SIEMENS

Siemens is supporting the new King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Jeddah, which began its academic instruction in September. Siemens is a founding member of the partnership program KAUST Industrial Collaboration Program (KICP) that aims to intensify cooperation with industry on a regional and a global scale. “This partnership is an important building block for expanding our network of competencies,” said Hermann Requardt, Siemens chief technology officer and CEO of the health care sector, as he signed the cooperation agreement.

INFINITI

Infiniti has confirmed its first production hybrid vehicle will form part of its M range of luxury performance sedans. With its introduction, the Infiniti M35 HYBRID will realize the high performance/low emissions promise of the Infiniti Essence concept car. The luxury automotive brand from Japan is simultaneously upping the stakes in the hybrid world by emphasizing fuel efficiency alongside an attribute that hasn’t so far featured widely among hybrids: Driving pleasure. On sale beginning Spring 2011, depending on market, the M35 HYBRID has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti’s appeal. The M35 HYBRID is the brand’s first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in its history.

MULK HOLDINGS

During the Saudi Build Expo 2009, MULK Holdings, the holding company of Alubond USA, the largest manufacturer of aluminum composite panels for facade building in the region, launched several energy saving products. Visitors’ interest in its solar energy panels was extraordinary. SUNTROF-MULK Energy Group launched its CSP product for the first time in the Saudi Market. “Thermal power generation is a highly efficient alternate source of energy, which is the result of extensive R&D efforts to produce new third generation reflective panels. “This development will make the product economically viable and extremely eco-friendly to support the environment,” MULK Holdings CEO Saad Khan said. The company is introducing a full range of aluminum composite panels in the Saudi Market, especially for its high-rise tower projects. “MULK Holdings gives special attention to the largest market and economy in the region, with its dedicated sales team headed by Anwar Hussain, export manager,” MULK Holdings Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk said.

PANASONIC

Panasonic has introduced additional five LCD and seven Plasma high definition models in Saudi Arabia. Alesayi Electronics, the exclusive agent for Panasonic in the Kingdom, announced the launch of new TV models at a press conference at the Jeddah Hilton recently. “The way people see TV in the Middle East has dramatically evolved and our products are designed to match our customer’s changing lifestyles,” said Abby Thomas, senior manager, consumer electronics department, Panasonic Marketing Middle East. VIERA, which is more than just a TV, allows customers to personalize the channel they are viewing and enjoy their favorite moments while giving full consideration to the environment.”

SABB

Just as they prepare for the start of the new school year, orphans under the care of the charity ENSAN have received school bags from Riyadh-based SABB. As part of the “SABB in the Community” program, Robin Jones, executive director and chief operating officer of the bank, together with a group of SABB staff, distributed the school bags during a visit to ENSAN. After a briefing on the work and achievements of ENSAN from Saleh Al-Yousef, GM of the charity, Jones and the SABB employees joined in games with the children. Jones expressed his appreciation of the role of ENSAN, its impressive activities and humanitarian mission, and wished them every success. “ENSAN is immensely grateful to SABB for its continuing contributions to our programs and activities in addition to the morale-boosting support the bank gives to the orphans and our staff,” Al-Yousef said.

AVERDA

Major environmental services company, Averda, has announced its expansion into the GCC market with its first acquisition in the UAE. The acquisition of Al-Ghadeer Waste Collections Company (GWC), a Sharjah-based company, marks a significant step for the company in its plans to become the premier private environmental services provider in the MENA region. Since 1968, Averda has developed a strong reputation throughout Lebanon for its reliable and efficient operations. Now, the company plans to expand its regional presence with its investment in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Morocco and Algeria.