Coinciding with its 13th anniversary, Dr. Erfan & Bagedo General Hospital of Jeddah has received the renewal of its JCI Accreditation Standards for Hospitals for the second time in a row. The renewal comes as an addition to the continuous achievements of the hospital. Dr. Mohammed Erfan, chairman of the hospital, said: “The renewal of the JCI accreditation is an indication of our commitment to applying the highest domestic and international standards for the quality of comprehensive health care and to meet the needs and expectations of patients, their families and all segments of society.” Its Vice Chairman Dr. Huda Al-Khatib said that obtaining JCI Accreditation is an achievement that indicates cooperation and integration between all categories and specialties of the hospital staff to achieve safety of patients and provide quality medical services. “The renewal of the JCI accreditation is an obvious indication of the hospital’s commitment to work hard to offer top services to the patients, given by highly skilled staff,” he added. Dr. Saba Absi, its head of total quality and risk management, said, “JCI organization evaluates health facilities throughout the world according to specific scientific standards, the most important of which is to ensure rights of patients, provide the required procedures to ensure speedy delivery of services to the patients throughout the day, to provide medical services in line with the international patient safety objectives.”
TRACCS has been named Middle East Consultancy of the Year 2011 by the Holmes Report, one of the world’s most influential reports dedicated to the public relations industry globally. The report, published annually by the Holmes Group, a major industry analyst, has included the Middle East category for the first time this year. According to the report’s assessment, the volume of business generated makes TRACCS “the only Middle Eastern firm to rank among the world’s top 100 independent public relations agencies.” It adds: “TRACCS refutes the notion that multinational clients requiring strategic PR services in the MENA region need to seek out multinational PR agencies. With a network of more than 200 professionals in 13 countries across the region, TRACCS is more than capable of providing coverage of all the major markets, and its thought leadership demonstrates a viewpoint on the role and potential of the public relations function as sophisticated as many western firms.” TRACCS President and CEO Mohamed Al-Ayed said: “We have worked very hard for 13 years to build an indigenous PR practice across the MENA region offering services according to the highest standards and practices. As we have seen with recent events, the region is changing with breathtaking speed and there is an increasing need for skilled local communicators who understand the dialects, cultures and customs of our region and this is what we bring to our profession.”
Panasonic’s new range of office VoIP telephones, new networks CCVE and phone systems with cellular coverage, record a high turnout in the corporate sector in the Kingdom as indispensable tools for the efficient completion of work. Introducing the products in Jeddah, Alesayi Electronics Networks & Communication Dept Manager Shoukat Al-Mostarihi said: “There is an urgent need for all business sectors in the Kingdom to move forward in the development of innovative means and effective internal and external communications. In this area, Panasonic is offering exchanges an integrated system of communication that combines the phones that are running IP and mobile systems with cellular coverage (DECT). The security cameras, which also use protocols of IP with high standards, have the characteristics of combining security protection and control for business development. Panasonic also launched its new high definition two-way communications system, the KX-VC500 for the Saudi market. The new Full HD system dramatically allows for video conferencing over greater distances without any loss of quality. “Across the region, there is significant demand for cost-cutting all-in-one color and laser printers, which has intensified in the last few quarters. Printing can be costly and Panasonic printers are designed to help businesses cut costs,” said Hidefumi Kawakita, Panasonic Marketing Middle East, KSA office general manager.
GMC Yukon took top honors in the full-size SUV category of IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Values of the Year (BOVY) awards, announced at this year’s National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention recently held in San Francisco. Yukon is one of 21 BOVY segment winners this year, representing IntelliChoice’s “best value” pick among full-size SUVs. This decision was based on the vehicle’s analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance. With a deserved reputation, the 2011 editions of the Yukon and Yukon XL raised the bar even higher this year offering distinctive styling, spacious and refined interiors, exceptional driving characteristics and segment-leading safety features — including standard head curtain side air bags for all seating rows on all models. The Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali also returned this year equipped with additional style, technologies and luxury features that have made these models so popular. The Yukon has emerged as GMC’s best selling model in the Middle East. “This year’s IntelliChoice ‘Best Overall Value’ honor reconfirms what Consumer Guide said about the Yukon last year — that it’s a ‘best buy’. This award is a testament of GMC’s leading position amongst its segment. We are always striving to increase product appeal while pushing for improved customer satisfaction,” said Luay Al Shurafa, brand manager of GMC Middle East. Across the region, all GMC warranties have been increased.
WESTERN AUTO/ASHOK
Legendary Ashok Leyland vehicles from Western Auto Dealership are increasing their presence across Saudi Arabia. Ashok Leyland is the flagship company of India’s Hinduja Group, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate founded in 1914. The range spans from goods transport, passenger transport, special application and diesel engines for industrial, genset and marine applications. Western Auto, a major total transportation solutions provider in the Kingdom, is a member of ETA Star conglomerate with its headquarters in Dubai and the exclusive distributor of the state-of-the-art Ashok Leyland range of commercial vehicles. Western Auto has set-up full-fledged workshops to assist and service any requirements of the fleet, supported by efficient and well-trained technicians. The strong team of professionals with extensive service and spare part facilities ensures that Western Auto is fully prepared to accelerate ahead in the Kingdom with the growing demand for Industrial transport solutions. The range, the pricing and the service facilities have helped in the establishment of the brand and its well acceptance across the Kingdom.
FORD/REEM
Ford Middle East and Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co (AJVA), the Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Saudi Arabia, has announced a three-year strategic tie-up with Al Reem International Circuit in Riyadh, bringing the Ford brand closer to Middle Eastern motorsport fans as well as the Saudi youth. Through this partnership, Ford and AJVA will offer support vehicles to Al Reem International Circuit, including a 5V8 Mustang GT fitted with the Roush performance kit. The partnership will also see collaborative programs to promote safe and responsible driving among the Saudi youth. “Partnering with Al Reem International Circuit helps support our efforts to engage with the Saudi youth and motoring enthusiasts while promoting responsible driving across the Kingdom,” said AJVA President Abdullah bin Fahad Al-Kraidees. “We believe our goals are very similar to Al Reem Circuit’s when it comes to engaging with the Saudi youth in a fun and responsible way.” Prince Sultan bin Bandar Al Faisal, chairman of Al Reem International Circuit, said: “Ford has always enjoyed a rich heritage in motorsports around the world and in the region, and the fact that it enters the Saudi motorsports scene through Al Reem International Circuit will greatly contribute to developing this sport.” Hussein Murad, director of sales at Ford Middle East, said: “Today, as the Ford lineup is entirely refreshed and new, featuring dynamic and sporty new models as well as industry-exclusive technologies, it is only natural that we bring our communications with the younger audiences to a new level.”
