In one of the most exciting virtual fashion moments for high-street retailer Splash, the brand has launched a new website complete with enhanced features and a fashion blog. The site known as Splash Fashions is an expression of the brand, allowing customers from across the region to connect with the various aspects from heritage to events and to product.

Through the use of dynamic content the site becomes a place to engage, entertain and interact, as well as providing a unique platform for shoppers who want to explore the world of Splash and its fashion at a click. The website connects with a first time customer as well as a regular Splash shopper sharing all things new and inspiring and will be constantly buzzing with activity. With a regularly updated new blog added to the website, it features lifestyle and fashion tips to stay on top of the game and ideas on how to look your best, along with talking about the newest trends and hottest inspirations from across the fashion world.

Speaking on the new website, Mr. Raza Beig, CEO, Splash & ICONIC said, “The new website is another step into ‘A New Beginning’ of Splash and in sync with the paradigm of change we aim to create in 2012. As a high-street retailer we deliver the latest to customers and strengthen the brand’s reach digitally through our updated trends, collections, events and competitions on the site. In a bid to communicate further with an audience that loves splash, we have added a blog which is all and more about fashion, showing glimpses of life at Splash.”

So all you fashion-forward people log in for an interesting combination of content that revolves around brand, product, fashion shows, calendar launches, blogs and competitions, the new website is a fun way to know more and connect with Splash at all times.

Aside from Motorola RAZR’s groundbreaking design and dazzling technological specs, the smartphone is winning plaudits on the Middle Eastern smartphone scene for its ability to make life that little bit easier.

The innovative new SmartActions app is central to this mission, letting users create automated tasks and improve battery performance by up to 30%, so they spend less time fiddling with mundane settings and more time focusing on the important things in life.

Users can either take direct control by configuring Smart Actions to set specific rules and/or wait for prompts based on recurring behaviors.

For example, the Low Battery Saver action will pay attention to how much charge your battery has and change settings to conserve what’s left. At 40% power, it can dim the display and at 30% it can slow down data usage. You pick the points and you choose the changes.

Smart Actions can also make changes based on where you are. These location-based actions are associated with Wi-Fi connections and will only be performed when those networks are detected. Arriving at your office could, for example, prompt putting your ringer on silent and pulling up that productivity app that really gets things done.

“SmartActions is constantly evolving and adapting to the lives of our customers, automating tasks that would normally require fiddly and repeated manual intervention, and freeing up time that can be better spent enjoying the smartphone experience and going about day-to-day routines. With SmartActions, you can set it and forget it,” said Raed Hafez, Managing Director for Motorola Mobility, Middle East & Africa.

Motorola RAZR is available in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt now.

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, recently handed over a fleet of 35 Land Cruiser Prado’s to Dubai Police (DP), further reinforcing a long association of 60 years.

The handover ceremony was headed by Brigadier Anas Al Matrooshi, Deputy Director Transport and Rescue Dubai Police and Simon Frith, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors and attended by senior officials from DP and Al-Futtaim Motors.

Simon Frith gave tribute to the six decade long relationship: “We would like to thank the Dubai Police for their continuous trust in Al-Futtaim Motors and specifically the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Prado is one of the most popular 4×4 vehicles in the UAE, well liked for its great combination of on-road and off-road capabilities. Like every Toyota model, Prado is known for its quality, durability and reliability which make it the most effective and cost efficient car to be used by Dubai Police,” he said.

Brigadier Al Matrooshi commented: “This project further reinforces the long standing collaborative relationship between Dubai Police and Al-Futtaim Motors. Working in partnership with Al-Futtaim Motors is starting to deliver significant benefits and we are very satisfied with the level of attention our business is getting.”

Preceding the handover of the 35 new Prado’s, DP have also received training on Toyota’s Intelligent Tester, a machine that once plugged into the vehicle, can detect any defect or malfunction, thus reducing the risk of any sudden breakdown.

These activities have all been overseen by a recently appointed senior key account manager, a role created by Al-Futtaim Motors following feedback from DP. Fully dedicated to the requirements of DP in terms of sales, after sales queries, modification requests and updates on new technologies the role has been integral to the collaborative approach required.

Frith concluded: “We have managed to create a regular, almost daily two way communication channel with DP, which enables us to immediately respond to any query or feedback from them in addition to pro-actively providing solutions for any possible problem. We are proud to have achieved this level of support to DP, and look forward to further reinforcing our special business relationship in the future.”

Riyadh, January 2012: TELSA, the only dedicated B2B Telecoms and ICT Exhibition  and Conference  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is under the patronage of H. E. Eng. Mohamed Jamil Bin Ahmed Mulla, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and organized by National Exhibitions Company and Informa Saudi Arabia, exceeded all expectation during the first two days of the event.

“The Saudi Telecoms and ICT sector is booming and the high number of industry experts that attended the Saudi Telecoms and ICT Summit held alongside TELSA is a reflection of the industry’s demand for such an event,” said Hussain Al Harthi, Managing Director, National Exhibition Company. “The summit presented a platform that united the industry in discussion and debate covering topics such as Saudi Arabia’s role in setting a benchmark for next generation connectivity in the Middle East.”

According to a report published by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), nearly 70 percent of the internet users in the G20 will be from emerging markets by 2016 compared to 56 percent in 2010, while mobile devices, especially smart phones, will account for about 8 percent of all broadband connection in the G20 nations by 2016.

“The Saudi telecoms and ICT sector is experiencing rapid change. Saudi Arabia’s distinct demographics are driving an accelerated uptake of higher-value services,” said Deep Marwaha, General Manager of Informa Saudi Arabia. “TELSA, which features an exhibition, conference and workshops, supports this active industry and attracts business leaders, telecoms professionals and government agencies from throughout Saudi Arabia and the region.”

“Saudi Arabia’s government has invested heavily into the country’s economy and infrastructure, announcing the second record budget in a row this year. The number of projects and firms is increasing and companies are in turn raising their telecoms and IT budget and purchasing a wider variety of services,” said Mr. Hidefumi Kawakita, General Manager of Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa – KSA Office, during the exhibition. “We see a great potential for business technology solutions and services to verticals such as Education, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, and many more, and therefore we are setting a focus on this field.

“The government has further recognized the potential for energy saving technologies which are necessities considering that seventy percent of Saudi Arabia’s electricity is consumed by air conditions.  Panasonic is the leader in offering innovative energy saving solutions in the world and we are determined to manifest this position in the Saudi market in the long term.”

Adding to the comments of Mr. Kawakita, Eng. Shoukat Mostarihi, Business Development Manager at Taqnia, one of the leading System Solution operators in Saudi Arabia and member of Alesayi Group, agent of Panasonic Corporation, said: “Panasonic is the leading phone manufacturer in the world. With the Saudi operators heavily investing into technologies such as LTE and HSPA which could serve as a relatively cost-efficient option to deploy high-speed broadband services across the major cities in the Kingdom as well as smaller towns and villages, we clearly see the future in SIP phones, a segment Panasonic aims to claim leadership.”

Mr. Marwaha said: “This is the first edition of TELSA in Saudi Arabia and we received very positive feedback from exhibitors, speakers and delegates. As the only dedicated B2B telecoms and ICT event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we found a niche that is very high in demand. Bearing witness to this fact is that TELSA was used as a launch platform by participating companies.”

Intergrated Telecom Company (ITC), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading telecom companies, launched the Kingdom’s first Fiber Sync Storage Service, which uses high-speed fiber technology to sync storage units across various data centers, during TELSA. The products offer solutions especially suited for corporations and business sectors which rely heavily on data, allowing them to sync storage and backup sources in less than 1/1,000th of a second. 

Participants in TELSA included the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Official Supporter), Mobily (Official Telecom Partner), Ericsson (Platinum Sponsor), Comptel, (Silver Sponsor), LCC (Silver Sponsor), Integrated Telecom (Silver Sponsor), and many more exhibitors, partners together with a roster of elite speakers.

The Saudi Telecoms and ICT Summit at TELSA was held in parallel with the exhibition in which organizations and companies from around the world discussed the latest market developments and issues.

For more information visit www.telsaexpo.com.

MBS maintains growth momentum in the region as MBA student base grows to 1,200  

Manchester Business School (MBS) Middle East International Executive Centre at Dubai Knowledge Village has recorded the school’s largest ever intake of MBA students by any MBS international centre worldwide, with 142 working professionals joining one of the four part time MBA programmes offered by MBS to students in the Middle East.

Following the record January student intake, the Middle East centre in Dubai Knowledge Village now supports more than 1,200 part time MBA students in the region. The Middle East centre continues to be the largest and fastest growing in the MBS international network of seven centres worldwide, less than six years after opening in the region in 2006.

Of the Middle East January 2012 intake of 142 new students, more than 10 per cent are women and half of all the students are resident in the UAE, with a significant proportion based in Saudi Arabia. More than 40 nationalities are represented in the new cohort (students representing 85 nationalities in total are supported by the MBS Middle East centre), including Emirati students.

Ms Randa Bessiso, Director Middle East at Manchester Business School, comments: “MBS is delighted to announce the record enrolment of new MBA students in the Middle East, which continues to be the most dynamic centre in the MBS network. Just as important is the quality and diversity of the intake, including a strong cohort of female students, and many of the new students already hold a masters degree. We are also seeing rising numbers of our students being supported financially by their employers, which is very encouraging. The new students are experienced working professionals in mid career and come from a wide range of companies in the private and public sectors, operating in a range of industries - Telecoms, manufacturing and energy/utilities accounting for the largest share.

“Demand in the region for an MBA from the one of the world’s top business schools remains strong and we are continuing to add new modules to help students tailor their programmes more specifically to their needs. An MBA is a career and life changing experience and our part time students have the great advantage over full time students in that they take their learning into the workplace every day, whilst continuing their careers, and still benefiting from substantial exposure to MBS faculty,” Ms Bessiso adds.

The MBS Middle East Centre offers four, part-time, post experience MBA programmes for working professionals – Global MBA; Engineering; Finance; and Project Management. The Manchester MBA is triple accredited and awarded by the University of Manchester.

The Third generation Mercedes-Benz M Class was unveiled at the 2012 Qatar International Motor Show. Company officials and members of the press gathered at the Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles’ pavilion to experience a unique SUV model that brings together unparalleled standards in performance, looks, safety and fuel efficiency.

Other vehicles will also be on showcase including: the racing gullwing and winner of the Dunlop Dubai 24-Hour Race the SLS AMG GT3, the C Coupe AMG, the GL 500 Grand Edition, the E 63 AMG, the SLS 63 AMG Roadster, the CLS 63 Coupe, the SLK 350 with an AMG package, the S 500, the E 55, the C 300 Saloon, the E 350 Coupe and the E 350 Cabriolet.

Visitors of the Motor Show can further enhance their knowledge of the vehicle by opting to use the exclusive iPad technology which helps with a virtual showcase of the inside and outside of the car. With the iPad technology, visitors will enjoy the most interactive digital experience at the Motor Show and by simply pointing the camera towards the vehicle of their choice, they can select an area and retrieve relevant data, get sales information or book appointments with sales consultants.

Khaled Shaa’ban, General Manager of NBK Automobiles, said, “With the M-Class, it’s always been a case of combining the comfort and luxury of a saloon car with the off-road characteristics and the emotiveness of an SUV. The fact that the new M-Class is as fuel-efficient as the economical saloon cars displaying the Mercedes star makes the all-wheel-drive model even more desirable. A range of state-of-the-art engines, a class-leading Cd figure (drag coefficient) of 0.32 and extensive BlueEFFICIENCY measures lay the foundations for outstanding energy efficiency. The new ML-Class is truly in a class of its own.”

The new generation ML is instantly recognisable as an M-Class by its characteristic body design with the hallmark C-pillar shape. It combines high levels of design, appeal and ease of use to create a powerful presence. The front of the vehicle is dominated by the powerfully self-confident design of the radiator grille with its centrally positioned Mercedes star, giving it that typical M-Class look. Seen from the side, the elongated lines give formal emphasis to the on-road credentials of this vehicle, whose compact proportions are defined by a large wheelbase and short overhangs. The C-pillar that is so characteristic of this model series takes its cue from earlier generations of the M-Class and differentiates it very clearly in stylistic terms from its competitors. At the same time, the way the roof line slopes down to the rear underlines the sporty appeal of the new M-Class. This, together with the similarly wrap-around effect of the two-part rear light unit with LED fibre-optic technology, and the lowered roof with its large roof spoiler, add up to an overall harmonious design.

The rear bumper, which features an integrated chrome-effect load sill guard in a new “wing design”, defines the characteristic appearance of the SUV’s rear end. The available wheels range from light and aerodynamically optimised 43.2 cm (17-inch) wheels through to 50.8 cm (20 inch) wheels with an elegant, high-quality appeal. As an option, 53.3 cm (21 inch) AMG wheels can be fitted to emphasise the sporty look of the new M Class.

The interior design concept clearly combines an authentic SUV experience with a sense of wellbeing that is usually the reserve of top-class Mercedes-Benz saloons. While an expressive dome shape embodies the power of an SUV, the gently sloping contours of the dashboard in the front passenger area afford an outstanding sense of space, thereby highlighting the vehicle’s suitability for long journeys. The spacious, bright interior offers substantial elbow room thus enhancing spaciousness. Eye-catching features on the dashboard include a large trim element that matches the trim used for the doors and therefore creates a harmonious wrap-around effect. The seats in the new M-Class have been designed to offer high long-distance comfort and optimum lateral support. All of the key settings can be adjusted electrically. New features include rear seat backrests adjustable for angle and the through-loading feature via the armrest for transporting skis. Folding both backrests as well as the seat cushions forward creates a level load compartment with a capacity of 2010 litres up to the roof lining - a record in this segment.

The new M-Class comes as standard with the Audio 20 CD system, which comprises a radio with twin-tuner, a colour display with a 14.7 cm screen diagonal, an MP3/WMA/AAC-compatible CD player, a USB interface with CD Cover Art display, an AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest and a telephone keypad. The Bluetooth interface also allows hands-free telephony and Audio Streaming for the transfer of music. One of the particularly interesting features on offer is the Becker MAP PILOT, a fully integrated navigation module. The COMAND Online multimedia system with a high-resolution 17.8 cm colour display provides internet access in the M-Class for the first time. Customers can either browse freely when the vehicle is at a standstill or use a Mercedes-Benz App with pages that load extremely quickly and are also easy to use when the vehicle is on the move. As an option, COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc DVD changer. This system’s standard features include Speed Limit Assist, which recognises traffic signs and displays them in the instrument cluster.

The third generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class scores particularly highly on outstanding energy efficiency and on average the new model range consumes 25% less fuel than the previous models. One true champion in terms of fuel consumption is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which boasts an NEDC consumption of just 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and has a range of up to 1500 kilometres on a full tank. Further strengths of the premium SUV with permanent all-wheel drive include exceptional safety and well-balanced ride comfort as well as excellent driving dynamics both on and off the road. What’s more, the ML features an array of new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems which further enhance both driving enjoyment and handling safety. A characteristic body design and a variable interior with a high wellness factor add to the richness of the driving experience in the new M-Class.

When it comes to performance, the ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine model is earmarked with the BlueDIRECT engine generation features. The key here is the third-generation direct petrol injection system with spray-guided combustion and new piezo injectors that have an injection pressure of 200 bar, together with multi-spark ignition (MSI) and a new stratified combustion process.

The range calculated for a full tank of fuel is particularly impressive. With an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with the standard 70-litre tank can cover around 1170 kilometres before needing to stop for fuel. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional 93-litre tank, the car can even cover up to 1500 kilometres between refuelling stops.

The excellent fuel economy is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engineering. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the new seven-speed 7G/TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a new fuel-economy converter, friction-optimised bearings and a transmission oil thermal management system. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering, the optimised belt drive with decoupler, the on-demand control of all ancillary components and pumps, and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. What’s more, intelligent lightweight design has stopped the weight from spiralling upwards.

Even the standard version of the new M-Class offers a high level of comfort, dynamic on-road handling and outstanding off-road capabilities. For the first time, the M-Class chassis with steel suspension features selective damping. The driver is assisted by electric steering, which ensures the optimum level of steering assistance for the current driving situation. In addition to this, the SUV impresses with the smallest turning circle in its market segment.

For driving off the beaten track, the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY models are equipped with extensive off-road features as standard, including 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, 4ETS electronic traction control and an off-road button which activates a special off road driving mode. Furthermore, the start-off assist system makes hill starts easier, while the Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically keeps the M Class at the speed set using the cruise control stalk.

The optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new M-Class has six driving modes for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. The driver can select from one automatic mode, two special off-road modes and three on-road modes using a rotary control in the centre console.

Active roll stabilisation in the form of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM can be optionally combined with both the AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) and the ON&OFFROAD package. Further benefits of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM include superb ride comfort both when cornering and driving in a straight line, together with enhanced off-road abilities.

The new M-Class promises relaxed and, therefore, safe driving in all possible conditions. By paying close attention to detail every step of the way, the development engineers in the Mercedes Technology Center have significantly improved what they call the NVH comfort level (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). This is an important factor contributing to the general sense of wellbeing on board, whilst also playing its part in driver-fitness safety, especially on long journeys. The basis for the high level of NVH comfort is provided by the very rigid bodyshell of the M-Class. Further improvements have also been made to the drive system and chassis. This is all topped off by aero-acoustic refinements and the intelligent use of new-style insulation.

In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new M-Class represents the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz holistic safety concept of Real Life Safety, which is derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust occupant compartment of the M-Class, together with the front and rear deformation zones, forms an effective basis for the occupant protection system. Up to nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and accident severity, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard-fit Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce the severity of an accident, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive-safety measures to help protect pedestrians, including an Active Bonnet as standard.

Both active safety and driver-fitness safety in the new M-Class are further improved by assistance systems that will already be familiar, primarily from the S- and E-Class. The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE SAFE and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML is undoubtedly a true benchmark of its class and is now available at the Nasser Bin Khaled Mercedes-Benz showroom located on Salwa Road.

Following the launch of the new Audi A6 with two V6 engines in mid 2011, Audi has now released a new entry-level engine to the UAE market. As the latest member of the A6 range, the new A6 2.0 TFSI features innovative solutions in every area of technology, including its light body, sporty chassis and a wide array of assistance and multimedia systems.

With a power output of 180 hp the new, high-end four-cylinder petrol engine is as efficient as powerful. It combines direct injection with turbocharging and power is transmitted to the front wheels through the continuously variable multitronic transmission.

The 2.0 TFSI delivers a peak torque of 320 Nm available between 1500-3900 and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds on its way to the top speed of 226 km/h. The engine makes use of important technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform - the energy recovery system and the start-stop function. Average fuel consumption is just 6.4 liters per 100 km which corresponds to CO2 emissions of less than 149 grams per km.

The Audi A6 2.0 TFSI comes with extensive standard equipment including the latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) operating system, leather seating surfaces, a multifunction leather steering wheel, electric front seats with memory function for the driver as well as the Audi parking system plus. Audi also offers a variety of high-tech options including a head-up display, Audi active lane assist, Audi park assist, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the MMI touch.

The Audi A6 2.0 TFSI was specially developed for the Middle East and features, among others, a four-zone automatic air conditioning system with increased performance and the MMI navigation and operating system also in Arabic.

Long Version

Once again, Audi sets the standard: The new Audi A6, the successor to the world’s most successful executive sedan, features groundbreaking solutions in every area of technology. The body is extremely light owing to a significant proportion of aluminum components. The range of assistance and multimedia systems is extensive, and operation is intuitive and user-friendly.

The new Audi A6 is available in the Middle East with three gasoline powerplants: a 180 hp 2.0 TFSI, a 204 hp 2.8 FSI and a 300 hp 3.0 TFSI. While the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI feature the new S tronic transmission and latest generation of quattro four-wheel drive, the new 2.0 TFSI comes with the multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system has been expanded to include an additional efficiency mode on the 3.0 TFSI.

With the new A6, which is the seventh generation of the model, Audi is revolutionizing the executive class. Featuring many technical innovations and lightweight aluminum design, this car will write the next chapter in the huge success story of the A6.

The design embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 meters long and 1.87 meters wide, but just 1.46 meters high - the sportiest proportions in its segment. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline, and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. The Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights or optional full LED headlights emphasize the striking expression at the front.

The body of the new Audi A6 is exceedingly light, stiff and safe, thanks to an intelligent composite design concept. Numerous aluminum components and high-tech steels reduce its weight by some 30 kilograms compared with the previous model, making it the backbone of a systematic lightweight design concept.

Depending on the version, the new executive sedan weighs up to 80 kilograms less than its predecessor. Audi - the lightweight design pioneer of the international automotive industry - has once again reversed the weight spiral, raising the bar for lightweight design.

The body features additional strong points. State-of-the art materials and design methods ensure extremely low interior noise levels. Precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide excellent vibrational comfort.

Powerful and highly efficient: the three engines

The new A6 is available with a choice of three powerful, highly efficient four- and six-cylinder powerplants. The three gasoline engines deliver 180 hp, 204 hp and 300 hp respectively. The engines make use of technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform - the innovative thermal management concept, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system. Fuel consumption has improved by up to 21% compared with the previous model - a leading figure among the competition.

The Audi A6 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI are available with a sporty S tronic transmission. Each engine features a wide gear-ratio spread and low internal friction, thereby making a significant contribution to the sedan’s efficiency. Power is funneled to the road via all four wheels. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is presented in its latest stage of evolution - its crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring function guarantee supreme traction, stability and dynamic response. Audi also offers the sport differential, which actively distributes torque to the rear wheels. The entry-level 2.0 TSI variant comes with a multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, the chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort. Its links are made of aluminum; the power steering features a new electromechanical drive, making it highly efficient. The executive sedan has wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, with powerful brakes behind them.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard for all engine versions. For enhanced comfort, Audi also offers adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as an option. Dynamic steering will be available soon, also as an option.

Sporty elegance: the interior

The roomy interior of the new Audi A6 echoes the sinewy look of the exterior design. The salient element is the “wrap-around” - an inlay encircling the driver and the front-seat passenger. The elegant face of the instrument panel underscores the sleek quality of the cockpit area.

Every detail of the interior is a testament to the care that Audi invests in carmaking. All materials, including an innovative layered-wood veneer, have been selected and crafted with the utmost care. As an option, the front seats can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions. Ambient lighting or the interior lighting package give the interior an added shine. The new Audi A6 features the logical ergonomics concept that distinguishes all of the brand’s models.

The Audi A6 comes with extensive standard equipment including the latest-generation MMI radio operating system, an efficient deluxe automatic four-zone air conditioning, a multifunction leather steering wheel and the Audi music interface (option in 2.0 TFSI), the Audi parking system plus, cruise control as well as a glass sunroof (option in 2.0 TFSI). The electric front seats with memory function for the driver can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions as an option.

Audi also offers a variety of high-tech options: a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the MMI touch operating system. As of now the MMI interface is also available in Arabic including all Menu points, navigation maps and voice instructions as well as MMI touch handwriting recognition.

The new adaptive cruise control with stop & go function regulates speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and if necessary breaks the vehicle to a full standstill. The Audi pre sense safety system is in many situations able to reduce accidents and their consequences, or even prevent them altogether. The Audi active lane assist helps the driver keep the A6 on course, and the park assist system relieves the driver of the chore of steering when parallel parking.

Developed for the Middle East

Before a new model goes into production it has to demonstrate its qualities in countless checks, over 100,000 simulations and more than 2.5 million test kilometers. A number of these tests are benchmark in the automotive industry, such as the patented “INKA” test, which ages the car 12 years in just 19 weeks.

During the test the car is being misted with salt and subjected to a humidity of 100% at 50°C. An artificial sun with 1,000 watts power per sqm simulates the UV intensity of an African summer.

The outdoor “Hot country track” simulates a complete lifecycle of an Audi under extremely hot temperatures in South Africa, on a dedicated gravel track test facility under extreme conditions.

The new Audi A6 was specially developed for the Middle East region. The performance of highly efficient four-zone automatic air conditioning system, for example, has been increased. Its functionality was tested over approximately one million test kilometers in various countries including China, South America, South Africa and the UAE. Further race track testing ensures that even sporty driving does not interfere with performance, even at temperatures of over fifty degrees.

In addition to the four-zone automatic air conditioning system, heat insulated windscreen and side windows, as well as sun blinds at the rear and side come as a standard in the Middle East and climate controlled comfort seats with active seat ventilation are available optionally.

Kuwait : Everything but the Dress launches a toe to top collection of accessories with Kurt Geiger’s signature chic urban glamour. Shoes, once the sole stars of Kurt Geiger, shine alongside an irresistible array of handbags, small leather goods, chic technology accessories, scarves, gloves, jewellery and hair accessories with attitude.

Fashionista’s can adopt a different style for every mood and build their ultimate wish list. Whether designing your winter wardrobe or sharing your dream gift list, Kurtgeiger.com offers an array of choice. The site offers exclusive pieces, previews of the forthcoming collections, footage of exclusive events, trend information and behind the scenes reports. 

The Accessories collection offers a strong, urban collection of stylish pieces.  The handbags are created in soft European leathers in a palette of sophisticated colours, complete with heavy gold plated zips and hardware for a contemporary feel.  The outerwear is inspired by urban street style with fingerless gloves, faux fur snoods and soft angora scarves. Jewellery pieces have a handmade feel that combine materials such as faceted glass, suede and plated gold.

Cool, kitsch and cute. Candy is a fun and playful collection of instantly desirable accessories such as purses, cardholders, technology accessories, key fobs, pencil cases, cosmetic bags and shoppers. Materials such as Perspex, nylon, printed satin and embossed snake all come in eye-popping colours.  Small trinkets such as beaded necklaces in fluorescent colours, coloured friendship strings with star charms, hair accessories, earrings and rings all sit in gold star bubble packaging.

Walk into Kurt Geiger at The Avenues, Phase II and adorn yourself from toe to top.

SouqExtra!, the national chain of community supercenters, has experienced a 48% increase in daily footfall corresponding to the positive reception of its concept by the local retail community and the confident outlook for the UAE retail sector.

SouqExtra! officials announced this encouraging trend during a cake cutting ceremony held with retail partners and community members to mark the second anniversary of its flagship outlet at Ewan Residences in Dubai Investment Park.

The Anniversary celebration is the first major event on SouqExtra!’s 2012 Activity Calendar. The entertainment needs of children during this event have also been given a special care with bouncing castle, clowns, magic show and a host of other fun filled activities that will continue for 3 days.

Speaking on the occasion, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Managing Director of SouqExtra! said “These new figures are very astounding, and are driven by the increased consumer confidence in the UAE and the rising demand for modern retailing concepts, such as SouqExtra!.”

This is backed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) who stated that consumer confidence in Dubai rose during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the previous quarter. The confidence index increased from 15 points to 125, boosted by a 22% in survey respondents’ optimism of an economic recovery over the next 12 months.

“Our operational model, that revolves around the needs and unique demographics of the residential communities in which we are based, has proved very successful and has been praised by retail partners and consumers alike,” said Justin Wilshaw, the Chief Executive Officer of SouqExtra!.

Attending to the local community demand at SouqExtra! Ewan Residences, new retail space has been allocated for more services including a coffee shop, a driving institute and a sunglass offer according to Mr Wilshaw.

Building on the lifestyle supercenter’s community-centric character the first year anniversary celebrations at SouqExtra! Ewan Residences saw a 100% increase in daily footfall.

SouqExtra! is a pioneering lifestyle supercenter model, representing an innovative retail concept shaped by extensive research into outlet positioning as well as the quality and variety of services offered. It offers an innovative programme that encourages local entrepreneurs to enter the exciting retail scene, and focuses on providing access to amenities and services that connect consumers’ professional and family life to the larger community, adding something Extra! to life.

Dubai, UAE, January 25 , 2012 – Software AG’s new Technology Community provides a database of knowledge and experts for external use, connecting developers and other IT professionals via a professional network and accelerating development initiatives. The platform includes all Software AG product areas and gives developers and other IT experts access to the latest articles, code samples, webinars, forums, product videos, and wikis in the technical product environment. The new search functionality helps in the search for generic keywords across areas.

The new Community encompasses all of Software AG’s product areas, including the Adabas, ARIS, CentraSite, Natural, Terracotta, and webMethods product families. Along with providing opportunities for direct interaction—for example, via the chat function or with the help of ‘friends’—the Technology Community is the online venue for the latest information about product releases, downloads, and newsletters. Posts on the various discussion boards can be shared on other social networks, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

“Software AG’s new Technology Community is a one-stop shop to connect to all Software AG developer assets, channels, and community members,” says the Eaton Corporation’s Brian Johnson, the North American Representative of the Software AG User Group Executive Committee. “It offers many useful tools which enable you to interact with others and find answers that you can’t find anywhere else. I encourage everyone to use the Technology Community and contribute your insights to build on this intuitive and dynamic environment.”

The Technology Community has more than 16,000 members and contains over 50,000 posts on various discussion boards. In the last two years, the number of posts made to this knowledge base every day has doubled, and the Community is now accessed more than 14,000 times daily.

“Technical expertise and support are essential to the Middle East’s vision of becoming a genuinely digital society. The Technology Community will provide valuable insights and information on how to best apply Software AG tools and techniques to advance the IT agendas of the region’s public and private sectors. At the same time, it will also be an effective platform for discussing technology issues and trends that are unique to the Arab community,” added Marco Gerazounis, Senior VP Middle East North Africa & Turkey, Software AG.

“The Technology Community is the single best source of getting the latest updates on our products and tap a huge knowledge base of demos, trial downloads, code examples, and expert know-how,” says Gerd Schneider, Vice President of Communities at Software AG. “It meets the needs of our stakeholders for sharing knowledge and gaining insight to simplify development and problem solving. With the new capabilities, it is now even easier to share information and collaborate on a day-to-day basis.”

Participation in the Software AG Technology Community is free. For more information or to register, please go to communities.softwareag.com.