Xperia collaborates with multi-award winning director Mateo Willis to capture a world of WOW

Posted on November 30, 2017 by مشرف

Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cinematographer, Mateo Willis – responsible for some of modern television’s most gripping wildlife sequences in Blue Planet II, Planet Earth II and Frozen Planet – has worked with film-makers from around the world to create a crowd-sourced film captured entirely on Xperia smartphones.

40 independent content creators from across the globe were recruited by Sony Mobile and Mateo to shoot a multitude of clips, taking viewers on a visual journey into places of wonder across the planet using Xperia’s incredible Motion Eye™ camera available on flagship devices including Xperia XZ1. The content was curated and edited together by Mateo and premiered worldwide on YouTube and on the Xperia website on November 17th 2017.

Esteemed director of photography, Mateo Willis, commented: “This was a challenging but exciting project on so many levels. I’m typically used to having a mountain of camera equipment with me, but everything in this film was shot using the Xperia – and I was surprised at how well it stood up to the test. Effects like Super Slow-Mo I can typically only achieve with high-end kit, but on this project, the technology was right in the palm of my hand. It was impressive!”

The film itself follows a multitude of journeys across the world. The camera moves through cityscapes, parks, under trees, along river banks, across an empty gravel plain, a field, the ocean, capturing fleeting moments all seemingly taking place at the same time on the same day. Each journey seeks out different perspectives on nature. Recurring visual motifs build a common thread between each journey; such as patterns and shapes that occur.

Commenting on the project, Gita Ghaemmaghammi, PR and Marketing Communications Manager at Sony Mobile Communications Middle East and Africa. said: “The Journey represents a beautiful compilation of awe-inspiring moments taken with Xperia. The project was done by 40 talented photographers from 18 different countries including the United Arab Emirates. The UAE-based photographer Junell Cornejo presented spectacular shots of different landmarks in the UAE taken with Xperia XZ1, including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Metro and many more. We wanted to share with people from across the world the timeless beauty of cityscapes and nature through Xperia’s advanced camera.”

The Xperia flagship smartphone family brings users even more choice and flexibility without compromising on Sony Mobile’s world-class technologies. The Xperia XZ1 offers immersive entertainment combining Xperia’s ground-breaking Motion Eye™ Camera with Super slow-motion video, recording 960 frames per second. Predictive Capture starts buffering images one second before you press the shutter button, essentially allowing you to go back in time and pick an image which you may have missed when you pressed the shutter button. SteadyShot™ intelligent active mode delivers smoother videos even in close-up or selfie mode. What’s more, you can capture the world in high-resolution 4K video, with four times the resolution of Full HD. The XZ Premium offers unrivalled viewing, with a 5.5” 4K HDR TRILUMINOS™ display for exceptional colour, contrast and clarity.

Click here to watch the campaign and follow the action at #WorldofWow

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OPPO Launches the F5, A Selfie Expert with Groundbreaking A.I. Beauty Recognition Technology

Posted on November 30, 2017 by مشرف

OPPO today unveiled the F5, the first OPPO full-screen device featuring the groundbreaking A.I. Beauty Recognition technology designed to personalize and enhance a selfie image, taking it to a whole new level of quality. Priced at only AED 1199, the F5 is launched today in the UAE. Two other models will also be available later; the F5 6GB edition and the F5 Youth, to give OPPO fans more choices to suit their needs. The F5 was unveiled in India，Russia and the Southeast Asian markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam on November 2 nd 2017. Take Selfies Like the Professionals OPPO’s A.I. Beauty Recognition technology gathers information and learns the specific facial features of different people from its global image database of human faces. Professional photographers and make-up artists were consulted during the R&D process, resulting in the A.I. technology which makes selfies look so much more attractive. “The A.I. Beauty Recognition technology is simply emulating the abilities of a professional photographer, who would bring years and years of technical skills and experience when taking a portrait. An F5 user thus gains that similar ability to capture selfies that are of the highest quality. The personalization is also important, because the blanket or onestyle-for-all problem with today’s beautification software is also solved. For example, enhancements will not be soft or feminine for male subjects. Children or babies will not receive enhancements that make them look like adults.” the Vice President of OPPO International Mobile Business Sky said. Specs The F5 features a 20MP front camera with an F2.0 aperture and a 16MB rear camera with F1.8 aperture. Compared with competitors in the same price range, the F5 has a higher resolution (2160×1080) and better photo quality, capable of delivering Bokeh effects and resolving any over-exposure issues thanks to front HDR. The F5 will be OPPO’s first 6.0-inch full-screen FHD+ display device, giving the user a vivid visual enjoyment without increasing the size of the phone. It features a high-resolution 2160 x 1080 screen with 18:9 aspect ratio. Page 2 of 2 The F5 follows OPPO’s streamlined design philosophy – a slimline device that fits well in the palm. A user’s palm will not feel tired even after using the phone for a long time, either from playing games or chatting. The 0.4mm laser string is carved onto the phone – a delicate linear finish that adds detail to the phone body. Facial Unlock The F5 comes with Facial Unlock, the new face recognition technology that will recognize its user and unlock the phone. If the user prefers to use the fingerprint unlock function, the fingerprint reader is now on the back of the phone. A fingerprint reader is also available. Color OS 3.2 – the smoothest operating system to date OPPO’s Color OS 3.2, together with 4G RAM + 32GB ROM memory gives the operating system a much smoother user experience. A triple slot tray supports two Nano cards and one TF card simultaneously. The O-share file sharing technology is 100 times faster than Bluetooth. Other Unique Features – Simple and User Friendly The F5 battery life is exceptional, thanks to the 3200Ah battery and the Continuous Optimizing technology which manages the apps running on the device, allowing the user up to 12 hours of continuous use (in a simulated test). The Do Not Disturb function for gaming will display an incoming call in the form of a banner with no interruption to games. #

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Marriott holds global customer appreciation week Thanking Loyal Marriott Customers All Marriott properties have been very active during the worldwide celebration of the company’s Global Customer Appreciation Week (GCAW), from November 5th to 9th

Posted on November 30, 2017 by مشرف

This year, the theme is “Unrivaled Experiences Made Together”.  Marriott has done a lot to be a greener company over the past years. All Marriott hotels around the globe have been hosting their own customer appreciation events and going out in their communities to thank their loyal customers.

The Sales and Marketing team of the Riyadh Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments and Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter participated in appreciation calls  for their clients followed up by visits to a significant number of them along with breakfast treats. The visits were highlights of the week and appreciated by all.

“Global Customer Appreciation Week is always very special for us. It gives us the opportunity to personally thank our customers, and get engaged with them together in lot of activities.” said Mr. Muin Serhan, Cluster General Manager of Riyadh Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh, Riyadh Marriott Hotel Diplomatic Quarter, Courtyard by Marriott Diplomatic Quarter and Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter.

In addition to the major events, the team also organized numerous activities for the whole week. Some of these events included a Customer Appreciation reception at Marriott Convention Center in Riyadh Marriott Hotel. During this event customers interacted with the entire Sales & Marketing team as well as other members of the management teams. Also a valued awards was raffled off during the event for a various Marriott hotels in the region

“Our aim is to strengthen our relationships with our clients as they are the reason for Marriott’s success. This week provides us the opportunity to thank our guests personally by devoting the entire week towards this goal” said

Mr. Moataz Eltabei, Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for five Marriott hotels in Riyadh.

The week culminated on Wednesday Nov. 8th with activities planned at each hotel specifically for local nonprofit organizations catering to those in the community as a key core value for the company.

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Rezidor grows Park Inn by Radisson brand in Saudi Arabia through two hotel signings with Gulf Real Estate Company

Posted on November 30, 2017 by مشرف

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world and a member of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, is pleased to announce two new hotel signings in Saudi Arabia. An agreement has been signed with one of the leading Saudi property development companies, Gulf Real Estate Company, to operate Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Riyadh Olaya North and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Dammam West Avenue. The hotels will increase Rezidor’s portfolio in Saudi Arabia to 38 hotels in operation and under development. Both hotels are expected to open in Q4 2019.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of The Rezidor Hotel Group says: “We continue to grow the Park Inn by Radisson brand in the mid-market segment across Saudi Arabia, and mark the signing of the Group’s 14th Park Inn by Radisson property in the Kingdom. We also see a significant market opportunity for internationally branded serviced apartments, in line with the growth in domestic leisure tourism and completion of major infrastructure projects. We are thankful to our owners Gulf Real Estate Company for their trust in our brands and their commitment to developing tourism in the Kingdom.”

Nasir Albadah, Managing Director, Gulf Real Estate Company, says: “We are pleased to enter into an agreement for our two hotel projects with The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s leading hotel operators. We are confident that both hotel projects will benefit greatly from Rezidor’s international expertise and sound understanding of the local market. The Park Inn by Radisson brand is the perfect fit for both the commercial hub of Riyadh and the business travelers and tourists visiting the city of Dammam.”

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Riyadh Olaya North

Located within the North Business Corridor District of Riyadh and the new King Abdullah Financial District that is under development, the property has excellent accessibility, with a location between the major intersections of Olaya Street and King Fahd Road – just 20km from King Khalid International Airport.

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Riyadh Olaya North will have total of 200 rooms, 100 guest rooms and 100 serviced apartments. Facilities include an international all-day dining restaurant, and business lounge. The meeting and events space includes two boardrooms, a conference center and a business center. The leisure facilities will include a male gym, female gym, spa and a kids’ club.

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Dammam West Avenue

The property will support Rezidor’s growth in Dammam, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the Eastern Province. Located in the Al Faisaliyah District of Dammam, along King Abdullah highway, the site is part of the Gulf Real Estate Company’s master plan development of West Avenue Square, a mixed-use project comprised of a commercial center, hospitality and lifestyle developments. The site location has excellent accessibility to King Fahd Road, the road leading to King Fahd International Airport, which is just 22km away.

Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments, Dammam West Avenue will have total of 200 rooms, 100 guest rooms and 100 serviced apartments. The leisure facilities will include a gym and outdoor swimming pool, female gym, spa and a kid’s club. There will be a range of meeting rooms including a conference room, while for dining there will be an international all-day dining restaurant and business lounge.

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Saudi Health and Beauty Exibithion Debuts in Riyadh The Largest Event for Health and Beauty for Three Consecutive Years in Jeddah Over 85 Companies Participating from more Than 18 Countries

Posted on November 30, 2017 by مشرف

Under the gracious patronage of His Highness Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed Al Saud, the Saudi Health and Beauty Show, the most important international health and beauty event in Riyadh, will be deputing at Al Faisaliah Resort Hotel, Durrat Al Riyadh from 27-29 November, 2017.

The need to organize such a show was an inevitable result of the show’s success in the past three years in Jeddah and due to the increasing demand for a similar exhibition in Riyadh, which has a significant economic weight both locally and internationally.

Thus, Sunaidi Expo and conferences decided to organize the Riyadh edition to allow competent companies and health and beauty enthusiasts in Riyadh to learn about the latest innovations and technologies in the sector.

With the approach of the show opening, Mrs. Haya Sunaidi, CEO of Sunaidi Expo, commented: “the show’s inauguration in Riyadh is a confirmation of its success and importance, not only to exhibit the latest local and international health and beauty products, but also to attract foreign investments to achieve high growth rates and productive diversification with the aim of introducing new investments in the health and beauty sector. I hope that this depute achieves the desired turnout.”

According to the Euromonitor International Research Report, Saudi Arabia tops the beauty and health regional market, while expectations point out that the kingdom’s sales in perfumes, hair and skin products, cosmetics and men products will nearly double to reach USD 9.3 billion by 2020.

For her part, Show Manager Manna Al Jabarti, expressed her delight in organizing the first Riyadh edition this year, which grew due to the eagerness of many local and international companies specialised in health and beauty to participate in the Riyadh edition. Stating that “such a turnout is evidence of our decision’s validity, which comes in everyone’s interest.”

“The Riyadh edition will gather more than 85 major local and international companies from more than 18 countries. Moreover, we are delighted to see new countries in this year’s participation list, most notably South Africa, Greece and Brazil.” Said Al Jabarti.

“The show will excel through its activities, which will provide exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products in the best possible way,” Concluded Al Jabarti, “It will also serve as a meeting point with the leading beauty artists and specialists that have come from around the world to participate in such a prestigious event taking place in Riyadh for the first time.”

One of the most prominent events of this year’s edition is the Beauty Talk Sessions where professional individuals get to talk to a variant audience and host awareness lectures regarding areas related to hair and skin care, cosmetic surgeries, spa and medical consultations, as well as perfumes and its preparation arts.

Al Jabarti further commented: “The key sponsors play a significant role in the success of the exhibition, not only in presenting their products, but also in supporting the show’s objectives to achieve the best results for both parties.”

As the sponsor of the Beauty Me Zone, A.S has assigned international hair specialist Ahmed Suleiman to showcase the brand’s innovative first-of-a-kind hair treatment products extracted from the Orchid flower, which will revolutionize the field of hair treatment. He will also lecture audiences on the importance and methods of hair treatment.

On his behalf, Mr. Abdullah Faqeeh, Executive Director of Al Taqdeer Modern Limited, the sole agent of A.S in Saudi Arabia, expressed his happiness in participating in the Saudi Health and Beauty Show and his optimism in successfully introducing their products into the Saudi market.

“I am confident that our products have no competitors in the market and will impress and satisfy all types of women.” Said Faqeeh.

With Al Sewaidi Trading coming back for a second consecutive year to the Saudi Health and Beauty Exhibition Show, Marketing Manager Mr. Ahmed Abdulhaq said: “Our experience last year was very impressive. Aside from offering our hair treatment products, we also enhanced our corporate social responsibility role by developing Saudi cadres. This was achieved by preparing them for the labor market by offering cost-free professional training courses. Hence, we will be providing our clients the same opportunity this year.”

Mr. Abdulhaq then praised the Show, which is considered a unique opportunity to exchange experiences among participating international companies in a way that benefits them and the Saudi market.

Gulf Trading Corporation Limited (GTCL) also stressed the importance of participating in the show given its success over the successive years in targeting the best beauty and health companies. This contributes in positively building community intellectual awareness on the importance of obtaining the best products to maintain health and beauty.

“Building on such a point-of-view, we decided to participate in this year’s edition.” said Shaza Al Nuwaiser, Product Development Manager at GTCL, “We will be presenting a number of products including the Sebamed hair and skin care for children and women, which comes in a number of varieties. Visitors will witness first-hand that our product is beneficial and suitable for all skin types.”

Supervised by professional trainers and in partnership with the Technical College for Girls in Riyadh, the Show will also provide hairdressers and make-up artists with professional and useful training courses, such as the basic principles of makeup, the basics of hairdressing, cinematic makeup and the basics of skin cleansing.

It is well known that the Saudi Health and Beauty Show is increasingly attracting attention thanks to the vision of its insightful management. This is realized by attracting more international companies specialised in health and beauty to showcase their latest innovations to the Saudi audience, which shows great enthusiasm of the latest fashions and different innovations and technologies in the beauty and health sector.

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MIRAL HOSTS ROADSHOW IN SAUDI ARABIA TO HIGHLIGHT UNIQUE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES ON YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Miral CEO, arrives in Jeddah and Riyadh to reveal new attractions and events at the number one family destination in the region

Posted on November 29, 2017 by مشرف

  • Miral is the developer of Yas Island’s top family attractions and theme parks
  • CEO highlights the evolution and future of Yas Island including 2018 arrival of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and CLYMB
  • Exclusive reveal of the new ride Mission Ferrari at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

 Miral hosted a media roadshow in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia highlighting how Yas Island is becoming the number one family destination in the Middle East.

Miral CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi presented some of the unique and immersive experiences available only on Yas Island, the home of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina, Yas Mall and Yas Marina Circuit and more. With new parks, attractions and adrenaline rides planned, Yas Island is set to attract more than 48 million visits by 2022 as it becomes a global destination for leisure and entertainment.

During his visit, the CEO exclusively revealed the new “Mission Ferrari” ride at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, recently voted top theme park in the Middle East in the 2017 World Traveller Awards. Set to launch later in 2018, the unrivalled rollercoaster experience places visitors at the heart of a gripping adventure featuring two large 3D movie displays, more than 15 effects including explosions and live-fire for the first time in the region.  With cutting edge propulsion systems and technology, guests experience a unique and dramatic tilt, drop and switch ride like nothing else available in the region.

In addition, the calendar of events for the first half of 2018 was revealed with an event promised each week until Ramadan.  The live entertainment and sporting action includes the Cairo Sound Music Festival, the world-famous Harlem Globe Trotters, The Illusionists, a Brazilian Carnival and seven free family festivals.

Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi said:  “2018 will become a milestone in our journey to create a global destination for entertainment and leisure. With a new theme park, record-breaking attractions and an action-packed events series which appeals to all ages and tastes, we are establishing Yas Island as the number one family destination in the region with more innovative experiences planned for the years ahead.”

Miral places guests at the heart of its strategy to create unique, personalized and memorable experiences and has invested in a number of in-market Saudi activities including visitor surveys, interactive mall activations and joint marketing partnership with local travel agencies and tour operators.  Yas Island meets the needs of Saudi families seeking a combination of shopping, relaxation, discovering new experiences and a range of both affordable and high-end dining and hotel options, including ‘stay and play’ packages, which combine hotel overnight stays with theme park access.

Al Zaabi also highlighted how Yas Island will continue to evolve as a leading destination in which to live, play and work in which smart connectivity and state of the art mobility solutions will create a seamlessly connected ‘wall-less’ destination where guests can plan their visit with a simple touch of their smartphone or device.

Opening next year, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be home to 29 rides, shows and attractions across six themed immersive worlds. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will bring together Super Heroes and Super-Villains from the DC Universe, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as Warner Bros.’ iconic animated properties such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, creating a family-friendly destination for fans of all ages.

Another exciting experience, the world’s widest flight chamber and tallest indoor climbing wall, CLYMB, will also open next year. Visitors to the 9.75-metre-wide flight chamber will be able to mimic the experience of skydiving, while the record-breaking 43 meter vertical climbing wall is complemented by other ascents graded to match a range of experience and skills.

In 2019, Yas Island‘s mega project, Yas Bay, will comprise three zones in which to play, work and live with an entertainment district, media zone and Residences at Yas Bay. The iconic and vibrant waterfront and entertainment district will feature a recreational pier, more than 50 restaurants, 20 shops and a new live entertainment venue, Yas Arena, with 18,000 capacity ready to host the best in music, sporting and cultural events.

Yas Bay will also involve a new media zone that’s expected to welcome 10,000 working professionals and Residences at Yas Bay, which offers the promise of urban island living. Welcoming visitors regionally and internationally, Yas Island’s AED 12 Billion development will also include two new hotel complexes including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Resort, a 641-room family resort.

In 2022, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors as the first-of-its-kind marine life-themed park, which will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre. The park will be the first SeaWorld to open without orcas, and will integrate up-close animal experiences, mega attractions, and a world-class aquarium with the latest technology in visitor engagement.

Al Zaabi noted: “Both Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia have embraced the potential of tourism in their 2030 vision and we were delighted to highlight how destinations such as Yas Island can attract ever growing numbers of regional visitors while putting the Middle East on the global tourism map.”

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Finland’s centenary of independence is being celebrated in an epic way throughout the world

Posted on November 29, 2017 by مشرف

The centenary of Finland’s independence culminates on Finland’s Independence Day, 6  December 2017 The story of the 100-year-old Finland is extraordinary and rests on the values cherished by the Finns: democracy, education, equality and freedom of speech. The climax of the centenary will be a joint effort, and the programme will be rich and memorable. The celebrations will take place through- out Finland as well as in more than 100 countries on all the continents.

Finland became an independent state on 6 December 1917. The newly born state was willed into being by Finns after a long struggle. For a hundred years the Finns have been engaged in the building of their country and making decisions together. The unbroken period of 100 years of democracy is exceptional, and Finland has often reached top positions in different international rankings*.

“The story of the 100-year-old Finland is unique and deserves a special celebration. The centenary of independence is the most significant anniversary of our generation. This epic year has been built in a unique and open way, together with the whole of society, Finns and friends of Finland, in more than 100 countries,” says Pekka Timonen, General Secretary of the Centenary of Finland’s Independence, Prime Minister’s Office.

Finland 100 has become a phenomenon: the centenary has been celebrated throughout the year. Four out of five Finns think it is important to participate in the centennial year and more than 600,000 peo- ple, 14% of all 15-84-year-old Finns, are involved in creating the centenary year programme**. It has be- come the richest and most versatile programme of all time and provides a great overview of the nation today. As many as 5000  different projects have been included in the programme, with an especially strong presence of culture, nature, history, and doing good for both each other and the future of Fin- land.

The historical moment will be celebrated with dignity and joy Finland’s Independence Day, 6 December, will be preceded by both traditional and new festivities over several days. Most of the official celebrations will take place in the capital city, Helsinki, but there will be many other unique moments all over Finland. The Finnish flag will fly for two consecutive days, and the whole country will be illuminated with blue and white lights, the colours of Finland. Special monuments and locations, e.g. an entire fell, Saana in Lapland, will be lit up.

Many joyful festivities will bring people together. As the Finns are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world, the whole country will gather to enjoy birthday coffee to honour the 100-year-old Finland. Avid karaoke fans will be singing iconic Finnish songs at the same time in karaoke restaurants all over the country. The nation’s favourite sport, ice hockey, will be celebrated at an outdoor stadium in the heart of Helsinki, specially built for the occasion.

Abroad, all the Finnish embassies will host an Independence Day reception and Finnish communities around the world will have their own celebrations. In many countries, special concerts with famous Finn- ish artists such as Karita Mattila and Esa-Pekka Salonen will be organised.

“Celebrations will take place on all the continents. It’s touching to see how many friends our country has all over the world. We are very pleased with all the special greetings, gifts and visits from heads of states that Finland has already received during the centenary year. We invite everyone to join the celebration with us,” says Timonen.

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Henkel Hosts Local and Regional Media Partners to Sessions Surrounding ‘Creating Sustainable Value’

Posted on November 29, 2017 by مشرف

Henkel recently hosted several of its media partners from UAE, India, Algeria and GCC to press sessions surrounding the company’s purpose “Creating sustainable value”. Over the two-days event, Henkel provided them with an overview of their approach towards creating sustainable value for different stakeholder groups.

The sessions provided participants with deep understanding into the entire process of product development – from ideation to promotion. Henkel gave media insight into consumer trends and how they have leveraged them to develop high quality products which suit the specific needs of customers in India and the MEA region.

Journalists visited Henkel’s regional research and development site for Laundry and Home Care MEA in Dubai. They also experienced science experiments at Children’s City, as part of Forscherwelt (Researchers’ World) – Henkel’s international education initiative, which aims to arouse kids’ interest in science at an early age.

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German water industry heading for market entry in KSA

Posted on November 29, 2017 by مشرف

Hosted by the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO) and in cooperation with the German Water Partnership (GWP) and MENA Projektpartner a Delegation of German companies from the water and wastewater sectors explored business opportunities in Riyadh last week.

Eight German enterprises offering high-tech products and competitive services including highly efficient water pumps, sewage infrastructure solutions, satellite-based environmental water services and project management expertise took part in a German-Saudi Water Conference and absolved numerous B2B meetings with companies from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

German-Saudi Water Conference connecting corporate world to science

The delegation visit took off with the German-Saudi Water Conference: Trends & Solutions in Wastewater Treatment and Desalination on November 12. Oliver Oehms, Delegate of German Industry & Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, inaugurated the conference underlining that “today´s event is yet another manifestation of GESALO´s almost 40 years old mission to nurture Saudi-German business relations“.

Over 60 specialists, researchers and representatives from the related Saudi business community gained valuable insight such as the success story of reverse osmosis and solar power in combined application. Prof. Mattheus F. A. Goosen from Alfaisal University presented this setup as the state of the art in modern water desalination.

At the end of the conference, the German delegates positioned themselves and their products referring to presentations by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation and ILF-Tecon & Partners. The potential contribution of German technology to future investments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was clearly lined out, which set the agenda for the following days of B2B meetings.

On November 13 and 14, the German delegates followed an intense schedule of meetings with Saudi companies such as Abunayyan, Abdulkarim, NWC, NWWC and many more. Meetings were prearranged and accompanied by GESALO staff.

Werner Hanswillemenke from SWP-Systems GmbH commented on the logistics performed by the organizing partners stressing the “excellent service“ provided during the four days.

Dr. Thomas Heege, CEO of EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG added: “We would like to thank all organizing partners for hosting the German delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provided us with excellent business opportunities and the intense schedule even allowed us to meet with the board of directors of SWCC, the world’s largest desalinated water producer, at their headquarters in Riyadh. In this and other follow-up meetings we saw an actual demand for environmental water services for desalination plants and our satellite-based water quality products and services are well positioned to support those activities.”

Kind invitation by Saline Water Conversion Corporation

A highlight during the German delegation visit was the invitation by SWCC´s Governor Eng. Ali Bin AbdulRahman AlHazmy who personally greeted the delegation at the corporation´s headquarters in Riyadh. Dr. Christian Zankiewicz from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy presented the German delegation and encouraged all participants to explain the possible application of their products and services in the management of desalination plants and the support of Saudi Arabia´s extensive network of water pipelines.

Major contributions to Vision 2030

The delegation not only strengthened Saudi-German economic cooperation, but also made a major contribution to Saudi Vision 2030. Many products offered by the German companies increase the efficiency in production and recycling. The loss of valuable water resources could be diminished significantly, which is in line with Vision 2030 that promotes “the optimal use of Saudi water resources”.  

German Business Delegation:

  • BFS Betonfertigteilesysteme GmbH
  • Dornier Consulting International GmbH
  • EOMAP GmbH & Co.KG
  • HOMA Pumpenfabrik GmbH
  • KSP Engineering GmbH
  • PBT GmbH
  • Putzmeister Solid Pumps GmbH
  • SWP Systems GmbH

Partners: German Water Partnership e.V. (GWP) and MENA Projektpartner e.V.

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Industry leaders discuss ”Glass in Green Buildings” Guardian Glass, Saudi Council of Engineers launch training program

Posted on November 19, 2017 by مشرف

Guardian Glass and the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) kicked off a long-term joint training program, which started with an interactive seminar recently conducted in Al Jubail under the title “Glass in Green Buildings”. SCE members in the audience included prominent engineers, architects, and glazing and energy efficiency specialists from KSA’s government and private sectors.

Maher AlHasson, Regional Sales Manager at Guardian Glass and an industry expert with over 10 years of experience, led the seminar. He focused on environmentally responsible practices and the impact of resource efficiency in shaping a sustainable future. A tour of the Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Ltd.* (GulfGuard) plant in Jubail Industrial City followed, introducing attendees to Guardian’s float glass manufacturing process and the latest in cutting-edge glass coating technology.

Mohammad Al Ibrahim, General Manager of Guardian Glass in Africa & Middle East said, “Through initiatives such as this, Guardian Glass wants to lead the way towards a better, more sustainable future by helping to define best practices in the industry. We want to reach a high-level awareness amongst all segments of the society, with a primary focus on the key decision makers who can genuinely contribute to the ‘eco-friendly’ direction we are working toward within our company, and, indeed, throughout KSA.”

“This seminar marks the start to more promising and thought-provoking events we look forward to hosting with SCE,” he concluded.  

Eng. Saad Alshehri, SCE-Green Building Chapter Vice Chairman commented, “Our mission at the Green Building Chapter of SCE is to raise the awareness of sustainability – matching with the global standards – and to contribute in the Saudi Vision 2030. As part of our partnership with the private sector, we organized this first event with Guardian Glass in Saudi Arabia. It was successfully conducted and Guardian’s team effort is highly appreciated. Our attendees were impressed by Guardian Glass’ manufacturing and coating technologies.”

Various workshops, seminars and field visits aimed at sharing Guardian’s global experience and local knowledge with engineers and architects around the Kingdom are underway as a part of the joint training program. Similar educational and thought-provoking events targeting university students, government entities and decision-makers will be conducted across the Kingdom as well as other GCC countries. Topics will include manufacturing processes and terminologies, benefits of energy-efficient glass, country-specific building codes for glazing, glass for green buildings and glass guides to LEED certifications.

The program falls in line with Guardian’s commitment to glass manufacturing and energy savings, creating value for its customers and the communities where Guardian team members live and work; ultimately contributing to Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Program 2020 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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