SABIC/DHL
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has selected SNAS/DHL to be its global lead logistics provider for all outgoing mail and service logistics. The contract, with a term of up to three years, consolidates SABIC’s logistics service operations from more than 25 service providers to a single logistics solution through SNAS/DHL. The deal combines SNAS/DHL’s global logistics and distribution network capabilities. SNAS/DHL said it would streamline SABIC’s logistics processes by managing the distribution of all outgoing mail. SNAS/DHL’s transportation services for SABIC will include SNAS/DHL’s same day express, ground and freight services. “Our agreement demonstrates a growing trend among Saudi companies to outsource global logistics to a lead provider,” said Paul Chader, SNAS/DHL’s sales and marketing manager for the Kingdom.
RUBAIYAT/AMEX
To celebrate 25th years of Rubaiyat selling designer accessories, clothing and home furnishings in Saudi Arabia, Amex (Saudi Arabia) Ltd. is gifting its card members shopping vouchers worth SR500. The offer also celebrates the 20-year relationship between Rubaiyat and Amex and gives American Express card members the opportunity to use their vouchers at over 40 showrooms and solo boutiques of Rubaiyat’s portfolio until Aug. 31. “Rubaiyat is an esteemed brand and we’re delighted to celebrate its long standing success in the Kingdom by providing a value-added benefit for our discerning Card members,” said Fahad Al-Guthami, head of sales and merchant marketing division, Amex (Saudi Arabia) Ltd. Rubaiyat operates over 40 multi-brand stores and solo boutiques in Jeddah and Riyadh and offers haute couture brands. “Rubaiyat offers exclusive brands that specifically appeal to sophisticated consumers such as those who hold American Express Cards,” Marco Bester, GM, Rubaiyat Company for Industry & Trade Ltd. said
QTEL
Qtel has confirmed the speakers for what is scheduled to be the first leadership conference of its kind in Qatar at the Ritz-Carlton hotel on Sept. 12. The theme for the one-day conference is “Innovative leadership strategies for corporate business.” The high-profile invitation only event will feature top speakers from the world of IT, telecommunications, business and communications; and will be chaired by Tim Sebastian, former host of BBC’s HARDTalk and current host of the popular Doha Debates. The speakers, who will share personal insights and winning leadership strategies with invited guests from the GCC, MENA and Asia region, include Ricardo Semlar, president of Semco S/A; Larry Hochman, former director of British Airways; Candace Johnson, expert in telecommunications and media entrepreneur; Professor Lester Thurow of Sloan School of Management, MIT; and Tareq Al Suwaidan, GM, Al Resalah Satellite Channel, Sebastian said.
SHOWTIME
Showtime, a major pay TV provider in the Middle East, has opened its 23rd outlet in Saudi Arabia. Located at Abdul Aziz Moussa Center next to Panda Hypermarket in Al-Ahsa, the new retail outlet is all part of the network’s ongoing investment policy and strategy to improve customer satisfaction by increasing the number of direct points of contacts in all regions of the Kingdom. “Our research indicates people like to buy direct from our staff. Our showrooms allow us to control the whole sales process and provide accurate information on new channels and technical developments,” Wisam Edghaim, Showtime’s director of sales for the Kingdom, said. Showtime recently unveiled its plan to provide subscribers with more choice, greater flexibility and more of what they want with its new packages including “Platinum” which heralds the launch of a new era of VIP viewing. With Platinum, subscribers, in addition to all channels, get “Home Cinema” movies, a second subscription, a priority hotline and a members’ card, which will offer additional, incremental and exclusive benefits, providing excellent quality entertainment for every member of the family, he said.
PANASONIC
Panasonic has announced the launch of its new range of DVD home theater systems in the Middle East that promise a whole new viewing experience, thanks to a host of innovative features including VIERA Link, HDMI Easy Connection and 360-degree sound. The range includes SC-HT995, SC-HT895, SC-HT340 and SC-HT540. The SC-HT995 and SC-HT895 come with a 360-degree sound and surround enhancer that projects virtual speakers at the sides and rear of the central listening position to complete the circle of sound and enhance the wraparound effect. The dramatically improved audio characteristics in the subwoofer result in ultra-robust bass sounds that add to the dynamism and atmosphere of movie and music reproduction.
FORD
Ford Middle East is supplementing the 2005 speed control deactivation system service campaign to include certain speed control-equipped 1994-2002 F-250 through F-550 F-Super Duty trucks, 2000-2002 Excursions, as well as speed control-equipped 1998 Explorers and Mountaineers. Ford estimates that there are less than 2,400 of these vehicles in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the service campaign involved 960 units across the Kingdom, and included 2000 model year Ford F-150, Expedition and certain 2001 model year F-150 Super Crew commercial vehicles equipped with speed control. Ford’s campaign added a fused wiring harness to the speed control deactivation switch to eliminate the potential risk of overheating or fire if the switch leaked. “Our dealers will notify owners to bring their cars in to have the switch replaced. This service campaign is a voluntary action initiated by Ford Motor Company and is already in effect,” said Chuck Galusha, Ford Middle East’s customer service director.
AJMAL PERFUMES
Ajmal Perfumes has created Hadeer, an oriental concentrate enriched with the brilliance of the Gulf. Like the tranquility of flowing water that runs through the woods or forest, Hadeer’s fresh and vibrant scented concentrate captures the heart of man or woman. The fruity, spicy and musky essence of Hadeer is a combination of bergamot and tangerine masterfully blended with cassis, cardamom and cinnamon, which add depth and lasting power without softening the thrillingly fresh edge of ylang ylang. Also, jasmine sambac and rose infused with aromatic sandalwood oil, patchouli, vanilla and amber, complete the fragrant concentrate. This graceful, yet vivacious blend is the sum of all sensations. “Ajmal is known for always striving ahead and making a difference by creating unique and trend setting fragrances-catered specifically to captivate the wearer’s heart. Every creation of Ajmal encompasses the personality and charm of both, the men and women in this region,” Nazir Ajmal, marketing director and chief perfumer, Ajmal Perfumes, said.
MERCEDES BENZ
The new generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now available in Saudi Arabia from Juffali Automotive Company (JACO), exclusive dealers of Mercedes-Benz in Saudi Arabia. Some 2,000 parts in the E-Class are new or further developments with new body styling, which is even more dynamic, poised and assured than before. “The E-Class is once again setting the benchmark as the technology trendsetter. No other car in this market segment can match the range of safety innovations including ‘Pre safe,’ intelligent light system, Neck-Pro head restraints and adaptive brake lights. These extensive safety features make the E-Class the safest car in its class,” said JACO GM Safi Kobeissy. A revamped front-end design reflects the dynamism, power, poise and assurance of the new generation E-Class.