Just a few weeks ago, Siemens pushed the world efficiency record for gas turbine power plants up to well above 60 percent, achieved in a test run at the Irsching 4 combined cycle power plant (CCPP) in Germany. Now the 60-Hertz version of the SGT-8000 gas turbine series, which has already been ordered by customers in the US and Korea, has started test operation. Siemens has enlarged its test bed in the Berlin gas turbine power plant specifically for this purpose. In addition, a new drilling station for casing parts has been installed to make production of the gas turbines even more efficient. Siemens’ gas turbine plant in Berlin builds the most efficient gas turbines in the world. More than 600 turbines from Berlin have been delivered to date to customers all over the globe. The new turbine series - with the highest efficiency and output rating ever — is known as the H Class and is also produced in Berlin. During a test run as part of the commissioning procedure for the Irsching 4 CCPP, Siemens recently wrote technology history by achieving an output of 578 megawatts (MW) and a record efficiency of 60.75 percent (net) in combined cycle operation. “Due to the rising global demand for electric power and against the background of the increasing but fluctuating contribution of renewable energy to the power supply, gas turbines for versatile and environmentally compatible power generation are in high demand worldwide,” says Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO Energy Siemens Middle East.Saudi Tabreed has been selected to develop the district cooling systems for Jabal Omar Development’s (JOD) huge project adjacent to the western part of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The selection is on a BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis, which will include development, design, finance and construction of the central cooling plant linked with a network of chilled water with a 55,000 ton capacity refrigerant. The agreement is between Saudi Tabreed and JOD to operate the district cooling systems for 20 years with an expected cost of SR500 million. The final agreement is in the last stage between the two companies and will be signed soon. The board member and MD of Saudi Tabreed, Rasheed Al-Rasheed, said: “The selection of Saudi Tabreed from among other competitive proposals for this project reflects Jabal Omar Development’s keen interest in protecting the environment by reducing the consumption of power used for chillers and air conditioning up to 50 percent compared to the traditional systems. Al-Rasheed added: “Saudi Tabreed is proud to work together with Jabal Omar Development, a reputable national company.” Saudi Tabreed is a closed joint venture company founded in 2005 with a paid up capital of SR316 million with majority owned by ACWA Holding, which is a leading infrastructural developer specializing in power and water. The other key shareholder of Saudi Tabreed is National Central Cooling Company UAE, which is a public listed company at Dubai Financial Stock Market.Sony’s Ramadan Campaign 2011 across Saudi Arabia showcases its products with “exciting” prices and offers. With it strong dealer network and campaign, Sony ensures that the “special product offers truly conveys the uniquely exciting experiences.” The campaign from July 26 is aimed at bringing to the market Sony’s “very best offers” on the BRAVIA LED & LCD TVs and other products. MECL/SONY is also introducing the Sony Internet TV road show, which will highlight the functionality of networking, connectivity and 3D. These are the three pillars on which the new Sony Internet TV range rest along with a completely new picture enhancement technology “X-reality Pro” that reproduces high quality and realistic high definition 3D video images. The new X-reality Pro engine also enhances the picture quality of low resolution Internet content. This combines the pleasure of watching Internet content with a high definition clarity and (3D), surfing the Web and accessing social networks along with seamless connectivity with a variety of devices such as mobile phones, PlayStations and Blu-ray players, said Kazuteru Makiyama, GM, Sony Sales & Marketing KSA. Sony’s Internet TV road show kicked off in Riyadh and Jeddah on July 27 and continues until Aug. 29 at Riyadh’s Granada Mall, Hayat Mall and Riyadh Gallery Mall, and at Jeddah’s Serafi Mall, Al-Andalus Mall and Red Sea Mall. In Alkhobar-Dammam region, the road show will take place from Aug. 9-29 at Al Rashed Mall and Dhahran Mall. David Beckham will, together with H&M, make his Bodywear range for men available to millions of fans globally through a long-term partnership. The long-term alliance will allow David Beckham to produce and exclusively sell his eagerly awaited new "DAVID BECKHAM Bodywear" line in around 1,800 H&M stores in around 40 countries. It marks the beginning of a significant relationship between H&M and David Beckham, with new bodywear products being launched seasonally. The initial range will be launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day 2012, from Feb. 2. “Over the past year, I’ve been developing my bodywear range with my team and a.m. extremely positive about what we have designed and produced,” said David Beckham. “The final piece in the jigsaw was a retail partner who has the vision and capability to distribute these products globally. In H&M we have found the perfect partner to collaborate.” Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s head of design, said: “David Beckham is a true icon both of sport and style. It is incredibly exciting for H&M to be entering into a long-term partnership with him for his DAVID BECKHAM Bodywear line. It is the start of an amazing adventure for us at H&M. Valentine’s Day in 2012 is going to be a very exciting time indeed.” Recognized in every corner of the world, David Beckham has consistently redefined the world he lives in. “This partnership with H&M is an important step in the evolution of David’s journey from sporting hero to entrepreneur and icon,” said Simon Fuller, David Beckham’s long time business partner.Emirates marked 20 years of operations to Beirut in July, highlighting the airlines enduring commitment to the market. Emirates’ inaugural flight to Beirut landed on July 15, 1991. From an initial three flights per week each seating 145 passengers, Emirates now has a total of 14 weekly flights with up to 364 seats per flight. These additional frequencies provide Lebanon’s residents with access to 113 destinations worldwide in addition to connecting global tourism traffic to Lebanon, a vital source of revenue for the local economy. “Emirates has incredibly strong ties with Lebanon. We have flown continuously throughout the 20-year period supporting the destination with frequent and convenient flight times, and campaigns to promote Lebanon as a tourist destination,” said Tamador Kouatly, Emirates manager for Lebanon. With Emirates’ vast network Lebanon’s residents are able to connect seamlessly to key destinations in Australia, China, the Far East, Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean. “We have witnessed year on year growth in the market thanks to the dedication of our staff, in addition to Lebanon’s liberal open skies policy which has helped to stimulate competition within the market. We believe that our success lies in our commitment to quality and service, an area of our business that we will not compromise on. With 20 prosperous years already completed we are confident that we will continue to grow in this dynamic market,” added Kouatly. Emirates currently employs 52 staff in Lebanon.