QTEL

The Qtel Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an exclusive strategic marketing partnership (SMP) with Universal Music Group, a  major international leading music company, to offer unlimited music for customers across key international markets. Under the terms of the MoU, which is the first of its kind to be announced in the MENA region, operators within The Qtel Group will be able to offer unlimited music downloads via mobile and the Internet to its customers. This strategic partnership will allow people to establish special communities for song sharing and discussing the latest hits and releases. An exciting differentiator from other content download offers is that this partnership provides access to exclusive events, animations and special concerts for customers. Universal Music has the most extensive catalogue of music in the industry, representing more than 3,500 artists from all genres and periods.
 
DISCOVERY/OSN

Discovery Networks EMEA has launched two new "ground-breaking" channels to the Middle East - Discovery HD Showcase and ID Investigation Discovery - exclusively on the Orbit Showtime Network (OSN). "We are demonstrating our commitment to the region and its viewers by providing content that enhances TV viewing through our trusted partners, OSN," said Caleb Weinstein, senior VP and GM, emerging markets, Discovery Networks EMEA. "Our content continues to inspire viewers and is at the forefront of setting global entertainment viewing trends," he added. Discovery HD Showcase is a premium service factual entertainment channel offered as part of OSN's first bouquet of HD channels, with the very best in factual entertainment selected from Discovery Networks' program portfolio, alongside a range of exclusive content developed especially for the HD channel. Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, CEO of Orbit Showtime Network, said: "We have further strengthened our exclusive line up of 75 channels with the addition of Discovery HD Showcase and Investigation Discovery. With the line-up of programming of these two channels combined with the extensive library of visually compelling high-definition content of Discovery HD Showcase, we'll offer our subscribers the ultimate-viewing experiences exclusively on OSN."
 
GBI

Gulf Bridge International (GBI), the Middle East's newly established, privately owned submarine cable operator, has announced that Vodafone Qatar, Qatar's rapidly growing new mobile operator, will provide a landing station for GBI's cable in Qatar. The GBI cable system, which will utilize the latest subsea fiber cable technology, will connect all the countries of the Gulf to each other and provide onward connectivity to Europe and Asia. The launch of the system will provide telecom operators and other communications companies, both in the region and globally, with greater choice, value, diversity and resilience. "The international connectivity requirement to and from Qatar is growing rapidly, as Qatar develops its knowledge based economy. By partnering with Vodafone Qatar, we will be able to address that growth besides enabling the outreach of a valuable infrastructure as a key asset to the Qatari nation," Hamad Al-Mannai, GBI's executive vice chairman, said.

SERVCORP

Servcorp, an international provider of serviced office and virtual office solutions, has opened at Jameel Square in Jeddah. After recently announcing further global expansion plans, this new floor marks the first of many new Servcorp locations to join existing UAE, Bahrain and Qatar locations in the growing Middle East market. Servcorp Serviced Office suites and Servcorp Virtual Office packages will be offered to a wide range of potential businesses looking for flexible and cost-effective office and IT solutions. Long known for the best city locations, high-quality fit-outs and service standards, both the virtual and serviced office products now also offer a portfolio of IT services and tools. Barry Barakat, Jeddah-based GM, said: "We are exceptionally proud to be opening one of the first serviced virtual office locations in Jeddah. I anticipate a high demand for our services among the dynamic local and international community as will provide an international level of service, which is unique to the local market."
 
SPLASH/UMM

Splash, a leading high street fashion retailer in the Middle East and part of the Dubai-based Landmark Group, recently added Italian youth fashion icon Underground Music Movement (UMM), to its rock chic gamut. Famed for clothing that epitomizes urbane youth ethnicity, UMM is an eclectic collection of casual wear that draws inspiration from the 80's & 90's clubbing culture that went beyond the sphere of music to leave an indelible mark on lifestyle. Raza Beig, CEO, Splash, said; "We are extremely elated to join hands with UMM. As an Italian fashion house that symbolizes youth, it was just apt for us to bring us closer to our customers. Splash is constantly expanding and with this in mind, has always endeavored to get global brands from across the world to the Middle East. We are confident that our customers will be ecstatic with the latest offering at Splash."