Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker participated in the opening ceremony for a new state-of-the-art global training facility for GE engines used in the aviation, oil and gas industries. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and international engine manufacturer GE collaborated to build the world-class facility to train technicians on a range of GE engines. QSTP is located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City and is an incubator, bringing research and business together to spur the development of Qatar’s knowledge economy. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, deputy prime minister of Qatar and the chief of the Emiri Diwan was guest of honor at the event. Being the first facility of its kind outside North America, it is the hub for training of GE aviation and energy corporate customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The facility provides training on a range of jet engines, including the GE90, CF6, CF34 and GEnx models. The new 13,400-square meter center includes five digital classrooms equipped with 3D graphical models and online teaching capabilities. A hands-on component also forms a core part of the facility, with 14 engine bays for practical aircraft engine training. Programs focus on training for line maintenance, boroscope inspection and boro-blend repairs. Enrolment has already begun, and the Center expects to provide between 400 and 500 students with certificates from the Doha-based training center each year.
The Bridgestone’s GCC-wide ‘Tire Safety and Eco Station’ campaign reached Riyadh on Wednesday for two days. The road show, which aims at making the region’s roads safer for everyone, is at the ground floor main activity area of the Granada (Ghernatah) Mall in Riyadh. The campaign, developed by Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE, urges the region’s drivers to check their tire pressure and tread in a bid to enhance driver safety and reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents. At the Bridgestone “Tire Safety & Eco Station,” people will learn how to properly check tire air pressure, tread wear, and other important tire safety measures before driving on roads. The stand has a special demo corner where drivers can personally learn how to check the proper tire air pressure and avoid the dangers of driving with underinflated/overinflated and worn-out/damaged tires. There is also a whole host of fun activities for children and families at the stand. Takumi Kakara, marketing director for Bridgestone MEA, says: “At the ‘Tire Safety & Eco Station’ in Riyadh, motorists can enjoy time with their families and friends while they all learn how they can be safer on roads by doing regular and proper tire checks. They will be surprised how tires can create and improve safety on roads when they drive. This campaign was a success in Muscat and Doha, and now we are very much excited to make the same achievement here in Riyadh.” Bridgestone is also exhibiting at the Janadriyah Festival in Riyadh until April 29.
The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF. The powertrain is a 100 percent zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the “RC” (Racing Competition), this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Racing Green.” Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles. “Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motor sports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motor sports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.
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Alissa Automotive Company, one of the largest General Motors (GM) dealers in Saudi Arabia, received GM’s “Excellence Award 2010” for maintenance services, in recognition of its distinguished performance and high service levels achieved during the past year. “Winning of Excellence Award 2010 from GM is a clear testimony to our high excellence in the provision of excellent services to all customers. Of course, we could not achieve such award without the support of our loyal customers, the provision of high and unprecedented levels of services,” a spokesman for Alissa company said. “The support of both our management and GM top officials motivated us to carry out continuous improvement in providing outstanding services to our customers, as well as the upgrading of our maintenance facilities has had a big role behind receiving this award. By winning this award, our company continues its efforts to provide high levels of maintenance services to its customers through its maintenance centers kingdomwide. Our maintenance team consists of 175 experts working around the clock to provide the best services to our customers,” he added. Maintenance at the company’s service centers is carried out on main standards and principles in consistent with GM standards, and covers all parts of the vehicle. It does not provide maintenance services only, but it is very keen to communicate with its clients on personal level. The Excellence Award program is subject to special criteria and aims to enhance customer’s care.
The Pearl Initiative, a private-sector initiative in the Gulf in cooperation with the UN Office for Partnerships focusing on promoting a greater culture of transparency and accountability, sustainability and corporate responsibility, held its inaugural board meeting at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in the presence of the Initiative’s Honorary Chairman, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of higher education of the UAE. The Initiative’s startup efforts since its launch on Sept. 20, 2010 at the UN Headquarters in New York, culminated in a recent meeting which brought together the board of directors of the Pearl Initiative to discuss its mission and long term goals, program planning and membership development. Abdulaziz Hamad Al-Jomaih, MD investments for Al-Jomaih Group and one of the newly elected directors, said: “Disseminating the vision of the Pearl Initiative and encouraging its widespread implementation, is a necessary and laudable goal.” Badr Jafar, Pearl Initiative’s co-initiator said: “The strength of the Pearl Initiative is demonstrated by the fact that it is a real private sector initiative, for business by business, to create a more transparent and prosperous business environment in the GCC. We are fortunate enough to have representation in our board from every GCC country and consider this essential in our goal to catalyze and increase economic activity in the entire GCC.” Memoranda of Engagement were also signed with 22 founding partners.
All roads led to Prince Abdul Aziz Sports City in Makkah recently when host Al-Wehda and Riyadh-based Al-Hilal clashed in a match in the Crown Prince Cup final. Al-Hilal, which lifted the cup, reached the final after defeating Al-Nasr 4-1 while Al Wehda defeated Al-Ettifaq 2-1 on penalty kicks. ALJ, Toyota's sole dealer in the Kingdom, unveiled two great stands for Toyota 4x4 vehicles at the city. The company introduced some new creativity through Toyota 2011 models of Sequoia and FJ Cruiser. Toyota had taken into consideration that the design must meet youth modern requirements in terms of elegance of design and quality in addition to durability and strength of performance in the most difficult circumstances, as equipped with the latest global navigation devices. The two stands were unveiled at the beginning of the match in the presence of a large crowd of football lovers and supporters for each team with music and songs. Adel Ezzat, ALJ executive director for the SUV segment, said: "We're very happy to participate in this historic event as it's the first match of the Crown Prince Cup in Makkah. Our participation comes as part of the company's great strategies, which focus on supporting youth interests in various fields, including all kinds of sports. Through this participation we got the opportunity to achieve multiple objectives including communication with the public, either the audience or observers of the match on television."
Jotun Paints, a producer and distributor of paints and coatings, is looking toward to consolidating its leadership in Saudi Arabia paint industry, particularly in the design segment with the introduction of a new color measurement service for its customers. The ‘Color Eye’ is a handy and portable device that can provide accurate color measurements and exact shade definition. The new tool, which is highly recommended for Jotun dealers, distributors and professionals in the design and decorative segment like architects and interior designers, can measure up to four colors simultaneously and is backed by an extensive color database. The pioneering launch of the new service complements the company’s strategic objective of consolidating a stronger market presence in the Kingdom’s paint segment by providing customers with world class products and key post and after sales services. The ‘Color Eye’ can take 27 color-accurate images in less than one second. The images are taken from three different angles that search for the best matching color from its database. Users can widely benefit from the tool - from measuring interior and exterior surfaces to harmonizing, rendering and matching colors. The handy tool also provides its users with key information like Jotun name, number and NCS number of the color being measured. “The ‘Color Eye’ tool is a new service and product that Jotun is offering for the first time in Saudi Arabia,” said Faisal Karim, marketing manager, Jotun Saudia Co. Ltd.
