AL-TAZEJ
The Al-Tazej chain has opened one of its branches in Jeddah for orphan children sponsored by Al-Bir Charity. The visit of the orphans to the Al-Tazej chain lasted for two days where the children were received by Hatim Ashor, director of marketing at Al-Tazej chain. The visiting children enjoyed meals, souvenirs and happy moments at the internal games lounge. Walid Abu Rashid, executive director of Al-Tazej chain, said: "Based on our duty and keenness to contribute in the Orphan International Day, we hosted the orphans sponsored by Al-Bir Charity; hence, such gesture is in line with our policy which calls for prompt contribution to social issues and social responsibility. Therefore, we initiate and participate in numerous social activities that reflect nonmaterial support in collaboration with charity." Prominent Saudi businessman Sheikh Abdurrahman Fageh, founder of Al-Tazej chain, launched the first outlet of Al-Tazej restaurant in Makkah in 1989. The idea of the chain was based on a feasibility study. Within two decades the chain has become successful in managing over 90 branches all over Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Yemen.
MASERATI
Fast Auto Technics Co., the importer of Maserati in Saudi Arabia, launched the new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatica in Jeddah on Tuesday night. Italian Consul General Adriano M. Santacesaria di Barale and Mamadouh Kayat, MD, Fast Auto Technics Co., unveiled the car during the Italian national day celebration. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8, which develops 440 HP (323kW) at 7000 rpm; the maximum torque is 490Nm at 4.750 rpm. A special feature is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo — until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic stresses the original GranTurismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance. The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger airbag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.
BROTHER
Brother International Corporation Gulf (BICG), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of printing, communication and digital imaging products for homes, SOHOs and enterprises, has reported a growth of six percent in the region for the fiscal year (FY) April 2008-March 2009, compared to the previous fiscal year. Amid the steady popularity of Brother products among regional SMBs, the company is expecting to register 15 to 20 percent growth in the current FY April 2009-March 2010, with its color laser MFCs poised to achieve 15 percent share in the UAE market. The announcement follows BICG’s plans to roll out an extensive expansion initiative to hit territories where there is considerable growth potential for its new products such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. After assuming management of a major part of the global organization’s African operations in early April, BICG is steadily expanding its coverage as a regional control center that directs the company’s business in more than 30 countries within Middle East and Africa. With the region’s color laser printer and MFC market projected to expand by about 15 percent in 2009 according to a report from IDC, the manufacturer has outlined plans to launch a new range of products toward the end of the year. BICG is also expecting growth in the mono laser MFC segments, albeit marginal due to the anticipated dip in the UAE’s overall print market in 2009. The announcement follows Brother’s successful participation at the recently concluded GITEX Saudi Arabia 2009. “We are expecting to double the market presence of our color laser MFC market in the UAE in 2009, in anticipation of the projected surge in the laser MFC markets by 2010,” said Shinji Tada, MD, BICG. “In line with the aggressive targets we have set for the Middle East, we are planning to roll out new products that will incorporate the latest technologies, which we are developing for our MFC range.”
CANON
Beauty and brains come together in the digital IXUS 100 IS, described as Canon's slimmest digital camera, which was launched in the region recently. Coming in a choice of silver, black, gold or red, the stunning 12.1 megapixel Digital IXUS 100 IS, which is just 18.4 mm wide, lets anyone take a great photo with ease. Alongside Canon's renowned blur-busting and Face Detection technologies, a new Smart Auto mode uses Scene Detection Technology to 'read' your scene in detail. The camera then searches an incredible 18 possible modes, and selects the one that offers the perfect settings for the scene. "Whether it is an unforgettable view from your hotel balcony, or that memorable moment at a party, all you need to do is point and shoot," says the company. "With the Digital IXUS 100 IS, fantastic quality is not limited to still images. Switch to Movie mode and you can capture your most unforgettable events in stunning HD video. Then, by connecting to any HD-ready television with an optional cable, you can relive the moment in pin-sharp, ultra-detailed High Definition." Key features: Ultra-slim, elegant design in silver, black, gold or red; 12.1 Megapixels; 3.0x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer; Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology; HD Movies (1280x720, 30fps) and HDMI connection.
