D-MAX
Isuzu’s long selling D-MAX pickup continues to expand its market. Its highly computerized ‘Super Common Rail Engine’ achieves high pressure and optimum timing fuel injection. “The engine noise of the muscular and powerful diesel pickup has been tremendously reduced,” a top D-Max executive told a group of media representatives from Saudi Arabia in Bangkok. “With its stylish exterior and convenient multipurpose usages, D-MAX is more widely accepted by family customers who seek active and sportive life,” he added. D-MAX has established itself as the No.1 pickup by winning many accolades in Thailand, including ‘Best Seller Pickup’ and ‘Best Fuel Economy Pickup.’ It has become the ‘Worldwide pickup’ that originates in Thailand but finds popularity in 83 countries. “Today, Isuzu introduces to Thailand the new D-MAX, the embodiment of devotion of the Isuzu engineering and manufacturing. Following the sales launch in Thailand, the remodeled D-MAX will be exported to the Middle East, other Asian countries, Central and South America, Australia and Europe,” Shintaro Mochizuki, president, Isuzu Operations (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said.
AL-KHABEER
The first assembly of Bahrain-based Al-Khabeer International BSC (c) was held in Manama recently. Al-Khabeer International’s Executive Director Ammar Ahmed Shata said the company, of which a majority of the shareholders are Saudi Nationals, was established with an initial paid-up capital of over $100 million and was granted a Category 1 Investment Business License (Islamic Principles) by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) in December 2008. He added that the company’s founders also established a sister investment company compliant with the Kingdom’s laws named Al-Khabeer Merchant Finance Corporation. Al-Khabeer International will address the needs of institutional and high-net-worth clients with financial services in line with the principles of Shariah in the field of private property, asset management and financial market products, according to the current economic situation in the region and the world. Saleh Mohammed Bin Laden is the chairman and Andrew Broadley its CEO.
GESALO
German and Saudi businessmen met at GESALO’s German breakfast and catalogue show in the Eastern Province on Tuesday. Increasing the economic relations between the two business communities is the main aim of the German Saudi Arabian Liaison office for Economic Affairs (GESALO), said Gerd M. Doepner, the delegate of German Industry and Commerce, in Dammam. Sami Abu-Suraih of the Asharqiah Chamber spoke at the Schenker-sponsored event about the strong cooperation between the local chamber and the GESALO, which is the official representative of German Industry and Commerce in Saudi Arabia, as well as in Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen. Doepner said the highlight of GESALO, which is in service for 30 years, is to celebrate its anniversary in Riyadh on May 1. Attending or participating at German trade fairs is the best way to reach the international market as two thirds of all international exhibitions take place in Germany. “GESALO is representing major important trade fairs in Germany,” he said.
AL-TAYYAR
Travelport GDS, a provider of global distribution systems (GDS) operating both the Galileo and Worldspan platforms, has signed a multi-year agreement with Al-Tayyar Travel Group for its Galileo GDS. By joining forces with Travelport GDS, Al-Tayyar will subscribe to a world-class IT platform offering some of the best airline, hotel, and car content on the market. “We were very impressed by what Galileo offered and confident that the system will help grow our business over the coming years,” said Ossama Maayeh, group director, operations and airline affairs, Al-Tayyar Travel Group. The agreement follows Travelport’s recent multimillion dollar investment in its new direct Galileo operations for travel agents in the Middle East, with a new support structure in place to serve the GDS provider’s customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. “Our agreement with Al-Tayyar Travel Group is validation of our new customer service capabilities as a direct operation,” said Fazal Muhammed, Travelport GDS’ senior director, Saudi Arabia.
HENKEL
Henkel, which makes people’s lives easier with brands and technology, organized its first marketing awards ceremony which commemorated creativity and innovation in marketing. Accolades were given out to a number of agencies working in partnership with Henkel across the GCC. “In today’s world, any company working toward being a leader in the FMCG industry needs to have strong brand equity development with a focus on generating consumer insights, developing excellent brands, great advertising and outstanding below the line execution,” said Memosh Khawaja, GM, Henkel Saudi Arabia, at the awards ceremony. Top management from a number of advertising, media, and research companies across the GCC attended the event. One of the key awards was presented to TBWA, Riyadh for its work on the successful advertising campaign on DAC disinfectants. Henkel is also awarding its strategic partner Saudi German Hospital.
JOTUN
Jotun Paints recently hosted its second annual ‘Lady Essentials’ workshop in partnership with the Dubai Ladies Club. The workshop focused on educating women on color psychology, color trends and painting techniques, and included interactive activities aimed at motivating them to draw design inspiration from their personal preferences as ladies. The workshop also highlighted Jotun’s innovative ‘LADY Essentials’ interior paint, which is targeted at modern day women. Designed as a hands-on home improvement event, the workshop attracted more than 70 participants, who took with them valuable skills and tips on the latest home design trends and painting techniques. The workshop was conducted by the brand manager of interior paints as well as an experienced interior designer, who underlined the versatility of Jotun’s latest paint innovation through interactive presentations. “Now, our focus is to drive a message to our target audience, that there is a new product that understands the design preferences of ladies,” said Deepak Pai, marketing manager, Jotun UAE.
ADNEC
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is hosting the forthcoming G-20 Summit at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company’s ExCeL London venue in the UK capital. The ExCeL London Summit will bring together leaders of the world’s advanced and emerging economies, including the G-20 and representatives of international financial institutions to work cooperatively to restore stability and stimulate global economic growth. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al-Dhaheri, ADNEC MD said: “The selection of ExCeL London as the host of the London Summit is testament to the venue’s international standing as one of the premier meeting and events destinations in Europe.” Simon Horgan, ADNEC CEO said: “The decision to host G-20 Summit at ExCeL London is a strong endorsement of ADNEC’s development plans for the site.”
