ALJ/FJ CRUISER

Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd. (ALJ), the Kingdom’s Toyota dealer, has launched the FJ Cruiser, a new SUV with “genuine” 4WD off-road performance. “We invite you to a new world that breaks down the conventional concept of SUVs,” Esam Nawar, ALJ general marketing manager, said at the unveiling ceremony in Jeddah last week. The all-new FJ Cruiser will support ALJ in the Kingdom, especially its marketing plans. “The FJ Cruiser combines a nostalgic yet stylish exterior design that stimulates the youthful spirit of adventure and genuine 4WD off-road performance with a powerful engine. With its capability to cruise around freely either on-road or off-road, this new SUV highlights with vividness and joy the lifestyle of the younger generation who are willing to embrace new concepts to express individuality,” Nawar added. Waleed Hambeshi, ALJ’s marketing executive, said Toyota and ALJ enjoyed strong ties for more than 50 years.

IKEA

Ghasan Ahmad Al-Suleiman Co. Ltd., Swedish Ikea Furniture Company’s sole dealer in the Kingdom, launched in Jeddah recently Ikea’s 2008 catalog containing an assortment of designs in addition to products for house furnishing at discounts ranging from five to 25 percent. Amen Jamal, Ikea executive vice president, made the announcement in presenting the marketing plans for 2008. The new catalog shows a large assortment of furniture and furnishings, and aims to help customers get products at affordable prices. The catalogs are distributed at no cost in Riyadh and Jeddah. Worldwide, 192 million copies of the Ikea catalog are being distributed.

FHP ARABIA

The food/hotel/propac Arabia (fhp Arabia) exhibition, to be held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center on May 18-22, is the 13th edition of the annual showcase for the Kingdom’s food, beverage, hotel, catering and related processing and packaging industries. Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), which is organizing the event, claimed it to be Saudi Arabia’s only dedicated international platform covering all aspects of the Kingdom’s food, beverage, hotel, catering, and associated processing and packaging industries. The 2007 edition attracted more than 11,000 visitors from across Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries and exhibitors reported multimillion dollar deals. “With over 90 percent of visitors and exhibitors intending to return in 2008, fhp arabia promises to surpass all show records, providing visitors with an extensive profile of both international and Saudi exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products and services.

TAMEER TOWERS

Tameer Holding, one of the regions largest real estate developers, has awarded its project management contract for the landmark “Tameer Towers” development to Hill International. Tameer’s flagship project consists of six towers of unparalleled scale and design on the prime Shams Abu Dhabi district on Al-Reem Island. Tameer Abu Dhabi’s Managing Director Dr. Abdallah Shaaban said the project management tender was awarded in the light of Tameer’s unwavering commitment to the implementation of the highest international standards in property development. “Tameer is firmly committed to the delivery of high quality developments,” Shaaban said. The AED6 billion Tameer Towers comprises a state-of-the-art office tower destined to be a landmark in Abu Dhabi’s modern architectural scene. Tameer Towers will also include four contemporary residential towers featuring seaviews from all sides, a luxury 7-star hotel, serviced apartments overlooking the sea and marina and high-end villas and penthouses, reflecting the highest level of luxury living.

CNN

CNN launches “CNN Marketplace Middle East”, its first weekly business program dedicated to the latest financial news from the Middle Eastern region and the companies and personalities driving that news. CNN Marketplace Middle East — hosted by veteran business correspondent John Defterios targets the global business community and expands the focus of CNN’s coverage of the region. Aired twice on Fridays and repeated on Saturday and Sunday, the 15-minute program features the latest business news from the Middle East, alongside stock, currency, commodity and bond market updates and in-depth interviews and profiles of major players from the region’s business community. The show will also spotlight particular industry sectors and economic trends influencing business developments in the region. “Current developments in the Middle Eastern market are having a profound impact on the rest of the global business community, so it makes sense for CNN to provide its audience with a specialized regional update,” said Debra Kocher, CNN International vice president and executive producer of CNN Marketplace Middle East.

SHOWTIME/LINGO

Within its marketing and strategic planning, Lingo national sales and marketing agency has signed a deal with Showtime network to become its largest authorized dealer in Saudi Arabia through its network of service centers. The agreement was signed in Jeddah last week by Nazar Abdulla Osman, CEO and Lingo representative in Saudi Arabia, and by Muneer Al-Kurdy, regional distribution manager for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Kuwait on behalf of the Showtime network. The signing ceremony was held at the Jeddah Hilton. Lingo CEO Nazar Abdulla Osman said: “Lingo thrives on providing its clients with comprehensive services under one roof, and the Showtime contract is a testament to our excellence.” Lingo will be signing other significant agreements and providing consumers with many more offers throughout its Saudi branches, he added. Muneer Al-Kurdy, Showtime regional distribution manager, said: “One of our main goals is to provide viewers of satellite channels with a fun and exciting alternative.”