BURJ DUBAI TOWER
Burj Dubai is a tower currently being built in the UAE. Built by Emaar Properties, the tower already is the tallest building in the world and will stand over 700 meters high when completed. The tower will feature the “barrel” that is made by German manufacturer, Duravit. In the last 20 years, this bathroom manufacturer with headquarters in Hornberg in the Black Forest has successfully pursued an explicit design strategy and, in collaboration with high-profile names such as Philippe Starck, Sieger Design and Lord Norman Foster, has developed bathroom and wellness products that stand out not only on the strength of their unusual design but also their good value for money. “We offer everything in bathroom design, ranging from jeans to dinner jacket”, says Franz Kook, management board chairman of Duravit. The “barrel” is a vanity unit designed for Duravit by Philippe Starck in 1994. Primitive forms, such as the washing bowl, bucket, hand pump and nail, inspired him. Over the years, the “Starck barrel” has become Duravit’s best-selling item of bathroom furniture and it is now moving into the luxury skyscraper.
STC GETS RECOGNITION
Minister of Education Dr. Abdullah Al-Obeid gave due recognition to Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) for supporting the First Saudi Innovation Exhibition organized by SCITECH on behalf of the King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The presentation took place during the closing ceremony of the Ibtikar Exhibition 2008, which was held last week in Riyadh with the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Dr. Faleh ibn Abdullah Al Sulaiman, vice rector for technology development and industrial relations at KFUPM, said: “This presentation is in recognition of Saudi Telecom’s support of The First Saudi Innovation Exhibition and for STC’s continuous support for KFUPM in general.
STARWOOD ROADSHOW
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which has 48 properties in the Middle East including 10 in Saudi Arabia, hosted its annual Middle East roadshow in six major destinations across the Middle East countries for six days, which ends today. The roadshow began in Doha on Saturday and continued through Dubai, Kuwait, Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh. A highlight of the roadshow was a series of industry workshops held at each destination. Bringing together over 40 experts from Starwood hotels worldwide, the event provided an opportunity for hotel industry specialists to exchange views and expertise on latest developments in the industry. Starwood anticipates another year of extraordinary growth in 2008, building on the company’s record-setting success in 2007. This year, Starwood will mark a milestone with the opening of its 900th hotel, and expects to increase its portfolio by 50 percent over the next five years, driven by aggressive global expansion across all its brands. Its active pipeline includes 500 hotels and 120,000 rooms. About half of Starwood’s new hotels re expected to open outside of North America. The global hotel giant expects to add 80 to 100 hotels to its portfolio this year, up more than 50 percent from the number it opened in 2007. Guido E. De Wilde, Starwood’s regional director for Middle East, told reporters in Riyadh that Starwood would open about 10 new hotels will in the Kingdom in the coming years. “External growth is fundamental for Starwood Group, which has nine brands allowing this chain to expand in the Middle East in general and in Saudi Arabia in particular,” said Wilde. S. G. Birkwood, the new general manager of Riyadh Sheraton, was also present.
JOHN CRANE’S NEW CENTER
John Crane, a world designer, manufacturer and supplier of engineered sealing solutions and associated products and services, opened the first service centre of its kind in Jubail on Sunday. This development is the first of many major announcements concerning Saudi Arabia that the company is expected to make in the near future. Based at the industrial area of Jubail City on the east cost of Saudi Arabia, the new service center further enhances John Crane’s existing capabilities. It features many of the company’s industry-leading technology and advanced processes, and will incorporate wet seal repair, local order processing, commercial support and a training facility. It also represents a significant evolution within the wider Middle East mechanical seal industry. Adnan ibn Abdullah Al-Na’eem, the secretary general of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and a number of guests representing key John Crane customers were present. They also took part in a technical training session presented by Jack Bagain, engineering manager at John Crane, Coupling Manager Raouf Rojubally and Dry Gas Seal Manager Rob Brice.
EIRAD
EIRAD Trading & Contracting Co. Ltd, authorized service contractor for UPS, has announced the appointment of Marwan El Kashef to the post of country manager. He will be responsible for both small package and supply chain solutions operations within the Kingdom. Marwan replaces Jim O’Gara, who is returning to UPS in the UK following a successful term in office in Saudi Arabia. The announcement is seen as a strong commitment of EIRAD and UPS to expand in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. “I am proud to be part of a successful international team. Together we will foster continuing business growth and further expand our network to become the premier integrated express shipping, distribution and supply chain solutions provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Marwan. Dr. Mamdouh F. Ghazzawi, executive managing director of EIRAD, said: “Marwan brings a wealth of experience from his 20 year career within the express, freight forwarding and logistics industry.”
LA MAISON COLONIALE
The magic, mystery and charm of Asia and the Far East have long fascinated European sensibilities and the enduring beauty of eastern design continues to enthrall homeowners with its timeless appeal. Now, by way of French company La Maison Coloniale, a whole new world of furniture and accessories inspired by the orient is available in Saudi Arabia. Made by skilled artisans from around Asia and the subcontinent exclusively for La Maison Coloniale, a stunning range of sofas, beds, chairs, tables, armoires, chests and ornaments can be seen in stylish displays at the store located on Rawdah Street at Rawdah Star Center in Jeddah. The extensive collection also includes some specially sourced antique pieces that sit beautifully alongside contemporary designs influenced by traditional principles. The 700 sq. ft. store is located close to transport links and stocked with a breathtaking array of designs, from tea pots to linen to Buddha heads and magnificent feature pieces. However, nothing of quality, craftsmanship or originality is compromised. There are three key “worlds” within La Maison Coloniale’s portfolio — fragrance of the Indies, impressions of Indonesia and spirit of China.
ORBIT RONICS
Danish Mahbubani, administration council manager of Orbit Ronics Company, which trades in household and electronic products available the world over, visited Saudi Arabia for the second time recently. His mission was to strengthen relations with Al-Dhiaa Allama Est., the local agent for Orbit Ronics products.” Orbit Ronics started its business in Hong Kong in 1997. It started trading in household and electronic products, which are now in use in various parts of the world,” Mahbubani said.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (Saudi Arabia) Limited has launched a new fully-functional menu of services through its Internet website allowing its card members to manage their accounts and financial transactions round-the-clock through the electronic network. “The launch of American Express online services through its website www.americanexpress.com.sa goes within the company’s strategic plan to develop a wide range of services for its card members in Saudi Arabia, whereby card members can manage their accounts by simply visiting the website at any time and from any place,” said Sami El-Natour, head of marketing and public relations at American Express.