Safi Airways, the leading International airline of Afghanistan, has appointed dnata as its General Sales Agent (GSA) representing the airline for its new flight between Abu Dhabi and Kabul.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant airline, which will commence operations on the new route from 5th of January 2012, made the announcement at a special ceremony held at the Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi yesterday (December 19).

“This new air link will contribute to the development of Safi Airways,” said Hamid Safi, CEO of Safi Airways.

“We believe there is great potential to increase demand and we are pleased to have appointed dnata as our sales agent for Abu Dhabi,” He added.

dnata will provide Safi Airways with a dedicated ticketing service and give the airline access to its 24 hour call centre for flight booking and general travel support.

Commenting on the appointment, Abdulla Tawakul Senior VP, Corporate and Regional Network, dnata , said, “We are pleased to represent Safi Airways as a sales agent and we will tap into our extensive regional network of partner agencies to support and grow the airline’s business.”

The new route will be flown four times a week on Safi’s newly acquired A320 which has 12 business and 132 economy class seats. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online and through Amadeus, major GDS with all IATA agents worldwide.

Engineer Azza Torky: “TE Data intends to expand its CSR activities to include other villages in Fayoum”

Press Release

Cairo: December 21st, 2011

TE Data announced finalizing the development of Zaki village in Fayoum. TE Data provided the villagers with health and educational services in addition to their basic necessities such as water, electricity and roofing.  TE Data’s employees also helped them register for birth certificates and ID cards.

TE Data has recently undertaken the development of one of the poorest villages in Fayoum governorate; “Zaki” after conducting a competition called “3ashanek ya Misr” on its Facebook page for the best CSR project .The competition was a great success leading to choosing villages development as the winning initiative as it serves a large number of underprivileged citizens in the society.

“TE Data is very proud of this project” Engineer Azza Torky, TE Data’s Chairman said during a press conference held on the 20th of December 2011.

Torky said that TE Data was able to provide the villagers with their basic necessities from food to medical supplies, in addition to small projects to families in need, stressing that TE Data intends to expand its CSR activities to include other villages in Fayoum as well. The project took around four months in cooperation with dynamic NGOs namely Bedaya and El Orman.  “Our intention is to make El Fayoum governorate a role model for others to follow” added Torky.

Tamer Gaddalla, Managing Director of the enterprise unit in TE Data, said that TE Data was able to implement this project in a relatively short time due to the commitment of TE Data staff and strong desire in improving the living standards of their fellow Egyptians.

TE Data employees paid several visits to Zaki village in order to follow up on the developing process and to maintain a constant relationship with the families in Zaki village. They were accompanied with medical convoys to provide health services and treatment to the villagers in addition to conducting a comprehensive survey on the number of villagers who couldn’t afford to be officially registered whether through National ID cards or birth certificates. This was vital to help the villagers get registered and get birth certificates and ID cards.

“Each employee will be in touch with a family from “Zaki” village on a regular basis to assess their needs and provide them with psychological care and consistent attention” added Gadalla.

During the Press conference, TE Data gave a special award to engineer Haitham El Desouky who won first place in “Science Stars” competition. TE Data had started a press and social media campaign calling on Egyptians to vote for him.

TE Data’s Managing Director Ahmed Ossama said that TE Data had directed its social media channels to call all Egyptians to vote for Haitham and help him win “We are truly proud of El Desouky’s accomplishment and we will continue, not just as a company but as Egyptians as well, to support him in every way possible”

Ossama stressed on the importance of scientific research in Egypt as key to the development and progression of society in the coming period.

Manama : The Ministry of Culture, Tourism Sector began their celebrations for National Day yesterday with a live performance by the Mohammed Bin Faris Band at the Bab Al Bahrain Souq. The traditional band performed national songs to mark the occasion, bringing together a crowd that included shoppers who joined in the festivities.

The Ministry of Culture Tourism sector will also hold two more live performances in continuous celebrations for this, Bahrain’s 40th National Day. A live performance by the 13th Note Jazz band will take place today and tomorrow from 4:30pm- 7pm at the Bab Al Bahrain Souq to mark this auspicious occasion.

AMMAN, JORDAN -  – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will welcome a new hotel to its growing portfolio in the Middle East – the Fairmont Amman, expected to open in 2014.

This luxurious hotel will be situated next to the Fifth Circle in the heart of Amman, less than 30 minutes from the airport, adjacent to the Embassy District, the new Royal Jordanian headquarters, the Abdali Development and its growing commercial enterprises as well as the desirable residential community of Abdoun.

The Fairmont Amman will feature 290 luxurious guestrooms and suites including Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle offering featuring amenities such as private reception and guest lounge.  The hotel’s food and beverage offerings will provide unique concepts designed to add flair and sophistication to an already exciting city. There will be a number of specialty restaurants and bars taking full advantage of the views and outdoor venues. Guests can relax and rejuvenate in Willow Stream, Fairmont’s signature Spa brand, as well as enjoy panoramic city views from the pool deck.  For corporate events, weddings and local galas, over 2,000 square meters of function space, including an 800 square meter ballroom, , will allow Fairmont to customize all aspects of meetings and events for meeting planners.

A contemporary design in harmony with the Jordanian landscape is under the aegis of award-winning WATG, the world’s leading design consultant for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries. Interior Design will be led by London-based GA Design International, with over twenty years of experience and with offices located in London, Budapest and Kuala Lumpur.

Isam Khatib and Partners, the developer of the Fairmont Amman, has established one of the largest and most reputable real estate groups in the country, with vast experience in developing high end commercial and residential projects.

“Amman is a key gateway destination in the region, and this property will be an important addition to the growing Fairmont brand,” said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “Jordan has seen increasing investment in a variety of business sectors and we believe the market will respond positively to the entry of a new luxury hotel in the capital.  We are privileged to join with Isam Khatib and Parteners who are well regarded for their expertise in this industry, and we look forward to the debut of this exciting property.”

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Amman blends heritage and history with modernity, offering visitors a welcoming destination for business or leisure. Fairmont Amman joins Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Fairmont Dubai, UAE; Fairmont Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt; Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, Saudi Arabia; Fairmont Nile City, Cairo, Egypt; Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE (2012); Fairmont Fujeirah, UAE (2012); Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate (2012) and Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt.

New Delhi, December 19, 2011 – QNAP® Systems Inc. today announced a partnership with Symform to provide QNAP customers with up to 200 GB of free cloud back-up and unlimited cloud back-up for a low flat monthly fee. Symform is available with all new QNAP units and to existing customer devices through a free software update. QNAP customers simply click on the Symform tab in the QNAP Cloud Back-up wizard to quickly register and start backing up their NAS data to the Symform cloud, enabling secondary back-up and disaster recovery services.

“QNAP customers purchase our NAS products because they place great value on their data,” said Jérôme Jaussaud, product manager of QNAP. “QNAP offers users cloud back-up solutions to safeguard their data, and we are pleased to offer an additional data protection alternative by partnering with Symform, who offers the lowest price on the market for secure cloud storage.”

In addition to fast and affordable back-up services, users can use Symform to synchronize critical data directly from a QNAP device, between multiple QNAP devices, or between a QNAP device and other devices, such as laptops or tablet PCs. Because Symform has as no file size limits, users can use the cloud to back-up large files or images. Symform also provides users a way to earn more free services through referrals and contribution. Symform is the industry’s first decentralized cloud back-up and storage solution, providing users a cloud platform that is faster, more cost-effective, and more secure than traditional cloud solutions.

“At Symform, we are offering revolutionary value with secure cloud storage and back-up at the guaranteed lowest flat fee,” said Praerit Garg, president and co-founder of Symform. “QNAP is a leader in the NAS market focused on delivering high quality solutions, and we’re excited to supply its users with the most affordable and secure cloud back-up and disaster recovery solution.”

The Symform storage cloud is free of charge (up to 200 GB) with QNAP NAS firmware V3.5.2. Users who upgrade their QNAP Turbo NAS to firmware V3.5.2 also receive the following enhancements:

• Improved performance for changing file and folder permissions when Advanced Folder Permission is enabled.
• Five new UI languages: Hungarian, Romania, Thai, Portuguese (Brazil) and Greek.

QNAP and Symform are hosting an upcoming Webinar on backup disaster recovery best practices for small and medium businesses, scheduled for December 8, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time. To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/142655150.

Availability
Symform is now available for all QNAP Turbo NAS models that have been upgraded to firmware V3.5.2. The new V3.5.2 firmware update is immediately available for all QNAP Turbo NAS models at: http://www.qnap.com/download.asp.

December 19, 2011 Amman - Intel and Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship (QRCE), organized three workshops aiming at developing entrepreneurship skills among the youth, and motivating them to launch projects to serve their society.

Delivered by a leading expert from Haas School of Business at the University of California-Berkeley, the first workshop focused on developing Entrepreneurship culture at Universities via training, teaching and competitions. The 2-day workshop saw participations from more than 20 University professors from seven Arab countries, discussing topics related to Entrepreneurship curriculum development and ways to foster Entrepreneurship at their campuses.

The second workshop, Innovation Camp, witnessed more than 30 participants from Intel Youth Enterprise Program. Students managed to develop necessary skills needed to translate innovative ideas into successful projects that could create new jobs in Jordan and reduce unemployment for the youth in the country. At the end of the camp, the best individual ideas and group projects were honored, and received in-kind, and monetary prizes. The third workshop organized, focused on starting and growing for Profit and Social Enterprises, and presented cases studies relevant to the region.

“Intel aims at supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East through developing partnerships with leading national entrepreneurship development organization such as QRCE,” said Ferruh Gurtas Corporate Affairs Director Intel Middle East, Turkey, & Africa.

“Intel’s entrepreneurship programs aim at providing the youth in the region with the tools and resources, helping them overcome the socioeconomic problems hindering their progress, and empowering entrepreneurs to translate their ideas into projects, which could spur new employment opportunities for them and others. It comes in line with Intel’s vision and investments reaching USD 100 million in training and preparing youth for innovation and creativity,” he added.

For his part, Executive Director for QRCE, Farhan Kalaldeh praised the strategic partnership with Intel and the preliminary results of the youth activities, which, in its totality, sought to establish a generation capable of innovation and development, in face of global challenges. 

He said, “Intel’s support and efforts allowed us to attract a large sector of young innovators, whom we expect to succeed in creating employment opportunities that would gradually reduce unemployment.”

Kalaldeh reaffirmed the role of these workshops and their compatibility with the Center’s objectives and other programs organized to support the spirit of entrepreneurship and perseverance within different youth groups. 

Best Group Projects:
• Activeni: Helping Companies with their CSR Initiatives by recruiting and training interested Youth.
• Wadafak: An online platform focused on career planning and development for Youth.

Best Individual Submissions:
• Mohammad Eliwat:  A new service to help companies in meeting right candidates for specific job opportunities.
• Anas Salhiyeh: A project to create more awareness on current and future needs for employment in the country.

December 17, 2011 – al-Riyadh - Samsung Electronics, the leading global company in multimedia and technology, signed a partnership agreement with ShasTech naming the later an authorized reseller for its products in KSA, in line with its expansion strategy in the region, after the huge success of its tablets, mobiles and other devices.

In an official ceremony, the agreement was signed by, Mohamed Ali ,ShasTech CEO, and Mr. JaeCheon Park,  Samsung Vice President .

Upon signing the agreement, Eng. Mohamed Ali, ShasTech CEO stated, “we are proud of our agreement with Samsung, one of the leading international companies in electronics, notably as it has been able recently to sell more than 5 million smart devices.”

“This important step is an extension of ShasTech’s accomplishments as an authorized reseller for many major international brands. The credit should be given to our outstandingly talented sales team backed by our distribution fleet, and our expansion programs that would insure comprehensive distribution for Samsung products throughout the kingdom.” he added.

“In a time when ShasTech is developing their official distribution domain, the company is constantly increasing their presence within the Kingdom, which allows it to offer services and solutions for the business sector and the consumer markets in the region,” confirmed ShasTech CEO, Eng. Mohamed Ali.

“We are working according to an ambitious expansion programs that support our product’s deployment within Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the biggest markets for us in the region not only now but also the near future,” said Mr. JungHeum Shin, Samsung Business unit manager.

“As part of our agreement with ShasTech, we will offer our new products in iSTORE which is committed to the entire criterion we require of an outlet, and considered one of the best showrooms in the country. Our partnership with ShasTech is a strategic gateway for us to benefit from all the local opportunities, especially with the increasing prosperity the country is witnessing now,” added Mr. JungHeum Shin, Samsung Business unit manager.

In addition to Samsung, ShasTech provides Apple, Griffin (exclusively in the Middle East), and Belkin (exclusively within KSA).

Since its inception in 1995, ShasTech has recorded an increasing growth and popularity via its iSTORE and iCARE outlets. ShasTech has concentrated on delivering added-value and always ethnically committed to their customers.

Within its endeavors to offer the best services for its clients, ShasTech relies on a comprehensive understanding of the demographics and technological advancements within the world, to always achieve customer satisfaction and realize what they anticipate.

Kuwait,: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) today opened its latest branch at Fintas in the presence of HE Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah and Sheikh Mohammad Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of Al-Dawli.

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah commented: “We are very proud to be opening our seventeen new branch in Fintas today.   Our strategy continues to be to seek to expand our branch network across Kuwait, so that we may  provide greater convenience to our customers, as well as allowing us to  expand our potential “Al-Dawli” customer base.

“Customer interests are a top priority for KIB and Al-Dawli aims to provide high quality and creative banking products to customers to help them cope with the demands and needs of modern living.”

Sheikh Mohammad added: “This new branch at Fintas has been fully equipped with integrated systems and helpful and well trained employees who are dedicated to providing  business and retail customers with the very best services, all of which are fully compliant with Shariah banking requirements.

He concluded: “Our location at the centre of the Ahmadi Governorate will also provide both greater convenience for customers in the area, and be attractive to new customers who are seeking the unique range of quality banking products that Al-Dawli can offer”.

The new branch at Fintas will provide fully Shariah-compliant banking services for retail and business customers from today.  The branch is KIB’s seventeen branch to open in Kuwait.

KIB, as one of Kuwait’s leading Islamic financial institutions,  is committed to providing service  and product excellence.  In this context, KIB has developed a range of standards and service measuring tools which helps it to successfully deliver innovative customer services and satisfaction.

Bahrain:  Internationally acclaimed speaker and executive coach, Tom Flatau, briefed Capital Club Members how they could revolutionise their ability to achieve a profitable outcome in every business transaction by simply applying the techniques of negotiation, when he presented a seminar entitled “Become a black belt negotiator” at the Capital Club recently.

During the presentation, Mr Flatau introduced the 5-step process to negotiate and successfully achieve a win-win outcome.   The five steps include: preparation and planning, discussion to find out what the other party requires, structure a deal that suits both sides, trade by refining the requirements and finally complete the deal with confidence for a long-term mutually profitable relationship. He shared a number of useful tips for the Capital Club Members during the session.

Mr. Flatau said that most managers and middle managers should know the 5-step process that helps effective negotiation to resolve situations when there is a conflict between the two parties. The aim of win-win negotiation is to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties, and leaves them feeling that they have won.

As Bahrain’s premier private business club, the Capital Club offers a place to relax, celebrate or network in exclusive surroundings, on the uppermost floors of the iconic Bahrain Financial Harbour. It regularly hosts social and business gatherings to facilitate networking among Members and to foster an environment of learning from some of the world’s most respected leaders.

The Club offers an array of benefits to its Members including bespoke dining options, world class gourmet cuisine, a library and meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audio visual facilities. It provides a luxurious and chic atmosphere unrivalled in the Kingdom.

Membership is by invitation only with various packages for Bahrainis and expatriates. It offers international privileges through affiliation with more than 250 clubs worldwide.

Doha - Qatar: Qatargas Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, today stated Qatargas would continue to seek, for now and well into the future, increased energy efficiencies across its facilities to ensure stability and  a better tomorrow for future generations.

Presenting a paper on “Supporting the objective of creation of a stable source of income for the State of Qatar,” in the Qatar Ministerial session of the 20th World Petroleum Congress, the Qatargas CEO Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani stated:

“For Qatargas through the vision of His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and under the guidance of His Excellency Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry for the state of Qatar, our track record as a secure and reliable supplier, coupled with our unique geographical positioning and world class facilities in Qatar, allows us to serve both the Pacific basin as well as the Atlantic basin LNG markets. Qatargas now supplies 19 of the 24 LNG importing countries worldwide.  We have delivered over 2300 cargoes to date. We can be certain that the geographical spread of our markets will continue to develop and, through this, we can realise our goal of supporting a stable source of income for the state of Qatar. We’ve established and maintained a proven record and will continue to supply our customers on a safe and reliable basis.”

The Qatargas CEO noted that Qatargas has been transformed in the space of just a few years; from what was a two country-supplier, ranked some way below the industry leaders, to the largest LNG producing company in the world, with a production capacity of LNG at 42 million tonnes per annum (MTA). The company has extended its customer reach to one of truly global proportions, both through its long term customer base and through relationships and contracts established to facilitate short term trades.

“Today we have grown into a best practice operating company model. The concern for safety and the environment are core values, and today we are at the leading edge using technologies which, whenever possible, minimise the impact on the environment.”

Qatargas manages its offshore operations which include a total of 85 wells that send an average of 7.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas every day for onshore processing. The company also manages four joint ventures, Qatargas1, the world’s first fully integrated value chain Qatargas2, Qatargas3, Qatargas4, G2), four world class mega liquefaction Trains each with a production capacity of 7.8 MTA of LNG, and Qatar’s first condensate refinery, the Laffan Refinery, which is designed to be one of the largest condensate refineries in the world.

In addition, Qatargas is currently undertaking the “Jetty Boil-off Gas (JBOG) Recovery Project” which aims to recover gas currently being flared during LNG ship loading at the Port of Ras Laffan, and the Plateau Maintenance Project (PMP) that will ensure the production capacity of Qatargas 1 is maintained at 10 MTA of LNG. Besides, the company is also a stakeholder in the Qatar Helium 2 Project, which is a joint venture owned by Qatargas 2, Qatargas 3, Qatargas 4 and Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (3).

Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani  went on to state: “We are fortunate to have built over the past 27 years a trust and understanding, which has developed into strong relations, with our globally recognised shareholders – all leaders in the global energy industry –  namely  Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, ConocoPhillips, Total, Marubeni, Mitsui, Cosmo, and Idemitsu. All have contributed remarkably to the realisation of the state of Qatar’s vision to be the largest LNG producer in the world.”