Marri

Khalid Al Marri, General Supervisor of 9th Ramadan Forum and Iftar held in laborers accommodation in Al Qusais that the forum’s tents succeeded in attracting more than 8000 people in men and women tents during the lecture of Dr. Zakir Naik which was held the first day of the foreign lectures programs noting that the main tent is designed to fit 5000 people only. The organizing committee made great efforts in providing additional places and plasma screens in sideway areas of the main tent.

Al Marri added that organization, secure locations and movement flexibility during the event goes back to the committee’s planning since October. While the construction works and tents’ facilities began one month ago and everything was ready before the beginning of the forum including the souq tent and children tents pointing out that Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM”, Dubai Police, Civil Defense and Ambulance Services cooperated in ensuring the security and safety of the audience beginning from design, implementation and daily follow up.

Al Marri explained that the total space of the forum exceeds 10 meter square considering that all the facilities and logistics services are very close to the main tent and fit the needs of the audience at peak times from 10 pm till midnight. More than 5000 chairs with the possibility of increasing it whenever needed and providing air conditioning to face the current heat wave.

Al Marri explained that a full trained team from Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing “DTCM” includes more than 30 people who are working day and night to supervise the facilities of the forum an face any challenges during the crowded days referring to the cooperation of the audience with the instructions of the organizing committee.

“I am available on daily basis from 9 pm and leave after everyone is gone; I am also ready to accept any enquiry, question or complaints from the audience. Our aim is to allow the audience to enjoy the forum and benefit from the rituals and virtues of the holy month. I would also like to thank the gold and bronze sponsors for their achievements and success during the current session”, Al Marri concluded.

Network capacity increases 300 per cent, information exchange 200 per cent faster

August 24, 2010

Dubai eGovernment’s Infrastructure Management Department has completed upgrades to the Government Information Network (GIN) as part of its commitment to facilitate the emirate’s eTransformation and develop faster and easier access to its eServices. GIN serves as the cornerstone of the electronic infrastructure connecting government systems that effectively transfers information and handles transactions.  

“For updating the Government Information Network, we used the advanced ‘Cloud Computing’ technology to connect both local government departments in Dubai and regular clients. This involved increasing capacity by up to 300 per cent for the main network lines in order to meet the growing demand for eServices, adopting advanced technologies that meet the highest international standards, and accommodating additional capabilities required by the introduction of new services in local departments to cater to the future needs of all community segments. Moreover, the speed of information exchange was also boosted by up to 200 per cent,” said Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment.

“Dubai eGovernment spares no effort to apply the world’s latest technologies, electronic components and infrastructure to make it easier for government departments to offer secure and high-quality eServices to the public and thus excel in their specialized fields. Our decision to adopt shared service systems is based on the cost savings, flexibility and operational efficiency made possible by such structures, which are in line with general trends influenced by current global economic conditions,” added Bin Humaidan.

Matar Al Humairi, Director of Infrastructure Management Department, Dubai eGovernment, commented: “These upgrades significantly enhance connectivity and enable highly-efficient servicing of departmental business 24 hours a day. They support the departments’ information requirements in line with the vision of providing a one-stop-shop for client transactions and include high-level security features to prevent external intrusions and interference.”

“The enhancements represent the second stage of plans set forth by Dubai eGovernment in 2009 to upgrade the electronic networks of 36 local government departments. This phase was originally intended to cover the main network lines only but eventually expanded to include spare lines as well. The latest upgrades constitute 50 per cent of the entire plan,” he added.

Describing the benefits of the upgrades, Al Humairi said: “The network improvements have resulted in a 50 per cent increase in internet speed and therefore higher inter-departmental connectivity and communications. They have also enabled departments to gain access to advanced technologies and have substantially helped reduce operational costs.”

The Infrastructure Management Department, which  handled the implementation of the GIN upgrades, is one of three Dubai eGovernment sections that also include eServices and Government Resource Planning (GRP). Over the past few years Dubai eGovernment has built a unified, safe, cost-effective and highly reliable government information network to underpin Dubai’s electronic infrastructure. This network is managed by dedicated personnel who enforce policies for external connections and constantly monitor performance to guarantee uninterrupted work and immediate intervention during emergencies.

New Centre will meet the increased demand due to 60% growth in customers in 2010

Customer Center

Dubai, UAE, 23rd August, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) has launched a world class customer service center that provides customers with integrated services to cater to the demands of customers growing at the rate of 60 percent annually.

Designed to provide quality and efficient services, the new center reflects the company’s commitment to enhance customer support.

Empower’s customer base included individual customers as well as large businesses, including projects in Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Business Bay.

Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “Customers are the backbone of our operations as we believe customer satisfaction is the key to business success. As dedicated providers of district cooling services not only in the UAE but also in the region, we aspire to deliver satisfaction through a group of professionals backed with the knowledge and technical expertise. We offer our clients an experience rather than a service.”

The customer service center reflects the core values of Empower and it reinforces its position on the global front as an organization that delivers efficient service. The system is designed to manage customers’ queries through increased efficiency and productivity.

A dedicated team of Empower will be on hand at all times to serve customers in registration, bill payment, final bill and general enquiries.

Bin Shafar added: “Our customer base rose by 60 % in 2010. This is why we launched this center as the number of customers has increased dramatically. Customers of Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Business Bay can avail of this service.”

This is the third customer service center for Empower, after Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, which are only dedicated to bill payments. The customer servicing center timings will be from 9 am to 2 pm in Ramadan and from 7:30 am to 3:30 am thereafter.

The Dubai based company believes that district cooling technology achieves optimal results not only to customers but also to the society at a socio-economic level through diminishing the electricity and water consumption thus conserving the environmental resources of the Emirate of Dubai.

Empower’s district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. Empower which is a joint venture between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TECOM Investments has world class work stations being built on various locations in the Emirate of Dubai.

New technologies on the rise as growth projections for EMEA MFC market expected to exceed 12 per cent

August 02, 2010

Brother Gulf, the Middle East subsidiary of Brother Japan, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of printing, communication and digital imaging products for homes and offices, is showcasing its latest top-of-the-line products at the ‘IDC IT Managers Forum Egypt’, which opened today at the Four Seasons Hotel in Cairo. Bullish projections for the MFC market in the EMEA region, which according to latest IDC research will witness a 12.2 per cent growth by 2013, is driving the need for new technologies in colour laser multifunction peripherals and printer devices, and has prompted the manufacturer to stage an extensive participation at the event. Brother’s presence is also part of its expansion initiative in Egypt, where it recently named a new distributor – Smart Technology Company (SMARTEC).

Bassem El Halabi, Corporate Sales Manager – P&S Division, Brother Gulf, is set to present a detailed presentation on Brother’s latest product line up and how it will help companies in the midst of the economic downturn. This includes the new HL-5300 series for SMBs, which is designed to drive down printing costs and to reduce energy use, leverage print management tools to further reduce costs; and the HL-3000 Series Color LED Printer and 9000 Color LED All-in-One Series, which both offer prints up to 600×2400 dpi resolution, adjustable, 250-sheet paper capacity, Ethernet and high speed USB 2.0 interfaces and separate toner / drum set.  El Halabi will join some of the region’s most influential ICT thought leaders today, who will deliver high-impact presentations on the subjects of most importance to today’s IT Managers. 

Commenting on the importance of adopting MFCs among SMBs and enterprises, Shinji Tada, Managing Director, Brother Gulf, said, “It is important for IT managers, most of whom are focusing on finding ways to cut down on their expenses, to look for holistic solutions that does not only reduce costs but also ensure optimum quality. Our products have been developed to help companies save as much as 30 per cent on their imaging costs. The growing consumer awareness of the efficiency and advantages of utilising an MFC rather than a single function printer in the Egypt market presents excellent prospects for us, which also prompted us to participate in this pioneering event.”

While IT spending has been significantly affected by the economic recession since the second half of 2008, opportunities within managed print services are expected to become more aggressive as new vendors emerge and more customers begin to thoroughly appreciate the financial benefits of adopting technologically-advanced tools and solutions. The IDC IT Managers Forum: Smart IT Buyer Forum brings together business and technology experts from across the region to present best practices on how to become a smart IT buyer in a crisis situation.

“We are confident that our presence in this event will allow us to get closer to potential industry partners and IT managers, who will definitely benefits from the highly innovative technologies we have to offer. This is also in line with our aims to entrench our presence deeper into the Egyptian market, where we aim to achieve a 25 per cent increase in our domestic market share,” concluded Tada.

Parisian luxury fashion house SAINT HONORE announced the launch of stylish accessories, the perfect companion for any gentleman. Designed and crafted with the same attention to detail as our timepieces, SAINT HONORE pens and cufflinks are the expression of true refined elegance.

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.

China’s Taikang Life Insurance yesterday said a deal by an investing arm of Goldman Sachs to buy AXA’s $1.05 billion stake in Taikang was in the final stages of negotiations. The deal could give Goldman a substantial stake in China’s No4 life insurer and allow France’s AXA to shed a non-core asset. The negotiations are in the final stages and we expect to make an announcement soon,” said Chen Dongshen, CEO, Taikang Life.

The movie “2012” is showing now in cinemas across the region

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.

Port & industrial zone developer discusses economic impact of upcoming Khalifa Ports & Industrial Zone

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.

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.