The National Technology Group (NTG) has launched Xtranet, the first bouquet of Arabic Internet sites in the Kingdom aimed to spur the growth of the online industry. The new NTG initiative comes on the heels of Adnet and Onecard, launched in April and, according to Xtranet General Manager Rashid M. Al-Ballaa, the entry of Xtranet will keep the market alive and benefit all in the industry. “It’s a win-win solution to encourage more Internet users to go on line and help the Internet service providers (ISPs) site owners and entrepreneurs,” Al-Balaa said, adding that the number of users in the Kingdom, estimated at more than 1.5 million, is growing at a slow clip with only a 12 per cent growth registered in 2003. The new ideas from Xtranet will benefit the ISPs by way of more services and thus more money for them, making the users happy. Xtranet, according to business development manager Muhannad Ebwini, hopes to raise net surfing from a mere hobby to a professional level. Arabic online services usually range from entertainment to sports to chat. Clubbed under Xtranet are the top five Arabic sites namely Awalnet, Nesma, Jeel, Saudinet and Cyberia. “This is a long-term investment to benefit the market. We know that if the market grows, sites become available and that means more business for us,” Al-Balaa said.

LUX

Saudi fashion designers will dazzle the audiences with previews of their 2005 collection at LUX Fashion World (LFW) in Beirut from Sept. 27 to 30. Designers Amina Al-Jasim and Zaki Bin Aboud from the Kingdom will participate at the third round of the region’s biggest fashion event. LFW is featuring an additional treat this year. Young talented Arab designers will be provided the opportunity to showcase their work before the elite presence and jury. “It is truly a huge regional event that we should be proud of,” said Amina who is participating for the second time in a row. Amina strongly commended last year’s LFW and was very happy with the success and exposure she received. “LUX’s concept of bringing out the star in our women is brilliant. I really feel the fashion statement we make at LFW, which combines our culture with trendy designs, is all a woman needs to feel confident and beautiful,” said Amina who started her career in 1984 when she opened her own retail outlet, Dar Breesam in Alkhobar. Since then her fame increased rapidly and she now participates in major fashion events around the world. Having studied in the United States, Amina is a modern and proud Arab, which clearly reflects in her work. She is known for traditional yet trendy designs. Basing her work on research, she mixes colors giving women a very glamorous look maintaining high levels of individuality and culture. LFW will also feature Zaki Bin Aboud for the first time this year.

IAA

Joseph Ghossoub, who led Dubai’s winning bid to host the 2006 world congress of International Advertising Association (IAA), has been nominated world president elect of global advertising’s umbrella organization at a meeting held in Beijing last week. Ghossoub, who will take office in 2006 after serving two years as IAA senior vice president, the post he now assumes, was chosen unanimously to head the organization by the 56-member world board, IAA chapter presidents, area vice presidents and corporate members, in recognition of his personal contribution and that of Gulf-based and Middle East advertising to the global industry. Ghossoub will take over the association’s top position from current incumbent, Michael Lee, president, Lee & Steel, Darien, CT, USA, shortly before the IAA World Congress convenes in Dubai during March 2006. IAA delegates from all over the globe were convening in Beijing for the opening of the 39th IAA World Congress that took place from Sept. 7-10. The Congress will explore developing trends in the world of advertising and enhance understanding of China’s communications industry and culture. “Like China, Dubai and the Middle East represent a new power in marketing and advertising which is attracting real interest from outside. Dubai as a growing hub is well placed to build on the momentum that current IAA World Congress host Beijing is creating. It is a privilege to represent Dubai in such an important post at a crucial time for Gulf-based economies,” he said.

GE

GE has announced the appointment of Nabil Habayeb, 46, as a company officer and president of the newly created Middle East & Africa (MEA) region. The appointment is effective immediately and based in Dubai. As president for MEA, Habayeb will be responsible for developing and expanding the growth of GE’s different businesses across the newly created region, reporting to Nani Beccalli, president & CEO, EMEA, Latin America and Canada. “Habayeb is a true growth leader and has done a tremendous job of expanding GE’s presence in key growth regions,” said Chairman & CEO Jeff Immelt. “The newly created MEA region is an important growth area for GE, with a broad range of infrastructure and technology needs that GE can offer.” Beccalli said: “As the company continues to globalize, we need to reinforce our representation in key markets and this appointment is a demonstration of that strategy.”

Amiantit

Amiantit Fiberglass Industries India Pvt. Ltd., (AFIPL), a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company and Salgaocar Group of Goa, India, has achieved a double world record with the largest single order for 5,000 single wall glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) underground fuel storage tanks from Reliance Industries, one of India’s leading privately-owned petroleum companies, and production and delivery in record time of the first 2,000 tanks within nine months. Reliance is licensed to install fuel tanks in 5,800 gas stations in India over the next five years. In addition, AFIPL has been awarded the contract by Dutch oil major, the Shell Group, to supply Double Wall GRP underground fuel storage tanks for Shell India and the first deliveries were made in August. Shell India has a license to 2,000 retail outlets over the next five years. The technology to produce GRP double wall tanks was developed in the Kingdom by Amiantit Fiberglass Industries Ltd. (AFIL), an Amiantit Group company, which earlier this year became the first manufacturer in the Middle East to develop and put into production non-corrosive double wall tanks made from reinforced fiberglass using an automated process. Amiantit has a 70 percent stake in the Indian joint venture, which was set up for the manufacture of GRP pipes and tanks under the Amiantit-owned Flowtite brandname and technology. Commissioned in December 2003, the modern manufacturing facility is located a Navelin, Bicholim, Goa.