ETIHAD AIRWAYS FLIES HIGH

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, carried more than 4.6 million passengers during 2007 compared to 2.8 million in 2006. During the 12-month period, the airline achieved seat factors averaging 69 percent across its network of 45 destinations, its highest ever achievement. It boosted its fleet by 13 aircraft to a total of 37, launched nine new destinations and expanded its flying programme with additional frequencies added to a number of its key routes. All of Etihad’s passenger cabins experienced significant seat factor growth during 2007. The airline achieved average seat factors in its economy cabin of 71 percent, with flights more than 80 percent full on average on the airline’s Dublin, Toronto, Jakarta, Manila, Kathmandu and Lahore services. Average seat factors in business class rose to 61 percent during 2007, a year-on-year increase of 46 percent. The strongest performing business routes during the 12 month period were Toronto, London Heathrow, Sydney and Geneva, with average seat factors of 81 percent, 76 percent, 76 percent and 70 per cent, respectively. The most impressive seat factor growth during 2007 was in first class where average seat factors increased by 75 percent compared to 2006. Routes in the Middle East which performed particularly well during 2007 include Damascus and Amman, achieving average seat factors of 71 and 72 percent, respectively. The airline’s holiday division, Etihad Holidays, increased its sales by 63 percent in the last year. New destinations added this year in to its growing portfolio include Brisbane, the Australian Gold Coast and Singapore. Etihad’s cargo division, Crystal Cargo, also continued to expand rapidly during 2007 with the number of cargo shipments handled up more than 43 percent compared to 2006. In the 12-month period, the amount of cargo tons transported increased more than 32 percent to 175,000 tons. The division also increased main deck cargo capacity, adding an MD11 freighter aircraft to its fleet during the year.

SIGMA PAINTS’ NEW OFFICE

Sigma Paints moved its Riyadh office to a larger and more accessible facility in downtown Riyadh. The new branch situated in Olyaa Street the heart of Riyadh city, is created with the new developed and advanced image of the company which reflects its everlasting values. “The Sigma Paints Riyadh branch will be the source to provide Central Province’s customers with on-site support and local sales services, and to assure Riyadh customers the quality and the unmatched local support,” Sigma Paint’s general manager said. “Sigma Paints is committed to continuously develop new innovations to meet with the evolving demands of the local market along with providing unequaled service and professional advise to assure customers satisfaction which reinforces loyalty across the Kingdom,” he added. The new branch in Riyadh is one of a series of renovations taking place in Sigma Paint’s distribution outlets, Kingdom-wide. Sigma Paints mostly renowned in the decorative paint field, is committed to maintain the highest quality standards and state of the art innovations that rendered the company to a leading position in the market. Particularly in the decorative section, Sigma paints systems are especially designed to endure the most aggressive climate conditions in the region providing durability, reliability and protection against harsh weather conditions. Showrooms across the kingdom will be undergoing expansions with new designs and merchandising material ensconced in functional layouts and ambient environment.

CARREFOUR OPENS NEW OUTLET

Carrefour, the world’s second largest retailer, recently launched its second branch in Jeddah at Jamjoom Center with huge crowds in attendance. To mark the inauguration of the new store, Carrefour gave 100,000 winners gifts ranging from TV’s and DVD players to Renault cars in addition to hosting fabulous in-store offers that included huge discounts on electronics. Located near the Corniche, the two-level store extends across more than 8,500 sqm with a car park possessing a 2,500 vehicle capacity and is expected to be a huge success with shoppers. Carrefour operates in the Kingdom through its joint venture with MAF Hypermarkets, a division of the Majid Al-Futtaim Group, and Olayan Financial Group. It now operates seven stores in the Kingdom: four in Riyadh, one in Alkhobar and two in Jeddah with more stores planned for the coming year. Abdullah Al-Ahmad, vice president of Carrefour Saudi, said: “We are delighted to open this wonderful new store and further enhance our presence in the Western Region of the country after the success of Carrefour Suleiman Plaza. Our policy at MAF Hypermarkets has always been to provide quality products at low prices, and we are delighted to give the people of Saudi Arabia the opportunity to benefit from this policy even more as we open our seventh hypermarket in the region.” Stephane Pont, general manager of the branch, Carrefour Jamjoom will provide day-to-day consumer goods and fresh food on the lower level with non food items such as electronics, household and textiles in the upper level.

PANASONIC PHOTO CAMPAIGN

Panasonic, a world leader in consumer electronics manufacturing, has recently established a strategic partnership with Gulf Photo Plus to expand the coverage of the “Let’s Get Started in Digital Photography”’ campaign across the GCC region. The photo tutorial campaign, which was established in Dubai in May 2006, will now include weekend courses in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar from January to March 2008.To support the campaign, Gulf Photo Plus has enlisted experienced photography instructors to help beginners develop their creativity in using different types of cameras, particularly compact digicams or high-performance DSLRs. Panasonic is providing product assistance in terms of cameras and necessary equipment, in efforts to promote a culture of responsible photography in view of the growing number of photo enthusiasts in the Gulf region. “Panasonic is pleased to be part of this exciting campaign, which we believe will greatly help raise the interest level of photography in the Gulf region. Our great advances in digital technology have made high-power photo equipment more affordable, and we are intent on enhancing the experience of our clients by educating them.

TAMEER OFFICES IN ABU DHABI

Leading realty organization, Tameer Holding, recently opened its offices in Abu Dhabi, following the firm’s spectacular debut in the UAE capital’s property market with the launch of the magnificent Tameer Towers in Cityscape Dubai this year.Located in the Shams District on Al-Reem Island, the offices will include a magnificent showroom that will display the prized portfolio of projects thatTameer is distinguished for, whie presenting visitors a panorama of the site where both theTameer Towers and the Gate District projects are being developed.Tameer Abu Dhabi’s Managing Directo Dr. Abdallah Shaaban said the opening of the new showroom is a milestone in the firm’s vast expansion in the nation’s capital.“After years of developing projects across the UAE and the region, we are proud to establish ourselves in the heart of the UAE’s capital. Constructed entirely out of state-of-the-art synthetic, composite materials, Tameer’s Abu Dhabi showroom is currently... the world’s largest commercial development built using a structure that does not include wood, steel or concrete.”