The National Commercial Bank (NCB) launched its “Intilak” card, a new credit tool from MasterCard, at a press conference in Jeddah on Sunday. The new card, which boasts many benefits, is described as the fist of its kind in the world of credit cards. Adel Al-Hawar, head of consumer finance services group, responded to a query regarding the card’s benefits and confirmed that it was designed to give clients bonus rewards with continued use of the card. He added that the “Intilak” credit card would award its holder free merchandise in the first two months of attaining the card at a cost of SR300 for a gold card and SR150 for a classic card. “Intilak” card’s benefits are not limited to free merchandise but also include retail prospects and many discounts,” he said. The design produced for the new card, which is considered the first of its kind on a regional scale, sets it apart from other cards. “The new design meets the terms of a large sector of credit card clientele, hence it suites their expectations, way of thinking, dynamic personality and successful approach to life,” he added.
CITYSCAPE 2005
Al Hanoo Holding Company, one of the largest and fastest growing real estate development companies in the Middle East, is a Gold Sponsor for Cityscape 2005, the Middle East’s premier international property investment and development event, scheduled at the Dubai International Exhibition Center from Sept. 17-19. The decision to participate in Cityscape 2005 coincides with Al Hanoo Holding Company’s entry into the UAE market with two major real estate and infrastructure development projects, both currently under construction in Sharjah. The first phase of the 7,713,325 sq m Emirates Industrial City, located on Dubai Ring Road in Sharjah, is slated to be launched by the beginning of 2006 and, when completed, will accommodate over 3000 medium and light industrial and commercial enterprises. A second major multibillion-dollar residential and tourism development project, also located in Sharjah and currently in its early phases of construction, will be unveiled at Cityscape 2005, Al Hanoo Holding Company Chairman Abdullah F. Al-Shakra said.
BBC FOOD
Diet Trials is a new serialized documentary for BBC Food that sees 300 people, who have been clinically diagnosed as obese, on a 6-month plan to lose weight. The series aims to reveal the best and most successful diet plans on offer from your local bookstores and supermarkets. The 300 human guinea pigs are split into groups, each following a different type of weight loss plan. This provides a fascinating insight into people, their lives and their eating habits. It is an amazing challenge for the participants. Diet Trials airs every Friday at 21:30 KSA exclusively on BBC Food, part of the Showtime Network. Presented by Eamonn Holmes, a former breakfast time TV superstar and one time telly-tubby himself, the series spans a six-month period where each group is tested to the max on each of the five diet regimes. The selected diets tested are the Slimfast Plan, Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Rosemary Conley’s Diet & Fitness Plan and Weight Watchers Pure Points Program. A fifth group tries cognitive behavioral therapy, which seeks to recognize and change bad habits rather than cutting down on food or fat. With a dietician and scientist on hand to monitor progress, we see how these different approaches work for the participants.
JEDDAH TELECOM 2005
Trade Exhibitions & Conferences Ltd. (Tradex Arabia) is organizing the Saudi Telecommunications — Jeddah Telecom 2005 exhibition and conference to be held concurrently with the Arabian Security & safety Technology Exhibition & conference Jeddah 2005 (ASTEX Jeddah 2005) at Jeddah Hilton from Sept. 11-13. The official opening will be held under the auspices of Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, according to Tradex Arabia Board Chairman Prince Saud Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal. He said the upcoming event has assumed importance in the context that the telecommunications and IT sectors are witnessing raid growth due to the technology revolution and increased demand for such services. National and international companies engaged in these sectors are showcasing their latest products, projects and services.
BANKMUSCAT
BankMuscat was recently declared as the “Best Internet Consumer Bank” for 2005 by Global Finance, a leading New York- based financial magazine. Speaking on the occasion, AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, BankMuscat said, “Oman, as most countries across the World, is today witnessing a greater demand for technology enabled alternative banking channels that provide greater customer convenience. BankMuscat has continually developed and improved its online banking services in keeping with is commitment to bringing world-class banking services to the country. We are deeply honored to be recognized as the leading bank in Oman for providing Internet banking services, for the second year running.” A world-class judging panel evaluated the entries and selected the winners alongside Global Finance editors who were responsible for the final selection of winners.
LINKS EAST TOWER
Following the successful launch of the first tower within The Links development, Emaar Properties yesterday announced the sale of residential units in The Links East Tower. The exclusive apartment community located in Dubai’s new growth corridor on Sheikh Zayed Road, offers excellent location, views and amenities. The 35-story East Tower is located in the popular The Views development at Emirates Golf Club. The complex offers the very best of modern day living for executives seeking to be in near proximity to their places of work as well as some of the best leisure facilities Dubai has to offer. With panoramic views across the golf course or a man-made canal, the East Tower apartments offer a choice of one, two and three bedroom suites, ranging from 758 sq. ft to 2,799 sq. ft. Prices for the East Tower apartments start from 650,000 dirham.
VAVAVOOM
Alshaya International Trading Company has opened two new VaVaVoom beauty stores - at Dhahran Mall in Dhahran and at Al Khayma Mall on Khorais Road in Riyadh, in addition to its existing store in Jeddah. Alshaya, a retail company and franchisee for 37 international retail brands including Debenhams, Mothercare, Next, Mac, Claires Accessories, and Starbucks Coffee, operates more than 180 internationally branded stores across the Kingdom. VaVaVoom is a “unique and exciting concept that brings together the most exclusive and innovative international brands from the world of fragrances, makeup and skincare - all within one store,” the spokesman for the company said. A team of trained beauty consultants is on hand at the stores to give advice on products that will suit individual skincare, hair and makeup requirements.
