Zamil Industrial Investment Company (ZIIC) has put 74 young Saudis it recently hired through a significant training program as part of a strategy to fill 160 positions earmarked within its four sector businesses for citizens. Forming the first phase of a localization strategy, the trainees recently completed full-time classroom and workshop-based theoretical and practical training at the company’s training center and at Dammam Technical College. The specializations offered were fitting and metal fabrication, machine operation and welding. “The carefully planned and structured training program aims to develop core competencies in alignment with the growing business requirements of the international manufacturing and fabrication group,” Abdullah M. Al-Zamil, COO, ZIIC, said.

VISA

Recently released first quarter results for the year ending March 2006 from Visa International indicate that Jordan has witnessed a significant increase in both Visa card ownership and card usage. The most impressive data is the increase in retail usage by Visa cardholders. Retail sales value (RSV) is the key marker of electronic payment activity for any market because it is the amount used to purchase goods and services (and excludes cash withdrawals) and is therefore the true cashless expenditure. The year ending March 2006 experienced a 35 percent increase in RSV compared with the same time period of 2005, with consumers spending over $364 million. “It’s great to see that Jordanians are moving from cash to card payments,” stated Said Shuqom, Visa’s GM for the Levant.

SABRE/BIT

Sabre Travel Network Middle East and Bahrain International Travel (BIT) have signed a multi-year extension to the companies’ current exclusive contract. This renewal reaffirms the agency’s preference for the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS) and strengthens a long-term partnership between one of Bahrain’s leading travel agencies and the world’s leading GDS. The renewal agreement means that BIT will continue to benefit from Sabre’s enhanced technology services, bookable travel products and distribution services. BIT’s travel consultants are already using the MySabre web-based booking tool, which combines traditional products bookable in the Sabre system, such as airlines, car hire, hotels, cruise and rail, with content from the Internet and third party suppliers.

JORDINVEST

Jordinvest has completed its role as the financial advisor to the Royal Jordanian Executive Privatization Committee (RJEPC) in regards to the privatization of Jordan Airline Training and Simulation (JATS). JATS is the aviation-training center previously fully owned by Royal Jordanian Investment Co (RJI). With its “outstanding successes and notable achievements,” this deal grants Jordinvest yet another triumph in its portfolio of achievements. Jordinvest was originally selected in July 2005 by RJEPC as the financial advisor for JATS’ privatization process. Jordinvest was granted this task on account of the demonstrated technical and financial expertise of its skilled team. Over a period of approximately one year, it provided financial advisory and consultation services to JATS.

NCB

The National Commercial Bank recently signed an agreement with the Saudi Institute for Health Services, enabling the bank to support the expansion project of the institute and increase its capacity to accommodate more students. The deal envisages that the bank will furnish an X-ray development lab and X-ray equipment in addition to providing X-ray protection machines, renovations and the interior decoration of labs and classrooms of the institute. Mahmoud Turkistani, head of NCB Community Service Unit, and SIHS Dean Dr. Abdul Muneim Al-Heyani signed the agreement. “This initiative is part of the bank’s community service program,” Turkistani said. Al-Heyani lauded the bank’s commitment to social welfare in general and its constant support to educational institutions.

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways has selected Lufthansa Technik AG, to provide total engine maintenance support for its growing fleet of Airbus A320s and extended the existing deal for total component support and fleet technical management as well as spare and rotables consignment Over the next 10 years, Lufthansa Technik’s engine division will exclusively serve the CFM International CFM56-5B2 engines on power-by-the-hour terms for a 10 firm and six option aircraft. “Today, we’re happy to strengthen our relationship with Lufthansa Technik,” said Marwan Boodai, Jazeera Airways Chairman and CEO. “With signing the new contract, we closed the last gap to become a nose-to-tail service provider for Jazeera Airways,” says Dr. Burkhard Andrich of Lufthansa Technik AG.

REUGE

Reuge has decided to pay particular attention to femininity this summer, with the creation of a range of music boxes to arouse the emotions. Feminine curves, delicate colors and sensual feel are the key words for this collection, which is dedicated to feminine beauty. Its sensuality evokes the pleasures of the senses and calls on seduction in its many different forms, all with an eager caring that knows how to ensure that the pleasure is shared. These music boxes, introduced in the Kingdom, exude joie de vivre and draw the femme fatale into a whirl of freshness. Callista, meaning very beautiful in Greek, is an ode to women especially to three 19th century female composers. Calla is a musical jewelry and ring box. Fairy Tale is a musical ring designed to mark the great moment of a declaration of love.

MYNM/BMW

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, exclusive importer of BMW cars in Saudi Arabia, has expanded its fleet of mobile service vehicles that can go to the aid of BMW owners in the event of a breakdown, vehicle lockout or other small mechanical problems. The mobile service fleet vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools and manned by highly trained Saudi technicians. The vehicles are designed to supplement the fixed maintenance centers located in Makkah, Jeddah, Tabuk, Jubail and Alkhobar, in addition to two centers in Riyadh. “If customers have a concern regarding their car, they can call the mobile service for assistance. Our technician will attempt to carry out the repair on site or take the car to the workshop,” MYNM General Manager Musa Al-Aruri, said.

KRAFT FOODS

Kraft Foods Inc., a global leader in branded foods and beverages, has decided to construct a state-of-the-art $40 million cheese and powdered beverages manufacturing plant at the Bahrain International Investment Park. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce recently. Kraft Foods is due to start construction of the 60,000 sqm high-tech plant next month in September and completion is planned for October. The new factory is the first direct investment by Kraft Foods in the region, has already gained approval of the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Patrick Satamian, MD, Kraft Foods, GCC said. Meanwhile, Kraft has launched its “Kraft Cheese Nips” throughout the GCC in two flavors — Cheddar and Zataar.