SABB
SABB Amanah, the Islamic banking arm of SABB, has launched the SABB Amanah Premier MasterCard, as part of its Shariah-compliant package of personal finance products for its high net worth customers. With this, SABB now offers these customers a real choice between conventional and Shariah-compliant financial services over a comprehensive range of premium products. The SABB Amanah Premier portfolio includes current accounts, savings accounts, investment and commodity wealth management solutions, Takaful solutions and Internet banking as well as the Amanah Premier MasterCard. The inauguration of the Amanah Premier credit card coincides with the launch of the Amanah Premier concept in the UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, Bahrain and Indonesia by SABB’s global associate, HSBC. “The introduction of the Amanah Premier MasterCard is a logical step for us, since it completes the portfolio of Islamic personal finance products that we have been developing for the past 5 years,” said Nabil Al-Hoshan, SABB’s general manager, personal financial services.
EDUTECH
Edutech, a leading provider of educational solutions and services, has completed the implementation of an integrated eLearning solution for King Khalid University (KKU) in Saudi Arabia. The deployment of the full suite of eLearning system is aimed at providing 21st century learning to over 70,000 students by helping them align, collaborate, engage and innovate through various eLearning initiatives. “Our history as an institution formed through the merger of two universities and numerous community colleges with multiple campuses has made standardizing learning methodologies and processes a true challenge,” said Abdullah Alwalidi, director of e-learning Center, King Khalid University.
QFMA
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, has appointed Nasser Ahmed Abdulrahman Al-Shaibi the chief executive officer of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). Prior to his present appointment Al-Shaibi was Deputy CEO of QFMA, an expert on the Doha Securities Market, a member of the senior committee that supervised the establishment of QFMA, manager of the Auditing, Control and Inspection Department, and manager of the Broker Affairs and Trading Department. QFMA, established in 2005, is an independent regulatory authority for the capital markets in Qatar. The authority’s primary mission is to implement a modern and robust regulatory framework for the securities markets, to conduct effective and responsible market oversight and supervision, and to lay the groundwork for creating a competitive advantage for Qatar to be a leading capital marketplace in the region.
ARPIC
Engineering and Construction giant Al-Rushaid Petroleum Investment Group of Companies (ARPIC) and its joint venture partner EEI Corporation is pursuing its strategy of internal growth in high-potential markets with the inauguration of a new pipe spool fabrication plant in Jubail recently. The new pipe spool fabrication plant is equipped with the latest technology and meets the company’s most stringent international standards for quality and environmental protection. It will meet strong demand for pipe spool on the Saudi Arabian market and supply the needs of neighboring countries as well. The formal launching ceremony was inaugurated by Abdullah M. Al Rushaid, chairman of ARPIC together with the company’s President and Vice Chairman Rasheed A. Al Rushaid.
CPC
Marble and Granite International Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), recently acquired a marble factory from Greece. This factory is expected to contribute to increase sales of Greek marble in Saudi Arabia. In addition, Marble and Granite International Company Limited is planning to buy marble factories in Italy and China as it pursues its growth strategy. Faysal Ibrahim Alaquil, business development director and official spokesman of CPC, said: “Marble and Granite International has concessions for 25 granite quarries in Saudi Arabia, where the company is extracting and cutting Saudi granite for use in the local market as well as for export to the international market.”
SONY GULF
Sony Gulf, the regional arm of Sony, recently announced the expansion of its cameras — 500 and 550, delivering an exceptional combination of features that take photography to the next level. The 500 and 550 feature a newly-developed 12.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and 14.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor respectively, allowing users to capture high resolution images with ease. Coupled with a new BIONZ(tm) image processor and high ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800, users can now have more control during hand-held, low-light shooting conditions. Also available on the new 500 and 550 is the Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode where two exposures are combined to create an optimized image. By ensuring that both highlights and shadow detail are fully captured and reproduced, pictures taken using Auto HDR will look as realistic and beautiful as the original subject.
AUDI
As part of its centennial celebrations, Audi Middle East has honored Audi Bahrain for their continuous commitment and support in developing the Audi brand in Bahrain. Audi Middle East Managing Director Jeff Mannering presented Pieter Kruger, dealer principal of the Audi Center Bahrain, with a very special token of appreciation — a limited edition Auto Union Type C pedal car exclusively designed and produced by Audi. “Our dealerships are a vital part in Audi’s success. No matter how fantastic our cars are, the dealership and its staff represent the first point of contact for our customers and are able to create an experience over and above the car itself. I would like to thank Audi Bahrain for their great contribution to making Audi the hottest automotive brand in the Middle East” said Jeff Mannering.