Ahmed Al Khateeb, MD and CEO of Jadwa Investment, collected the Best Islamic Investment Bank Award Worldwide in 2011 from Global Finance Magazine, an international specialized magazine for the financial sector. The award was announced on the sidelines of the 2011 annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington D.C., and attended by ministers of finance and Central Bank governors from across the globe. Al Khateeb said: “As the leading independent asset manager and investment bank in Saudi Arabia, we are delighted to be honored with this award from Global Finance Magazine, the leading publication in the financial sector. On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank Global Finance for recognizing our substantial progress since launching Jadwa in 2006. We have always believed that if we delivered value to our clients, recognition would follow. This prestigious award serves as proof positive of our approach.”
Zahid Tractor and Heavy Machinery Co. Ltd. has won Caterpillar’s Contamination Control Award. In fact, Zahid Tractor has always been committed to applying international standards in all its activities and operations. As a result, Zahid Tractor has won many local and international awards, the company said while announcing the latest and most prominent one — Caterpillar’s Contamination Control for Maintenance Procedures Award. Zahid Tractor received this award with excellent rating in recognition of Zahid Group’s observance and application of the contamination control program set up by Caterpillar Group. Contamination control requires a deep cultural change in the way Caterpillar products are disassembled, maintained, serviced, and reassembled. Zahid Tractor successfully implemented this cultural change by incorporating a set of measures that include assigning a contamination control administrator, developing and implementing contamination control procedures inside its plants, developing and implementing an ongoing employee training program on contamination issues, acquiring contamination control tooling and systems, and delivering customer education programs on the causes and consequences of contamination. As a result, Zahid Tractor exceeded Caterpillar’s expectations and was presented with the contamination control award.
Petromin, an engine oils and lubricants manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, hosted a meeting to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Petromin Express as the “leader provider of quality auto services.” Samir M. Nawar, CEO of Petromin, said the Kingdomwide network of Petromin Express centers was the largest in the world outside the United States and has won the trust of more than 210,000 customers. As a result, the Petromin Express network expanded to 150 branches by the end of 2010 at a total cost of $10 million. Jim Harrington, Petromin Express GM, gave a presentation on “How did Petromin become the largest network of auto service centers?” He explained that Petromin is highly specialized in car maintenance and its Express centers are staffed by fully qualified mechanics who utilize state-of-the-art equipment and are widely recognized for the cleanliness and quality of their work. As a result, Petromin Express centers succeeded against all competitors. Harrington added: “Petromin Express seeks to give its customers the peace of mind, and to enhance their experience we have established special waiting areas where they can rest while their cars are being serviced, an amenity that is not to be found at many other auto service centers in the Kingdom.” Abdulelah bin Mohammed Bagabs, Petromin media relations manager, said Petromin products and Petromin Express centers had attained world-class status due to intensive scientific research and market studies.”
GUESS Watches’ Euro Sport collection, described as the epitome of exceptional sportswear for the wrist, is claimed to be the perfect blend of technological design and Euro-infused fashion. For the masculine man who strives for a life of fast paced thrills and constant competition, this Euro-inspired series is the perfect accessory, the company stated. An innovative new style in the Euro Sport series is RACER. The bracelet is constructed by the perfect partnership of brushed and polished black IP plating, with textured center links. Accentuating the futuristic black multifunctional dial — noting day, date and 24-hour international time — are stark white details and a vibrant red inner ring. Perfect for the days when a Euro Sport man desires a genuine leather strap on his wrist, RACER is also available in a second variation. Featuring a smooth black leather strap and sport-inspired top ring, the striking silver-tone case adds additional eye-catching contrast to the red details on RACER’s dial. The elite Euro Sport man will accelerate to the finish line with RACER from GUESS Watches.
Travelers flying from Saudi Arabia wanting to discover more of Britain’s kaleidoscopic cultural feast can do so by taking advantage of discounted fares offered by British Airways in partnership with the nation’s tourism agency, VisitBritain. Running until Nov. 13 for travel until March 31, travelers will surely marvel at the UK’s glittering skyscrapers standing side by side with centuries old cathedrals and luxury hotels inside medieval castles, while enjoying the convenience of British Airways BA wide ranging network of destinations as they arrive, depart and transfer through Terminal 5 — the airlines’ dedicated terminal at London Heathrow. The special offer all-inclusive fares during this period start from SR2,686 on World Traveller (economy class). Paolo DeRenzis, BA’s regional commercial manager said: “There are only a few destinations that manage to pack so many attractions and cultural influences into such a small place, and Britain is surely one of these. Whether you want to climb Britain’s tallest peak in the Scottish Highlands, swim off the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales or simply take a gentle drive through a sleepy English village, you’ll find Britain’s countryside and coast a real breath of fresh air.” Carol Maddison, Manager UAE, VisitBritain said: “Gulf travelers to Britain are always welcome. Welcome to its history, its heritage, its rich culture, and, of course, Britain’s world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.”
Air Arabia, one of the largest low-cost carriers (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced that it will introduce direct service to Moscow and Yekaterinburg in Russia, beginning Oct. 14 and 29 respectively. The two new Air Arabia destinations are the first in Russia. Moscow and Yekaterinburg will become the carrier’s fifth and sixth destination in CIS and Russian Federation and its 69th worldwide. Air Arabia will offer service to Moscow on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sunday. Return flights will depart from Moscow on the same days and arrive in Sharjah. The carrier will offer service to Yekaterinburg on Wednesday and Saturday departing from Sharjah International Airport and arriving at Yekaterinburg Airport. Return flights will depart from Yekaterinburg on the same days. “We are extremely pleased to announce the upcoming launch of service to Moscow and Yekaterinburg, which represents a significant milestone in the history of Air Arabia,” said Adel. Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia. “Indeed, it seems entirely appropriate that we will introduce service to one of the world’s great cities in October, at a time when we will be celebrating the eighth anniversary of launch of Air Arabia itself.” Highlighting, in particular, the strong business ties between Russia and the UAE, Ali added that the carrier anticipated strong demand for service to the country. “We are confident that our new service to Moscow and Yekaterinburg will further offer a great value for money option to benefit from.”
September concluded a successful third quarter for General Motors in the Middle East. GM dealers reported total sales of 9,853 vehicles in the month, an increase of 13 percent over September 2010. The strong performance in September represents the 12th consecutive month of double-digit sales growth for GM Middle East — a record that stretches back to October 2010. For the third quarter 2011, GM Middle East reported total sales of 35,565 vehicles — up 21 percent compared to the same quarter in 2010. The sales growth was recorded throughout the region for the company’s line-up of passenger cars, crossovers, sport utility vehicles and pickups across its three brands: Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac. Total sales of Chevrolet in the third quarter rose by 21 percent year-over-year, while sales of GMC experienced a 28 percent increase. Meanwhile, Cadillac’s third quarter sales grew by 32 percent. Retail sales — purchases made by individual customers — rose by 43 percent during the third quarter and represented a healthy 73 percent of total sales. “September capped an outstanding 12 months for GM Middle East,” said John Stadwick, president and MD, General Motors Middle East Operations. “To achieve 12 consecutive months of double-digit growth and to increase third quarter sales by 21 percent is an incredible achievement. It is testament to the investment we, and our dealer partners, are making to ensure we introduce the very best vehicles to the region combined with an unrivalled customer experience.”
