Marriott International presented its International Tourism Leadership Award for 2006 to Sheikh Ahmed ibn Saeed Al-Maktoum in Dubai on Sunday evening in recognition of his work as chairman of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and his focus on sustainable tourism. The award was presented by Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. Marriott International established this award in 1997 to recognize the noteworthy achievements of nations, organizations and individuals that result in the enhancement and encouragement of world tourism through sustainable initiatives such as cultural, historical or environmental preservation. “As a global hotel company, we rely on sustainable tourism to help drive consumer interest in local, regional and international travel. Among the hottest travel trends today are authenticity of the travel experience and sensitivity to the impact of travel on the environment,” Fuller said. In presenting the award to Sheikh Ahmed, Fuller said: “Your enlightened leadership of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and, more recently, your commitment on behalf of Emirates Airlines to the preservation of the Wolgan Valley of the Blue Mountains in Australia are especially compelling. All too often growth equates with progress with little regard being given to providing a balance between what was the past and rapid urbanization. As Dubai hurtles beyond the dreams of the 21st century, your vision and leadership of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve ensures that desert life including indigenous species are being preserved so that generations to come can experience the heritage of the desert.”
Scuba
Following the launch of Scuba’s campaign for the protection of marine environment and resources in collaboration with Mobily, expert divers and diving trainers have launched similar awareness campaigns among schoolchildren in Jeddah. The campaign aims to educate them about the richness of the Kingdom’s marine resources and increasing awareness for the protection of marine environment and resources. The Scuba Saudi Arabia program is one of the most important marine awareness campaigns introduced to the Saudi community for increasing awareness of the importance of marine resources of the Saudi beaches, particularly the coastal areas in the Western Province, which are very rich with wonderful coral reefs and need to be protected. Diving trainers Ghassan Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Abdul Atti, both of Scuba Saudi Arabia, lectured to the students of Al-Andalus schools and explained the Scuba programs.
AMIANTIT
Dammam-based Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company has obtained approval and financial assistance from the Human Resources Development Fund for recruiting and training 321 Saudi nationals to prepare them for a career in one of the Kingdom’s biggest industrial groups. Training of the first group of recruits, which commenced in January, is the first stage of Amiantit’s five-year Saudization plan, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012. The target is to increase the number of Saudi nationals employed by five percent each year. “We are very pleased to be partnering with the HRD Fund in our aim to bring Saudis into our company on a continuous basis,” said Fareed Al-Khalawi, Amiantit Group president and managing director.
BRAUN
TV Chef Osama El-Sayed, a Middle East culinary guru, has partnered with Braun, a major electrical goods manufacturer, to bring innovation, convenience and versatility to the kitchen and, above all, a new taste sensation for the whole family. Procter and Gamble’s Braun partnership with Osama presents a leading team for food preparation solutions. “Both Osama and Braun represent all that is simple, easy, convenient and versatile for cooking. While Braun boasts world renowned heritage making it one of the top-selling brands in the Middle East, Osama is not only a man of talent but a man of passion. This is the reason for his widespread popularity in the region. Our mission is to make life easier, more convenient and enjoyable for our consumers. This is reflected in the our products,” said Manoj Nair, regional business manager, Braun. Osama said: “I have been a Braun fan from a very young age.”
RUBY TUESDAY
Jeddah’s Ruby Tuesday organized a party for children from the Al-Bir orphanage recently. It hosted 95 children and 10 adults from the orphanage, and spent several hours enjoying games, entertainment and activities. This was the first event to be held at Ruby’s Circle, an event hall located on the second floor of the restaurant. The hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and may also be used for female-only events. Mohammed Balubaid, president of Marssana International Trading Co., and his wife Amal Khoja, event planner and decorator, welcomed the children.
APEX
Apex, a luxury chauffeur service company, was recently launched under the management of Logic, a marketing firm responsible for the success of various companies that are now making names in the Jeddah business community. With ‘Treat yourself’ as its slogan, Apex provides “unparalleled chauffeur service” to meet customers’ ground transportation needs. With courteous, experienced and professionally attired chauffeurs, it aims to provide a high level of service. Its services are available in Jeddah and throughout Makkah and Madinah. Most recently, it launched a ‘Discover Jeddah,’ tourist program.
