JAPAN’S MASAZO NONAKA IS AWARDED GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE FOR OLDEST LIVING MAN 112 Years 259 days

Posted on May 19, 2018 by مشرف

Guinness World Records™, the global authority on record-breaking, today announces that Japan’s Masazo NONAKA is the world’s Oldest living man at 112 years, and, as of today, 259 days old.  

Mr. Nonaka was presented with the official certificate today in his home town of Hoikkaido Japan by Erika Ogawa, VP Japan for Guinness World Records.

Mr. Nonaka took the title after Mr. Francisco Nuñez Olivera (Spain, b. 13 Dec 1904) unfortunately passed away on 29th January 2018 aged 113 years and 47 days. The Oldest man ever is Jiroemon Kimura (Japan), who was born on 19 April 1897 and passed away aged 116 years 54 days on 12 June 2013.

Mr. Nonaka was born on July 25th, 1905 and is the eldest son of eight siblings. He has 7 brothers and 1 sister in Ashoro, Hokkaido.  He married Hatsuno in 1931, and is father to five children (two boys and three girls).

Currently he enjoys watching TV and reading newspapers and lives at home with his family. He likes to indulge in sweets and cakes and enjoys hot springs in his families B&B.

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief commented. “We are very pleased to announce that we have a new record holder for the Oldest living man. Mr Nonaka’s achievement is remarkable – he can teach us all an important lesson about the value of life and how to stretch the limits of human longevity.”

Guinness World Records are currently investigating the title for the Oldest person living, and the Oldest woman living. Further information will be announced upon confirmation of the next record holder. The oldest person ever to have lived was Jeanne Louise Calment (France) who lived to 122 years and 164 days.

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Sony Mobile launches Xperia Ear Duo in KSA

Posted on May 19, 2018 by مشرف

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced that its highly anticipated wireless “open-ear” stereo headset Xperia Ear Duo will be available in select stores in KSA for SAR 1,099.

Xperia Ear Duo features Dual Listening technology, so you can listen to music and receive notifications, whilst simultaneously hearing environmental sound or conversation.  Whether you’re listening to music during a workout or commute, it’s an unparalleled ambient experience. The Spatial Acoustic Conductor, developed by Sony’s in-house technology incubator Future Lab Program™, allows the sound generated behind the ear by the unit´s driver to be transmitted directly into the ear. The specially designed ring supporter surrounds the ear canal so your music can blend seamlessly with sounds from your environment. The volume intelligently adjusts based on your surroundings and background noise, with Sony’s Clear PhaseTM audio technology eliminating sound dispersion for crystal clear listening.

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ALSHAYA International Trading Co., the leading international retail franchise operator, has launched a new dining destination in Riyadh

Posted on May 19, 2018 by مشرف

ALSHAYA International Trading Co., the leading international retail franchise operator, has launched a new dining destination in Riyadh, Sidra, which brings together a host of international food brands: The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Asha’s, Pinkberry, Texas Roadhouse, Shake Shack, IHOP, Raising Cane’s, Blaze Pizza, and Starbucks.

Five of the restaurants at Sidra will be making their first appearance in Riyadh: The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and Asha’s will open immediately, with Texas Roadhouse and Blaze Pizza following a few weeks later.

Offering a wide variety of dining options catering to every taste and occasion, diners at Sidra Restaurants will be able to discover the best of American cuisine in juicy steaks, chicken tenderloin meals, premium burgers, artisanal pizzas and frozen yogurt, or indulge in the tastes and flavors of Asian cuisine that highlight the best of India and China. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or a bite of cheesecake or pancakes at the must-visit dining destination, which will be open seven days a week.

Ian Toal, President of Food at Alshaya, said: “Sidra represents Alshaya’s commitment to bring some of the world’s best loved food brands to a growing number of customers in Riyadh and the wider region. It offers a unique dining experience with a variety of cuisines and flavors that no other place does, and we hope it will be a favorite destination for our Saudi customers.”

Extending over an area of 18,000 sq m, Sidra is strategically located next to Granada Centre on two main highways in Riyadh on Exit 9, Imam Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz Road. — SG

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Pottery Barn Kids Launches Baby Registry Service to Welcome Newborns Parents-to-be will be able to conveniently select gift essentials for the new arrival

Posted on May 19, 2018 by مشرف

Preparing a gift registry for a new baby will no longer be an overwhelming experience, with the launch of baby registry services at Pottery Barn Kids stores across Jeddah and Riyadh. The service guides expectant parents to share with family and friends, an inclusive list of essentials they would prefer as welcome gifts for their bundle of joy.  

Parents can select gifts from an eclectic collection of child-friendly furniture, safe and secure range of organic items, and superior quality products offered by Pottery Barn Kids. Furthermore, to make a baby registry extra special, parents can personalize the gifts with infant’s name emblazoned on the items.  Pottery Barn Kids team are also offering complimentary decoration services to add a touch of magic to the baby’s nursery.

Pottery Barn Kids have made baby registry stress-free with a carefully curated list of the most registered essential items and accessories to choose from. The top must-have for newborns includes a cozy and comfortable baby crib in a range of designs, colours and sizes,  organic crib mattress, storage essentials, plush toys, a nursing pillow, changing tables, a snuggly stroller blanket, cuddly bath wraps, a crib mobile to check-on the little one, a diaper bag with plenty of pockets, and gentle push rocker to entertain the baby.

Visit Pottery Barn Kids today to create a wish list of the most wonderful gift essentials and nursery must-haves. The stores are located at Red Sea Mall and Tahlia Street in Jeddah and Sahara Mall as well as Riyadh Gallery in Riyadh.

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VMware and Prince Sultan University Inspire Women Digital Leaders to Support Saudi Vision 2030 Prince Sultan University Education for Employment Program Graduates Become VMware-Certified Consultants

Posted on May 19, 2018 by مشرف

Today VMware’s CEO Pat Gelsinger renewed the company’s commitment to the Prince Sultan University Education for Employment program (E4E), with Prince Sultan University (PSU), to support youth skills and knowledge development needed to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s booming digital job market.

VMware academy E4E program was launched in March 2017 to certify 33 people on VMware Data Center Virtualization technology – vSphere v6.5.

VMware will continue to deliver a vocationally oriented syllabus at the Riyadh-based institution, to create VMware-certified consultants ready to enter the Saudi Job market. For the second phase of the initiative, VMware and PSU have pledged that half of the places in the E4E program will be reserved for women, in alignment with Vision 2030 to recruit women into the workforce.

In a ceremony, PSU and VMware also celebrated the successful hiring of over 25 VMware-certified consultants who completed the VMware academy E4E program this year.

Pat Gelsinger, CEO, VMware, said: “Today we are celebrating a true embodiment of technology as a force for good. Young graduates in the Kingdom who possess entrepreneurial spirit deserve to have their potential harnessed to prepare them for a digital future. As Saudi Arabia continues on its upward trajectory to achieving Vision 2030, skills in technologies such as cloud, networking and security and enterprise mobility will empower its new workforce.”

Notably, more than 75 percent of students who gained VMware’s certification found employment within two months of completing the course, benefiting from the company’s close relationships with channel partners and customers.

Increasing female participation in the labour force is a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy for economic reform. Pat Gelsinger emphasized that technology companies had a critical role to play in education in the Kingdom, preparing the country’s citizens for work amid a fast-changing technological landscape.

Dr. Ahmed S. Y amani , Rector, Prince Sultan University said: “This unique partnership with VMware will support the Kingdom’s leap into the digital future, opening doors to a promising future for the students at PSU. The initiative underscores VMware’s commitment to bringing technological innovation to the market in Saudi Arabia that will enable robust growth in the private and public sectors.”

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Huawei Launches “HUAWEI MateBook X Pro” All-In-One Experience for the Digital Consumers Available in Saudi Arabia as the first market in MEA

Posted on May 18, 2018 by مشرف

Huawei Consumer Business Group Saudi Arabia launched its new notebook “HUAWEI MateBook X Pro” for users in the Kingdom during a launch event it held in Riyadh, which was attended by media and social media influencers. The launch of this new notebook in the Saudi market comes as part of Huawei’s commitment to providing all users in the Kingdom with the latest products that meet their needs due to its high-quality performance whether at work, home, or on the go, providing the best user experience of mobile computing.

President of Huawei Consumer Business Group Saudi Arabia, Mr. Pablo Ning, commented on the launch of new notebook generation: “Users always look for devices that allow them to do their work with accuracy, innovation and mobility. This is where our role comes to provide them with the new HUAWEI MateBook X Pro; the first ultra-slim notebook with FullView display and uncompromising performance. The new notebook will provide them with much more between daily unique computing experience to performing their work tasks anywhere and anytime they want.” He added: “Saudi Arabia is the first market in Middle East and Africa to launch the MateBook X Pro, and this shows Huawei’s commitment to provide the latest technologies to the consumers in Saudi market to meet their needs and requirements”.

HUAWEI’s MateBook X Pro is the first notebook to feature the HUAWEI FullView Display. The 13.9-inch 3K notebook featuring an all-new 10-point touchscreen has a 3,000×2,000 pixel resolution in 3:2 aspect ratio that is perfect for content creation. Its stylish metallic body design is crafted with perfect diamond cutting and sandblasting finishing to create an ultra-slim body that is just 14.6 Mm thin and weighs 1.33 Kg, making it comfortable to carry.

The premium design of the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro is matched by its performance. Featuring a powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i7/i5 processor and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX150 GPU with 2 GB GDDR5 RAM, it is one of the most powerful and lightweight notebooks on the market. The HUAWEI MateBook X Pro features Dolby Atmos Sound System – a breakthrough, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and custom speakers. A 57.4 Wh (typical capacity) battery and Huawei’s low power consumption design provide up to 12 hours of 1080p video playback, 14 hours of work or 15 hours of web browsing.

Huawei has applied many of its innovative smartphone technologies to the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro to create effortless and intuitive user experiences. Pioneered by Huawei for the HUAWEI MateBook Series, the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro features the super-fast power button 2.0 which enables login in just 7.8 seconds from power off or 6.6 seconds from hibernation. In addition, the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro features the world’s first recessed camera which discreetly sits on the keyboard – to activate it, all users need to do is press it and it will pop up, ensuring privacy when it’s not being used. This contributes greatly to the perfect experience of FullView Display.

A multi-purpose adapter supports USB-C fast charging widely used in smartphones, meaning users only need to bring one charger when travelling for even greater portability. By developing a high-speed transport protocol, Huawei Share enables users to exchange photos and files quickly, easily and safely, without USB compatibility problems. The Wi-Fi transfer speed is up to 20 Mbps, 100 times faster than that of Bluetooth.

HUAWEI MateBook X Pro helps individuals and businessmen to perform their tasks more efficiently than any other device. Because it operates on Windows 10 from Microsoft and features the 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processor, not only can it run general apps, it also can run specialized desktop apps that are used to perform special work tasks anytime and on the go, especially with the quick shift towards cloud computing.

Furthermore, HUAWEI MateBook X Pro features an amazing user experience due to Huawei’s increased interest in adopting the concept of using small mobile devices of special performance. The device’s 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processor offers a faster device responsiveness and a stronger performance than any time before. With a long lasting battery and increased security, the device offers a new amazing user experience while browsing the internet through Microsoft Edge that features Windows Ink feature, introduces a unique device gaming experience, and secures access and identification of the user through Windows Hello technology that depends on several accurate techniques such as facial or fingerprint recognition.

Price & Availability

HUAWEI MateBook X Pro is available in the Saudi market at Jarir Bookstore, exclusively, with 8 GB RAM, an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, in matt grey color and at 5,999 SAR. It is also available with 16 GB RAM, an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and in light grey color at 6,999 SAR.

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BLS International inaugurates Spain Visa Application Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Posted on May 18, 2018 by مشرف

BLS International, a specialist provider of Visa, Passport, Attestation and Citizen Services to the Governments across the world announced the inauguration of their new Spain Visa Application Centre (VACs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 10th May 2018. Today, the company operates 124 visa application centers in 49 countries for Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación). The new Spain VAC was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Ambassador of Spain in Saudi Arabia along with senior officials from BLS International Services Ltd.

Guest of honor for the inauguration, His Excellency  Mr. Álvaro Iranzo Gutiérrez, Ambassador of Spain in Saudi Arabia speaking at the opening ceremony said: This new and revamped Visa Application Center is the result of our effort to adapt our service to visitors coming from Saudi Arabia and in particular to the 73,000 Saudi tourists that arrive to Spain on a yearly basis which is a primary concern to all of us.”

When requesting a visa, Saudis are entitled to a quick transparent and affordable processing of their application. This Center has been designed to offer the highest standards.Also to provide a wide range of added value services that will make the applicant’s experience easier and more comfortable. And to the same time help the visitor prepare for their imminent trip to Spain.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International said, “The new VAC center for Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación in the capital of Saudi Arabia, is equipped with state of the art technology to strengthen and smoothen the Visa processing services for the citizens. Looking at the growing trend of emerging popularity of Schengen areas as a new tourist destination, the center will cater to the ever-increasing volumes of visa applications for these Schengen countries.”  

The application center is centrally located and has well trained staff to handle applicants’ queries while the website is user-friendly and informative. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and has the capability to service other Schengen countries jointly with prior approval from Spanish Mission.  

About BLS International

BLS International is amongst world’s largest specialist service provider for outsourcing of visa, passport, consular, attestation and citizen services to the Governments and diplomatic missions globally since 2005. From pre-travel information processes, data processing and biometrics capture of applicants to acceptance of crucial travel documents, BLS plays the catalyst in making visa process easy and effortless. BLS has operations in more than 61 countries and is providing services through 2325 offices worldwide. BLS is also an authorized Service Provider for attestation of documents by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Website: www.blsinternational.com

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Experience a Ramadan to Remember at Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh

Posted on May 18, 2018 by مشرف

This Ramadan, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh, the embodiment of luxurious living in the capital, invites guests to experience the Holy Month at one of the finest destinations in town. Conveniently located on Olaya Street near King Fahad Road, the award-winning hotel will be offering guests a large spread for Iftar and Suhour during the month of Ramadan and a lavish breakfast to celebrate Eid.

Iftar

Guests looking to break their fast at Al Faisaliah Hotel can enjoy a delicious Iftar buffet at Fawanees, located in the Prince Sultan Grand Hall. The beautifully designed restaurant offers a perfect blend of flavour and flair, with a sophisticated ambiance that makes it a must-visit this Ramadan.

Available from 6.30pm to 9pm, guests can enjoy an all-inclusive Iftar package consisting of a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes, and an exclusive ‘Fawanees Gold’ package which allows guests to book the venue exclusively and invite up to 100 people, so they can experience the elegant settings of the Fawanees Gold VIP Section. The package also includes services such as a special butler and chef for guests, an exclusive private food menu and much more.

For a private gathering, the iconic Al Omsiat Ballroomwill transform into a stunning setting for Iftar, accommodating groups of 150 to 600 guests.

Suhour

Guests can celebrate Suhour with their loved ones by indulging in a lavish buffet at La Cucinawhich includes healthy and delicious options from both Arabic & International cuisines. The restaurants contemporary set-up combined with its modern cuisine and renowned service make it the ideal backdrop for a memorable Suhour experience. The venue can accommodate up to 90 people and is open from 11pm to sunrise.

Eid

Those looking to celebrate Eid with family and friends can head to Fawaneesand enjoy an extravagant breakfast feast which includes live cooking stations, hot beverages, and fresh juices. The Eid breakfast will be open on Saturday, June 16th between 6:00 AM and 12 noon.

Embracing the true spirit of Ramadan, the hotel will be distributing to those in need any excess food that was prepared at the gatherings throughout the holy month.

Al Faisaliah Hotel recently received the award for the ‘Best Business Hotel in Riyadh’ at the prestigious Business Traveller Middle East Awards for the second year in a row, in addition to two awards at this year’s World Travel Awards, in which the hotel was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel 2018’ as well as ‘Saudi Arabia’s Leading Conference & Wedding Hotel 2018’. The awards are a true testament to the hotel’s continuous commitment in always providing the best possible services to its guests.

Al Faisaliah Hotel features 95 rooms and suites, redefining the skyline and offering indulgent accommodations and a collection of culinary venues. Following the addition of Al Faisaliah Suites, the only dedicated luxury suites hotel in Riyadh offering 106 suites, Al Faisaliah has become one of the finest and most sought-after properties in Saudi Arabia.

Those looking to stay at Al Faisaliah Hotel can enjoy a 10% discount when booking a room or suite 10 days in advance, allowing guests to continue appreciating the Holy Month with their loved ones. The package is valid from 26thMay to 30thSeptember on all rooms and suites of the hotel. Room rates at Al Faisaliah Hotel start from SAR 999 per night and suites at Al Faisaliah Suites start from SAR 1,550 per night.

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Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Launches the Traditional Ramadan Tent

Posted on May 18, 2018 by مشرف

The Kempinski Ramadan Tent has witnessed a great turnout during the past years, therefore with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, management of the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski has announced the launch of this year’s Ramadan tent, rejoicing the month of Ramadan, and celebrating with visitors. The tent portrays unique Arabic heritage and is a great example of mixing traditional with modern attributes.

The tent, which is built specifically for the blessed month of Ramadan, covers 2000 square meters and can accommodate up to 800 visitors, who will experience the colors of Ramadan at its best. At the open buffet, visitors can enjoy a wide range of Saudi, Arabic and International dishes, including a variety of Eastern and Western desserts to choose from, and most importantly freshly prepared beverages to quench your thirst after a long day of fasting.

Mr. Christian Ruge, General Manager of the hotel, says that based on the overall culture of our brand, and our concept of providing hospitality services to our guests with the quality and luxury required, we have expanded this culture in Saudi Arabia by offering a tent designed with an authentic Arabic style – as we do every year.

“Guests of the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski consider the Ramadan Tent as their own home,” said Mr Ruge. “When they visit our Ramadan Tent with their families or friends, they will feel comfortable, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and savor the most delicious food with live cooking stations.”

This year Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski will offer a children’s pavilion where they can color, have their faces painted, read various books, enjoy smart games, and watch cartoons. Families will be able to enjoy their privacy in separate areas to eat in full comfort, not to mention the possibility of watching the preparation of some dishes directly with chefs.

The hotel will definitely not miss out on Suhoor, which will be served daily at the Ottoman restaurant Tuğra on the 4th floor daily from 10 pm to 3 am. The buffet will be presented in a way that blends European luxury and authentic Arabian hospitality with the finest dishes.

For those wishing to stay at the hotel during the month of Ramadan, they can take advantage of the Ramadan package with numerous benefits including complimentary Iftar at Kempinski Ramadan Tent, as a courtesy that reflects the generosity of this brand.

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski continuously launches a range of community service activities, such as joint cooperation agreements with charities, foundations and others.

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Al Tamimi & Company hosts first bespoke forum on Foreign Investment in KSA Organized and hosted by the Middle East’s leading law firm, the forum discussed business developments and the legal framework to achieve Vision 2030

Posted on April 24, 2018 by مشرف

Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the Middle East, hosted its first bespoke forum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme “Foreign Investments in KSA”, offering the opportunity for industry leaders to participate in discussions surrounding the changing economic and legislative landscape in the Kingdom, as part of Vision 2030.

As Saudi Arabia undergoes extensive business, economic and social developments, Al Tamimi & Company launched the event to shed light on best practices related to legal compliance for businesses operating and looking to enter the Saudi market.

Panel participants included: Eng. Khalid Abdullah Al Hussan, Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Stock Exchange; Eng. Ibrahim Alsuwail, Deputy Governor of Investor Services, SAGIA and Dr. Ahmed Kattan, Deputy Minister of Labour Policy.

With almost 200 industry professionals in attendance, the seminar hosted three panel sessions which included insights from Al Tamimi & Company’s Saudi legal experts alongside renowned business leaders and specialists from various fields. These prominent figures, from both the public and private sectors discussed key facets of privatization, including the framework necessary to attract foreign investment  for privatization, how businesses can set up their presence in the Kingdom and the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to prevent cybercrime.

Eng. Khalid Abdullah Al Hussan, the CEO of Tadawul, who spoke on the panel addressing Vision 2030’s goal of privatization and the current legal framework’s impact on foreign direct investment, stated, “Tadawul has implemented reforms to ensure a secure, transparent and efficient market that is aligned with global market standards and practices. We have been facilitating the participation of international investors in the Saudi market and expanding access to international investors through the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) program in cooperation with the CMA, which was launched in 2015 and continuously updated since then to further ease qualification requirements”.

Adding to the conversation, Eng. Ibrahim Alsuwail, Deputy Governor of Investor Services at SAGIA said: “If we compare foreign investments in 2016, 2017 and 2018, we have noticed a definitive growth over the past 15 months. This includes direct investments from foreign entities, the opening of international branches of organizations in the Kingdom and the strengthening of partnerships between local and foreign companies. This showcases the strengths of the Kingdom’s economy and the importance of Vision 2030 in attracting international attention and investments”.

Commenting on the event, Al Tamimi & Company’s Founding Partner, Essam Al Tamimi, said, “Our firm has over ten years of experience in the Kingdom. We have grown to establish a deep-rooted understanding of the legal and legislative developments within the Kingdom to support clients across various sectors. This event gives us the opportunity to promote the knowledge-sharing requirements that are vital to the success of business coming in and operating in the Saudi Arabian market.”

Throughout the conference, there was a clear focus on the importance of greater awareness surrounding the developments of the legal structure in the Kingdom. As an integral component to the facilitation of welcoming new businesses and industries to the Kingdom, the legal framework has introduced legislation to support the realization of Vision 2030’s efforts at a fast pace.

Grahame Nelson, Al Tamimi & Company’s Head of KSA, stressed, “As new and improved legislation is injected into the Kingdom’s business infrastructure, it has become vital that organizations are aware, as well as prepared to adopt and comply, in order to succeed. We are thrilled to have been able to provide this platform that facilitates the knowledge sharing process that will prepare Saudi Arabia for the road  to Vision 2030.”

 

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