Amanah Capital, a Dubai-based asset management company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emaar Healthcare Group LLC (EHG), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, to develop specialist health care facilities in Abu Dhabi. EHG will create integrated health care clusters that cover the entire spectrum of medical needs, with special emphasis on women and children. Saleh Al-Hamed, CEO, Amanah, and Omar Al-Shunnar, executive director, Emaar Healthcare Group, signed the MOU in Dubai on Wednesday. They announced that the first project to be rolled out will be a specialized medical facility for women and children to be developed on a 300,000 square feet of land in a prime location in the heart of the capital city. Al-Hamed said: “The integrated approach of EHG aligns with the UAE government strategy for health care that encourages the private sector to play a bigger role in developing the health care system in the country.”
DAMAC
DAMAC Properties has announced the launch of its project in Dubailand — Westside at Lincoln Park. “We are delighted to unveil another beautiful commercial and residential project, Westside at Lincoln Park in Arjan, Dubailand. This is a strategic development offering everything that one seeks right from state-of-the-art facilities to luxurious internationally designed environment,” said Hussain Sajwani, chairman, DAMAC Holding. Dubailand is an innovative, awe-inspiring entertainment and leisure development that represents an integral part of Dubai’s bold vision to become the world’s top tourism destination. Arjan is a development within Dubailand which has been masterplanned to suit the busy lifestyle of fast-paced professionals. It is located on Emirates Road and provides easy access to all visitors. “Westside at Lincoln Park is a mixed Chicago architecture style at Arjan,” said Peter Riddoch, CEO, DAMAC Properties.
GMC
In recent years there has been a significant increase in curricular flexibility wherein electives are incorporated into the curriculum. At Gulf Medical College (GMC) in Ajman, elective postings have become part and parcel of the curriculum. They are sponsored by the college and a fixed slot has been set aside for pursuing electives at the end of the first and second clinical years (III and IV MBBS) during the summer break. The opportunity, the first of its kind in the region, is a well structured activity called the summer training program (STP) where students are encouraged to visit medical schools or institutions and hospitals in different countries of their choice to avail of the opportunity to observe medicine being practiced not only in this country but also in countries outside the UAE such as United States, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other GCC countries, says GMC Dean Professor Gita Ashok Raj.
SOFINCO SAUDI FRANSI
Sadeq Al-Thawab has become the first to receive a new car in Riyadh under the Shariah-compliant Sofinco Saudi Fransi (SSF) motor vehicle financing program. The new Lexus (LS 460 2007) worth SR280,000 was presented by Chandy Samuel, chief commercial officer, on behalf of SSF at Al-Sultan Showroom. SSF financing program was recently launched in the Kingdom to assist customers in owning their favorite cars in a smooth and timely manner and to select from a wide range of options that satisfy the various living requirements of customers. SSF, which looks forward to fostering its relations with customers by offering a variety of financing services that are compatible with their needs, is a joint venture established by Banque Saudi Fransi and SOFINCO (a wholly owned subsidiary of Credit Agricole Group), operating in the consumer credit market in the Kingdom.
Gulf Air
The Gulf Air board of directors decided to appoint Chief Operating Officer Bjorn Naf as the acting president and chief executive for Bahrain’s national carrier in addition to his duties. Naf’s appointment came after a meeting by the board members at the Gulf Air headquarters in Manama. The search for a permanent president and chief executive has begun and is open for Bahrainis and other nationalities, the selection of which will be based on their qualification and experience. Naf, who brings across the broad experience in aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1. He is also spearheading an initiative to boost the carrier’s punctuality, which is improving under his command. The new network, based on a “wave” model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.
Estee Lauder
For almost 50 years, cutting-edge technology and lavish ingredients have been the hallmarks of Estee Lauder’s Re-Nutriv range of luxurious skincare products for face and body. In 2002, Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Research raised the bar with the creation of the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme, a high-function skin moisturizer designed to provide immediate visible benefits and state-of-the-art anti-aging benefits. Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Serum followed in 2005. This first-of-its kind skincare treatment was designed to provide skin with best treatment to help improve the visible lift and firmness. Estee Lauder has expanded the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting range with a serum created to deliver an outstanding whitening experience — Re-Nutriv Ultimate White Lifting Serum, specifically designed for the Gulf and Asian woman who demands the very best for herself and her skin, says Dr. Daniel Maes, vice president, Estee Lauder Research and Development.
Mercury
Premium vehicle brand Mercury registered a stellar performance in Saudi Arabia with sales registering soaring results across all the models. Sales for Monterey, Mercury’s answer to the minivan segment, surged three-fold during the first six months due to increased demand. Grand Marquis, the full-size sedan, continued to prove its popularity in the Kingdom with sales up by more than 85 percent during the same period. Mercury Mountaineer’s sales for the first half is also up by more than 50 percent while Milan saw steady growth since its debut largely due to its attractive features and value. Launched four months ago, Mercury Milan has been attracting a steady set of customers, especially from the youth market across the Kingdom. “The outstanding performance of Mercury in the Kingdom is a sure sign of market confidence in our premium brand,” said Hussein Murad, sales and marketing director of Ford Middle East.
NCB
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) recently held a graduation ceremony for 41 young Saudis who participated in its “How to Start Your Own Small Business” program in Makkah and Taif. This was part of the bank’s project, which aims to support young men and women who want to establish their own small businesses. Mahmoud Al-Turkistani said: “We are proud to organize such programs in support of young entrepreneurs.” The NCB had managed to train 670 potential young business owners since the program was launched two years ago. The program included a six-week theoretical training followed by a six-month follow-up during which free counseling was provided to them to set up their businesses. Yasir Awan, secretary-general of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the program could be a model for private sector firms. Mohammad Al-Qurashi, member of the chamber’s board, distributed appreciation certificates to graduates.
Suzuki Saudia
Suzuki Saudia, the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Saudi Arabia and part of Bamarouf Group, has announced a 157 percent growth in sales for its Alto automotive model during the first five months of 2007, compared to the same period last year. The increase has been attributed to successful marketing strategies designed to tap into niche market segments such as fastfood companies, Suzuki suppliers and government agencies, which together accounted for 73 percent of the Alto sales. “The rising demand for the Alto is proof of Suzuki’s consistency in meeting market demands and having an excellent reputation in the market. All of Suzuki’s vehicles, including the Alto, have been developed according to meticulous research and analysis, incorporating cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, safety and comfort into the product development,” said Ahmed Shamaile, sales manager, Suzuki Saudia.
UMC
United Motors Co. (UMC), the sole distributor of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in the Kingdom, has opened its new showroom at the Jeddah Automall. As part of UMC’s ongoing commitment to deliver excellence in customer service, it has opened a new sales and service facility in Tabuk, and is committed to refurbish its existing facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam and develop a new site in North Riyadh. “United Motors’ continued commitment to its customers ensures that with every new or fully refurbished facility it is capable of delivering the best customer experience in sales and after sales. Our investment in these facilities and its dedicated staff is enormous, but essential to attain and maintain the very high standard our customers deserve,” said Mark Jenkins, deputy general manager, UMC. “This latest showroom in Jeddah features a 600 square meter sales floor, displaying up to 17 vehicles, with dedicated operational areas.”
NDP
England-based NDP Publicity Services has just celebrated its 18th birthday, after being established as a sports management consultancy and PR operation by Neil Perkins in 1990. The company has worked across the Levant and the GCC for 18 years on various sports management and PR projects. Since 1990, it has operated in 64 countries on many diverse sporting projects including motor racing, rallying, powerboat racing, football, golf, pool, squash, cycling, motorcycle racing, karting, rugby, enduro riding, and both the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and 2006 Asian Games in Doha. It has worked on various motorsport press office projects. It works on annual sporting projects with clients in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Qatar, France, Japan, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Germany and the Netherlands.
