The National Commercial Bank (NCB) recently sponsored the Riyadh Forum for Modern Arab Abstract Art titled “Arab Eyes” at the Shada Hall for Abstract Art in Riyadh. The forum included the experiences of more than 50 abstract female and male artists from various Arab nations. Prince Khalid ibn Saud Al-Saud, head of the administrative and financial affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the forum in the presence of a large number of artists and art lovers. NCB General Manager Abdulhadi Shayif said the sponsorship of the forum was part of the bank’s efforts to support the cultural and social activities and push the Arab abstract art movement forward, considering that it is a bright front for innovation and artistic influence. “Cultural aspects in general and abstract art in particular contribute to uniting society with its elite values, heritage, and tradition,” he said, adding that the sponsorship is a confirmation of the bank’s role as a great national institution that has an effective contribution in many areas of social work.

Hugos Boss Soul

Hugos Boss Soul, the latest in a line of Hugo Boss fragrance for men, has been launched in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh-based Mawarid Trading Company, which is distributing the new perfume, said the product is “doing very well in the market” and is available at all major department stores and malls in cities across the Kingdom. “Its sales have surpassed expectations this early,” the MTC spokesman said, adding that Hugo Boss Soul is likely to “match if not break” the sales performance of its predecessor Hugo Boss in Motion. He said Boss Soul, a creation from P & G Prestige Beaute Global Fragrance Creation Team, is the expression of an elegant and sophisticated modernity, worked around a game of contrasts between the light and darkness of its precious raw materials. Boss Soul speaks to the soul of a man by using the “soul” of perfumery — natural raw materials within its top and heart notes. Different facets of raw materials are used, and sensations of brightness and depth are created with vivid fresh notes, and spicy, aromatic, woody notes.

PepsiCo

PepsiCo’s brand 7UP is launching an “intriguing and exciting” flavor aimed to create consumer hype and excitement for this product. The new Tropical flavor will maintain the cool, refreshing taste of 7UP but with a splash of the Tropics added. Consumers will get their first taste of this new flavor as it is hitting the shelves in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The new flavor is a limited edition launch giving consumers a new refreshing option to experience during the upcoming summer months. The packaging graphics will have a tropical color touch while maintaining the 7UP brand identity. “The new flavor is specially developed to add an exciting new flavor offering within the clear refreshment beverage segment. We’re extremely positive on the outlook of this new initiative,” Marketing Manager Farhan Hasan said.

MELSA

Mitsubishi Electric Saudi Ltd. (MELSA), a joint venture between Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) of Japan and Omar Kasim Alesayi & Co. Ltd. (OMACO) of Saudi Arabia, celebrated its 25th anniversary at a function at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh recently. MELSA is involved in the business of providing Mitsubishi elevators, escalators and moving walks across the Kingdom. Keiji Takeuchi, president of MELSA, which has supplied products and services to prestigious projects in the Kingdom, thanked MELCO and its local joint venture partner Omar Kasim Alesayi & Co. Ltd., and all of its employees and emphasized the importance of facing the competition by continuing to provide quality products and services. MELSA has already employed 100 Saudis and is pursuing the Saudization program vigorously. The highlight of the function was a seminar on safety practices. The company announced that it would further enhance the safety programs in the coming years to create awareness among the general public about safety aspects in elevator and escalator usage. Similar ceremonies are being planned in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Dammam.

Gucci

Gucci links time and fashion in an entirely new way with the G bandeau watch. Distinctive for the polished steel Gucci G bezel and uniquely curved band, this exclusive model is the template from which a new special edition debuts each season. The first special edition is the famous Flora design and the newest is the G bandeau croco in orchid pink, brown or turquoise, chicly detailed with two discrete silver studs. All models are available at the Gucci Boutique at El Khayyat Center, Tahlia Road, Jeddah, and at the Gucci showroom on the first floor of the Kingdom Center in Riyadh.

Master Foods

Master Foods Middle East has once again awarded Starcom MediaVest Group its regional planning and buying assignment. Master Foods pitched its multimillion dollar media planning and buying account to OMD and its incumbent agency MediaVest. “Our superior planning skills have helped us retain the business and we’ll continue to work with Master Foods to help them deliver their business goals and build a strong strategic relationship,” MediaVest Managing Director Alex Saber said.