MEPA
Dubai-based Middle East Publishers’ Association (MEPA) has started its membership campaign, according to MEPA Manager Dr. Jacob Cherian. Explaining the future programs and strategies of MEPA on Wednesday, he discussed a number of important issues including the purpose of the association, geographical coverage, by-laws, official registration, winning of a license to carry out its programs, and membership campaign. The MEPA’s activities to promote the publishing industry and its website also were discussed during the meeting. The association was set up following the first meeting of Middle East Publishers’ Conference held at the Knowledge Village, Dubai on Jan. 18. The conference was held with the cooperation of the world’s two largest associations - World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and International Federation of Periodical Press (FIPP).
TECHWONDERS
Jeddah-based Techwonders Co. has lately opened a new branch in London to coordinate its operations and be a link between the Kingdom and European IT markets. Aside from the Kingdom’s four major cities, the privately owned firm has branches in the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, China and Taiwan. “Such an important step in my company comes following an expanded marketing study we conducted in the last few years,” Techwonders Co. Chairman Mohammad A. Ashmeel said. The company develops various IT products to fulfill local market demand and export part of them to international markets. “Our new branch in London will help us keep in touch with the latest IT developments and enable us to manage our strategic marketing plans in the West and also enhance our relations with European banks and trade insurance firms,” he said, adding that the company would be able to make use of the benefits of WTO regulations now that the Kingdom is its member. He added that the new branch would help Techwonders participate in various European activities and exhibitions in the field of communications and information technologies.
HILTON
To assist in the nurturing of the 18-month long Festival of Muslim Cultures in the UK, which opened in London on Tuesday, Hilton International (HI) has joined as a primary funding partner through its largest hotel, Makkah Hilton & Towers, in Makkah, the Madinah Hilton in Madinah, and its latest addition and first palace property, luxurious Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah. Hilton has joined hands with a number of key partners and organizations throughout the UK to become closely involved in the festival, playing a pivotal role in developing and achieving its ambitions, and fostering a better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. “We’re in an industry where the accommodation of our guests means we’re in contact with many cultures. The current perception of the Muslim world is badly misunderstood, and it’s our belief that the festival is an ideal opportunity for Hilton to join the ranks of many global institutions and open the eyes of both Muslims and non-Muslims in the UK to create greater harmony,” said Guy Epsom, HI’s regional sales and marketing director for the Arabian Peninsula.
GIORGIO ARMANI
Giorgio Armani has introduced a new and sporty Armani Jeans’ new collection for women. Fresh and fizzy with a carefree, sporting air, the collection progresses through four major themes. For spring, there is a sailor look borrowed from the world of yachts and regattas featuring red, white and blue in nylon and micro fiber techno fabrics, and also in natural cotton and canvas. Small jackets are adorned with embroidery, buttons, contrast seams and branded zips. Nautical vertical stripes are a main feature and also appear on the single shoulder dresses. Moving ahead to summer, pale colors become brighter and more intense, blending into golden and apricot tints made even more radiant by the choice of cotton voile and textured silk, with additional touches of lilac reminiscent of tropical flowers. Abstract and printed patterns feature on tiny tops, while trousers go from knee, calf length or short to extra long, softly draped down the whole leg. Jackets are structured very close to the body, in rainproof nylon, ultra light leather or cotton weave.
SENSODYNE
Sensodyne has initiated a regional educational campaign, utilizing the help of some of the region’s top dentists to educate the sensitive teeth sufferers on the unnecessary suffering caused by sensitive teeth and a simple and effective solution to get relief form the problem. The campaign leverages the longstanding support and trust in the Sensodyne products by some of the top dentists from all around the Arab world. It is being done through and educative TV radio and magazine campaign combined with educational leaflets distributed in dentist clinics, pharmacies and supermarkets. “Around 30 percent of the adults in the Middle East suffer unnecessarily from sensitive teeth. Sensodyne has taken it upon themselves to introduce a regional education campaign using trusted dentists to enlighten the public,” Karim Wally, Sensodyne Group brand manager at GloxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Middle East, said. “Sensodyne is peace of mind for those with sensitive teeth,” Dr. Majd Naji, a dentist participating in the campaign, said.