NOKIA

Following its recent successful launch in the region, Nokia Siemens Networks introduced its world-class portfolio to the executives of MTC Kuwait, the leading mobile telecommunications provider in the Middle East and Africa region. Under the theme “The Next Generation Partnership,” Nokia Siemens Networks and MTC also announced plans for MTC Kuwait’s network evolution. In line with continuing the strong partnership between the two companies, Nokia Siemens Networks will introduce the new state-of-the-art Charge@Once Select for the benefit of MTC subscribers in Kuwait. This will be the first deployment worldwide, scheduled for installation in the last quarter of 2007. Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks has been appointed to modernize MTC Kuwait’s core network with its mobile soft switching technology for 2G and 3G, by second quarter of 2008. Mobile soft switches bring considerable savings in operating expenditure for voice and enable new advanced services for MTC subscribers. “Our relationship with MTC Kuwait is deep and historic. We together have taken the long journey of success since 1994. Today, we look forward to more successes with MTC Kuwait to meet the challenging market needs with world class technologies,” commented Ahmad Othman, head of MTC Customer Business Team, Nokia Siemens Networks. The MTC Group is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications in the Middle East and on the African continent. The company was founded in 1983 in Kuwait as one of the region’s first mobile operator. MTC-Vodafone, the group’s flagship based in Kuwait, has built a reputation for pioneering new services, while reinforcing its leadership position in the country by adopting customer-driven strategies.

GEANT

A major back-to-school promotion has been launched by Geant Hypermarkets in the Kingdom, offering exciting range of school supplies and merchandise based on children’s favorite colors and characters. The promotion includes different quality school items on cheapest prices including a pack of 50 ball pen for SR9.90, a kids trolley at SR14.90 and an all-in-one value pack that comprise a lunch box, pencil case, water bottle etc. “This back-to-school promotion is the largest and the first of its kind organized by a hypermarket chain with a target to ensure reasonable spending by parents,” said Tim Sutton, general manager of Geant Saudi Hypermarket Ltd., in Riyadh yesterday. Asim Khalil Khan, head of Geant’s merchandising & stationery department; also gave a briefing and took this reporter for a round of the 750sqm back-to-school promotion area at a Geant premium store on Khurais Road in the capital. Referring to the growing number of parents and children visiting the Geant stores, Sutton said “our school supplies with the best possible quality are 10 to 15 percent cheaper compared to our competitors.” “The prices and the selections of the items have been made in such a way that going back to school may not be costly ventures for many families,” said Geant’s Merchandising & Stationery Manager Asim Khalil Khan, adding that “all help is available at Geant stores for such families also.” All the six Geant stores are giving out school supplies this year--everything from note books, pencils, rulers and clothing items. “But, backpacks are in big demand with some 100 different types of school bags on display and sale,” said Asim. Geant recently opened a new store in Al-Kharj, on the suburbs of Riyadh.

MIRINDA SORBET

Pepsico International launched the new Mirinda Sorbet in three delicious, icy smooth flavors — Raspberry Blast, Mango Delight and Lemon Lime Burst — each one laced with icy sorbet. This is Pepsico International’s first premium beverage launch of soft drink in Saudi Arabia. Pepsico is giving the exciting new Sorbet launch an all out support with TV, print, magazine and outdoor advertising, together with mega displays in supermarkets. The Sorbet is filled in an elegant glass bottle which gives it a chic appeal and the drink is available across trade channels. Launched under the campaign slogan “Treat Yourself to Sorbet” and retailing at SR 2, Sorbet is also available in flavor-led six packs and a multi-flavor mix-and-match six pack which enables consumers to mix their flavor choices in one easy-carry six pack. Unmissable in their three standout flavor-matched colors, the iconic Sorbet glass bottles with a fully sleeved cover match their premium quality contents. “Sorbet is far from a regular soft drink due to it’s premium appearance, exotic flavors and great taste. The drink takes you into a world of indulgence with its sorbet-iced, smooth, flavorful taste,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim, marketing manager at Pepsico International. Sorbet is a whole new product with, not just one but 3 new flavors. All three exotic fruit flavors; raspberry, mango and the premium mix of lemon and lime were launched at the same time. These delicious flavors are usually not available in regular carbonated soft drinks and trying one flavor will get you curious to taste the rest of the tasty flavors.