Lulu Hyper Market, described as a fast growing retail chain in Saudi Arabia, has launched its “Back to School” promotion at its major stores in Riyadh and Alkhobar. As the part of the promotion, Lulu is offering a wide range of stationery products of world-class brands as well as items related to schools and students. They include school bags, notebooks, pens, pencils and other accessories of brands like Fiber Castle, Pelican and Felix. During this period, Lulu is offering maximum discounts on all stationery products for schools. As part of the promotion, Lulu’s international standard supermarket division is also exhibiting a lot of foodstuffs. They include biscuits, cakes, cheeses and juices that are on offer at “reasonable” prices. Also, Lulu’s electronics and IT department is offering laptops and calculators of major brands at “affordable” prices. The 18-day long Back to School promotion will continue up to Sept. 23, said Shehim Mohammed, Lulu’s regional director for Central Province. During the promotion, Lulu will distribute surprise gift packs for students in some selected schools across the Kingdom, he added.

Saudi Airlines Cargo is rapidly expanding its presence in Europe by opening own offices in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Scandinavia. Further, the carrier appointed its general sales agents (GSAs) in Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland and Romania. In Europe, Saudi Airlines Cargo operates 28 weekly freighter flights from Brussels, Amsterdam and Malpensa with a capacity of more than 3,000 tons at its hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman. Sander van Woesik, Saudi Airlines Cargo’s regional director Europe, said: “We offer a high frequency freighter network to Saudi Arabia with excellent connections to the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Sub-Continent and the Far East, both on freighters and bellies. With the opening of our own offices in key countries and the appointment of more GSAs, we now have a commercial presence in 25 countries in Europe.”

Sony Ericsson has now introduced the Xperia ray, a “sleek and beautiful” Android smartphone that features Sony’s award winning technologies like the Reality display, Mobile BRAVIA engine and Exmor R. Fast and responsive, the 9.4mm-thin phone features a stylish frame and a high capacity battery beneath the sleek surface. The versatile smartphone offers a complete multimedia entertainment experience and instant communication functionalities. The single device is “apt for all facets of life” - whether business or pleasure. Helping the user to stay organized, the 3.3-inch touchscreen provides great e-mail readability and calendar clarity. The onscreen QWERTY keypad makes typing easy, and allows viewing and sharing Microsoft Excel, Word and other attachments. The phone is equipped with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and Gmail, in addition to offering instant access to websites via 3G or WiFi through its super-fast Google browser. Rudiger Odenbach, GM, Middle East, Sony Ericsson, said: “Continuing the Xperia tradition, the enviable form factor of our latest Xperia smartphone packs in a number of features that are exceptional in the benefits they offer. For instance, the screen offers enhanced contrast and rich colors besides a scratch-resistant mineral glass surface. Its Mobile BRAVIA Engine makes videos and photos pop right out. The 8.1mp camera with Exmor R for mobile sensor lets the user capture high quality, bright pictures and videos even in poor light conditions.”

Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing big box consumer electronics and home appliance retailer eXtra has been named one of the top 50 brands in the Kingdom in recognition of its exceptional growth and sustained commercial success. This is the second consecutive year that eXtra has received this recognition. This accolade, awarded by Arabian Business, follows the recent ranking of eXtra by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing companies. In recognizing the strength of the eXtra brand, the award organizers cited the company’s ability to meet the evolving needs of Saudi consumers through both its big-box stores and its recently introduced online shopping portal, claimed to be the first fully fledged electronics and home appliances website of its kind in the Kingdom. Abdullah bin Abdulatif Al-Fozan, chairman, United Electronics Company (eXtra), described the award as “further confirmation that our long-term vision to expand eXtra’s physical presence and product offering across the Kingdom continues to prove extremely successful. Today, eXtra is much more than just one of Saudi Arabia’s leading brands,” he added. “It is also an example of what we can achieve, here at home, when we are determined to succeed. Since 2003, we have taken a global business model and adapted it to meet the unique needs of Saudi consumers - creating sustainable employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth and diversification of the Kingdom.”

Sahara Net says it has become the first Internet provider in Saudi Arabia to receive the ISO 9001 certificate. The certificate is given to those who reach high levels of auditing on all internal and external procedures and provide best services in supplying, installing, operating, maintaining and managing Internet services and equipment, as well as related technical solutions, information security, proficiency, telecommunication networks, infrastructures, hosting websites and SMS services, aside from all integrated technical solutions for companies and individuals. Sahara Net CEO Haitham Abu-Aisha said that obtaining the ISO certificate was the cornerstone of the company’s achievements in the highly competitive Saudi market. Sahara Net has been providing services to its customers for more than 20 years. Sahara Net’s another top executive Mohammed Alamad said the certificate would encourage the working team to reach higher levels of quality, especially in technical solutions. Sahara Net was established in 1989. This year, it has excelled itself by providing new technical solutions that aim to accelerate the development of national companies and enable them to save their time, effort and money, and reach remarkably high levels of productivity.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates Airline, has taken delivery of its third Boeing 777 Freighter, the most modern, technologically advanced large freighter available. It joins Emirates’ expanding fleet of Boeing 777s, serving an ever-growing demand from a global cargo market. The 777F will be deployed to Brazil serving Sao Paulo (VCP) thrice weekly complementing the daily passenger operation to GRU. “Even in an uncertain global economy, our commitment to facilitating international trade remains strong,” said Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline, whose Cargo team worked closely with the plane maker on the design of the state-of-the-art aircraft. “Boeing’s collaborative spirit inspires us to work together to develop creative solutions to the challenges the cargo industry faces every day.” Invited by Boeing to help digitally design the aircraft to better meet Emirates’ customers’ needs, the newest addition to the Emirates SkyCargo fleet features a wide main deck cargo door for easier uplift of oversized shipments. During the design and development of the 777F, Emirates worked closely with Boeing in optimizing the main deck floor layout. “We enjoy working with Emirates because their team is as committed to meeting customers’ logistical needs as we are, while ensuring the most economical and environmentally-friendly operation,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ SVP sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia.

Symbian Anna, Nokia’s latest software update for Symbian smartphones, is now available for download. Symbian Anna significantly enhances the user experience on the Nokia N8, Nokia C7, Nokia C6-01 and Nokia E7.A new user interface, virtual QWERTY keypad in portrait mode, split-screen messaging, enhanced Nokia Maps, better web browsing and stronger security are just a few of the improvements that people will be able to enjoy. Symbian Anna can be downloaded using the latest version of Ovi Suite (version 3.1.1) on a PC, or over-the-air directly to the smartphone. “Nokia’s Symbian smartphones are used by millions of people around the world every day, addressing specific consumer needs and providing choices at many price points,” said Ilari Nurmi, VP, Nokia. “Symbian Anna represents a significant update to the experience those users have and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Symbian, which will see up to 10 more phones introduced over the next 12 months, further updates to the user experience and support for the software until at least 2016.” Key features with Symbian Anna: User interface, maps and navigation, browing, better for business, Near Field Communications (NFC). The precise rollout schedule of the Symbian Anna software update varies from market to market. As also the method of delivery of the software update differs from market to market and operator to operator.

Following the recent successful launch of its Navigator iPhone app, the Star Alliance network has now become the first airline alliance to introduce an easy and simple to use fare finder mobile application. Christopher Korenke, Star Alliance’s VP commercial, said: “With the Star Alliance FareFinder, we have responded to our customers’ requests for a mobile app that allows them access to our member airlines’ fares. Alongside our existing popular Star Alliance Navigator iPhone app, it places us in pole position in terms of providing customers mobile access to essential alliance travel information.” Using the new FareFinder app, customers can search for either one-way or return fares for flights between any two airports on the Star Alliance network. In order to obtain the information that best matches the customers’ wishes, the app allows for additional search criteria like number of passengers, arrival or departure times, class of service, number of stops, transfer airports and point of sale. The app also displays availability so the customers can then select the airline(s) they wish to travel on. Guided by the FareFinder app, customers can then book via the appropriate airline call center or website. The Star Alliance FareFinder app was developed and is powered by ITA Software. David Peller, ITA’s GM for EMEA/India, said: “Having been selected by Star Alliance for this project underscores the fact that we are one of the leading providers for innovative solutions in the travel industry.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has opened its Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, its newest hotel in the UK and second hotel at Heathrow Airport. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide pioneered the airport hotel concept when its founder Conrad Hilton opened the first airport Hilton hotel in 1959. Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: “As a leading global hotel brand in the UK we are delighted to open our second hotel at one of the world’s busiest airports. From exceptional restaurants and bars to a luxurious spa, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is a highly anticipated addition to Heathrow. We look forward to providing the renowned and authentic hospitality that travelers across the UK and around the world expect from Hilton.” Located over a mile from the airport’s Terminal 5 building, the 350 bedroom Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is set within 13 acres of landscaped grounds and provides upscale accommodation for leisure and business guests traveling through the airport or visiting the hotel as a destination of its own. The hotel can accommodate up to 1,170 events guests in 926 square meters of conference space, designed for gala evenings or global conferences. The property also welcomes weddings for up to 800 guests at its Grand Ballroom, with the surrounding landscaped gardens providing a beautiful backdrop. The hotel features a range of food and beverage options, including the signature restaurant ‘Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen’, the latest dining experience to come from celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE.

Air Arabia has announced the introduction of a new flight destination in Saudi Arabia, from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah. Beginning Nov. 1, Air Arabia will offer three weekly flights to Yanbu, making it “easier and more convenient” for passengers to travel between the two countries. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays flights will depart Sharjah International Airport at 1 p.m. arriving at Yanbu Airport (YNB) at 3:45 p.m. Return flights will depart Yanbu at 4:25 p.m. arriving Sharjah at 8:30 p.m. “In July this year, Air Arabia started its flights to Qassim and now we introduce our new service between Sharjah and Yanbu, which marks the sixth destination in Saudi Arabia reachable via Air Arabia,” said A. K. Nizar, head of commercial department at Air Arabia. “Air Arabia customers now enjoy an ideal choice for air travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia benefiting from value for money fares and wide spread of destinations within the Kingdom and beyond,” he added. In addition to providing non-stop service to six cities across the Kingdom, Air Arabia also offers a range of value-for-money land arrangements, including hotel accommodation and car assistance. Air Arabia (PJSC) is listed on the Dubai Financial Market.