Doha, 6 March 2010 - The 2010 International Handball Federation (IHF) Super Globe in Qatar will see the participation of the top handball teams featuring the best players from around the world when the competition gets underway from May 17 to 21 at the Al Sadd Sports Club. With the continental Champions League winners of Europe, star-studded Spanish side BM Ciudad Real already qualified, together with Pan American winners Unopar Fel / Sercomtel, and Oceania representative AHF Southern Stars, the only remaining teams are the Asian and African representatives which will be discovered through a qualification process in the coming month. Host country team Al Sadd was the final team to enter the draw on the 6th of March in Doha.

Under the new deal with IHF, signed by the IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa and Vice President of Al Sadd Club, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Super Globe will be organised annually in Qatar from 2010 to 2013 at Al Sadd Sport Club.

“In making this magnificent event a yearly competition we are bringing together in Qatar all of the top teams in the world for a competition which further assists the development of handball around the world. I am sure that we will witness a fantastic tournament which will emphatically portray the region’s handball passion to the world once more,” said Mr. Jassim Al Romaihi, Secretary General of the Al Sadd Sport Club.   

“I believe this exciting competition has found a wonderful host city for the next four years. We have a fantastic track record of hosting top class sporting events in Qatar, and we are committed to developing handball in Qatar and across our region. I strongly believe this tournament of the best teams in the world will generate a great deal of excitement in our country and help to develop the next generation of handball players from the Middle East. We have excellent sporting facilities to offer and we are looking forward to providing spectators and players alike with an extraordinary sporting event.”

The teams were drawn into groups in the logo launch and draw ceremony in Doha on Saturday. In Group A, BM Ciudad Real will meet Unopar Fel / Sercomtel and the African team which will qualify later. Al Sadd Club will meet the Asian representative and AHF Southern Stars in Group B.

BM Ciudad Real are amongst the favorites for the competition after winning the European Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Spanish League in a spectacular season. The team from central Spain has continued this sparkling run of form in the new season and remains unbeaten in the current European Champions League campaign after winning a tough-looking away fixture at FC Croatia Osiguranje 27-24 in Group C recently.

Local side Al Sadd Club will be looking to add further silverware to their glistening collection when the competition comes to their home stadium in May, having already won the same tournament in 2002 to add to their 5 Asian Champions League trophies, the last of which came in 2005. The Qatari club also has nine Qatari league titles to its name and will be looking to get off to a good start in a competition which also features the continental champions of Asia, Oceania and Pan-America.

“We are expecting a fascinating and highly competitive tournament here in Doha, and we wish all the participating teams the best of luck in the competition. There is no doubt, though, that handball will be the real winner when these high quality teams come together in Qatar in front of passionate spectators in spectacular sports facilities,” added Mr. Al Romaihi.
 

7 March, 2010 - Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L), the global application software and services company, today announced that QNB, the leading national bank in Qatar, has licensed Misys BankFusion™ Equation to ensure it has the most modern technology platform available to underpin its business strategy.

QNB has the largest distribution network in Qatar, comprising 44 branches in addition to eleven Islamic branches and offices operated by its Islamic banking subsidiary QNB Al Islami, and more than 160 ATMs. QNB’s international presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement long-established branches in London and Paris.  The Bank has affiliates and subsidiaries in 22 countries including, most recently Syria and Switzerland where the Bank commenced operations in 2009.

QNB is also among the highest rated regional banks according to leading credit rating agencies including Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence.

BankFusion Equation tailors business processes to the exact requirements of each bank eliminating any constraints of underlying technology. BankFusion Equation automatically generates the system’s Java code, significantly reducing manual input and errors and accelerating solution modifications. This helps bring new solutions to market faster and better serve customers.

In this latest release of the solution, Equation has been re-architected into an SOA environment using Misys’ revolutionary BankFusion™ platform. Misys BankFusion Equation provides improved security and risk management capabilities as well as the flexibility to scale the business rapidly when required. 

“QNB is one of the most advanced banking groups in the GCC region and invests considerable resources in deploying innovative technology and expertise to ensure the seamless delivery of its banking solutions to customers,” the bank states. “Advanced platforms such as BankFusion Equation serve the strategic growth objectives of QNB Group by, most importantly, providing an automated risk management framework, whilst seamlessly integrating with existing systems and technologies.”

QNB is already a leader in modern banking solutions such as straight through processing of foreign currency transactions and has won awards from Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan for the quality of its Euro and Dollar payments. The Bank is also one of the first institutions in Qatar to have developed an integrated eBanking platform. Branded “EAZYLife”, it is a suite of internet, mobile, telephone and ATM banking solutions serving customers in Qatar and abroad.

Guy Warren, EVP and General Manager, Banking, Misys states, “The ground-breaking technology in BankFusion Equation will allow QNB to launch innovative new products and services quickly to the market.  The management team has chosen to invest in Misys, our BankFusion strategy and the future roadmap of the solution.  This gives them the most modern, flexible next-generation core banking platform available on the market today to underpin the bank’s operations.”

Blockbuster movies and television series from the Disney media empire will soon be screened free-to-air in the Middle East after a new deal was signed this past month in Dubai. The Disney Company is more than just the Mickey Mouse studio you knew as a kid.  Today, Disney is one of the three largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world.  The organization owns entities such as ABC television channel, Pixar animation studio, and a host of successful film production houses.

Disney is now partnering with two regional free-to-air channels, Fox Movies and Fox Series, for a period of at least five years. The two free-to-air channels were launched in the past year and are joint ventures between Fox and the Saudi-owned Rotana Group. Rotana is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the billionaire investor who is a major shareholder of both Disney and News Corporation, which is the parent company of Fox. In the last six months, News Corporation has been eyeing investments in Rotana with some reports putting the figure at 10 – 20%.  This most recent deal saw Rotana pay Dhs 100 million to Disney for the rights to screen its content.

The deal means Fox Movies now has the rights to screen films such as There will be Blood, Up, and The Chronicles of Narnia for the first time on free-to-air TV in the region. Fox Series also has the rights to Lost, Ugly Betty, Private Practice and Desperate Housewives and will air the latest seasons exclusively.

Looking at the television market in the Middle East, pay television channels are accessed by less than 5 per cent of the region’s television viewers! Perhaps this is why the free-to-air market is expanding at such a rapid pace.  Nevertheless, don’t throw away those satellite systems just yet; free-to-air still has a long way to go.

Doha, 03 March 2010: Alfardan Sports Motors Company, the exclusive dealer of Maserati and member of Alfardan Group, recently launched Maserati Trident’s third prong- the Maserati GranCabrio. A press conference was held at the Alfardan Sports Motors Company showroom at the heart of The Pearl-Qatar seeing the attendance of officials from Doha and Italy to take the wrap off this latest addition to Maserati’s elegant and mind-blowing automotive showcase.

Alfardan Sports Motors Company brought home many of Maserati’s award-winning, flagship models such as the Maserati Quattroporte Automatic and the Maserati GranTurismo achieving significant sales growth and market share during the past two years owing to the company’s unparalleled sales and after-sales services and Maserati’s unique, awe-inspiring and glamorous designs.

Mr. Mohammed Kandeel, General Manager of Alfardan Sports Motors Company said: “The GranCabrio’s very first debut in Frankfurt was applauded by many, and most importantly by automotive critics and connoisseurs. Maserati introduces its GranCabrio to sweep accolades and testimonials and to turn into this year’s all-in-one fascinating four seater. We’re very thrilled to feature Maserati’s GranCabrio in our showroom. If Maserati GranTurismo made it to the top of our sales growth charts, then we’re equally confident that the GranCabrio will have as strong a mark on our records for the year.”

Mr. Umberto Cini, Managing Director of Maserati Middle East & Africa said: “Today, the GranCabrio takes it top down to complete the Trident’s famed prongs and to cater to the individual tastes of Maserati’s enthusiasts whose automotive preferences are guided by elegance, beauty, comfort and performance. The name, GranCabrio, evokes Maserati’s renowned traditions and expertise. At the same time, it underlines how much the car differs from every model that has preceded it. The GranCabrio is the first four-seater convertible to come out of the factory gates in Viale Ciro Menotti. It offers the chance to share a fantastic ride, one enhanced by top quality materials. GranCabrio is Maserati’s exclusive take on the need to live exciting experiences.”

The introduction of the GranCabrio completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars.  It’s a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance.  A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated - manner.  Like all the made-in Maserati open-top convertibles special cars, the GranCabrio aims at completing the lifestyle of refined connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top fine automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, and continuing through a long list of significant and thrilling open air models. However, in adding to this tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, with the first four-seater top-down model ever to be produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. Four proper seats are provided so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 440 HP engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

Leading international architect proposes less reliance on air conditioning and cars through traditional design and materials

Buildings and places need to be designed and developed in a sustainable way to allow communities to be less reliant on air conditioning and cars.  Sustainable design can lead to cost and energy efficiencies, enhanced lifestyles and a reduced impact on climate change.

This is the view of Tim Makower, partner at Doha-based architects Allies and Morrison, who will be presenting his thoughts and ideas at the Sustainability and the Built Environment Seminar on 3 March, which has been organised by the UK Trade & Invest section of the British Embassy in Doha.

“Air conditioning is not the only way to cool a building, especially in the more temperate months of the year. The Gulf faces extremely hot weather for three, arguably five, months of the year and during this time air conditioning is essential. But for the rest of the year, the weather is very pleasant and architects, engineers and developers should explore alternative ways to cool buildings during these months,” said Mr Makower.

Allies and Morrison opened an office in Doha in summer 2009 and over the last three years has helped to develop the ‘Architectural Guidelines’ for the DOHALAND’s 35 hectare development Musheireb, (formerly Heart of Doha). It is also designing the Diwan Annexe and the National Archive buildings within the first development phase of Musheireb. Both buildings will be two of the first LEED Platinum buildings in Qatar.

Mr Makower said that far more air conditioning is used than necessary. He believes that by reducing the reliance on air conditioning there would be some clear benefits, including cost savings and being more eco-friendly due to lower energy consumption.

“We need to design places and buildings that allow people to respond to the climate and live in more harmony with the seasons. For instance, people should be provided with the choice to switch off their air conditioning and open a window during the winter months; for many people that is the most comfortable way to live,” said Mr Makower.
 
“What could be better than being given greater choice, greater comfort and cost savings all in one go? We are designing homes and work places now which can be dramatically opened up on to external courtyards and balconies in good weather.”

Mr Makower said this flexibility should also extend to the use of the car. He passionately believes that places should be designed to be pedestrian-friendly and that streets should be naturally cooled so that people can choose to walk to school, shops, the mosque or to work during the cooler months, instead of having to use their cars and face traffic congestion.

“I don’t question the right to use air conditioning or a car. But I believe that we should design  places and buildings that give people the choice to switch off their air conditioning and leave their car in the garage,” added Mr Makower. 

During his presentation, Mr Makower will explain how using inventive solutions, which are often founded in traditional Qatari methods and building techniques, can naturally cool buildings. For instance, buildings can be cooled by incorporating wind-catchers or using thick walls. They can also be positioned to capture the prevailing winds and sea breezes and be related to the sun’s path to create optimum shade. This can be supported by architectural features such as projecting cornices, canopies, colonnades and screens, all of them traditional Qatari motifs. Re-introducing the traditional form of the narrow lane, or Sikkat, is another way to create shaded spaces with modern buildings.

“Over and above energy related issues, sustainability is about minimising waste and creating lasting places. Buildings and neighbourhoods should be built to last, while still allowing for the natural process of gradual change and regeneration rather than wholesale demolition. It is DOHALAND’s intention to retain and maintain the Musheireb in the long term, and to ensure that it is built to last.”

The Sustainability and the Built Environment Seminar will be held at 8.30am on 3 March at the Diplomatic Club in Doha.

Leading manufacturer expands PS (Power Solutions) seminar series in the country to demonstrate productivity, stability and security benefits of its products

March 1, 2010

Tripp Lite, a world leading manufacturer of power protection and connectivity equipment, has announced that it is eyeing a 25 per cent increase in its business in Qatar, as steadily growing brand awareness and rising cost of energy continue to bolster the demand for green technologies in the country. In line with this, the company has expanded its initiative to host seminars in Qatar that demonstrate its products’ benefits in terms of productivity, stability and security within networks, with the latest event to be held in Doha in the second quarter of 2010. The successful first edition of the seminar series, which was organised alongside Jaidah Technology, a division of the renowned Jaidah Group in Qatar, raised awareness on Tripp Lite’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and other products and was attended by most of the product resellers and a good number of representatives of key end-user companies.

The seminar slated for Q2 this year is set to tackle sustainability and how Tripp Lite products can help organisations attain ‘green’ compliance. In addition to the manufacturer’s latest ‘green’ offerings, the event will also showcase other products, including three-phase and hot-swappable UPS systems, PDUs, rack mount KVM switches and premium rack enclosures, among others. Industry leaders and experts on ‘green’ initiatives are also expected to address the event participants.

“We see huge growth potential in the Qatari market, seeing that despite the global downturn, we managed to secure 10 per cent growth in the country last year,” said Vipin Sharma, Vice President, EEMEA and India Sales, Tripp Lite. “With major developers such as Barwa Real Estate Company and Qatari Diar Real Estate Development Company revealing their plans to use environment-friendly technologies for all their upcoming projects, we are positive that the demand for such products will significantly increase and we are making sure that we are ready to address this demand. We are also looking at securing 20 to 25 percent growth in Qatar this year, and with the steady pick up of the real estate market we are confident that we will be able to realise this goal.”

According to published reports, Middle East countries will need to invest nearly QR44 billion per year in new power projects until 2020 in order to address the six percent annual growth in electricity demand in the region. Consequently, the demand for cost-effective green technologies is also rising, which continues to motivate Tripp Lite to develop products that minimises power consumption, operation costs and the emission of greenhouse gases.

“Through our dedicated research team tasked to design solutions specifically for the region, we modify and continuously upgrade our products, keeping in mind the regional needs and requirements. Our seminars provide a perfect opportunity for customers in Qatar to view our small- to mid-range products, as well as our inventive three-phase protection for mission-critical applications. We are confident of the positive offshoot this initiative will create for spreading awareness on the Tripp Lite brand, especially our range of ‘green’ products among customers in Qatar,” concluded Sharma.

Barcelona, 22 February 2010: The legendary FC Barcelona coach, Josep Guardiola, is to become an ambassador for the Qatar 2022 Bid, it was announced today.

Guardiola, whose team won the 2009 UEFA Champions League, spent two years playing for Qatar’s Al Ahli Club, and recently returned to the country after leading his team to the FIFA Club World Cup title in Abu Dhabi, the sixth trophy of an historic season.
 
“I am very pleased to be representing Qatar’s 2022 World Cup Bid,” Guardiola said upon his appointment. “I believe this is a truly unique bid, and a wonderful opportunity to spread the magic and the benefits of the world’s favourite game across the globe.”

“Having played in Qatar myself between 2003 and 2005, and having grown to love the country and greatly appreciate Qatar’s football development and infrastructure investment, I believe the time is ripe for the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East. My experience in Qatar, as well as the outstanding organisation and football passion we witnessed in the UAE during the Clubs World Cup, makes me confident that Qatar and the Middle East can host a spectacular, passionate and unforgettable World Cup that embraces all the FIFA ideals.”

As a Bid ambassador, Guardiola will be attending events to voice his support for Qatar’s World Cup ambitions, as well as giving the leadership technical advice on staging the world’s biggest tournament. He joins a high profile list of Bid ambassadors including the World Cup legends Gabriel Batistuta, Ronald De Boer, Roger Milla, Sami Al Jaber and Bora Milutinovic.

Guardiola, a graduate of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, captained Spain to the Gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Two years later he was part of the Spanish squad that narrowly lost to eventual finalists Italy in the 1994 World Cup quarterfinals. At club level he won all major titles with FC Barcelona, including the Spanish League, Spanish Cup as well as the European Champions League in 1992. He captained Barcelona for his last four years at the club before moving on to Brescia, AS Roma and Al Ahli in Qatar. Upon his switch to coaching he won six trophies in his first season in charge at Barcelona.

Qatar’s Bid Committee CEO, Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, welcomed Guardiola onto the Qatar 2022 team and hailed his recent achievements with FC Barcelona as well as his commitment to youth development. “We are honoured to work together with Josep to bring the World Cup to Qatar in 2022. Both as a player and as a coach he has been the personification of dedication and passion on the football pitch,” Al Thawadi said.

“More than any of his astonishing successes, though, we are delighted to have him on our team because of his continued commitment to youth development in football. As the coach of FC Barcelona, he has won every title with a team based on Barcelona youth academy players, a philosophy we are most familiar with from his time helping youth development here in Qatar.

Everywhere he goes, Josep will bring across our message that a World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will give sporting hope to millions of children across the Middle East.”

February 21, 2010

DOMOTEX Middle East, the only international trade fair for carpets and floor coverings in the MENA region, has stated that Lebanon has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets for exhibitors of the upcoming trade event with the real estate and construction boom in the country over the past few years. Over USD 1.8 billion worth of mega-construction projects were launched in 2009 alone, including blocks of elegant, upscale residential and commercial buildings as well as several premium hotel developments.

The construction boom has in turn boosted demand for interior design solutions covering all flooring requirements of construction projects, which on average make up between 15 to 20 per cent of the total project value. DOMOTEX Middle East will showcase a complete range of carpets and floor coverings including hand-made and machine-made carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood floors; laminates; floors for sports arenas and sports facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles; application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology; ceramic tiles, natural stone floors and marble floors.

The event will be held from 10-12 May 2010 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, organizers of the event said, “The price per square meter of property in Lebanon has been estimated to have increased by up to 50 per cent in the first half of 2009, a growth trend that analysts expect to be sustained for the next five years. The healthy demand for property has in turn triggered the boom in construction projects, including luxury real estate developments such as 5-star hotels and high-rise commercial towers, which has subsequently boosted the demand for premium-quality carpets and flooring solutions in Lebanon. DOMOTEX Middle East will complement the improving business outlook in Lebanon by providing developers and buyers a convenient networking platform to discuss new projects with leading international and regional brands and specialists in flooring solutions.”

DOMOTEX Middle East is targeting wholesalers and retailers in the carpet and floor coverings sector as well as decision-makers from construction companies, architects, interior designers, project planners, floor layers and fitters.

DOMOTEX Middle East is expected to build on the momentum generated by DOMOTEX HANNOVER 2010, which was held from 16th to 19th January 2010. DOMOTEX HANNOVER reported a substantial rise in attendance with some 40,000 professionals visiting the event and a total of 1,395 exhibiting companies from over 70 countries. This year’s participation represented a 12 per cent growth in visitor attendance while exhibitor numbers have remained steady. The positive turnout has ensured the continued success of DOMOTEX HANNOVER in spite of the tough global economic conditions and has given the industry the momentum for sustained growth in the coming year.

George Nasra: Our Operating Income grew to QAR 665 million. This performance is testament to our prudent policies as well as the underlying strength of the Qatari economy. 

Doha, February 21, 2010: IBQ announced its financial results for 2009, achieving the second highest growth rate in earnings for Qatar based banks. Net profits increased 12% to reach QAR 342 million as compared to QAR 305 million in 2008 due to a 15% rise in Annual Operating Income. This increase was achieved against the backdrop of the international economic crisis and is a further indicator of the strength of the local economy and the robust business performance of the bank.

Customer deposits were equally buoyant with a rise of 14 % on the previous year, finishing at QAR 13.1 billion compared to QAR 11.5 billion in 2008. Net Interest income grew by 29% to reach QAR 484 million and income from Islamic financing and Investment activities reached QAR 38.4 million, and increase of 90% over the same period last year.

“This has been another good year for the bank in light of the world wide financial crisis. The results are testament to our prudent policies as well as the underlying strength of the Qatari economy,” IBQ Managing Director George Nasra said of the results.

“IBQ has continued the development of its infrastructure, a fact which has led us to emerge as the 4th largest commercial bank in the country at the end of 2009.

2009 also saw IBQ named the Fastest Moving Bank in the Middle East by The Banker UK Magazine. This was by virtue of the bank’s solid Tier 1 Capital bases and significant growth in profit.

Nasra concluded, “In addition to our improved financial performance, we have increased our range of services across all the bank’s activities while continuing to focus on the quality of customer service. We have also seen the inauguration of the retail services of our ‘Al Yusr Islamic Banking’ in May 2009; Al Yusr now operates a full platform of Sharia compliant products and services.

• Offers lowest prices ever on all Mitsubishi 2009 models
• Supports sales with added service perks and benefits

Doha, 21 February 2010: Qatar Automobiles Company, the exclusive dealer of Mitsubishi Motors and FUSO, announced the launch of its ultimate 2010 sales promotion offering the lowest set of prices Mitsubishi 2009 models have ever witnessed in Qatar.

This sales promotion is considered to be the biggest and most attractive automotive promotion of its kind in Qatar providing all Mitsubishi prospects with the benefits of free registration, free comprehensive insurance and lifetime warranty.

Yann Lassade, GM of QAC said: “The name of QAC and the Mitsubishi brand go hand in hand with best sales promotions on the market. As with any automotive business, we are looking to capture the largest market share and seal our leading position with first-class products and services. However, we, at QAC, understand the significance behind a loyal customer base and this can only be achieved by planning a strategy that is geared towards our target segment’s needs, lifestyles and expectations. The Mitsubishi experience is an all-rewarding one and we work hard towards maintaining this image without compromising on world-class quality standards. We’re confident that this promotion is a great kick-start for the year.”

A leader in innovative sales and marketing, QAC bagged its ninth award to date in 2009. The company was recognized as the 2009 best Fuso sales achiever scoring highest percentage increase for 2008.

Recently, QAC and NBK Automobiles have joined hands to promote best consumer protection and satisfaction practices during the Consumer Protection Exhibition held last Wednesday in Doha. Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz place premium importance on consumer protection and sales service.

At the exhibition, representatives of both companies showcased a unique line-up of authentic Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz parts and accessories and presented visitors with a live demonstration on the importance of durable and genuine products in addition to tips to identify fake automotive items.