JEF

In a bid to recognize journalistic excellence and innovation, Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) Chairman Sami Bahrawi and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry launched Jeddah Economic Media Awards (JEMA) at a media iftar held at the Jeddah Hilton on Saturday. JEMA is a unique and prestigious excellence in journalism award designed to recognize the best press coverage of an economic issue highlighted at the JEF 2007 scheduled from Feb. 24-27. The winning journalist will receive a crystal plaque and a cash prize of SR100,000. Entries for the award can range from economic, political and critical analysis to commentary and creative writing that will be judged by a reputable independent panel of high profile media figures. “Given that the forum has been significantly covered by the local, regional and international media, JEMA is a fitting award for the heavy-weight and cutting-edge event as a means to continuously encourage members of the press to raise the bar of journalistic merit and integrity,” Bahrawi said.

ZAC

Zamil Air Conditioners (ZAC), a major Middle East and international manufacturer of air conditioning systems, was awarded two separate contracts by the government of Saudi Arabia to upgrade the air conditioning systems in schools and prisons across the Kingdom. The two contracts are valued at a total of SR 40 million. The first contract’s scope of work includes the manufacture, supply and installation of a total of 11 modular package units, 3,000 room air conditioning units and 535 mini split units in 38 prisons around the country. This contract, worth SR 11 million was signed in August of this year with the Ministry of Interior following an initiative to upgrade the air conditioning systems currently installed in the Kingdom’s prisons and is scheduled to be completed within 10 months.

GE HEALTHCARE

GE Healthcare has installed for the first time in the Middle East and Africa region its revolutionary osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment system, the Lunar iDXA, at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. Unveiled globally, the Lunar iDXA is an advanced bone mineral density system specially designed to help clinicians detect, diagnose and monitor treatment of osteoporosis. A chronic condition in which the density and quality of bone are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, osteoporosis is widely prevalent in the MEA, region according to studies by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to increase awareness and understanding of osteoporosis.

LG

LG Saudi Arabia organized its annual iftar party for LG media club members and their families at Jungle Land amusement park in Jeddah. Some club members were honored for their excellent performance in the third quarter of the year. C. K. Cho, general manager, LG Saudi Arabia, presented honorary shields to them. A raffle draw was held and LG products given as prizes that included Chocolate mobiles, DVD players, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens and flash memory gadget. “LG is delighted to hold its annual Iftar party for its club members and their families,” Cho said. “The media role is significant and that’s why LG established the club to maintain a permanent line of communication with them. They are essential partners in our success.”

CASA LICEO

Casa Liceo, claimed to be the world’s largest discount department store, has introduced an “unusual and pioneering” promotion for the final two weeks of Ramadan. The distinctive, bright-red store, located on Heraa Street, west of Madinah Road, is promoting a drawing in which winners will be allowed to buy prestigious, brand name products for 95 percent off their original list prices. Prizes include a new BMW 5-series car for just SR8,400; five Samsung 40-inch LCD TV’s for SR473 each; and 10 deluxe weekend getaways at Durrat Al Arus for only SR132 each. “Our mission is to deliver an assortment of quality, brand name merchandise at prices that are 50-90 percent less than the regular department store prices,” says CEO and Founder Samir Sunbol.

GM

General Motors’ (GM) growth in Saudi Arabia — its largest Middle East market — has continued with year-to-date sales up 7 percent to 57,920 units over the same period in 2005. Middle East sales in July, August and September — the best three-month period ever — were 37,467 units, up 22 percent over the corresponding period in 2005. Year-to-date sales have passed the milestone 100,000-unit barrier to reach 100,098 units, an increase of 21 percent over the same period in 2005. “Chevrolet continues to drive our growth in the Middle East, especially the new generation of our large SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and our offerings in the small car segment the Optra and Aveo,” commented Terry Johnsson, managing director of GM Middle East at a media briefing held in Kuwait. Year-to-date sales of Chevrolet are up by 27 percent to 67,146 units over 2005.