Hyundai County continues on the road to success

Updated 29 June 2022

Arab News

June 29, 2022 23:28

The Hyundai County, a trusted bus across the Middle East and Africa, has been reimagined from the ground up.

Now known as “County New Breeze,” the Hyundai bus has been designed to be more comfortable and versatile thanks to the expanded choice of options, including the “Extra Long” model, which gives customers more seats and an impressive performance.

Following the success of the County, Hyoung Jung Im, head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa, said: “For many years, County has been trusted by many customers in our region. County is the bus of choice for schools and educational institutions, businesses, and the public sector, delivering functionality, durability, efficiency, safety and comfort to passengers. Furthermore, the new County New Breeze continues the success story and offers well-designed features that ensure excellent all-around performance.”

Driving the County on a daily basis is Mohammad Khan, who works at Cosma Construction Co., transporting his fellow employees back and forth from work.

Describing his experience with the County, Khan said the vehicle offers “strong performance, very good durability, good total cost of ownership, comfort and safety.”

Salman Khan, who works at Eradat Transportation Co. as a company bus driver, said: “Compared with the other competitors, the County enjoys good space between the seats, has a comfortable driver’s seat and offers great performance.”

The County New Breeze, which was launched in 2020, comes with a choice of three wheelbase variants: Standard, Long, and Extra Long. There’s a selection of eight power plant options ranging from 100 PS to 170 PS. For improved safety, the vehicle has disc-type front brakes and dual airbags. Drivers enjoy the new crash pad and instrument panel that offer improved ergonomics and function.

Inside, improved driver ergonomics include a smaller diameter steering wheel, which gives drivers more space. At the center of the cluster is a 3.5-in TFT LCD that displays a wide range of information delivered with digital precision and speed.

Passengers also appreciate the County New Breeze due to the improved comfort made possible by the increased seating capacity. There are more seating configurations to choose from ranging from 14+1 (Standard) to a maximum of 33+1 (Extra Long). The Extra Long body range is also offered in 32+1, 29+1, 28+1, and 25+1 editions.

The County New Breeze comes with more choices and more power; engines and transmissions are tailored to operate reliably in extreme climatic conditions such as the blistering summer heat common in the region. Turbocharged, inter-cooled, and fed by the common rail diesel fuel injection system, the County New Breeze engines are available in 3.9 L (and 3.6 L) displacements.

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Maserati presents GranTurismo

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:38

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Maserati presents GranTurismo

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:38

One of the brand’s icons, Maserati’s GranTurismo is marking a new chapter in a story that began 75 years ago with the Maserati A6 1500.

The GranTurismo coupé combines the high performance, typical of a sports car, with comfort suitable for long distances. Both versions have a powerful internal combustion engine and the most innovative 100 percent electric solutions.

Setting a benchmark and embodying the concept of “The Others Just Travel,” this model is taking the House of the Trident forward into the future: It is the first car in the brand’s history to adopt a 100 percent electric powertrain.

From an aesthetic point of view, the GranTurismo design represents an ideal balance between beauty and functionality, with undeniably unique and immediately recognizable lines. The classic proportions of the brand’s cars have been maintained, with the long bonnet and the central body intersected by the four fenders. Conversely, the roof line drops dynamically to emphasize the curve of the pillar that features the iconic Trident logo.

Developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin, the GranTurismo is 100 percent made in Italy and epitomizes “Italian luxury performance,” a concept typical of all Maserati models.

The new coupé is equipped with the revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine, available in two versions: The Modena, with the 490-hp 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo, and the high-performance Trofeo version is based on the same engine, upgraded to a maximum power of 550 hp.

Alternatively, the GranTurismo Folgore adopts a 100 percent electric battery-based powertrain. The Folgore system is based on 800-volt technology and has been developed with cutting-edge technical solutions derived from Formula E. It offers superb performance, made possible by the three powerful 300-kW permanent magnet motors.

The battery has a nominal capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 560 kW to continuously transmit around 760 hp to the wheels. The specific set-up and innovative layout of the battery result in the containment of vehicle height to 1353 mm, without compromising its sporty nature. The shape of the battery pack, known as “T-bone,” forms part of Maserati’s “zero compromise” approach and avoids placing the battery modules under the seats, mainly moving them around the central tunnel and therefore considerably lowering the car’s H-point.

In terms of technical architecture, the new model is the result of an innovative project that makes extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium and magnesium, together with high-performance steel. Such a multi-material approach required new manufacturing processes to be created, resulting in best-in-class weight levels.

This approach is paired with new Atlantis High electrical/electronic architecture, based on canFD messages sent at speeds of up to 2 ms. The system also comes with advanced level 5 cyber-security and flash-over-the-air features. The fulcrum is the Vehicle Domain Control Module master controller, a 100 percent Maserati project consisting of the software that provides 360° control of all the most important car systems, for the best driving experience in all conditions.

In the interior, the Maserati GranTurismo’s modern cabin is equipped with Innovative systems, including the Maserati Intelligent Assistant Multimedia system, the latest infotainment, a comfort display that brings together the main functions in an integrated touchscreen interface, a digital clock and the heads-up display (available as an option).

The GranTurismo also offers an “all-round sound experience,” guaranteed by the iconic signature sound of the Maserati engine, even in the electric version thanks to innovative work by engineers at the Maserati Innovation Lab.

The sound experience is completed by the immersive Sonus faber 3D sound system. Designed and made by Italian craftsmen in sound, the audio system offers two levels of customization, giving it up to 19 speakers and 3D sound with an output of up to 1,195 W, for depth of field and truly unique roundness of sound.

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Simaat, Ejar sign agreement to go digital

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:36

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Simaat, Ejar sign agreement to go digital

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:36

Under the patronage of Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Real Estate Authority Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail and in the presence of Governor of the Digital Government Authority Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Suwayan, the Simaat platform signed a technical linkage agreement with Ejar network on Oct. 2 at the headquarters of the General Real Estate Authority in Riyadh.

Real estate offices, owners, companies, and all those interested in the commercial sector were also present.

Dhaifallah Al-Hassani, CEO of the Simaat platform, said: “The signing of this agreement comes in line with digital transformation, one of the main pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality of life for citizens, which was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to unleash the creative energies of Saudis in various fields.”

He added: “By virtue of this agreement, the Simaat platform will become the first real estate property management platform linked to a rental network for direct documentation of rental contracts on the Simaat platform.”

Sami Al-Sharekh, executive vice president of Simaat, said: “The Simaat platform is the largest real estate property management platform that has succeeded in documenting contracts executed on the platform whose value exceeds SR 2.5 billion, and it is the only platform specialized in real estate endowments.”

He added: “Simaat platform supports the real estate development and investment sectors and real estate technologies supported by artificial intelligence, and it is a flexible platform according to the needs of the client.”

Al-Sharekh stated that the Simaat platform includes the largest real estate property management companies in Saudi Arabia and is linked and integrated with various government agencies such as the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Commerce, Sadad and Mada.

The Simaat platform has provided innovative real estate technology solutions to automate operations in real estate companies by transforming their work into paperless offices to preserve the environment, as these solutions contribute to reducing operating costs by 49 percent and accelerate the companies’ business by 300 percent.

In terms of digital transformation, Simaat was keen to invest in creating specialized real estate technologies that rely on artificial intelligence to complete procedures automatically on behalf of the user, reducing daily work.

The Simaat platform system also contributes to business governance and preserving the rights of all parties from real estate owners to renters and real estate brokers, since it provides a fully automated financial system for recording corporate accounting operations without the need for an accountant specializing in business.

It also allows for digital invoices that are compatible with the requirements of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. These invoices are issued automatically and without any human intervention, making Simaat the fastest cloud system because it relies on engines and technical structures designed specifically for it.

Simaat will also announce partnerships with the government sector in the coming months with the aim of promoting the transformation of the real estate sector into a digital market in line with Vision 2030.

The Simaat platform is the only one in the Middle East specializing in real estate technologies, providing its services to more than 15,000 beneficiaries. Simaat also invests in machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies and has successful applications in image recognition and building maintenance distinctions through images only.

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Honeywell to collaborate with leading health providers to advance digitailization

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:32

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Honeywell to collaborate with leading health providers to advance digitailization

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 23:32

Honeywell has announced its commitment to developing technology-led solutions for the future of healthcare delivery. Building on its deep expertise in the hospital setting, Honeywell signed memoranda of Understanding with two leading healthcare companies with further collaborations to potentially follow around the world. The agreements provide a framework to co-innovate error-prone processes and tasks, enhance the patient experience and improve operational agility through digitalization.

COVID-19 highlighted the need for bringing efficiencies in healthcare delivery. From developing sensors and switch solutions that enhance the performance and reliability of ventilators, to protecting frontline workers with personal protective equipment, Honeywell has made significant investments in helping the industry respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. With one of the broadest portfolios of products for the healthcare environment, Honeywell’s engineered solutions provide the quality, durability and value needed to help deliver safer, more effective healthcare.

“The past few years have presented a myriad of challenges for already stretched health systems and over the next few years, the healthcare industry is expected to face an even greater surge in demand coupled with more rigorous cost-control pressures,” said Roman Poludnev, general manager of safety and productivity solutions Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

“Honeywell is committed to helping the industry respond to these challenges. We envision a future where every patient has access to quality, secure and effective care and every caregiver has access to digital tools that make their jobs easier and more efficient. We’re prepared to play a critical role in delivering on this vision and shaping the future of healthcare.”

As part of its commitment to advancing the digitalization of healthcare, Honeywell signed MOUs with the University Hospital Brno, the second largest hospital in the Czech Republic, and Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd. (Narayana Health), one of India’s foremost healthcare service providers, to facilitate their digitalization journeys. The strategic partnerships lay the groundwork for the co-development of advanced technologies to aid in the transformation of healthcare delivery.

The initial pilot with University Hospital Brno involves testing skin patches for real-time monitoring of patients’ vital functions and making the data available via mobile app. Looking ahead, Honeywell is in discussions to equip the Department of Internal Cardiology with its smart voice and touchscreen nurse call system as part of a comprehensive update of the hospital information system.

Honeywell and Narayana Health plan to work together on the introduction of new products, establish technology development centers, co-create joint capabilities in technology development and research and undertake the development of fire safety codecs that help ensure an end-to-end life safety system to make hospitals safer. As a technology partner, Honeywell plans to also help enhance and optimize Narayana Health’s digital processes and offer training to its employees.

The healthcare industry is continuously evolving to maintain environments where patients and staff feel safe. With its robust portfolio of healthcare technologies, Honeywell provides innovative solutions that drive better patient outcomes delivered in efficient, safe and secure environments for caregivers and the communities they serve.

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Oman Air provides high quality in-house flight operations training

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 00:57

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Oman Air provides high quality in-house flight operations training

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 00:57

Oman Air continues to set benchmarks in quality and safety as the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman has carried out almost 500 simulator training sessions, 83 courses for pilots, and 230 cabin crew courses over the first half of 2022 alone. The airline also saw the promotion of seven first officers to commanders and 11 second officers to first officers.

With all training provided in-house at Oman Air’s Flight Training Centre in Muscat, it continues to enhance its operational capabilities in line with international standards, providing rewarding job opportunities to talented young Omanis, and driving the development of Oman’s aviation sector.

Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Al Salmi, chief operating officer at Oman Air, said: “In order to meet the demands of a constantly evolving industry, we continue to invest heavily in training and capacity building. Our various flight operations programs are designed to strengthen essential technical and safety skills in line with current global aviation standards.

“Furthermore, where we used to send trainees abroad, we are now able to provide all the training they need at our on-site facility, which has positively impacted our operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With various courses on offer, we unlock valuable opportunities for professional development, contribute to improving national aviation standards and ultimately, provide the best possible experience to our guests.”

Opened in 2016, the center offers basic training and recurrent and refresher courses, enabling pilots and cabin crew to train realistically for operating aboard aircraft and on the ground. Representing a major step in the evolution of Oman’s overall training capacity, the state-of-the-art center also provides training for local and international aviation companies, which benefit from the latest facilities and the highest levels of professional guidance.

Oman Air provides rich and varied career development opportunities as well as internships and graduate training programs that expand horizons for young Omanis and boost its contribution to the national economy.

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Golden Scent builds world’s biggest library of perfumes

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 00:56

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Golden Scent builds world’s biggest library of perfumes

Updated 04 October 2022

Arab News

October 04, 2022 00:56

With over 2 million shoppers, and millions of visitors monthly, and 7 million downloads since its launch, Golden Scent has powered its way to a leadership position in Saudi Arabia and the GCC’s e-commerce shopping space; and, it is now poised for breakaway growth for the coming 3 years.

Golden Scent’s ongoing success has been strengthened by its highly engaging customers. The brand’s online interaction and engagement is on an ongoing boost due to its high level of trust and loyalty among its customers.

Harboring over 20,000 fragrances from over 1,000 brands, it is the world’s biggest library of Arabic, niche perfumes, and international perfumes.

Over 100 of these are Saudi born, Arabic fragrance brands. The company constantly aims to maintain its position as the preferred shopping destination for all fragrance and beauty lovers.

Saudi Arabia portrays a comprehensible supremacy in the GCC fragrance and perfume market worth $2 billion dollars. Golden Scent’s online platform tends to be the preferred portal for Saudi shoppers that offers a variety of products, including Golden Scent’s range of exclusive perfumes and traditional all-natural scents. Furthermore, the country has a huge tourism plan that deals and works with a significant number of expats and a growing e-commerce industry that has enabled brands to extend its reach to a more diverse range of consumers.

Darine El-Sabbagh, managing director at Golden Scent, said: “Scent has a power of persuasion stronger than that of words and appearances. It is the ability to express one’s individuality. The Saudi market and individuals pride themselves in their impeccable sense of scent and passion for luxury shopping and they are online savvy. Our main initiative was to take the idea of a scent as a definitive way of self-expression and extend it to individuals who are interested in accessing the widest selection of fragrances online. Today, we thrive to be one of the leading entities to empower the Saudi youth and make our Saudi working women the focus of our growth.”

Ronny Froehlich, co-founder, said: “Our business success stems from finding a solution to the shopping and self-expression needs of Saudis. Our growth and achieving an annual revenue of over SR 300 million Saudi in the Kingdom alone shows that we have created trust, engagement and delivered an excellent customer experience throughout the years. Clients appreciate the easy navigation of the app and web shop which includes premium packaging in which the products are shipped, knowing that Golden Scent only offers original products of recognized international premium and exclusive brands varying between Niche, Arabic and oriental, and from smaller Saudi entrepreneurs.”

Golden Scent pioneered fragrance & beauty e-commerce in the MENA region when it launched in 2014. Today, GoldenScent.com has the largest fragrance library worldwide covering more than 20,000 products from perfumes to home fragrances, aromatherapy, beauty products and much more.

Apart from housing over 1000+ international, niche and regional brands, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with hubs across the region, Golden Scent delivers to across the GCC region and to over 80 countries worldwide.

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Hyundai County continues on the road to success