The introduction of a punchy new Turbo model is at the heart of the Middle East launch of the latest generation of MG Motor’s popular ZS crossover. The new MG ZST model will be joined by a 1.5L version as the British-born manufacturer significantly upgrades the line-up to offer a fresh new look and even higher levels of equipment and value for money. Prices for the new MG ZS 1.5L are expected to start from USD 12,625 (excl. VAT) *.
Offering premium style without the premium price tag, the first-generation MG ZS has played a major role in the company’s success across the region. With some 5,000 units sold, the original ZS has helped lay the foundations for MG to expand its original line-up so that it now offers some of the most stylish, reliable, and best-equipped models on the market. The new ZS range, and in particular the ZST, take this offering to a new high.
The new MG ZST is equipped with a 160 hp, 1.3L Turbo engine, delivering maximum torque of 230 Nm, and mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox for smoother acceleration. The new unit greatly improves the performance of the upgraded MG ZS. The acceleration of the 1.3Turbo is 9.8seconds from 0 to 100 kmph and has a top speed of 185 km/h**. It complements the fuel efficient 1.5L powerplant that delivers 6.2L/100km**.
The new models benefit from major style enhancements on both outside and inside, in keeping with MG’s contemporary design language. All ZS models feature a new hexagonal grille redesigned LED headlight and rear LED light clusters, while a sportier look is conveyed by the black finish applied to the grille, headlight and fog lamp trim, rear-view mirrors, side skirts and wheels.
A key MG selling point is the availability of features that are more normally found in premium cars, yet at no extra cost. The new MG ZS is no different and all trims come equipped as standard with a rear parking sensor and camera, 17” alloy wheels, a 10.1” HD touch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear air conditioning vents, keyless
entry, an electric parking brake and push button start.
The MG ZST takes this value for money package on to another level, adding a state-of-the-art virtual instrument panel for the driver, a 360o surround parking camera that eliminates all blind spots, curtain airbags for extra safety and a Trophy Sports Kit that emphasizes the new model’s sporty credentials. Alongside the MG ZST sit two other trim levels, both for the 1.5L variant: LUX and STD.
The interior has also been refreshed, most noticeably courtesy of a new dashboard design and more extensive use of soft-touch materials, while the two-tone colour design is complemented by the red stitching and carbon fibre look interior trim. A huge panoramic sunroof is available on ZST LUX model, making life on board even more pleasant for passengers. As a crossover, practicality remains a key requirement and here the extra-large boot with flexible configuration options certainly delivers.
Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Motor Middle East, commented: “The MG ZST is an ideal model for our younger buyers who are looking for an exceptionally well-equipped car that also delivers strong performance and stylish good looks, without breaking the bank. And with our best-in-region manufacturer warranty of six years or 200,000km, our customers know that they can spend their hard-earned money in total confidence.”
The new MG ZS is now available for sale across the Middle East. This comes at an extremely exciting time for the brand in the region, where it has seen sales rocket over the past couple of years. Today, MG is active in nine Middle East countries, with its current model line-up including the 2020 ‘Middle East Car of the Year’, the all-new MG HS, and the Middle East’s ‘Best Sub-compact Sedan’, the new MG5.
In response to an urgent appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to provide USD 10 million in financial support to WHO for urgent action needed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to support countries with vulnerable health infrastructures.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) said this royal directive reflected the Kingdom’s noble humanitarian role and reaffirmed its commitment to providing vital global assistance to all in need. KSrelief, he added, is working in cooperation with United Nations agencies and other leading humanitarian organizations in order to safeguard public health and well-being.
Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed his appreciation for this generous gesture from the Kingdom’s leadership and for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to support people around the world in a timely manner in times of crisis.
The Supervisor General concluded with his hopes and prayers that humanity would be protected from the dangers of all diseases and epidemics, and that people around the world could look forward to a future full of health, peace and prosperity.
Al Khozama Management Company, Mamo, and Arjun Waney, the creators and co-owners of internationally renowned fashionable and successful restaurants, announced that Mamo Michelangelo Restaurant is set to open by end of March 2020 in the heart of Riyadh’s dynamic center, at Al Faisaliah Hotel Suites Wing, The District Al Faisaliah. With authentic Italian and Provençal recipes and passionate chefs to serve fresh and delicious dishes, Mamo Michelangelo’s menu is already creating a stir and will quench the appetite of local gastronomes with its specialties, using ingredients sourced from their origins, to truly experience the authentic flavors of Italy and South of France.
Saudi Arabia is well acquainted with Mamo Restaurant after its successful pop-up during the Jeddah Season. Mamo Michelangelo’s culinary arts embodies the essence of the Mediterranean Riviera. It offers a gorgeous and charming ambiance for gastronomic enthusiasts where guests can enjoy an elegant 5-star dining experience in an authentic setting decorated with old materials from Provence and Itlay.
The Restaurant’s world-famous culinary experience embraces French and Italian influences from the region that incorporate a mix of classic family recipes and seasonal Mamo specialties. Mamo designed a delightful menu of fine Italian cuisine in an innovative style and executed to the highest standards. The menu includes dishes that cannot be found elsewhere, such as the creamy Burrata from Napoli, lamb shoulder perfectly cooked in the wood fired oven, the delicious chicken and some signature dishes like the truffle focaccia and the truffle raviolinis as well as countless other culinary delights. All of this will make you want to end your meal with the traditional tiramisu or the breathtaking lemon tart!
All customers can experience the Mediterranean Riviera and take advantage of these great culinary delights at Mamo Michelangelo Restaurant located in the heart of the Capital, at Al Faisaliah Hotel (South Wing), The District Al Faisaliah. For reservations, please call 920000874 or visit www.mamo-michelangelo.com for more information.
Dubai, UAE, The Medica Group, the leading Medical Aesthetic Solutions provider in the MENA Region, has today announced its partnership with Planmeca, manufacturers of high-tech dental equipment. The partnership will see Medica expand its portfolio into the dentistry landscape, leveraging its current business network to bring Finnish state-of-the-art dentistry solutions to UAE and KSA markets.
The agreement will see Planmeca benefit from Medica’s unique business model that provides clinics and doctors with everything for their business from training in the latest products, to marketing skills across the region. Known as a high-quality supplier, Medica will ensure dental professionals have access to the very latest dental technology, backed-up by unrivalled scientific knowledge, utilizing tailored dental solutions. Planmeca is well reputed worldwide for its Romexis® software, the first dental software in the world to combine 2D and 3D imaging and the complete CAD/CAM workflow into the same platform. High-tech dental clinics in the region will benefit from a product portfolio that covers all 3D and 2D imaging modalities together with digital dental units, CAD/ CAM systems and software.
Elias Chabtini, CEO of Medica Group said: “This partnership will add great value to the regional dentistry market. Planmeca has a long and distinguished history in providing dental equipment and services for the past 50 years, beginning in Helsinki, Finland in 1971. They offer the skill and high craftsmanship that distinguishes them as being the best supplier in the dentistry world. It is our privilege, as the providers of high-quality medical aesthetics solutions, to partner with such a distinguished organization.”
Heikki Kyöstilä, President of Planmeca added: “Medica’s reputation precedes them, making them an ideal partner for Planmeca products in the region. Our agreement will allow dentists to achieve the best possible outcomes with the most advanced tools in the dental field, while Medica ensures business growth with marketing, practice management and education programs. I see this as a perfect combination to ensure sustainability for an effective business model.”
Operating across 11 countries with services ranging from consulting and education, to logistics and marketing, Medica is ideally placed to expand its verticals into the Dentistry world, adding major iconic brands to their portfolio.
The global MICE industry is anticipated to reach over $1.4 billion in the next five years and the Middle East remains at the forefront as one of the fastest-growing tourism generators globally and an important source market for any destination.
According to the team at MiceMinds, the UAE is the second biggest source market for outbound travel from the Middle East, surpassed only by Saudi Arabia. This growth has been buoyed by the growth of the regional airlines as well as the game-changing mindset of companies like MiceMinds who create bespoke incentive travel experiences that are personalized and designed to lead positive business results.
An ITL World Company, MiceMinds was lauded for their ‘out of the box’ thinking where they won the ‘Best Incentive program in an International Destination’ award at the MALT Excellence Awards last night. The official award show of the renowned Mice Arabia and Luxury Travel Congress (MALT), the MALT Excellence Awards highlight, honor and celebrate path-breaking achievements of top organizations and individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary initiatives in the field of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events (Mice), Business and Luxury Travel from the GCC.
This particular award recognized this unique organization within the ITL World portfolio that uses incentive trips as a tool to stimulate and motivate employees and partners and reward those who have achieved certain goals in the company.
“When we won the TMC of the Year award last year we didn’t rest on our laurels so to be rewarded for a 2nd year in a row is a real honor especially for a part of our business that usually goes unrecognized. The core objective of MiceMinds is to help organizations strengthen their team and overall performance through one-of-a-kind travel and event experiences, and this unique accolade underscores our steadfast commitment to excellence in making the MICE industry bigger, better with more customization and innovation across the board,” said Rafeeq Mohammed, CEO of ITL World.
“Awards such as this are a wonderful endorsement of our unique approach to delivering exceptional experiences to our MICE clients and the resolute commitment and expertise of our team,” he added.
Since its official launch in 1998, ITL World has been assisting companies across the globe to make the most of what they spend on business and incentive travel.
Japanese
koi restaurant announced its final preparations to open its doors for visitors
in the Saudi capital. The prestigious restaurant will be led by the
international Japanese chef Kadak. Koi will offer new and innovative dishes, which
is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia through mixing between Peruvian
cuisine and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is also distinguished by its
unique location that makes visitors easily accessible. Visitors to Koi
Restaurant will enjoy the drinks menu signed by the most important experts in
preparing cocktails, to experience unparalleled food and drink tastes.
Koi
Restaurant offers a Japanese atmosphere of modern culture and ancient Japanese
traditions, and the menu includes many varied traditional dishes and appetites
that Japan is famous for with a touch of modernity to satisfy all tastes, as it
varies between soups, appetizers and salads of all kinds, as well as sushi,
Maki and Sashimi, and Tamaki in addition to varieties Teppanyaki, Yakitori, Japanese
noodles and rice, and their various dishes that depend on seafood, to satisfy
the desires of Japanese cuisine lovers in Riyadh.
Chef Kadak said: “Koi Restaurant was
established to enjoy your food leisurely and hand over your senses to music and
live in the atmosphere of the restaurant, which comes most of its components
directly from Hakodate Asaichi, that means the morning market in the city of
Hakodate, and we have worked to develop the menu to focus mainly on the purity
and quality of the ingredients, which will change in a way seasonal”.
It
is noteworthy that Koi restaurant is located in the Crowne Plaza Riyadh – RDC
Hotel and Convention Center, which is one of the largest hotels at Crown Plaza
at the Gulf level.
NuYu – a leading chain of female boutique gyms in Saudi
Arabia – announced the launch of its newest branch in Riyadh, located in
Al Taawun District.
The new branch is a key addition to NuYu’s unique network of
women’s clubs situated across Riyadh, Al-Khobar, and Dammam. It offers
high-energy and results-oriented group classes, internationally certified
trainers, and the latest fitness equipment.
The 1,200 square meter club is distinguished by its modern
features, and can comfortably accommodate 1,000 individuals. The club offers state-of-the-art
equipment, a functional training area, a juice bar, a relaxation lounge, and a
dedicated area for spinning classes. It is equipped with ‘Myzone’ technology,
which accurately monitors physical activity.
With the inauguration of the new branch, NuYu strives to
maintain its leading position in the Saudi female fitness industry by expanding
its branch network across the Kingdom. This is also aligned with Saudi’s Vision
2030 and its goals of empowering women, and for all citizens to lead healthy
and active lifestyles.
Founded in 2012, NuYu currently operates five boutique
centers in Riyadh and two clubs in Al-Khobar and Dammam.
Fairmont Riyadh is excited to announce the opening of Pesto, ”Italian Home Kitchen” with a unique, chef-led dining experience that strives to serve authentic Italian cuisine and spark culinary conversations among its valued guests.
Fairmont Riyadh’s General Manager Mr. Rizwan Shaikh welcomed his distinguished guests and the guest of honour “Chargé d’affaires Counselor Valerio De Parolis” of the Italian Embassy.
Chef José Antonio Saggioma took the stage to speak about the sharing-based concept of Pesto, where guests are served comforting portions of authentic South Italian cuisine that is influenced by the bountiful Mediterranean agriculture and encompasses flavours of oregano, basil, and citrus.
Pesto’s homely ambience is accessorized by patterned floors, wooden accents, family style seating, and dining areas. The open kitchen dominates the space, allowing the chefs to greet guests at the table and plan their personal culinary journey. For those looking for a more intimate experience, Pesto provides semi-private dining areas as part of their 80-person seating capacity.
Located in the Business Gate Complex with direct access to more than 60 corporations, Fairmont Riyadh is the nearest luxury hotel from King Khaled international Airport with easy access to Riyadh Front, Granada Business Park, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center and Princess Nora University.
Catering to sophisticated business and leisure travelers, Fairmont Riyadh offers a wide range of luxury services, amenities, and facilities that includes a selection of world-class dining options, a 4500 sqm convention center and meeting rooms with elegant design, and attention to detail in every spacious room and suite, all catered by careful attention to provide an unforgettable memory.
With impeccable and unrivalled tailored experiences, Fairmont Riyadh invites you to relish every moment while our team takes care of everything else for you.
After a year of economic slowdown, global trade conflicts and the impact of the recent coronavirus outbreak, no major changes are expected in Germany’s economy in 2020. Nevertheless, private consumption is at such a high level that there are almost no signs of a deteriorating consumer mood right now. These are good conditions for a successful Ambiente in Frankfurt, whether it’s ethical purchases, contract furnishing or trendy shopping. From 7 to 11 February 2020, Ambiente will be the central hub of the consumer goods industry. In total, 4,635 exhibitors1 from 93 countries2 will be presenting the latest trends on 310,240 square metres (gross) of floor space.3 85 per cent of Ambiente exhibitors are from outside Germany. “The area that has grown especially at Ambiente is Dining, as hospitality, in particular, is a worldwide growth sector – and indeed one that has been developing at an incredible speed in recent years,” says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. HoReCa with front of house – the growth market at Ambiente “Studies mention growth rates of up to 50 per cent in private and business trips in these markets between 2010 and 2017, and this trend is continuing to increase. We’ve recognised this potential for growth, and so we’ve steadily expanded our hospitality expertise and our offering,” Braun continues. Covering the areas of Dining, Living and Giving, the world’s leading trade fair maps the entire spectrum of consumer goods in 1 FKM-certified, 2019: 4,460 exhibitors 2 FKM-certified, 2019: 92 countries 3 FKM-certified, 2019: 305,600 square metres (gross) Page 2 Ambiente International Frankfurt Trade Fair Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the sectors of tableware, kitchenware, interior design and gifts. In early 2019 this networking opportunity was used by 136,081 visitors from 168 countries. Ambiente is a place where brands launch innovative products, designers set trends, decision-makers meet and retailers place orders for the entire season. Commenting on the coronavirus outbreak, Braun says: “The authorities currently estimate that there is no danger for events on the premises of Messe Frankfurt. Right now, however, company representatives are not permitted to travel to Frankfurt if they come from areas placed under quarantine by the Chinese authorities, such as Wuhan or Hubei. We are therefore expecting a lower number of Chinese exhibitors compared with Chinese registrations.” Economic development in figures The overall economic outlook for Germany was viewed increasingly pessimistically last year. In all, however, there is no need to fear a general economic recession. After last year’s GDP growth of 0.5 per cent the increase in 2020 is expected to be 1.1 per cent (according to the ifo economic report). On the other hand, private consumption is at such a high level that there are almost no signs of a deteriorating consumer mood right now. Consumption is robust and just as strong as before. Private and state consumption are the main economic drivers, and the Association of German Retailers (HDE) reckons that the trend of increasing retail sales will continue. After the expansion in 2019, the characteristic Ambiente segments are in a good place and likely to continue their upward trend. Taken together, their overall volume has reached EUR 28.58 billion, with a sizeable average growth rate of 2.0 per cent. This resulted in a fairly respectable additional sales revenue of about half a billion euros filling the coffers of the retail trade. However, the situation continues to be challenging throughout all sectors of the industry. Like the last few years, there is no standard pattern in the impact on the retail trade. Online sellers and financially powerful retailers are well placed, whereas small businesses keep declining. High street shops are continuing to die, and some studies have forecast another 50,000 closures in the next two years. Consumer goods markets are currently growing almost exclusively online or in well-designed combinations of online and off-line business. Pure high street shops, on the other hand, are dwindling. Nevertheless, the retail sector as a whole is in a good position. HoReCa – a growth market Ambiente has created a clear USP for itself in the HoReCa segment and is set to gain even more momentum through the opening of the new HoReCa Hall 6.0. It is the leading international platform for front-ofhouse business and the perfect port of call for national and international decision-makers in the hospitality segment, whether they are hotel chains, cruise lines, airlines or caterers. Throughout the world, the hospitality market keeps growing, making it all the more important to look closely at front-of-house business, not just first-hand, but from as many global perspectives as possible. This global view of trends and developments in front-of-house business is precisely the focus of the HoReCa Academy. It also explains why Ambiente’s line-up of speakers is so international and why it includes top speakers from Germany, France, the UK, Hong Kong and China, the Netherlands and the United Page 3 Ambiente International Frankfurt Trade Fair Frankfurt am Main, Germany, States. International speakers such as Maham Anjum, Joe Cheng, Ido Garini, Adam D. Tihany, Jozef Youssef and Dr. Francesca Zampollo will be focusing particularly on the significance of front-of-house business, providing participants with first-hand trends and industry insights. The front-of-house role of Ambiente is in fact far more than a mere interface between hospitality and tableware. Ambiente is the only place that gives buyers from the hospitality industry such a unique opportunity to order front-of-house products simultaneously from HoReCa and from the lifestyle collections of Living and Giving exhibitors. Both areas will have guidebooks helping visitors to find their way through the halls, and listing all exhibitors with products in hotels, restaurants and catering as well as in contract business. Focus on Design will showcase design highlights from Brazil With this special presentation, Focus on Design, Ambiente is for the first time highlighting a range of outstanding products from Brazil. This is a designer nation that stands for striking, modernist design, but has so far not had much impact outside professional circles. Five different Brazilian design studios will be presenting their creative output with its own identity at Galleria 1. They will be using Ambiente as a global platform to draw attention to Brazilian design on an international scale and in all its facets. The trend presentation at Ambiente Knowledge creates the future Moreover, the exclusive complementary programme will pick up on the latest topics, such as a trend presentation by bora.herke.palmisano at Galleria 1. Forward-looking trends will be analysed, summarised and showcased in such a way that orders can be placed immediately. The Ambiente Academy will be affording a glimpse of the future in the consumer goods industry. On all five days of the trade fair, renowned specialists will be discussing current trends, exciting ideas and useful practical insights at the Ambiente Academy in Hall 9.1 and, for the first time, also in Hall 11.1. Sustainability is a mega-trend that is gaining more and more momentum, and this is also reflected in the Ambiente Ethical Style Guide. The curated directory for 2020 features 314 exhibitors from 49 countries, all of them manufacturers who follow eco-friendly and socially responsible production standards. This is an increase of 27 per cent since last year. The Ethical Style Guide is an important part of the complementary programme, drawing attention to manufacturers of Page 4 Ambiente International Frankfurt Trade Fair Frankfurt am Main, Germany, sustainable and ethically manufactured consumer goods. Buyers looking for original product ideas will enjoy the Talents and Next areas, which will feature contemporary designs and creations by young and currently unknown designers. Hall 4.0 will showcase Dining, while Interior Design will be located in Hall 8.0. Ambiente Events GE Ambiente Events EN Awarding excellence Once again, Ambiente 2020 will host numerous prestigious award ceremonies. The German Design Award will be presented on the first day of the trade fair, and visitors will be able to view the award-winning products at an impressive exhibition. Year on year, Sebastian Bergne runs his Solutions special presentation at Ambiente, drawing attention to the unbroken innovative spirit of the kitchen and household industry. This year’s selection of well-designed and useful products will be displayed together with explanatory videos in the foyer of Hall 4.0. Moreover, Ambiente will feature the Kitchen Innovation Award and the Plagiarius anti-award for product piracy. As before, excellent tableware products will be at the focus of the Tableware International Awards of Excellence, where the decisive criteria are functionality, beauty, originality and narrative quality. The winners will be announced at Ambiente. After the highly successful première of the Dineus award, this prize will again be awarded on the first day of the trade fair, honouring outstanding products and projects from the entire spectrum of dining culture.
Zafran Indian Bistro, the award-winning contemporary Indian restaurant, has launched its much-awaited new menu, now available at Rubeen Plaza, Levels Mall and Turki Square.
A labor of love, the menu is the result of more than a year of perfecting regional recipes, countless trials and tasting sessions by the restaurant’s highly trained team of chefs to ensure that the final product stays true to Zafran’s tried and tested philosophy—no fuss, simple great tasting food.
“Zafran is a place where guests expect quality Indian food made right by passionate people in a relaxed, inviting ambience and once again we have delivered. Fans of the brand and new diners will love the new menu’s combination of signature dishes alongside new, specialty dishes that celebrate the diversity of Indian cuisine,” said Rakshak Puri, General Manager, Zafran.
Menu highlights include the Zafran Haandi Korma and Dum Ka Murgh cooked with spices that are ground on site in the Zafran Kitchen. Loyal guests will be pleased to know that the Zafran Feast, a perfectly done kebab platter fit for royalty is now a mainstay on the menu by popular demand.
New starters include a hearty Seafood Soup and an addictive Masala Fried Chicken. There’s also adelightful Chaat Platter, consisting of traditional savoury treats from across the country including Pani puri, Bhel puri, Pakoras, Samosas and Dhokla – Zafran’s homage to Indian street food.
The new menu continues to feature the regular biryanis favored by guests but this section has also been enhanced with the inclusion of specialty biryanis such as the Murgh Hyderabadi and Awadhi Gosht Dum.
Vegetarians can look forward to an equally varied offering that now includes home-style Baigan Bharta, a smoked eggplant mash cooked with chili, garlic and fresh coriander, a Southern-style spinach dish called Dhakni Saag, and Pindi Chole, a classic curry made with chickpeas and a blend of spices.
From the Chili Mojito, Pista Cooler and Orange Cinnamon Blossom to the Baked Yoghurt and Beetroot Halwa, a slow- cooked dessert made with grated beetroot and milk, Zafran’s range of signature drinks and desserts come with their own distinctive Zafran twist.
“With this new menu, we are taking it up a notch, adding some regional recipes made with the finest ingredients using modern techniques and presentation. As always there is an emphasis on lightness without compromising on the flavors expected from an Indian meal,” said Gaurav Singh, General Manager, Zafran.
“The team of chefs at Zafran have a wealth of experience having honed their skills across renowned hotels, restaurants and even stately homes across India. The new menu reflects their diversity and creativity and showcases their talent and attention to detail,” added Singh.
The restaurants are open to guests for lunch as well as dinner from 11 am – 11 pmon weekdays and 11am – 12 am on weekends (12 pm to 12 am 7 days a week at Levels Mall). To make a reservation please call: +966 11 562 2229 (Rubeen Plaza) or +966 50 900 9052 (Levels Mall) or +966 50 3399181 (Turki Square). For added convenience Zafran offers a take-out and delivery service as well and is on Jahez, Uber Eats, Hunger Station, Talabat and Carriage.
