Opening of Danube’s 28th retail facility strengthens company’s bid to create stronger Middle East market presence

June 26, 2011

Danube Building Materials, a leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, opened yesterday its newest Danube Building Materials Showroom in Sharjah, UAE. The AED 10 million showroom is the latest addition to the company’s growing number of retail facilities in the UAE and was inaugurated by Abdullah AL Qayedi
Director of Sharjah Municipality and Khalid Saif Almuaini Director of Economic Department, while the ceremony was chaired by Anis Sajan, Managing Director; Adel Sajan, Director, Danube Building Materials and several senior government officials including, Mohammad bin Faris Head of Sales/Promotions, Sharjah Economic Department and Jehad Rashid Al Zaabi, Manager Projects, Sharjah Economic Department. The event marks the opening of Danube’s 28th retail facility in the region and reflects the company’s strategic initiative towards strengthening its market presence in the Middle East region.

Located in the sanitaryware wholesale market of Sharjah, the new retail facility is spread over 5,000 square feet and will house the latest state-of-the-art products. Sporting a modern look and design, the Danube Building Materials showroom is being offered as a ‘Business to Business’ (B2B) retail and wholesale unit specializing in sanitaryware and ceramic tiles products.

Abdullah Al Qayedi, Director of Sharjah Municipality Sharjah, said: “Danube is one of the most prestigious brands in the building industry and we are certainly pleased that they have decided to open a new showroom in Sharjah. We are confident that the new showroom will enable Danube to reach out to a much wider cross-section of its target audiences, while reaffirming the growing reputation of Sharjah as an ideal destination for world-class brands.”

“The inauguration of our Sharjah showroom demonstrates Danube’s commitment towards its customers and partners across the region, and also its efforts to provide the best building materials under one roof. Danube is seeking to create strong presence in the UAE and the rest of the region with the opening of new retail and warehousing facilities,” said Anis Sajan, Managing Director, Danube Building Materials. “It has long been my dream to open a showroom in Sharjah’s sanitary ware market. Today, this dream comes true. Sharjah’s sanitary ware area is recognized as one of the most important hubs for export customers in the UAE and Sharjah in particular and has played an integral role in the Emirate’s move to drive in more economic growth and development. We are looking towards attracting more business as we are getting closer to our customers with the opening of this new facility.”

The company has just opened a new AED 10 million Building Materials showroom in Al Dibba, UAE. The new retail facility, which spreads across 30,000 square feet, demonstrates the company’s continuing efforts to expand operations in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East region. Danube has also opened a new AED 40 million, state-of-the-art warehouse in Jafza South, which measures at 550,000 square feet. Expansion has also gone beyond the region with the opening of key retail facilities in India, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Aside from the move to expand, the company is also integrating revolutionary technologies into their operations like the sophisticated Warehouse Management System (WMS), which deploys wireless hand-held scanners and the latest technology to support Intelligent Operations, used for real time update of data and inventory management.

“Danube is upbeat towards opening more facilities in the next few months, which ably reflects our introduction of a key one-stop-shop for all the essential building materials needed in a project. We will continue to live up to our reputation of being providers of world-class high quality materials by understanding the demands and requirements of our rapidly growing customer base in the UAE and the rest of the region,” concluded Sajan.

Sharjah, UAE, 6th June 2011: BinSina Pharmacy, a leading name in the world of retail pharmacy, announced the opening of its new store in K.M Trading Center in Sharjah, staying on track to reach 40 pharmacies in the UAE by the end of 2011.

The new pharmacy is strategically located at the K.M. Trading Centre at King Abdul Aziz Rd, one of the most active places in Sharjah. The outlet will serve K.M Trading Centre visitors as well as neighbouring areas, such as Al Qasemeyyah area, Abu Shaghara area, Al Wahdah St. area  & some northern parts of the emirate.

The BinSina opening at K.M Trading Center is another proof of the group’s expanding strategy to spread in key areas in Sharjah. This approach is reflected through the groups’ pharmacies in Mega Mall and on Buhaira Corniche Rd and many other strategic places such as the Sharjah University.

Clive Stanley the CEO of the retail division at Al Khayyat Investment owner of BinSina Pharmacy said: “The launch of the branch in K.M Trading Centre was preceded by an in-depth survey to assess the area’s needs for pharmacy services.”

The BinSina Group is part of Al Khayyat Investments which is well known for its diverse investments, representing more than 200 multinational brands in different fields.

The group has 5 million customers visiting its pharmacies annually. A single BinSina pharmacy stocks around 16,000 different medicines and non-medical items.

“BinSina Pharmacy serves more than 5000 customers daily and captures more than 12.3% market share, out of 1,400 pharmacies countrywide. It deals with more than 70 suppliers in pharmaceutical products, as well as medical devices, speciality skin care and personal care products”, added Stanley.

The first BinSina Pharmacy was opened in 1965 in Nasser Square in Dubai. Now, after 45 years, it has evolved into the UAE’s leading pharmacy chain.

First international bank to provide banking services at the Free Zone

UAE, May 24, 2011-Standard Chartered Bank, has inaugurated its new Electronic Banking Unit (EBU) at the Hamriya Free Zone in Sharjah. Standard Chartered is the first foreign bank to operate in the Free Zone, providing banking and finance services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and retail clients. The bank will leverage on its global network to facilitate the increased intra-regional activities of businesses operating in the free zone.

Standard Chartered Bank’s new EBU is staffed by experienced Relationship Managers who specialise in financial services for SMEs and individuals. The EBU is equipped with a Cheque and Cash Deposit Machine as well as ATMs and Internet banking facilities to ensure optimum convenience for customers in the area.

Chris de Bruin, Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered UAE, said,

“Standard Chartered adopts a customer-focus strategy which aims to provide financial products and services which cater to our customer’s specific needs. The opening of the new EBU reaffirms our strong commitment to expand our presence in the UAE and enable business enterprises and individuals to take advantage of our superior banking products and services.”

Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Director General of Hamriya Free Zone, said,

“The opening of Standard Chartered Bank’s new EBU will improve access to premium banking products and services, benefiting the thousands of corporate and individual clients in the Hamriya Free Zone. We commend Standard Chartered for taking the initiative to establish a presence in the rapidly-growing Free Zone and we are confident that the bank will enjoy the strong support of both corporate and individual clients.”

Standard Chartered Bank’s Hamriya EBU accepts applications for loans and facilities, Saadiq Islamic Banking services, and opening of an account as well as Fixed, Term and Call Deposits. It also accepts remittance instructions. The EBU is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 8 am to 2 pm on Thursday. The automated lobby is operational 24 hours daily.

Event welcomes over 200 guests from all over the UAE

Sharjah, UAE, January 9th, 2011 – Al Qasba Development Authority in collaboration with Nando’s, the international Afro-Portuguese chain of restaurants hosted yesterday (January 8th) the “Longest One-Table Event” at the scenic Al Qasba in Sharjah. The event, that included entertainment shows, prizes, and mouthwatering food, was attended by over 200 guests who shared a meal together at the longest banquet table ever laid out in Sharjah.

“We believe that by sharing, we can get to know each other better. And by getting to know each other better, we can change the way the world works. It is with this philosophy in mind that we decided to conduct the ‘Longest One-Table’ event. It is all about laughing, talking, eating, sharing and changing the world one bite at a time,” said Suhail Gidwani, CEO of Nando’s UAE.

The event saw the participation of guests from different nationalities and from various parts of UAE, who enjoyed famous dishes & delectable desserts from Nando’s.

“It was truly a wonderful experience being part of the Nando’s One-Table Event. My family & I interacted with so many new people and made new friends. We enjoyed the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with knowing that we are all gathered here for two good causes – community peace and great food.” Ameera Sayed, guest at the event said.

“Events like this one are always a great initiative to get people together, and Al Qasba has been always enthusiastic to host such events,” said Dina Al Nakhi, Events Manager at Al Qasba Development Authority. “The event brought smiles on our visitors’ faces and generated much interest because of the idea, the organization and the entertaining atmosphere.”

At the end of the event, all guests received a certificate from Nando’s & Al Qasba that attested that they have done their “bite” for World Peace.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority businesses to share best practices in brand building 

Sharjah, UAE; October 3, 2010: Top leaders and decision-makers doing business in Sharjah, specifically at the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA), will gather once more for the 2nd Marketing and Branding Congress on Tuesday, October 5.

The authority’s director general, Dr. Rashid Alleem, founder and chairman of the Alleem Knowledge Center (AKC), has invited forward-looking companies such as Southend Prefab, Developer Building Contracting and Tech International FZC to share their experiences in marketing and brand building.

Dr. Alleem himself will be presenting advertising and branding techniques that have made HFZA an attractive destination for foreign as well as local investors. He will be complemented by the authority’s customer relations manager, Mr. Saeed Al Bardan, who will talk during the opening session to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

“You must build cutting-edge strategy for your product or service to differentiate your brand in the marketplace by balancing your firm’s external opportunities and threats, and its internal strengths and weaknesses. Otherwise, your product is merely another commodity and very easy for consumer to pass by,” said the director general.

Dr. Alleem is widely known in the UAE as a change leader and is an expert in the development of human potential and personal effectiveness.

The congress is part of a series networking activities being organized by AKC. The center has conducted three other congresses this year on leadership, sustainable development and project management.

The event’s sponsors are Al Aydi Metal Industry LLC, Hamriyah Steel, Unger Steel Middle East, SBK Holding, ALCO, Rad International, Horwath Mak, Port Khalid Cold Stores Co, Tech International FZC, Emirates Techno Casting, Al Hanoo Holdings, Hamriyah Maritme City, and Developer Building Contracting.

Leading cultural venue Al Qasba draws over 20,000 guests during the first two weeks of Ramadan as public determined to take advantage of rare art exhibitions, Islamic lectures and holiday promotions

Sharjah, September 4, 2010: Ramadan is one of the most exciting times of the year in UAE, and in Sharjah, Ramadan entertainment was flourishing as cultural and entertainment venue Al Qasba reports a huge influx of visitors—and spending—during the holiday season.  According to Al Qasba Development Authority, revenues alone for this year’s Ramadan period have increased by almost 50% compared to last year due to the increased turnout of visitors and the various promotions which have encouraged consumer spending on everything from retail to fine dining.

The annual Ramadaniat Al Qasba program—held this autumn for the sixth consecutive year—was marked by a series of Ramadan cultural events including the Eman Oasis tent.  Hosting notable clerics from across the Islamic world, evening religious lectures saw hundreds of visitors opening their hearts and minds to some of the most important Islamic issues within contemporary society. 

Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority, notes that the diversity of events this year encouraged an astonishing 20,000 visitors in the first two weeks—a figure higher than the monthly average footfall so far this year and even outpacing the Ramadan celebrations of last year.

“Ramadan is always an exciting time for us to be connecting with our customers and providing insights into the Islamic traditions of the region and the UAE in particular,” says Sawaf.  “Sharjah’s popularity as a tourist and cultural destination is unique in the region, and we at Al Qasba are thrilled to celebrate holidays like Ramadan and Eid with distinct attractions and promotional schedules.”

Supported by a variety of both young and experienced photographers living in UAE, the ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibit is another of this year’s special events giving visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  Open until September 18 and with predominantly local photographers, the partnership with Emirates Photography Society is one of a series of events that the two groups hope will promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

It was the public who benefitted once again through a month-long giveaway promotion for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba’s facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, which runs until September 19, customers took home hundreds of fantastic prizes including AED 20,000 total worth of Al Qasba Gift Vouchers to be spent on dining and entertainment, Home Electronic Gifts, a bundle of Food & Beverage Freebies and many more! Unlike in years before, many of the promotions are aligned with independent Al Qasba restaurants and cafes, which add a special touch to the festive atmosphere with a wide range of Iftar and Suhour meals and extended hours. 

Ramadaniat Al Qasba was one of the many events held this year under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival; a program which aims to support the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. 

Nine vegetable, fruits and meat outlets in Sharjah were slapped with fines totalling Dh55,000 by the Ministry of Economy (MoE) for violating rules.

In Ajman, the MoE, in its campaign to keeping prices in check during the holy month of Ramadan, fined four vegetable outlets and a hyper market.

The MoE team conducted inspections in Sharjah and Ajman on Tuesday and Wednesday in coordination with the Sharjah Economic Development Department and the Ajman 
Municipality.

Eight outlets, four in Sharjah and four in Ajman, were fined for not displaying the price list and for increasing prices.

A popular hypermarket in Ajman’s Al Nuaimia area was fined Dh10,000 for selling meat products at a higher price.

Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the MoE, said it had been noticed during the inspections that all food products were available, but some of the outlets were not abiding by the Ministry’s regulations.

“Violations are minimised this year as most of the vegetable and fruits outlets are found following the MoE rules. We had fined Al Khail Meat Company in Sharjah for not displaying the price list for customers and putting a board saying goods once sold could not be returned. This company had been warned several times earlier and we will be visiting here again to ensure that they rectify their mistakes,” he added.

In the fish market, some outlets were fined for increasing the prices unreasonably and some others were issued warnings.

Dr Al Nuaimi said the inspections would continue throughout Ramadan to ensure that the traders of the emirates are not exploiting consumers.In Sharjah, consumers can call 600567777 to register their 
complaints.
 afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

Sharjah visit 1

Dubai, August 17, 2010 – The UAE Ministry of Economy’s Consumer Protection Department fined more than 10 outlets in Sharjah’s fruits and vegetables, meat and fish markets today, during a field visit to verify compliance with preset prices and sales terms.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, toured the markets and directed traders to commit to the prices that were agreed with the Ministry during the holy month. The inspection team found prices of most commodities remain stable and detected no attempts to manipulate the market, Dr. Al Nuaimi said. The team took the disciplinary action against outlets that did not display price tags on their products, or violated other Ministry agreements.

Dr Hashim while touring the fish market he urged traders to exchange their old equipments for weight measurements with new and clean tools, in order to ensure weight accuracy and hygiene of products. At the meat market Dr Hashim and the inspection team fined 2 shops who didn’t commit to the consumer protection regulations and selling meat at high prices.

Dr Hashem said that prices of commodities have increased due to the demand and supply factor and some were already increased at its origin.

“The UAE Ministry of Economy is committed to supervising UAE consumer markets during Ramadan and will act quickly and decisively to ensure all outlets adhere to the federal consumer protection law,” Dr. Al Nuaimi said. “We will not show any leniency to price manipulators or monopoly traders.”

“Our specialist teams will intensify their visits to monitor sales outlets across the emirates in keeping with the Ministry’s priority to ensure consumer protection during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added.

• Fourth Emirates NBD Business Banking Centre in the UAE
• Focus on enabling growth in SME sector

Sharjah, May 8, 2010: Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today that it has extended its services to its Sharjah-based SME (Small & Medium sized Enterprises) clients, with the opening of its first Business Banking Centre in the emirate. The opening of the Sharjah centre, on the mezzanine floor of Emirates NBD’s main branch on Al Qassimiya Street in Sharjah, follows the successful operations of three Dubai-based Business Banking Centres in Satwa, Jebel Ali and Deira.

Emirates NBD’s decision to open a dedicated Business Banking Centre in Sharjah, is in line with its strategic objective to support and grow the SME sector, which currently accounts for about 80 per cent of total activity in the UAE’s business sector. The opening of the centre is also in response to the growing demand for business banking services from Sharjah & Northern Emirates -based firms.

“Recent studies show that SMEs account for about 99 per cent of the business sector worldwide and for 50 per cent of global GDP,” said Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Group Deputy CEO, Emirates NBD. “This trend has begun to be increasingly reflected in the UAE, which is ranked 25th according to business environment for start-ups by the UAE Global Entrepreneurship Monitoring Report.”

“Emirates NBD recognises the significant need for more efficient and well organised channels that will address the banking requirements of SMEs,” said Vikas Thapar, Head of Business Banking, Emirates NBD. “In addition to providing easy access to physical business banking facilities, Emirates NBD’s new Business Banking Centre in Sharjah will provide a range of dedicated and personalised services that can be tailored to meet the particular requirements of our SME clientele.”
.
Sharjah & Northern Emirates-based SMEs can now look forward to receiving the dedicated and professional services of their assigned Relationship Manager, who also brings along a sound understanding of business needs. The Business Banking Centre also offers a service proposition that includes a comprehensive range of products, preferential pricing and services, red carpet privileges, Emirates NBD Business Credit and Debit cards and access to online banking via smartBUSINESS.

Dh120m store is spread over 175,000 square feet in Al Nahda

Sharjah: Retail major Lulu has opened its newest hypermarket in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area, taking its store count to 77 amid an aggressive expansion drive.

The store inaugurated by Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Islamic affairs, is the third outlet of Lulu in Sharjah.

The inaugural function was also attended by Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Hussain Mohammad Al Mahmoudi, director general of the chamber, along with senior government officials and other celebrities.

Parking facilities

Spread over 175,000 square feet, the new Lulu hypermarket is accessible to both Dubai and Sharjah residents with ample car parking.

Commenting on the latest project, Yousuf Ali M.A., managing director of Lulu, said: “It’s our policy now to be as close to the shoppers as possible, thereby reducing the driving time and making it convenient for them to reach us easily. With an investment of over Dh120 million, the hypermarket offers a whole world of shopping with a good selection of brands and product lines under one roof.”

Besides the usual fresh food section comprising fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and hot and cold ready-to-eat food, the hypermarket also has a huge area dedicated to department store items such as electronics, home appliances, furnishings and furniture and fashion brands for ladies, gents and kids.

It also features a number of outlets including Lulu International Exchange, Malabar Gold, Dar Optics, Axiom Mobile, Lulu Pharmacy, Coffee Shop and Perfume counter.

Expansion plans

Commenting on the group’s expansion plans, he said: “We will be opening more hypermarkets in both existing as well as new markets in the UAE and other GCC countries. All our planned projects are on track and our immediate plans include a shopping mall in Al Ain, Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, new hypermarkets in Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.”

The group plans to open its 100th store by the end of next year.

In India it is building one of the country’s biggest malls in the southern city of Kochi, and it intends to be operational in Egypt this year.

Lulu hypermarkets account for nearly a third of the entire Gulf’s retail market share accounting for nearly 350,000 footfalls daily.