Juffali Automotive Co. (JACO) — exclusive agent and general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Saudi Arabia — recently received the First Fixed Visit (FFV) award from DaimlerChrysler Group. This award normally presented to the best Mercedes-Benz dealer in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf. Upon receiving this valuable award, Khaled Juffali, chairman of Juffali Automative Company, explained that DaimlerChrysler decided to present this award to JACO in recognition of the high costumers’ satisfaction, as a result of high rated car repair at first visit, rising from 60 percent in 2004 to 93 percent in 2005. JACO was the only Mercedes-Benz dealer in the Middle East to achieve such an impressive rate. He added that JACO is targeting to increase this rate to 97 percent by the end of the year, with the ongoing renovation and modernization of the main maintenance centers in the Kingdom, qualified service advisers will guide customers on how to get the best service in shortest possible time.

TANMIA

The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority (Tanmia) and Dubai-based Modern Technology International signed on Saturday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide on-the-job training and employment to 200 UAE national job seekers. The MoU was signed between Ayesh Al-Barghouti, director, Employment and Skills Development Center, Tanmia and Paul Chung, chairman and CEO of Modern Technology International & ARGi at Tanmia’s headquarters in Dubai. Through similar agreements, Tanmia has successfully employed 1,845 UAE national jobseekers and trained 1,220 job applicants during the year. “We are committed to providing the best employment avenues for UAE nationals in diverse sectors. By partnering with a technology company like Modern Technology International, we will be able to secure the highest level of training to unemployed UAE Nationals and enhance their chances of working in the country’s growing technology sector,” said Al-Barghouti. “This MoU provides a further boost to the Emiratization drive in the UAE and is part of our continuous effort to form strategic alliances with public and private sector companies and promote employment of young nationals.”

INVESTCORP

“Best-in-class” was the theme of the opening address made by Investcorp president and chief executive officer, Nemir Kirdar, at Investcorp’s second annual shareholders meeting, attended by shareholders from throughout the region. Investcorp’s mission, he said, was to be best in class both in investment performance and in client service. “We take this very seriously,” he told the meeting on Sunday, held at Investcorp’s Bahrain offices. “We will continue to ensure that all four of our lines of business in alternative investments - private equity, hedge funds, real estate investment and venture capital - generate top-quartile results in their respective sectors. We will continue to set the standard for superior client service. “The Investcorp brand is internationally recognized for its excellent performance in global alternative investments and, with the support of our shareholders, we will maintain and build on this powerful reputation.” The meeting provided shareholders with an insight into Investcorp’s operations and people, market opportunities and strategic outlook. Presentations were made by Investcorp’s chief operating officer, Gary Long, chief financial officer, Rishi Kapoor, and many members of Investcorp’s management team, after which participants engaged in an active question and answer session.

BANKMUSCAT

BankMuscat received the “Trade Finance Award” at the inaugural Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian subcontinent awards, recently held at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai. Over 400 industry leaders from across the Middle East and the subcontinent attended the event. In addition to the Trade Finance Award, awards were also presented to 14 other companies, across diverse categories, for their contribution to the maritime industry. Sultan Ahmed ibn Suleiman, chairman of the Ports and Free Zone Authority, and executive chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation was the guest of honor. BankMuscat is among the forerunners in trade finance services across the region. Supported by state-of-art e-enabled trade products, a large correspondent banking network and a highly experienced pool of trade specialists, its spread of services include opening letters of credit, guarantees and standby LC’s, import finance, export finance and documentary collections.

HUMANSOFT HOLDING

Fahad Al-Othman, founder, chairman and managing director of HumanSoft Holding has been awarded the International Quality Crown Award in the golden category by the Business Initiative Directions (BID) at a ceremony held at Thistle Tower Hotel, London, early this month. BID, whose symbol of quality is recognized in 162 countries, first surveyed some 9,500 companies in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas before singling out HumanSoft Holding for its corporate achievement in leadership, quality, innovation, excellence, technology, customer service and prestige. Additionally, BID survey evaluated the expertise of business leaders to create a working environment where decisions are executed strategically through best practices to ensure continuity and quality. It also evaluated how business leaders utilize human resources and provide them with proper training and growth opportunities. The 17th annual BID Quality Crown ceremony, attended by business leaders, economists, diplomats and academics from over 65 countries, was held to honor this year’s leading organizations and distinguished businessmen from around the globe.

FALCON CITY OF WONDERS

Falcon City of Wonders, a 5.5 billion dirhams mega project being built within Dubailand, opened its new sales office at the heart of Dubai to simplify the buying procedure for potential investors by ensuring better access, and to enhance the visibility of the project. Located at Umm Hurair Road in Bur Dubai, the appealingly outfitted sales office features a spectacular show model of Falcon City of Wonders and is staffed with specialized personnel trained to provide visitors with any information they need concerning the project. Falcon City of Wonders is a unique, purpose-built community project featuring structures based on the wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Light House of Alexandria. The project, which combines various commercial, residential, educational and leisure facilities, is shaped after the falcon, which is symbolic of the UAE’s heritage.