“Since the launch of Samsung’s Smart TV range, we have managed to bring in strong numbers every quarter. Samsung’s aim to outperform the market and enhance profitability through marketing and sales expansion of premium products such as LED TVs and Smart TVs supported by customized TV applications has materialized into the great numbers we saw for DMA in the fourth quarter,” said Vinod Nair, General Manager of CTV at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

In the Gulf region, Samsung Smart TVs currently hold 45 percent market share. Samsung’s dominant position in the region is spurred by the demand for digital convergent products, consumer adaptability towards new technology, and locally relevant content and applications found in Samsung’s Smart Hub. The Smart features that constitute the Smart Hub include: AllShare, Search All, Samsung Apps, Second TV, Web Browser and Social TV.

“In the Gulf market we recorded a 21 percent increase year-on-year in digital media and appliances’ sales for the fourth quarter of 2011,” he added.

For the year, the Digital Media business’s combined global revenue totaled USD 51.82 billion, with operating profit up 229 percent on-year to USD 928.67 million.

Sales of LED TVs grew strongly during the fourth quarter on traditionally high seasonal demand, achieving 40 percent growth on-quarter. Against this, Samsung outperformed the market by focusing on sales of premium models, shipping over 55 percent more LED TVs compared to the previous quarter.

In 2012, weak seasonality in the first quarter will see an on-quarter decrease in demand, although overall market growth is expected for the year, driven by strong growth momentum in emerging markets. In developed markets, Samsung will leverage its premium LED television offerings to lift sales as LED TV sales rise to account for more than 60 percent of the global flat panel TV market in 2012.

Overall, Samsung posted global revenues of USD 42.19 billion on a consolidated basis for the fourth quarter, a 13-percent increase year-on-year. For the quarter, the company posted consolidated operating profit of USD 4.72 billion, representing a 79-percent increase year-on-year. Consolidated net profit for the quarter was USD 3.56 billion. The fourth quarter global results brought Samsung’s full year 2011 revenue to an all-time high of USD 147.19 billion, up 7 percent from the previous year. Global Net income registered USD 12.24 billion, down 15 percent compared with 2010, while operating profit was USD 14.49 billion, a 6-percent on-year decline.

Total assets grew to Dhs264m, compared to Dhs125.8m on the date of commencement of business. Gross Premiums Written cross Dhs15m.

Commenting on the results of the company, Mohammed Alqubaisi, Chairman of IH, said, “This is a remarkable achievement for a start-up company, which commenced operations less than 8 months ago.”

“In terms of brand recognition and acceptability as a stable insurance services provider, Insurance House has made rapid strides. We are already enlisted as an approved insurance provider with reputed insurance brokers across the UAE and have also successfully attracted top-tier local and international companies as our clients. This is evidenced by Gross Premiums written in excess of Dhs15m in a very short span of time,” added Alqubaisi.

During the calendar quarter ending 31 December 2011, the company inaugurated 2 new branches in Dubai and Sharjah. This is in line with the planned branch expansion strategy of the company into key target markets across the UAE, in addition to its home base, Abu Dhabi.

According to Mohammed Othman, General Manager, of Insurance House, “IH is now fully associated with the Traffic Police departments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is mandatory to issue motor insurance policies covering vehicles registered across the UAE. Additionally, IH has also signed contracts with renowned agency garages across the UAE to facilitate seamless services to our valued customers.”

“Insurance House has also expanded the reach of its Health Insurance coverage by making state-of-the-art medical facilities affordable to UAE residents, thereby contributing its might towards building a healthy nation of UAE nationals and expatriates,” Othman added.

Commenting on the company’s Investment Strategy, Alqubaisi said, “IH’s Investment Strategy is robust, well thought out and clearly documented in the Investment Policy Manual that covers asset selection criteria, asset allocation guidelines and exit strategies. We have contracted a Professional Investment Manager, FH Capital Limited, for Investment Portfolio Advisory and Management Services. Substantial investments are already made in carefully selected high investment grade albeit liquid instruments that should generate healthy and consistent returns on a sustained basis.”

According to Othman, “Operationally, IH is fully equipped with state-of-the-art IT Systems, well documented operating policies & procedures and claims handling processes. We have been able to attract to our ranks, top caliber insurance professionals with extensive experience in the UAE market. Our operating cost model is very efficient and rapidly scalable in line with business growth. This should give us sustained advantage in a highly competitive market, especially if premiums across insurance classes come under pressure.”

More than 15% of the company’s current work force comprises of UAE nationals, manifesting its strong commitment to the development of UAE nationals in the insurance sector. This is way ahead of the minimum required quota set by the UAE Insurance Authority. IH is also committed to the “Go Green” initiative for environmental protection. All paper used throughout the company is made from recycled materials only.

Looking ahead, Alqubaisi said, “We look forward to 2012 with optimism and have set ambitious business growth targets and branch expansion plans. Our strategy is sound and we have the necessary mechanisms & structures in place to grow profitably and maximize returns for our shareholders.”

More than $106 billion of major projects will be awarded between now and 2022 in the Gulf state, with significant investment in oil and gas, heavy industry, electricity generation and water desalination, social infrastructure and transportation links, figures from MEED’s 2011/12 Qatar Projects report.

Infrastructure spending will dominate the next five years with around $65 billion due to be invested in a series of new transportation schemes including the new $11 billion Doha International airport, the $6 billion Doha port project and a $25 billion metro and railway.

“More European architecture and construction firms are expected to head to Qatar as it invests heavily in building a world-class infrastructure system both for the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2022 and for Qatar Vision 2030,” said Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events.

Despite an expected slowdown this year, the outlook for the economy of the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas remains positive with GDP growth projected at 6 percent, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts.

British engineering firm Atkins is the latest European company to be awarded a project in Qatar after it won a US$107 million contract earlier this month to set up a Central Planning Office for infrastructure and transport contracts, its second major contract win there in recent months.

“This latest contract win in Qatar strengthens our position in the region even further as we are working with government stakeholders to help them to deliver the most comprehensive and integrated infrastructure investment programme in the region’s history,” said Uwe Krueger, Chief Executive, Atkins.

Atkins is one of several European firms attending the conference. Others include Mott MacDonald, Foster + Partners and GMP Architekten.

Leading multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, Hilson Moran, is another European company that is increasing its focus on Qatar after it opened its second GCC office in Doha last year.

While last year’s conference attracted a record-breaking 644 attendees, the 2012 event has been expanded to include more client-led presentations and case study analysis, providing an in-depth look at the mega projects and investment and construction opportunities available. Increased focus on market research data with detailed sector profiles and forecasts providing invaluable future project information will add a new dimension to the debate with two days of interactive discussion.

Separate conference streams will focus on energy projects covering petrochemicals, power and water, as well as road, rail, aviation, real estate, social infrastructure and sports sector initiatives.

The confirmed list of speakers includes; H.E. Abdulla Bin Saoud al-Thani,

Governor, Qatar Central Bank; Engineer Nasser Ali al-Mawlawi, President, Ashghal; Remy Rowhani, Director General, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry; George Nasra, Managing Director, IBQ; Engineer Saad Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mohanadi, CEO, Qatar Railways Company; Khalifa al-Sowaidi, Managing Director, QAFCO; Monjid Abdelmajeed, Managing Director, REDCO Construction - Almana and Engineer Jalal Yousef al-Salihi, Director Infrastructure Affairs, Public Works Authority (Ashghal)

Qatar Projects 2012 is sponsored by International Bank of Qatar and Redco Construction - Almana. The official conference partner is Qatar Petroleum, supported by the Ministry of Business and Trade and Ashghal.

For more information on Qatar Projects: www.qatarprojectsconference.com

“We are very pleased to build upon Cleveland Clinic’s longstanding relationships with leaders from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to share medical knowledge and enhance care to patients in the country,” says Toby M. Cosgrove, M.D., President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic. “Sharing medical best practices and furthering the Cleveland Clinic’s mission across borders benefits patients worldwide.”

“Cleveland Clinic is a worldwide renowned healthcare institute that would definitely add great value to the healthcare reform that Saudi Arabia is witnessing under the leadership of the Minister of health His Excellency Dr.Abdullah Al-Rabee’a.” commented Wael Kaawach M.D MBA, CEO of Healthcare Development Holding company (HDH), who expressed his excitement about this affiliation. “It is our vision in HDH to be the leading healthcare development company through enhancing both the infrastructure and quality of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia, and this affiliation is a big step towards achieving this vision” Cleveland Clinic has over 40 years relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and continues to show it in its commitment in many ways. This establishment of a base in Riyadh allows HDH to collaborate with Cleveland Clinic to transfer much needed intellectual property to support the advancement of healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

The employees at Cleveland Clinic’s affiliate office in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will help to foster relationships with key stakeholders through multiple Cleveland Clinic education, training programs, and knowledge sharing initiatives. The Cleveland Clinic office will provide expanded access to patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that may need medical second opinions and or appointments request from Cleveland Clinic physicians in the US.

In addition, the Cleveland Clinic affiliate office team will be organizing educational lectures and symposiums to add value to the medical community on best practices to treat medical conditions that are prevalent in the region.

Mr. Abdulrahman Al Habbad, Human Resource Manager, Marina Hotel offered a presentation to the students illustrating the way a hotel functions. The students were familiarized with the various departments of the hotel including Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Desk, Administration and Fitness & Spa and were taken for a brief tour within the hotel premises

Mr. Nabil Hammoud, General Manager of the hotel said: “Marina Hotel has an ongoing cooperation with government institutions in Kuwait. It is a privilege to welcome students from academic institutions who visit us to gain an understanding on the hospitality sector. We have always been proactive with schools and this visit serves as an opportunity for the students to gain invaluable insight into work-life and environment and attain a professional service orientation.”

As part of its ongoing commitment towards supporting the youth and society, Marina Hotel Kuwait is always keen to work with the government and private institutes in Kuwait.

For more information, please visit our website: www.marinahotel.com

With Egypt considered the Hollywood of the region, and Syria becoming known for producing top-quality television and film dramas, the current conflict has resulted in numerous productions being halted due to security issues, as well as problems with obtaining funding. Additionally, business has been slow for the whole region, with most record companies and film distributors reporting that profits are down compared with last year. After all, with a population of 80 million, Egypt is one of the biggest markets for CDs, DVDs and cinema ticket sales.

Not surprisingly, most of the region’s top singers opted not to release albums this year out of respect for what was happening in the region, as well as for fear of low sales.

Lebanese singer Yara, who was due to release a Khaleeji album this year, told tabloid! she decided to wait until 2012 as it was not the right time. Meanwhile, other artists such as Nancy Ajram, Elissa and Sherine also did not release new material this year.

Two notable releases this year came from Amr Diab and Tamer Hosney who put out their albums this summer, a decision they perhaps are regretting now due to the fact that neither did particularly well in the charts. When protests first kicked off in Egypt, for example, Diab was criticised for not appearing to support the uprising, while Hosney was booed out of Tahrir Square as many felt he was there just to benefit his career and increase his fanbase.

But while many supported the previous regime, others came out in full force supporting the protesters’ demands. Over the past year, Khalid Abol Naga has been actively campaigning for change, with the Unicef Goodwill Ambassador appearing on various television news networks talking about the situation.

In Syria, celebrities have had to be more careful with what they say publicly due to fear of being banned from their country, but those who have come out to actively support change include Asalah and Sulaf Fawakherji.

We said goodbye to …

We were sad to reveal the deaths of some of Showbiz Arabia’s favourite stars. The most shocking has to be Amer Mounib, who died at the age of 47 after a long battle with cancer. The music world was devastated by the news, with a huge number of celebs, including Wama’s Nader Hamdy, Haifa Wehbe and Hesham Abbas all expressing their shock on their Facebook pages.

Meanwhile, just as he was about to make a comeback, popular folk singer Hassan Al Asmar died of a heart attack aged 52.

We also said goodbye to legends Omar Al Hariri, Hind Rostom and Hassan Dakkah.

Yummy mummies

For these celebs, it seems like while things were quiet work-wise, they got busy making babies instead! First-time moms this year include Tunisian actress Hind Sabry, Jordanian singer Mai Selim, as well as Lebanese stars Cerine Abdul Nour and Pascale Mishalani.

Giving birth for the second, third or fourth time were Egyptian actresses Nelly Karim and Yasmine Abdul Aziz, Asalah gave birth to twins, and Lebanese star Nancy Ajram welcomed another girl.

Memorable celeb visits:

It has been a busy year for Showbiz Arabia and we enjoyed meeting and interviewing every single celebrity, but there’s no doubt that those who visited the UAE were extra memorable.

We were there when Elissa was chosen as a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef, we caught Haifa Wehbe at Cirque du Soir, we met Saber Al Roubaie at the press conference for the charity song Bokra, and hung out with Yara and Myriam Fares on promotional tours. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2012. Bring it on!

Gold Arab Emirate (GOLD AE) DMCC has announced that they had over USD 500 million total trade volume in 2011, mainly from Dubai, Turkey, Kuwait and Switzerland branches. Dubai, in particular, has generated substantial trade volume driven by the continuing surge in local demand, as local imports have reached up to 3 tonnes of gold each year, reaffirming the emirate’s growing status as the ‘City of Gold’. Further underlining the rise in Dubai’s gold consumption, official statistics from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Authority show that the total gold trading volumes in H1 (first half) of 2011 reached 580 tonnes (average price USD 1,455), with exports down from 225 to 214 tonnes highlighting a greater consumption in the local market.

GOLD AE expects trade volumes to further increase as gold remains the best investment. The UAE has traditionally been a major gold trading hub, a Ministry of Foreign Trade (MOFT) study showing the country to be among the world’s top five gold traders from 2005 – 2009, ranking second globally in gold imports in 2009 alone with USD 14.5 billion worth of gold imports which is equivalent to 16.6 per cent of global imports. In the same period, the UAE ranked third globally in gold exports with a 10 per cent share of global exports at a value of USD 10.5 billion.

Mohammed Abu Al Haj, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Abu Al Haj Holding Limited and the Chairman of GOLD AE, said: “I believe that gold is the only safe-haven investment for 2012 and everyone shall have at least 20 per cent of their portfolio in physical gold. In this regard, GOLD AE therefore serves as a gateway for investors by offering a wide range of alternative solutions for gold investments. I also believe that gold price will reach over USD 2,500/ounce by the end of 2012. Nobody can deny that inflation and possibly hyper-inflation will take place in 2012, and the only thing that can protect an individual’s net worth from such inflation is gold. Money can be printed, gold not! For that reason gold always keeps its value. Moreover, I believe that Dubai will be the main gold hub in the world since it has the best logistics and investors’ supply/demand satisfaction.”

Licensed by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Authority, GOLD AE primarily provides 24/7 spot trading of gold and silver bullion in a wide range of sizes and weights. GOLD AE also has an e-shop that offers collectibles in gold and silver, GOLD AE signature products, and custom-designed coins, an exclusive service that features both machine and laser-engraved sketches. Moreover, the company offers physical bullion delivery anywhere in the world. GOLD AE is a subsidiary of Abu Alhaj Holding, which has business interests in investment banking, commodities, industry, real estate and agriculture since the 1970s. GOLD AE has offices in UAE, Turkey, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan and Switzerland. Through GOLD AE Switzerland AG, the company offers alternative financial investment portfolios and asset management.

The one day workshop organised in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and hosted at RIT Dubai Campus, focused on emerging ICT trends such as Cloud Computing solutions and Mobility solutions. Cloud Computing is recognised to be the most transformational trend worldwide and Etisalat is leading this trend in the UAE, with many innovative applications planned to be launched on the Cloud Computing platform.

Businesses utilising Cloud Computing can benefit from zero up-front initial investments, paying only for services used. Cloud based services can provide reduced costs, greater resource efficiency, enhanced flexibility with Pay-as-you-go model, and quick adaptations with simplified change management cycles, higher quality of service, increased reliability (24/7 availability) and technology refresh.

Commenting on the event, Ghanem Al Falasi - Senior Vice President, Corporate Services at DSOA, said: “Offering state-of-art technology and facilities has always been our priority at Dubai Silicon Oasis that has contributed to successfully attracting leaders in the technology industry to the integrated free zone technology park. By organising focused ICT workshops with esteemed partners such as Etisalat, we aim to create an unparalleled technology eco-system encouraging adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing that are beneficial to our customers.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Ghanem Al Merri, Deputy General Manager, Etisalat - Dubai Region, said: “The Cloud Computing platform is a transformational phenomenon that will change the way ICT services are provisioned and consumed by businesses. The Etisalat Cloud offerings will allow businesses to access a diverse array of applications and extend their IT infrastructure capabilities with minimal cost, and significant flexibility and speed.”

“This ICT workshop in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis is part of our long term strategy aimed at developing a closer relationship with our Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) customers located within specific business zones across the country and to deliver the best in telecom and ICT services to enhance customer satisfaction,”  Added Ghanem Al Merri.

During the workshop, Etisalat demonstrated all the three types of clouds i.e. Private Clouds, Hybrid Clouds and Public Clouds. The focal point of the workshop was to guide the organisations to create a sustainable ICT strategy for future, and leverage the already existing ICT infrastructure.

In terms of Business Solutions, Etisalat today is engaged in delivering a comprehensive range of services encompassing Business Connectivity, Managed ICT, Business Mobility and e-Business and Managed Security services, thereby offering organisations an ICT partner for better business.

Dr. Al Shamsi’sremarks were part of his presentation titled ‘Governmental Education in the UAE’during a workshop that was organized by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. More than 30 students and faculty members attended the event that is part of Masdar Institute’s initiative to host renowned experts in various fields for knowledge sharing.

Speaking on the Abu Dhabi Government’s initiative to implementan integrated system for education development,Dr. Al Shamsi said it would increase technology education by 40% and create graduates capable of contributing to innovation in renewable energy.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsisaid:“Abu Dhabi’s integrated developed plan is being implemented in cooperationwith all educational institutions that aim to develop a general curriculum. This is designedtobuild a new generation of talentedUAEnationalsspecialized in engineering and technology, especially in renewable energy, that is required to builda knowledge-based economy in the country.

“The Institute for Applied Technology is currentlyfocused on integratingits work with Masdar Institute and other educational institutions to provide the industrial enterprises with high-tech graduates who will have all the ingredients to be creative in the fields of technology, engineering and renewable energy. Masdar Institute of Science and Technology already serves as a pioneer in moldinga new generationof specialists in renewable and clean energy.”

Masdar Institute currently offers eight diverse post-graduate programs in highly specialized areas of advanced energy andsustainable technology fields with adequate options for research and innovation. The number of awarded research projects during the year has touched 110 and theycoverareas including water, environment and health, future energy systems, microsystems and advanced materials, and other ancillary fields.

Dr. Al Shamsi stressed on the need to increase the percentage of students in technology education by 40% at the high school level, which will strengthen the foundation in the secondary education development plan, and result inshaping qualified and talented UAE nationals with the capability to build a knowledge economy and meet the objectives spelt out in Abu Dhabi’sVision 2030. He also pointed out that the plan needs to include three major learning streamsto choose at the middle school level. These include an education program in high schools,a secondary technical school program, and academicprograms at secondary schools.

Dr. Al Shamsi said:“The proposed education system willstrengthen theacademic programs for high school graduates,so that students areadequately trained inacquiring workplace skills to support the technological and industrial development in the country. The specialtechnical programs could be offered attechnical colleges and polytechnic institutesto prepare students for higher diploma in various technological and technical disciplines,with opportunities to complete theiracademic track whenever they could.”

Dr Al Shamsihas established a school system of seven campuses located across the UAE. Under his leadership IAT achieved the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) system accreditation, to become the first secondary school to obtain this prestigious official recognition outside the US. He also led the efforts to establish higher learning institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Al Ain International Aviation Academy, and Fatima College for Health Science in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi holds a Ph.D from the Duke University, US. He received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Boston University.

Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change.

Panasonic Marketing Middle East in association with Alesayi Electronics opened a new eco friendly Customer Care Centrein Jeddah, only a few months after the devastating fire that completely destroyed the Panasonic office, it was announced today.

Alesayi Electronics Co. Ltd., sole agent of Panasonic Corporation in Saudi Arabia, has one of the largest sales and service infrastructures in the kingdom, with offices and distribution warehouses strategically located in the major and minor cities.

“We are proud to offer our customers the Kingdom’s first eco Customer Care Centre, which we hope will inspire a green lifestyle,” commented Seiji Koyanagi, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

“The establishment of the eco Customer Care Center in Jeddah adds a new dimension to our customer-centric initiatives and will set the tone for expanding such facility in different part of the kingdom in the near future,” added Koyanagi.

Panasonic is strongly committed to conserving the environment, and to ensure a sustainable future. This facility will also serve to encourage Panasonic employees and customers to lead conservation efforts in cooperation with the local communities.

The new Customer Care Centre is located at Al Bawadi area of Jeddah and is part of the Japanese manufacturer’s aim to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry in the Middle East.

This centre is the first green concept Customer Care Centre in the Kingdom, and its aim is to promote Panasonic’s eco friendly concept and act as a collection point for all digital products.Panasonic has been leading environmental initiatives that are tailored to support local communities and the Japanese giant is committed to offering a green lifestyle to its customers, as well as pursuing a green business-style in its everyday business activities.

“Customers expect only the best service from Alesayi, and new eco customer care centre will be another benchmark for us,” commented Khalid Alghazzi, Executive Managing Director, Alesayi Electronics.

“Alesayi Electronics has gained a wealth of technical expertise in repair services over the years. We are confident that we can provide a superior level of after sales service complimented by fully qualified and certified staff and technicians,” added Alghazzi.

Panasonic aims to double the regional sales of Superior Green Productsby March 2013. Superior Green Products,which have been internally certified by Panasonic, are those that have achieved the industry’s top environmental performance in terms of energy saving, effective utilization of resources and the management of chemical substances.

Panasonic’s eco Customer Care Centre strives to serve consumers in the best eco-friendly manner - a small step for a greener future.