stc Bahrain partners with American Express ME

stc Bahrain partners with American Express ME
Mazin Khoury, CEO of American Express Middle East
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Updated 31 January 2023

stc Bahrain partners with American Express ME

stc Bahrain partners with American Express ME

stc Bahrain has partnered with American Express Middle East to support the company’s ongoing “Trees for Life” campaign. As part of the partnership, American Express Middle East has pledged to plant 1,000 trees across various locations in the country to increase the number of green spaces in Bahrain.

The partnership is a part of stc Bahrain’s commitment to preserving the environment and combating climate change in line with the country’s vision to double the number of trees from 1.8 million to nearly 3.6 million by 2035. The campaign also aims to reduce desertification, address increasingly high temperatures and promote environmental awareness and air quality enhancement in Bahrain. 

stc Bahrain CEO Nezar Banabeela said: “As part of our efforts to increase the number of green spaces in Bahrain, we are delighted to partner with American Express Middle East to commit to the ongoing cause and to spread awareness on the importance of preserving the environment.” 

We are proud to be at the forefront of the Kingdom’s largest afforestation campaign and are grateful to American Express Middle East for joining us in achieving our high ambitions to create a sustainable future for all.”

Mazin Khoury, CEO of American Express Middle East, said: “Sustainability and environmental protection are key priorities for our business strategy and operations at American Express Middle East.”


Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape
Updated 28 March 2023

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Marriott Bonvoy offers an array of destinations in the Middle East perfect for families and couples to celebrate and honor Ramadan. Whether looking for a spiritual escape or you simply want to immerse in the traditions of the holy month, these hotels offer exceptional service and amenities to make an unforgettable stay.

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
Embrace Ramadan’s spirit in Riyadh and live an incredible experience of local life and culture. Begin a bespoke gastronomic journey in JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh’s Ramadan tent and enjoy an extravagant iftar in true elegance including Arabic and international favorites. The hotel features 349 rooms and suites with inspired, tasteful and stylish modern Najdi architecture delivering a relaxing experience like no other.

Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Limassol
With a secluded beachfront location, Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Limassol, captures the essence of the Cypriot distinctive hospitality and the cosmopolitan aura of the island. The hotel features a collection of 222 rooms, 34 suites and 18 villas designed by Harrods Interiors and decorated with art pieces by Atelier 27 Paris, and boasts the award-winning Kalloni Spa. This Ramadan, Parklane features specific items added to its in-room dining menu, available for iftar. The culinary journey also includes gastronomic and lifestyle experiences where food becomes art at the hotel’s restaurants, NAMMOS and LPM, making a memorable iftar meal.
Marriott Izmir
Marriott Izmir is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Turkish Ramadan experience. Located in the heart of the city, the premium hotel offers impeccable service, comfortable rooms, and a wide range of amenities for a relaxing stay. During the month of Ramadan, the hotel is offering special iftar and sahoor menus featuring traditional Turkish dishes. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides breathtaking city views and is the perfect spot to break your fast or relax after a long day of exploring. With its prime location and exceptional hospitality, Marriott Izmir promises an enriching, authentic, and inspiring stay that will leave you with cherished memories.

Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel
Situated in Istanbul, one of the world’s most vibrant and bustling cities, Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea and the Princess Islands. Its sophisticated decor, welcoming atmosphere, and unparalleled hospitality make it an ideal venue to break the fast with loved ones. The hotel’s opulent iftar buffet is a gastronomic journey, featuring an array of traditional Turkish and international cuisines. With its luxurious amenities, superior service, and panoramic views, this hotel provides an unforgettable iftar experience that guests will cherish for a lifetime.

Four Points by Sheraton Doha
With its lush setting and welcoming ambiance, Four Points by Sheraton Doha is a stunning destination to gather with family and friends to enjoy iftars together. Guests can indulge in a sumptuous buffet of traditional Arabic and international cuisine in Mushaireb Restaurant, with a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from. Four Points by Sheraton Doha provides an extraordinary iftar experience that guests will treasure for a lifetime. For any bookings of two persons and above, a 10 percent discount would be available to redeem.

 


Aldar partners with Emirates Red Crescent to collaborate on humanitarian initiatives

Photo/Social Media
Photo/Social Media
Updated 28 March 2023

Aldar partners with Emirates Red Crescent to collaborate on humanitarian initiatives

Photo/Social Media

Aldar Properties PJSC and Emirates Red Crescent have reinforced their longstanding partnership by signing a new year-long agreement to jointly cooperate on humanitarian efforts locally and internationally.
The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and philanthropic institutions and aims to further humanitarian goals by pooling resources and efforts to implement joint projects, integrated programs and other strategic initiatives.
Salem Al-Rayes Al-Ameri, deputy secretary-general for marketing at Emirates Red Crescent, said: “This agreement showcases Emirates Red Crescent’s keenness to build constructive partnerships with private institutions like Aldar to support the provision of aid and alleviate hardships. We look forward to our partnership with Aldar, which can play a part in strengthening our nation’s role in furthering our regional and global philanthropic efforts.”

FASTFACT

The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and philanthropic institutions.

Director of Sustainability and CSR at Aldar Salwa Al-Maflahi said: “A core element of our social impact strategy is to partner with leading local and international philanthropic organizations that are aligned with our mission to build thriving and sustainable communities. We have a longstanding relationship with Emirates Red Crescent and this expanded partnership will reinforce our ability to create lasting change and have a positive impact on individuals, families and communities within the UAE and beyond our borders.”
Last year, Aldar was one of the main sponsors of ERC’s annual winter campaign. Under the theme of “Be Their Warmth,” the campaign aimed to provide relief to 500,000 people in 31 countries that were severely affected by the harsh weather conditions of winter. Contributions to the campaign were used to provide essentials such as winter clothes, blankets, heating fuel, food and medical supplies that were dispatched by ERC.
Aldar is the leading real estate developer and manager in the UAE with a diversified and sustainable operating model centered around two core businesses: Aldar Development and Aldar Investment. It is the master developer of integrated, livable, and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al-Raha, and Reem Island.

 


Carrier showcases sustainable solutions at HVACR Expo

Carrier’s team discussed the company’s residential and commercial digitally enabled lifecycle solutions at the event.
Carrier’s team discussed the company’s residential and commercial digitally enabled lifecycle solutions at the event.
Updated 28 March 2023

Carrier showcases sustainable solutions at HVACR Expo

Carrier’s team discussed the company’s residential and commercial digitally enabled lifecycle solutions at the event.

As the platinum sponsor of the seventh annual HVACR Expo Saudi, a part of the Big 5 event recently held in Riyadh, Carrier showcased the latest products and services from its global portfolio of solutions. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
“Carrier is supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by providing solutions that help building owners and operators meet their sustainability, energy-efficiency and operating goals,” said Sathya Moorthi, managing director, Carrier Middle East. “This year’s expo provided a platform to exchange ideas and best practices that can help advance the HVAC industry and contribute to the development of a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.”

Sathya Moorthi, Managing Director, Carrier Middle East

HVACR Expo Saudi was attended by engineers, consultants, contractors and developers, who engaged with Carrier’s team to discuss its residential and commercial digitally enabled lifecycle solutions.

HIGHLIGHT

The company showcased variable refrigerant flow system technology that can provide customers with precise temperature control for commercial and residential buildings, as well as healthy building solutions.

Carrier’s participation provided an opportunity to show customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer. These included packaged and ducted split units, as well as the AquaForce 30XA air-cooled chiller that offers energy-efficient cooling for buildings in high ambient environments.

Carrier is supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by providing solutions that help building owners and operators meet their sustainability, energy-efficiency and operating goals.

Sathya Moorthi, Managing Director, Carrier Middle East

The company showcased variable refrigerant flow system technology that can provide customers with precise temperature control for commercial and residential buildings, as well as healthy building solutions, such as the award-winning OptiClean dual-mode air scrubber and negative air machine, which can help improve indoor air quality.
Additionally, Carrier presented its full range of aftermarket sales and service offerings, including factory authorized parts and allied products, ensuring peak performance and longevity for HVAC equipment.
Carrier also delivered presentations during HVACR Talks sessions discussing the latest advancements in the industry. Topics included innovations in VRF technology and healthy building solutions.

 


GIB, GIB Capital win five honors from EMEA Finance

The awards were presented during the 15th EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards.
The awards were presented during the 15th EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards.
Updated 27 March 2023

GIB, GIB Capital win five honors from EMEA Finance

The awards were presented during the 15th EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards.

Gulf International Bank B.S.C. and its Riyadh-based regional investment banking and asset management arm GIB Capital, announced that they collectively won five awards from EMEA Finance. The awards were presented during the 15th Annual EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards 2022, held this month. The EMEA Finance Awards recognize the achievements of the best banks, asset managers and brokers in countries across the MENA region.

We’re delighted with the awards and the ongoing recognition from the industry of GIB’s capabilities, through GIB Capital.

Osamah Al-Shaker, CEO of GIB Capital

Reflecting continued market leadership in corporate and investment banking, GIB was named: Best Loan House — Bahrain, Best Loan House — Oman, and Best Foreign Investment Bank — Oman. GIB Capital was awarded Best Local Investment Bank — Bahrain and Best Debt House — Bahrain.

BACKGROUND

The EMEA Finance Awards recognize the achievements of the best banks, asset managers and brokers in countries across the MENA region.

During the 12-month judging period, the GIB Group continued to execute landmark transactions across all of its core markets, namely Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. These included several investment banking transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and IPOs, bonds and sukuk, and conventional and Islamic loans, several of which were sustainability linked. The GIB Group has been recognized in the last 12 months by several leading publications and associations for its outstanding work. The group aims to continue executing landmark transactions in its core markets ensuring the needs of its key clients are met.

Osamah Al-Shaker, CEO of GIB Capital

Jamal Al-Kishi, GIB CEO, said, “We’re grateful for the recognition conferred by these high-profile industry awards. GIB will always strive to lead the way in terms of delivering innovative, value-accretive solutions to our clients across the region. Our aspirations are ambitious as we move forward with determination to fulfill our transformative strategic plans.”
Osamah Al-Shaker, CEO of GIB Capital, added: “We’re delighted with the awards and the ongoing recognition from the industry of GIB’s capabilities, through GIB Capital, to offer a comprehensive and world-class range of investment banking products and services designed to provide innovative and customized financial and investment solutions for our clients. With the rapid development of public and private equity and debt markets in the region, we are extremely pleased with the important role we are playing in helping our clients and the regional economies maximize their growth and realize their vast potential.”

 


Inter Emirates Motors launches MG One, a game-changer elevated by technology

Photo/Twitter
Photo/Twitter
Updated 26 March 2023

Inter Emirates Motors launches MG One, a game-changer elevated by technology

Photo/Twitter

The first generation of MG Motor’s new MG One has arrived in the Middle East. Available in three trims at Inter Emirates Motors, a subsidiary of Ali and Sons Holding LLC and the official distributor of MG in the UAE, the new 2023 MG One will strengthen the British-born brand’s model portfolio, offering customers even more style, technology and traveling comfort at value prices.
The MG One harnesses the latest technology with the introduction of SAIC Motor’s self-developed new modular SIGMA architecture platform, housing a 1.5 Turbo unit delivering 181 hp and maximum torque of 285 Nm — powering the vehicle to a top speed of 195 km/h. All models are equipped with an innovative seven-speed continuously variable transmission for smoother, more efficient gear changes and optimum reliability. The arrival of MG’s newest SUV is expected to help the brand reinforce its position in the top six Middle East carmakers.
The SIGMA architecture platform has been designed to optimize interior space, with up to 70 percent efficiency. The architecture compresses the mechanical space to help balance the exterior and interior space. As an all-in-one modular platform, it can house a range of all-electric, and hybrid powertrains, as well as regular internal combustion engines.

FASTFACT

The MG One harnesses the latest technology with the introduction of SAIC Motor’s self-developed new modular SIGMA architecture platform.

This advanced electric architecture creates a smart car experience for MG’s new generation of vehicles.
Tom Lee, managing director of MG Motor’s Middle East, said: “The all-new MG One is the latest in our SUV offerings, which have propelled the MG brand into one of the most popular in the region. This tech-focused compact SUV not only complements our current product lineup but also provides customers with an exciting new option priced competitively.”
Mohamed Al-Daheri, managing director, motors division, Ali and Sons Holding LLC, said: “As part of our strategy to better serve our customers and enhance the MG experience, we are focusing on expanding our presence in the UAE.”

 In addition to our existing locations, we plan to open a new showroom in Dubai, a service center in Al-Quoz, a new showroom in Abu Dhabi, and a new sales, service, and spares facility in Fujairah.”
The demand for MG vehicles in the UAE continues to increase. In fact, Inter Emirates Motors has plans to continue to expand and provide end-to-end service to customers at every touch point throughout every emirate.