BANK AL-JAZIRA
Bank Al-Jazira (BAJ) has recorded a new achievement by obtaining the “ISO 9001” International Certificate of Quality in the areas of trade operations services and ATM services as the first fully Shariah compliant bank in the Kingdom. Obtaining this certificate reflects how deep the bank is keen on implementing strict quality standards, said Ziad Aba Al-Khail, deputy CEO. He added that the bank’s efforts led to success by obtaining the certificate for its trade and ATM services after an assessment carried out by Moody International Company, one of the greatest international companies granting ISO certification, “which proves our services, operations and processes are compliant with the international quality standards and requirements.” Aba Al-Khail said: “Obtaining ISO 9001 certification will improve customer satisfaction by providing services with sustained quality levels that fulfill customers’ requirements and exceed their expectations, besides it will enhance the team work, reward outstanding performance and ensure continuous improvement of employees skills. BAJ claims to be the leading and first choice bank in Shariah compliant banking services and on top of the list of the best Shariah compliant banks locally and internationally.
MOBILY
Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) has announced that the Mobile Number Port-in (MNP) service has been halted for weeks due to “technical problems” with the other operator. STC had announced earlier that it had been having “technical issues that caused it to put the service on hold. Mobily said it had received more than 16,000 port-in requests that it could not process because of the other operator’s problems, adding that the delay in port-ins is beyond its control. Mobily has filed a complaint with the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission, the Kingdom’s regulating body that controls port-in processes, in which it pointed out that the other operator is to blame for the delay. Mobily said it highly praised all the future subscribers who wish to benefit from its state-of-the-art services, whether through porting-in or buying postpaid lines. Mobily claims to have the best and widest-spread 2G, 3G, 3.5G and 3.75G in the Kingdom, all of which are available with unique services at highly competitive rates. The company said it would issue a new statement as soon as the service is restored.
FOOD SHOW
With the support of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture, Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) is organizing “food arabia,” “hotel Arabia” and “propac Arabia” — Saudi Arabia’s 14th international showcase for the industry at the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events in Jeddah for five days from Sunday (May 24). The food & hotel arabia features two of the unique events — TopChef Arabia contest and the Art de Table competition. National pavilions from China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and individual exhibitors from Armenia, Africa, India, Korea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Yemen, and the United Sates are participating alongside a large contingent of leading Saudi companies. The Saudi Quality Council is organizing a symposium covering the various sectors alongside the exhibition. Also, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Conference, represented by the Islamic Center for Development of Trade, an Islamic agro-industries exhibition and conference will be held in concurrence with the exhibition. The objectives of this first time event are development of trade among the Islamic countries, exchange of expertise and knowledge, provide investment opportunities and maintain strategically closer commercial relations among the OIC members and other countries worldwide. A high-profile conference focusing on the world food crisis and its consequences on the OIC member countries will also be held in parallel with the event.
STC
Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has given a surprise present to its Qitaf customers by offering the biggest ‘Qitaf’ pizza meal, which contains three medium pizzas and three up size soft drinks for SR100. This Meal is presented free of cost to Qitaf customers to enable them redeem one of Qitaf vouchers in any Dimon’s Pizza restaurants across the Kingdom. The Qitaf program involves a strategic partnership with 22 partners, with more than 110 brands, and 1,900 outlets throughout the Kingdom. STC says all of its customers can register on Qitaf program via calling Customer Care Center at (902 or 907), or sending an SMS with code 1818 to 902 or by visiting STC Online at www.stc.com.sa to benefit from the points cumulative and redeem them for a variety of services or purchasing vouchers.
MANARA
Manara Developments, a Bahrain-based real estate development company, has recently appointed Hasan Al-Bastaki as its MD, in line with the company’s business vision and growth plans. In his new role, Al-Bastaki will be responsible for managing the company’s strategic expansion plans and real estate portfolio on a wider regional level. He is a renowned professional figure with over 21 years of experience in public, private and academic sectors in Bahrain and North America. The Chairman of Manara Developments, Yousif Taqi, said: “With Al-Bastaki joining our team, we are confident that his wealth of experience will be useful in driving our business plan forward. His appointment comes at a very crucial time in the company’s growth as Manara prepares to expand its project portfolio across the MENA region.” Manara Developments is a Bahrain-based real estate development company with a diverse project portfolio.
AKMC
Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC) will be offering management and technical support to Durrat Arriyadh, the first gated residential neighborhood in Saudi Arabia. The residential development will incorporate the highest standards of architecture, design, construction and landscaping. Covering a vast area of over three million square meters, the Durrat Arriyadh development is due for completion in the first quarter of 2010. It will offer an exclusive lifestyle to 6,700 select residents, with a wide range of premium facilities that include schools, playgrounds, mosques and shops, all set in lush rolling parkland with panoramic views over the Central Garden. “Investing in and managing Durrat Arriyadh comes in line with our strategy to manage and invest in the hospitality sector across Saudi Arabia,” said Musaed Al-Saeed, CEO of Al Khozama Management Company. “The project arises from our vision and aspiration to build a green healthy community, as part of our commitment toward the future of the Kingdom.” At the heart of the development will be the 114,000 sq.m. Durrat Arriyadh Hotel & Resort, with three signature indoor and outdoor restaurants, as well as 28 private, lavishly appointed villas.
MAJID AL FUTTAIM
Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, the asset management arm of the Majid Al Futtaim Group, has launched its first MENA equity product — the Elite MENA Equity Fund. Investors can now invest alongside the family office of Majid Al Futtaim and gain access to the services of the portfolio management team responsible for the MENA equity investments. The Majid Al Futtaim family office has seeded the Fund with $150 million (AED550 million), making it one of the largest MENA equity funds available to investors. Focused on the MENA region, the ‘long-only’ open ended fund, domiciled in Luxembourg, aims to achieve long term asset growth and capital preservation through a tried and tested ‘Risk-Managed Growth’ approach to MENA investments. This approach has enjoyed strong relative performance over the past seven years. Iyad Malas, chief executive, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, said: “Investors deserve to have the best home for their money in both turbulent and stable investment environments. By opening the doors to the services of the portfolio management team responsible for Majid Al Futtaim’s family office, we offer investors a tried and tested place to invest.