Spartanburg/Munich. The BMW Group is expanding capacity at its U.S. plant in Spartanburg. “We plan to invest over the next three years nearly USD 900 million in the Spartanburg plant by 2014. This will create 300 new jobs by the end of this year. This will allow us to produce 350,000 units in Spartanburg in the mid term,” says Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, in Spartanburg on Thursday. The BMW Group already invested USD 750 million in the expansion of the plant for production of the new BMW X3 between 2008 and 2010.

“This is in response to rising global demand for our BMW X models and the expansion of the BMW X family to include the BMW X4,” Arndt explains at a ceremony to celebrate production of the two-millionth vehicle at the BMW plant in South Carolina since 1994. The move will bring the BMW Group’s total investment in South Carolina to nearly USD six billion.

The Governor of the State of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, speaks at the ceremony, saying: “BMW has once again provided tremendous evidence that South Carolina is a blueprint for significant economic development success. The partnership between this company and our State is an enduring example of how to attract, retain and grow business to stimulate perpetual job creation.”

Production in Spartanburg reached new high in 2011

Last year, the BMW plant in Spartanburg produced 276,065 vehicles for more than 130 markets around the world, representing an increase of 73% over the previous year. The BMW X3 also played a major role in this positive development. Global sales of this highly-successful model rose 156% in 2011 to reach a total of 117,944 vehicles.

More than 70% of the vehicles produced in Spartanburg (192,813) were exported, making the BMW Group the largest automotive exporter to the non-NAFTA countries.

Four expansions already at U.S. plant

Since it opened in 1994, the BMW plant in Spartanburg has already undergone four expansions and produced six different BMW models (318i, Z3, Z4, X5, X6, X3) and their variants. Employment has grown from 500 initially to more than 7,000 today.

Clean production

BMW’s Spartanburg plant is state-of-the-art in terms of environmental protection. Advanced production processes have made vehicle production even more environmentally-compatible: Over the past five years, it was possible to lower energy consumption by 48%, halve water consumption, reduce CO2 emissions by 44% and waste by 65% by car. In 2010, for example, the Spartanburg plant generated almost 62 million kilowatt hours of electricity from a methane gas energy centre located on the grounds of the facility and supplied by a local landfill. This accounts for over 37% of the entire plant’s total electrical demand.

USA largest market for BMW Group in 2011

The BMW Group is the leading manufacturer of premium automobiles in the U.S., the world’s largest market for premium automobiles. Last year, the BMW Group increased sales of its BMW and MINI brand vehicles in the U.S. by almost 15% to reach a total of 305,418 vehicles. The American market was therefore the largest market for the BMW Group in 2011.

Dubai, UAE; 26 December 2011: flydubai’s position as the world’s fastest growing start up airline has been underscored after its 10th aircraft of 2011 and 21st since beginning operations in June 2009 arrived in Dubai.

Joining one of the youngest fleets in the industry, the latest Boeing 737-800 NG also marks the 7000th 737 to be delivered from Boeing’s production line.

Commenting on the arrival, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are proud to be the recipient of the 7000th Boeing 737, officially the most commercially successful model ever designed. It is an aircraft that has been the focus of years of design and refinement to increase efficiency and range and reduce operating costs, which is why it is an ideal aircraft for flydubai. We promise our customers we will make every effort to reduce costs and offer them the lowest fares possible and the 737-800 helps us to achieve that while at the same time maintaining the highest levels of safety and comfort.”

Beverly Wyse, Boeing’s vice president and general manager of the 737 program, said: “It is exhilarating to deliver our 7000th 737 to flydubai, and we thank them for being among the hundreds of airlines, operators and leasing companies who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner. Thousands of employees have supported the many 737 variations Boeing has introduced, including today’s Next-Generation 737 family which is used in private, government and commercial service.”

The new aircraft arrived following its journey from the manufacturer’s base at Payne Field, Seattle, USA. It is the first of flydubai’s fleet to be fitted with a new Zonal Drying™ System, developed by CTT Systems, which reduces condensation accumulated during flights. The new system will eliminate almost 200kg of condensation per year from each aircraft, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, as well as reducing the risks to the aircraft of structural corrosion. Earlier this year, flydubai placed an order for 31 Zonal Drying™ Systems which will be installed on flydubai’s aircraft due to be delivered between the end of 2011 and 2016.

“We are happy to be part of flydubai’s vision to provide the very best in efficient, cost-effective and comfortable short-haul travel in the Gulf region. The airline has one of the youngest and most hard-working fleets in the industry and incorporating the Zonal Drying™ System is the next step in increasing the structural and operational efficiency of its fleet,” stated CTT’s VP Sales and Marketing, Peter Landquist.

In addition to optimising its operational efficiency, the airline has also taken steps to improve the passenger experience by incorporating innovative systems such as the Boeing Sky Interior and Fiber-To-The-Screen® In-Flight Entertainment system by Lumexis. This latest aircraft is the 14th in flydubai’s fleet to be fitted with the new interior and IFE, which means that two thirds of flydubai’s fleet now has these customer pleasing innovations.

flydubai’s aircraft also boast some of the aviation industry’s most sophisticated seating, engineered to provide more comfort and extra space. flydubai’s seats are comfortable on any length of journey and are manufactured by Recaro Aircraft Seating, one of the world’s leading specialised seating manufacturers. The brand also makes seats for sports and racing cars. Clever innovations to the seat design ensure passengers can enjoy an extra two inches of leg room, through moving the magazine pockets higher up the seat back, thus improving passenger comfort.

“Our seating system for flydubai is incredibly advanced and has been designed to support the airline’s priorities of comfort, cost and convenience. We have maximised personal space by repositioning the rear seat pocket to a higher level; promoted easy upkeep and hygiene with a new pocket design and have reduced load by using light-weight material instead of traditional fabric. In addition, the ergonomic design allows flydubai to add 9 extra seats to the aircraft, allowing them to sell more seats and reduce overall fares for passengers,” stated Axel Kahsnitz, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating.

Al Ghaith added: “flydubai’s aircraft have an unbeatable proven track record, a range of innovative measures to increase passenger comfort and reduce operating costs and the very highest levels of safety. Passengers travelling with flydubai know they are buying travel on brand new, innovative, comfortable and safe aircraft. flydubai may be low cost, but we certainly aren’t low quality.”

flydubai is dedicated to making travel more accessible and affordable, taking every step to lower costs and pass savings on to customers. All fares are one way and inclusive of taxes, including one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7kg and a small handbag or laptop bag. Customers then pay for the optional extras they wish to receive, such as checked baggage, which starts at AED50 for 20kgs or a seat with extra legroom for AED100.

Dubai-UAE: 26 December, 2011 – APCO Worldwide announced today the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi, another step in the firm’s regional growth following their acquisition of Dubai-based JiWin Public Relations in November 2010.

The opening of the Abu Dhabi office cements the UAE’s position at the heart of APCO’s Arab-region operations and strengthens the communication consultancy’s links with the capital, where it already serves a number of clients.

“Our investment in the UAE reflects our belief that local and regional businesses are seeking more than simple public relations support,” said Brad Staples, President, International. “In these difficult economic times, there is growing demand for corporate advisory and strategic communication services to help companies navigate an increasingly complex business landscape.

“Our understanding of the regulatory, political and commercial issues that exist in the Arab region, combined with our global footprint and recognized reputation for delivering high-quality work, means we are strongly positioned to advise clients on how best to communicate to stakeholders to ensure a maximum return on investment.”

APCO has supported its international client portfolio with a presence in the Arab region since 2007. The Abu Dhabi office, which is located in Abu Dhabi’s media free zone TwoFour54, will be led by Wael Kanakri, who has 17 years of Abu Dhabi-based communication and media experience.

“Abu Dhabi plays an increasingly important role, not only for local and regional economies, but also for the global economy,” said Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, Arab Region. “We are already experiencing a high level of interest in our multidisciplinary approach to strategic communication, and we are looking forward to strengthening existing relationships with clients while building new partnerships.”

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is an award-winning, independently owned, global communications consultancy with 31 offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Earlier this year, APCO was named Large Firm of the Year by PR News and developed a new brand-positioning model called Champion Brand, which helps companies align stakeholder expectations with business priorities into one cohesive narrative. APCO also recently launched Global Political StrategiesSM, an executive service designed to support businesses, governments and NGOs on geopolitics, global economics and new market opportunities.

The Elaf Group recently held a series of meetings with its key partners – including travel and tourism agencies from Turkey, Egypt and Morocco – to support the Saudi tourism sector particularly in attracting future Hajj and Umrah visitors from Arab and nearby countries.

Elaf discussed the KSA’s touristic potentials and attractions such as its efficient visa issuance facilities. It has also shared its thoughts and expertise with major regional and international companies and agencies dealing with specialized tourism programs and providing Hajj and Umrah services. As part of its expansion, Elaf announced that it will provide 5,000 rooms across its new projects offering three-, four- and five-star tourism services to attract the largest segment of the travel, tourism and hospitality market.

Present during the meetings was an Elaf delegation led by Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, President, who was accompanied by Deputy CEO Tarek Nabulsi and a number of department managers. The Group also held an annual ceremony on the sidelines of the exhibitions to strengthen relations, identify future goals, pursue further success, and honor its valuable partners. High-profile figures from Turkey, Egypt and Morocco, were present during the special event.

“Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are three of the most important travel and tourism markets for Saudi Arabia. In the past years these markets have proven themselves as excellent religious, business and leisure travel destinations. Our partners in these areas deserve or recognition for their remarkable efforts and ongoing dedication to achieve our objectives,” said Bin Mahfouz.

“Participating in travel- and tourism-oriented events in Turkey, Egypt and later on in Morocco reaffirms our commitment to providing high levels of service and extending our investment portfolio to include new hotels such as the Elaf Al-Moltaqa Hotel, Elaf Bakkah Hotel by 2012 and Galleria Hotel in 2014. These upcoming projects are in line with our goal of embracing the growing number of tourists visiting landmark destinations across the Kingdom, as well as supporting governmental efforts to promote tourism as part of the drive towards a solid and diverse economy,” added Bin Mahfouz.

Dubai, UAE : UAE based event management specialist firm, The Event Company has expanded their presence in the GCC with the opening of new offices in Qatar and Kuwait. The three year old company has experienced strong year on year growth.

“We are excited to announce the opening of two new offices in Qatar and Kuwait to service more clients. Both are going to be key markets for us  where we see strong growth potential for our services, “said Aron Bentley, Account Director, The Event Company. “Since the beginning of this year we have secured a number of high calibre clients and we have hired several new staff. We are now firmly on a growth track with a busy fourth quarter.”

Since starting in 2009, the company has managed numerous high profile events in the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. These include product launches, exhibitions, gala dinners, conferences and sponsorship activation.

“The recent increase in clients and staff is extremely encouraging and our success is a testament to the team’s ability to achieve new business while still developing relationships with our existing clients,” added Natalie Crampton, Managing Director.

The Event Company’s clients include HSBC, BlackBerry, Bentley, Shell, Vodafone, 20th Century Fox, Toyota and IKEA in the region.

Dubai, 31 October 2011- Alshamel Travel & Tourism, the only travel management company with fully owned offices across the Middle East region, has inaugurated its new offices in Dubai as part of the recent strategic plan to expand its business and enhance its customer service experience across the Middle East.

Alshamel’s new and improved set up will allow the company to efficiently serve its customers while benefiting from the advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities that will be available in the new office space.

Commenting on this move, Mr. Khaled Al Ghanim, Chairman and Managing Director of Alshamel International, said, “Dubai has been a strategic operational hub for Alshamel since 2002, when we opened our first Travel & Tourism office outside Kuwait. Expanding our offices into the new facility comes in recognition of the company’s recent performance.”

“We believe Dubai to be the major aviation hub in the Middle East region and our new office expansion will meet the requirements of our customers and service the business more efficiently. The new facilities and technologies introduced through our new office will play a key role in enhancing our services in the UAE corporate travel marketplace”, added Al Ghanim.

Alshamel new offices relocated into all-new premises at 105 Al-Barsha Boutique, street 329, Al-Barsha 1; all contact numbers remain unchanged. The new set up will boast a high-tech reception area, and ample parking space to accommodate both clients and employees cars.

Alshamel Travel and Tourism offers both corporate and leisure travel service with a wide offer range from ticketing, hotel reservations, car rental, travel insurance, vacation planning, corporate travel management, consultancy, and travel brand representation.

With the consolidation of its entire Dubai operation under one roof, Alshamel Travel & Tourism will continue to serve its diverse client portfolio which includes Fortune 500 companies, local and international governments.

Organisation relocates to Dubai Media City as part of plans to expand its footprint in the region

Dubai, UAE, 25th October, 2011: Edexcel MENA, the regional headquarters of Edexcel International, has announced the shifting of its Dubai headquarters to Arjaan Tower in Dubai Media City to serve the entire Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean.

The move aims to consolidate its current market position and build an infrastructure for future growth.

Mark Andrews, Regional Director, Middle East/North Africa/Caribbean, Edexcel, said: “The accelerated economic development in the region over the past few years has accentuated the need for internationally recognised qualifications at all levels.”

Edexcel sees tremendous potential for growth in the Middle East. The relocation of the head office is aimed at meeting with the growing demand for high quality vocational programmes in the region and our expanding team.
Edexcel brings to the business sector a diverse portfolio of globally recognised qualifications spanning different academic and vocational sectors.

Edexcel’s exclusive BTEC qualifications provide a practical, real-world approach to learning, alongside theoretical background. They are designed both to replicate the professional working environment and provide learners with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed in today’s job market. Various opportunities for higher education are available for BTEC HND holders in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.

Edexcel, a PEARSON company, is the UK largest awarding company offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.

Edexcel offers academic and professional qualifications and testing to thousands of schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning globally, and has over 4 million learners enrolled in its highly regarded courses in more than 85 countries.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Alchemist Healthcare LLC, a UAE based Investment Company that is managed by Al Masah Capital Management Limited, an alternative asset manager based out of Dubai International Financial Centre, acquired 75% equity stake in The Mussalla Medical Centre, strategically located in the heart of Dubai.

Having invested earlier this year in two of the most reputed healthcare assets in Abu Dhabi, Alchemist Healthcare LLC took another step towards becoming a regional leader in the healthcare sector by completing this transaction.

Mussalla Medical Centre was established in the early 2000’s in Bur Dubai area, capitalizing on the strong demand for healthcare services in Dubai, and buoyed by the notable flow of expatriates into the city. The centre commenced operations with only 3 doctors, and grew over the years to become a fully-fledged medical facility, with more than 20 doctors in more than 14 specialties, in addition to providing laboratory and diagnostic services.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Shailesh Dash, CEO and Founder of Al Masah Capital Management Limited stated, “The inclusion of Mussalla Medical Centre in our healthcare group is a significant step for our UAE expansion plan, having invested already in the fast growing Abu Dhabi market earlier this year. The centre is a true success story, as doctors now treat more than 300 patients a day at the centre, a number expected to grow even further with the ambitious expansion plan we have set out for the centre in the next 6 months.”

Mr Amitava Ghosal, Partner at Al Masah Capital Management Limited, added, “The Dubai healthcare market is on the verge of a significant reform. There are initiatives being taken by the government to reform the insurance sector and to focus on providing better healthcare services to combat rising non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hyper-tension, and obesity. Through our Dubai operations we intend to help meet the rising healthcare needs of Dubai population.”

The private healthcare sector in Dubai is expected to receive encouragement from the initiatives being taken by the government to reform the healthcare sector. Having a reformed health insurance scheme in place, and increasing the  awareness on the importance of leading a healthier lifestyle will definitely encourage the  the healthcare players operating in the city of Dubai to make facilities of international quality available to the local population.

Mr. Shailesh commented on Alchemist Healthcare LLC’s strategy by adding, “Having invested in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, we are  looking for further expansion in the UAE and the wider GCC. We still feel that adding two or three more healthcare facilities in the UAE, especially Dubai will enhance our group’s value and network of doctors and healthcare facilities. “

Mr. Shailesh explained the future plans of Alchemist Healthcare LLC saying, “The socio-political changes that we have witnessed in recent times have increased the importance of sectors like healthcare and we can see a lot of emphasis from many governments to encourage more investments in the sector, both from public budget and private resources.”

“We are now working at Alchemist Healthcare LLC to expand our reach to the neighbouring GCC countries, and are already negotiating deals in Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia,” Mr. Shailesh added.

Mr. Amitava explained the assets’ roll-out of the healthcare business. “We have plans to invest close to AED 150 million in the GCC healthcare sector by the close of 2011 and will further expand our services in 2012 to cover North Africa. We are looking at adding more facilities in Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain as well as introducing our services in Kuwait,” he said.

“Mussalla Medical Centre has a strong brand name and a great team of doctors. It has been providing quality healthcare at very affordable prices and we intend to build on its current success to expand the current location into a day-care centre, expand the team of doctors and widen the scope of services over the next 6 months,” he added.

Home to more than 214 million person, and expected to reach 233 million by 2015, and 272 million in 2025, the MENA region is one of the fastest growing regions in terms of population growth. Resultantly, healthcare expenditure is expected to register US$125 billion by 2015, almost double 2009 expenditure of US$65 billion.

The MENA region’s high literacy rate and income levels are providing the adequate cushion for its residents to demand and aspire to better healthcare services. A significant gap can be witnessed between the demand and supply of healthcare services in the region, as the average hospital bed count per 10,000 people in the MENA region is 21.6, much lower than developed economies such as the UK (33.8) and the US (31.0).

According to recent estimates, 200,000 hospital beds are urgently required in the MENA region to match the increasing demand for healthcare services. This provided an opportunity for the flow of investments into this promising sector, which of late witnessed significant investment activity from the private sector.

According to recent figures, healthcare infrastructure projects worth USD14 billion are already underway in the GCC. According to Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), there are 109 active healthcare projects in the region. Of this, Saudi Arabia accounts for 56, the UAE 24, Kuwait 17, and Qatar, Oman and Bahrain 12.

Private equity players have invested a total of USD882.1 million (disclosed value) through 13 deals in the MENA healthcare sector since the beginning of 2005. Going by the deal count, there has been increased activity in the sector since 2006/07. The UAE is the clear favorite among private equity investors. Six (out of 13 deals taken place in the MENA since the beginning of 2005) were with companies based in the UAE. Egypt follow suit with 3 deals, then Saudi Arabia with 2 deals.

Despite the notable growth in private sector’s participation in financing the healthcare sector, it is pertinent to mention that the MENA region still offers  opportunities to private investors to enter the healthcare spectrum, as majority of the healthcare expenditure in the MENA region is still borne by the governments. Suffice to mention that In Saudi Arabia, one of the largest economies in the MENA region, the government (through the Ministry of Health) finances 68% of the total cost of healthcare. The share of government expenditure on healthcare is high in Algeria (86% of total spending), Qatar (80%), Kuwait (76%), Oman (76%) and Libya (70%), among others.

ePay generates AED 2.6 billion in the first 9 months of this year

October 12, 2011

DeG---MOU---AMAF

In line with its efforts to offer a range of innovative channels based on its ‘customer first’ approach, Dubai eGovernment announced on the sidelines of the Gitex Technology Week 2011, the signing of joint agreements with Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation, Dubai Public Prosecution, Noor Dubai Foundation & Dar Alber Society; to confirm their inclusion in Dubai eGovernment’s ePay gateway.

The joining of these four entities to the ePay gateway further consolidates Dubai eGovernment’s portfolio of eServices, bringing it to a total of 24 government entities that use the ePay gateway to offer eServices to their individual and corporate users; who can now make instant online payments through a broad network of banks and multiple payment options, in line with Dubai eGovernment’s Customer First strategy.   

H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment Department, said: “We are pleased to expand our ePay network of partners, whose faith in our secure ePay technology will lead to greater adoption of eServices by our customers, ensuring a connected and integrated government approach. Thanks to our ePay portal, our customers find it very convenient to pay for government transactions online, using credit cards or direct debit from their participating banks.”

Bin Humaidan pointed out that the amounts collected through the ePay portal rose by 52% to AED 2.66 billion through 2 million transactions over the first nine months of this year compared with AED 1.75 billion through 1.26 million transactions in the same period last year.

Bin Humaidan added: “These agreements gain special importance because they are concluded on the sidelines of Gitex Technology Week 2011, which provides an ideal platform for a connected government, through a network of online services that match the highest quality and excellence criteria in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for achieving government interaction and easing the lives of the public interacting with the government.”

Dubai eGovernment launched the ePay gateway back in 2003 as an innovative electronic channel to facilitate payment for governmental and private transactions. Only three departments initially availed of the gateway, but with the recent joining of Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation, Dubai Public Prosecution, Noor Dubai Foundation & Dar Alber Society, this number has now increased to 24. UAE service providers currently use the platform for more than 200 eServices offered by government departments to their users, such as DEWA bill payments, ‘Salik’ recharging, and traffic fine settlements. The gateway allows payment via credit cards and direct debit. 

New ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards breathe new life into systems with limited expansion

ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 28, 2011 – ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and channel manufacturer, today expands the value GeForce® GT 520 lineup with new PCI and PCI Express x1 form factors for users with pre-built systems that have limited expansion capabilities. The new ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards breathe new life into older systems by delivering a performance punch and new video capabilities.

“Upgrading your graphics card is the easiest way to boost your system performance and gain new capabilities. The new ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards shows that you can experience good graphics without upgrading the rest of your system,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

The ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards provide DVI, HDMI and VGA outputs with dual simultaneous independent display support for an instant dual-monitor upgrade. The low-profile form factor enables the ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI express x1 graphics card to easily fit in compact pre-built systems with height limitations in addition to expansion limitations.

It’s time to play with the ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics card.

General details
• New ZOTAC® GeForce® GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 520 GPU
• Engine clock: 810 MHz
• 48 unified shaders
• Shader clock: 1620 MHz
• 512MB DDR3 memory
• Memory clock: 1333 MHz
• 64-bit memory interface
• DVI, HDMI & VGA outputs
• DirectX® 11 technology & Shader Model 5.0
• OpenGL® 4.1 compatible
• NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology
• Full HD video playback

Specifications: