AL-JEZY
The senior management of Al-Jezy Company, which has over 15 years of experience in marketing all Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances products in Saudi Arabia, recently, visited the international headquarters of BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group, the world’s number three and Europe’s number one in the home appliances sector, in Germany. The Saudi delegation led by Mohammed Alawy Al-Saggaff, founder of Al-Jezy Group, and Hartmut Wesenberg, MD of BSH Home Appliances Saudi Arabia LLC, introduced the credentials of the company and presented an overview of the Saudi operations and future plans to the board of directors of Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group. Jean Dufour, member of the board of management of BSH, welcomed the Saudi delegation and extended their full support in driving the Saudi operations. Al-Saggaff said: “We have several years of experience in marketing Bosch and Siemens products in Saudi Arabia, one of the fastest growing home appliances market in the Middle East. We will further explore opportunities to drive our growth in the region.”
VISION-X DUBAI
International professionals from the optical and ophthalmic industries are preparing for one of the most important weeks of the year, when they come together in Dubai to showcase the future developments and trends in both the fashion and medical sectors. Exhibitors will meet at the 11th Vision-X Dubai exhibition from May 18-20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show will again offer a diverse yet targeted range of products from medical to fashion and lifestyle within the two dedicated areas: Vision Opticare and Vision Lifestyle. Vision Opticare will facilitate the growing needs of the region’s eye care specialists, featuring the latest in ophthalmic, optometric and technical equipment, instruments and machinery, while Vision Lifestyle will feature the very best in Fashion Eyewear and accessories as well as the latest products on show at the stylish catwalk. “Vision-X Dubai brings together the latest eyewear fashion while offering a platform for the opthalmic industry to come together and create new business opportunities,” says Trixee Loh, SVP, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organizer of the event.
JAZEERA AIRWAYS
Kuwait-based regional carrier Jazeera Airways announced that it has taken delivery of its 11th aircraft and completed total ECA financing for $105 million with NATIXIS for three Airbus A320 aircraft. Jazeera Airways CFO Barathan Pasupathi said: “We have once again proven that we can secure funding in a relatively difficult credit climate. The investment community and financial institutions continue to show confidence in our business model and Jazeera’s ability to deliver sustainable results. We are indeed pleased to secure backing from the European export credit agencies and to see NATIXIS participate in this funding arrangement.” Natixis Transport Finance SVP Jean-Francois Lascombe said: “Natixis has supported the Jazeera project with PDP financing one year after its creation, and we have continuously done financing through commercial loans for Jazeera Airways, which is a project that we believe in. We thank Jazeera for having selected us for funding the Export credit for these three aircraft and it is a tribute to the long-standing relationship between our two firms.”
SGI
Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum, director general, government of Dubai Information, opened the 12th Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2010 (SGI) at the Dubai Airport Expo in Dubai last week. Amid industry reports of a decline of 27 percent advertising spend in the UAE last year, 2010 is nonetheless expected to see advertising growth of 6 to 10 percent compared with 2009. This positive trend was clearly indicated by record exhibitors and visitors registered for SGI 2010, which ended on Wednesday. Assisting businesses in staying abreast of new technologies, Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East is a specialized event, dedicated to the Middle East’s signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries, claimed to be the largest and longest running show in the region. “SGI was unique in attracting visitors. It’s an excellent forum for us to meet with new and existing customers, and to display our improved 2D and green technology, digital dye machines for economical print runs of textiles for promotional gifts, etc.”
CRESCENT INVESTMENTS
In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, as the world focuses on the effects of global warming and the need to develop long-lasting, clean, but affordable energy sources, the Gulf’s energy sector is excellently placed to engage with emerging opportunities, create new ones and position itself at the forefront of the new wave of clean energy solutions, which will ensure future growth and prosperity, according to Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Investments, an investment company with interests in the energy sector and a diverse range of other industries. As an example, he cites GASCITIES Ltd., a company he chairs, which is working on establishing a number of self-sustaining, fully integrated industrial Gas Cities throughout the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region, with the common purpose of maximizing the economic benefit of locally produced natural gas - developing local industry, creating jobs and stimulating foreign direct investment.
DIBS
Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) continues to lead as the region’s most influential boating event with an impressive list of top marine companies from around the world showcasing the latest spectacular boats and equipment, with 11 global premieres and at least 25 regional launches to be unveiled at the event, says the show organizer. Following millions of dollars worth of sales from last year’s show, hundreds of companies have confirmed their attendance at the DIBS, which takes place from March 9-13. “The DIBS has gained a reputation for bringing the world’s best to Dubai, and at this year’s event we will have more world and regional launches than ever before,” said Trixee Loh, senior VP, Dubai World Trade Centre. “Our longstanding relationship with the world’s top marine companies and providing visitors with the latest, most extensive product and design offerings across all marine sectors, allows for one of the most anticipated social events of the year, all within a spectacular and high-profile networking environment.”
