Sony Mobile’s smart projector Xperia Touch now available in Dubai and KSA

Posted on July 3, 2017 by مشرف

 

  • Portable projector that transforms a flat surface into an interactive touch screen makes its GCC debut
  • Unlike traditional projectors, Xperia Touch does more than just put on a show – it lets you surf and explore like never before

 Sony Mobile Communications today announced that its new smart projector, Xperia Touch, is now available in select stores in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Built with the latest Sony intelligence, this compact and lightweight short-throw projector transforms a flat wall, table or floor into an interactive 23-inch HD touch screen. Whether you want to play games on the living room floor, project a recipe onto the kitchen counter or make your wall a message board, Xperia Touch adds a whole new dimension to your home.

The projector’s intelligent and responsive features include state-of-the art touch functionality, presence sensing and two-way stereo speakers for rich sound. Sophisticated in function and form, Xperia Touch offers both horizontal and vertical displays, and is Wi-Fi connected and compatible with Android apps and games on the Google Play Store.

Xperia Touch, which is made from the highest quality materials, is available in Dubai at the Sony boutique in The Dubai Mall and Jumbo in Mall of the Emirates, and is priced AED5,799. In Saudi Arabia, Xperia Touch is available in Sony showrooms in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and is priced SAR5,799.

For more information about the Xperia Touch, check out Sony Mobile’s video here.

 

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500 thousand Iftar meals distributed to observers of Ramadan in the kingdom SaleCo participates in Iftar program

Posted on June 22, 2017 by مشرف

On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, SaleCo, the leading ICT distribution company, participates in “Iftar” program organized by the Social Responsibility Club of King Saud University.  

The program provides observers with fast-breaking meals throughout the month of Ramadan, through distributing more 500 thousand meals in Ramadan tents, mosques, roads, and major crossroads in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Supporting social, environmental, health and other causes in the Kingdom, comes within SaleCo’s vision to develop the company’s social responsibility programs

, as a major key in achieving sustainable development and integration in the society.

 

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Paris Gallery Opens in Al Hamra Mall, Riyadh A signature shopping experience

Posted on June 20, 2017 by مشرف

Paris Gallery, the leading luxury retailer in the region, opened its new opulent store in Al Hamra Mall. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of Mr. Yaqoub Al Sharif Al Hashemi, Sara Group Executive Director and other chief guests including senior officials and diplomats led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Faisal bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, French Ambassador François Gouyette, Doctor Rosela Rosi, the deputy Ambassador and the Italian Trade supplement in Al Riyadh, accompanied by the director of public relations at the Italian Embassy, and the Charge Affaires of the UAE Embassy Ahmad Al Tanayji and an elite of businessmen and society.

Paris Gallery has been catering to the unique needs of customers in KSA with distinctive merchandise and superior customer service. The launch of the new outlet reinforces the retailer’s strategic expansion plans in the region. Located in Al Hamra Mall in Riyadh, the store spreads over 1000 square meters of luxurious retail space and houses a vast array of international luxury brands in watches, perfumes, cosmetics, eyewear, accessories and leather goods. The retailer’s eye-catching retail concepts, impeccable service standards and traditional Arabic hospitality a practice sees it stand out as an unequivocal shopping and gifting destination in the Middle East.

“We are glad to announce the opening of another store in KSA. With Paris Gallery’s solid reputation and expertise in luxury retail and customer service, we will deliver the unique, experience to the visitors of Al Hamra Mall. We look forward to accelerated growth through our on-going focus on luxury and service,” said Mr. Yaqoub Al Sharif Al Hashemi.

Paris Gallery is known for its quality products, luxurious in-store ambiance, well-trained staff and its signature Arabic hospitality. In KSA, Paris Gallery has more than 14 luxury specialty stores located in prime retail areas across the kingdom, each outlet offering a premium assortment of over 650 international brands.

 

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Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel earns 3 distinct set of awards

Posted on June 20, 2017 by مشرف

Makarem Ajyad Makkah has recently earned 3 awards for its distinguished services, professional team and strategic location, which contributes to strengthening its position in the hospitality industry especially in the western region.

The renowned hotel was granted the 2016 Gold Circle Awards by Agoda.com, whereas the Saudi Female Chefs of the hotel won third place in the inter-hotel culinary competition that was organized by the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association (SARCA). Additionally, the hotel collected three awards during the “Saudi Food Expo 2017’’.

Based on sophisticated criteria that included positive customer reviews in terms of quality of service provided, competitive pricing in the marketplace and the outstanding online offers, Makarem Ajyad Makkah was handed the prestigious 2016 Gold Circle Award. Organized by Agoda.com, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites, the award recognizes accommodation partners around the world embodying the best qualities of the online booking travel experience.

Furthermore, the hotel’s Female Saudi Chefs won third place in the inter-hotel culinary competition held amongst the Kingdom’s finest hotels. Under the theme of “Mystery Box” , the competition was organized by the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association (SARCA) under the direct supervision of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), during the 2017 Foodex Saudi, which was held at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events.

And lastly, the hotel was awarded a silver medal and two bronze medals during the  “SaudiFood 2017’’ that was held from 23 to 26 April 2017. The team was selected for its exemplary dedication to culinary skills, preparation, food taste and presentation, which reflected the culinary innovations of Makarem Ajyad Makkah hotel.

In this context, Mr. Amr Alsunari, General Manager of Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, praised the achievements of the hotel team, and considered these awards as a recognition of the team’s efforts, hard work and dedication to improve the services offered in the hotel. He added inter-hotel competitions contribute to enhancing the positive competitive spirit amongst participants who come from different hotels around the Kingdom.

It is worth mentioning that being the first 5 stars’ hotel in Makkah Al Mokarramah, Makarem Ajyad Makkah is characterized by its strategic location near the Holy Mosque in Ajyad historic area. It encompasses 409 luxurious modern rooms, in addition to 2 royal suites.

About Makarem Hotels:

Makarem Hotels, the award-winning Saudi grown hotel brand owned by Dur hospitality, was established in 1983 for the purpose of delivering authentic Saudi hospitality services across the kingdom.

In 2015, Makarem launched its revamped identity, and reinforced its position in the market with a new strategy that focuses on enhancing its presence in the two holy cities of Makkah Al Mokarramah, and Al Madinah Al Mounawarah.

“Makarem Hotels” operates more than 2000 rooms across the major cities of Saudi Arabia, and constantly seeks to enrich the hospitality sector with new innovative services and products that cater to the travelers’ various needs, while abiding to international standards.

The Saudi hotel Brand offers its individual and corporate guests special rewards and privileges through its loyalty program “Karam Club”, which enables them to collect and exchange points in hotels and resorts around the world. Makarem also launched its own application, compatible with IOS, android and windows, that offers its users various features and services.

 

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The 20th edition of Saudi Elenex Exhibition was concluded last week

Posted on June 11, 2017 by مشرف

The 20th edition of Saudi Elenex and Saudi Aircon exhibitions were concluded on Tuesday 16th of May 2017, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre,

With the support of Saudi Electricity Company as a diamond sponsor, and a participating sponsor of Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Org. (SASO), the exhibition that included several energy related seminars and workshops, witnessed a wide number of targeted audience visitors. More than 12 countries from around the world were represented during the show, in addition to the presence of more than 110 exhibitors specialized in the energy and electricity sector, and consumption rationalization of cooling, air conditioning and ventilation energy.

The organizing company received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who expressed their satisfaction towards the exhibition and its participants. They explained how they could preview firsthand, the latest developments and innovations of the electricity sector, in addition to the latest environmentally friendly trends, using renewable sources of energy to achieve sustainable development in the future.

In this context, Mr. Khalid Alamdar, Director of sales and marketing at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “The exhibition is considered a platform to explore big investment opportunities, and benefit from the experiences of international companies in the field of renewable energy, and to preview the latest achievements in the energy, electricity, cooling and lighting industries”.

He added: “During the exhibition that lasted for three days, 10 new contracts were previewed in different fields in the presence of a number of Saudi and foreign companies”.

Mr. Alamdar pointed out that Riyadh Exhibitions company, the organizing company, was keen to launch this show, to ease relationships between participants, and  establish commercial and professional relations and partnerships with their counterparts from the international exhibitors and to contribute to meet the increasing needs of the local market in the electricity and energy sector.

It is worth mentioning that Riyadh Exhibitions Co. Ltd. (REC), is a Saudi company specialized in organizing local & international exhibitions, conferences and other trade events. The company caters to several activities for various economic sectors. Throughout its 36 years, REC has organized more than 440 unique and successful shows and conferences renowned for their innovation, professionalism and attention to details. REC boasts an international presence, supported by over 120 commercial & industrial bodies from more than 50 countries. Regionally, REC dominates with its wide range of events programs, serving 20 economic and financial sectors in the Middle East. REC’s leading events are certified by UFI.

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Bahri provides job opportunities to Maritime Studies graduates of King Abdulaziz University The company signs an agreement with KAU to provide training programs for students on board its vessels

Posted on June 10, 2017 by مشرف

Bahri, a global leader in transportation and logistics, has announced the signing of an agreement with King Abdulaziz University (KAU) to provide training opportunities to KAU’s Marine Sciences graduates on board its vessels. Bahri will offer intensive practical training for students undergoing Marine Navigation and Engineering programs at KAU as part of its ‘Bahri Society’ initiative. The move comes in line with the company’s commitment to contribute towards achieving Saudi Vision 2030 and its ongoing efforts to train Saudi youth, improve their skills and develop their expertise in the maritime sector.

The ‘Bahri Society’ initiative aims to support local talent and develop a pool of highly qualified individuals that will build a prosperous future for the Kingdom and contribute to economic and social development through their skills and expertise.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bahri will find a berth on board its managed vessels for KAU Marine Sciences students, allowing the cadets to carry out their ‘sea time’ and any other tasks or projects which they are required to complete as part of their study program. Bahri will ensure that the cadets have suitable accommodation and food on board and are treated in the same manner as any cadet that Bahri would employ on board its vessels. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Bahri will absorb the costs involved for each cadet that undergoes training on board its vessels. These costs will include airfare, visa, monthly salary and food allowance. Bahri’s senior maritime officers will assess the trainees based on the procedures applied by the company, thus contributing to the enhancement of training outcomes.

The program, which includes 60 cadets in this year’s edition, will involve practical maritime services training on board Bahri’s commercial vessels, where the student is trained in two phases for six months each. Upon completion of the practical training, the student returns to the Faculty of Marine Sciences to complete the curriculum to obtain their Certificate of Graduation based on their specialization (Navigation or Marine Engineering).

“As one of the leading companies in transportation and logistics, Bahri is committed to recruiting and training the best marine officers and engineers in the world and facilitating the continuous development of our human resources,” said Ali A. Al-Harbi, Acting CEO, Bahri. “Identifying and supporting young talent is one of the main pillars of our ‘Bahri Society’ initiative. As part of this initiative, we have launched a training program for Marine Sciences students that will enable them to enrich their knowledge and gain practical experience in a diverse work environment, while ensuring that they acquire the skills and expertise suited to the nature of the work they will undertake under the supervision of Bahri’s experts.”

Abdulaziz Sabri, Acting President, Bahri Ship Management, said that the aim of the program is to develop the skills of young cadres and enhance their talents within a well-designed scientific framework that will help drive the growth of the marine sector at both the local and international levels. Sabri pointed out that, upon graduation, the students will get the chance to work at Bahri and secure their career.

Ahmed Bakar, one of the trainees, said about the program: “It has been a great experience being part of this program. I had the opportunity to operate navigation devices and assist the Navigation Officer in steering the ship, as well as learn about maritime distress calls and safety systems. I also got to participate in many practical tasks such as verification of shipping systems, examination of ship devices, and others. There is no doubt that I have gained valuable experience in this area, and I think that I will be ready to graduate with the rank of naval officer soon.”

Last year’s Marine Training Program included 29 students from King Abdulaziz University and 27 students from Saudi Aramco, working in the Department of Docks and Maritime Management.

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Riyadh Exhibitions Company is participating in IMEX Global Exhibition

Posted on June 7, 2017 by مشرف

Riyadh Exhibitions company is participating in IMEX Frankfurt, the global exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Taking place on 16 to 18 May in Frankfurt, Germany.

IMEX 2017 is an annual event that witnesses the participation of more than 3500 exhibitors from 150 countries representing tourist boards, convention bureaus, international hotel chains, airlines and destination management companies, offering global business opportunities and a unique networking platform to discuss the latest trends in the MICE industry.

The tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was mostly dependent on religious tourism, however the objectives of the vision 2030 redirected the focus on diversifying tourism to include more business, conference and exhibition travelers. Thus, comes the participation of the Kingdom at this important global exhibition to achieve its objective of positioning itself as a strategic destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions in the region.

Through its national pavilion at IMEX 2017, the Kingdom seeks to attract international exhibitions and conferences that will contribute to the development of the various economic sectors in the Kingdom and to facilitate the communication channels between the Saudi private sector and the major international companies specialized inexhibitions and conferences.

In this context, Riyadh Exhibition company Ltd. is participating at IMEX to showcase its 36 years of experience in the exhibitions and conferences industry and to examine the best international practices and trends on this industry. REC will benefit from the knowledge and expertise exchange with international peers, which will reflect positively on the level of services provided and thus contributing to leveraging the local MICE industry as a whole in the Kingdom to help achieve the sector’s broad goals as the preferred destination for creation of exhibitions and conferences in the region.

Mr. Khalid Alamdar, Director of Sales and Marketing at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said, “this participation comes in line with our strategic vision of attracting global events and forums to be hosted in the Kingdom; In addition to discussing the upcoming investment opportunities, benefiting from the international expertise and strengthening our presence globally.”

It is worth mentioning that Riyadh Exhibitions Co. Ltd. (REC), is a Saudi company specialized in organizing local & international exhibitions, conferences and other trade events. The company caters to several activities for various economic sectors. Throughout its 36 years, REC has organized more than 440 unique and successful shows and conferences renowned for their innovation, professionalism and attention to details. REC boasts an international presence, supported by over 120 commercial & industrial bodies from more than 50 countries. Regionally, REC dominates with its wide range of events programs, serving 20 economic and financial sectors in the Middle East. REC’s leading events are certified by UFI.

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“Dur Hospitality” selects more than 100 students for the custodian’s scholarship program “Your job is your scholarship.”

Posted on June 4, 2017 by مشرف

In collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), Dur Hospitality has contributed in selecting students that had been previously nominated by the Ministry of Education, to join the “Your job is your scholarship” Custodian’s scholarship program.

During the few recruitment meeting days, the highest number of students, amounting to more than 100 students, were chosen by Dur Hospitality that expressed its keenness to support them.

The selected students will be able to study tourism disciplines in countries like Canada, Ireland, Australia, then join the company once they graduate and return. The human resources team at Dur has already signed 35 contracts with students in Riyadh,38 in Jeddah for employment opportunities in hotels in the western region, and 45 in Khobar for jobs in the company’s future in the eastern region’s hotels. It is worth mentioning that the company currently manages more than 3000 rooms in 20 facilities as well as several projects under construction in different areas of the Kingdom.  

Mr. Musaed A. Al Qasim, Chief Human Resources Officer at Dur Hospitality, highly valued this collaboration between SCTH, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Ministry of Education, directed by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issam, and their commitment to support the tourism sector with the needed knowledge and skills.

He assured that Dur would be following up with the tourism students, and communicating with them in regards to their educational progress and excellence. He also praised the huge interest that young Saudis have, in joining the tourism sector’s workforce, knowing that it is considered one of the most important areas regarding employment opportunities and economic development.  

Mr. Musaed emphasized the commitment of the company towards increasing the nationalization rate in this vital sector and stressed on the significant role such scholarship programs play in increasing the rate, together with the colleges and institutes of tourism situated in the Kingdom.

 

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Dussur, GE sign SR1bn power sector joint venture

Posted on June 1, 2017 by مشرف

Dussur (formerly operating under the name Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company) and GE (NYSE: GE) have signed a joint venture agreement worth more than SR1 billion ($267 million). This announcement follows the summit held earlier this week between King Salman and US President Donald Trump and is part of the announcement GE made on May 20.
The agreement represents significant progress toward achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 by continuing to localize gas turbine manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and helping to further develop a global industrial supply chain for the energy sector. It follows a strategic memorandum of understanding signed between Dussur and GE last year that is expected to result in nearly SR3.75 billion of co-investment by the two companies across multiple sectors in 2017.
The joint venture will create the capacity to supply the majority of Saudi Arabia’s annual demand for gas turbines needed to satisfy the Kingdom’s growing electricity demands. This investment will create added economic value, contribute to the national economy, and boost the local supply chain to benefit Saudi small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Under this agreement, GE and Dussur will strengthen “Made in Saudi” capabilities by expanding manufacturing processes specifically around gas turbine component technology.
Abdullatif bin Ahmed Al-Othman, chairman of Dussur, said: “This landmark partnership between Dussur, a strategic industrial investments and development company, and GE, world renowned technology leader, underlines the commitment of Saudi Arabia to be a global player in the industrial sector in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This joint venture will contribute to stronger localized manufacturing ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. By creating a global supply chain we can unlock new growth opportunities that benefit the people of both nations.”
Paul McElhinney, president & CEO, GE’s Power Services, GE Power said: “The joint venture underscores GE’s firm commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, building on its key business growth priorities and emphasizing the growing importance of localization. The reciprocal investment between nations is a natural progression of a fundamentally strong partnership, taking the collaboration to new heights and allowing for the acceleration of key infrastructure projects and their subsequent impact on jobs, supply chains and overall economies.”

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TEXAS DE BRAZIL OPENS FIRST RESTAURANT IN SAUDI ARABIA AT RIYADH’S RUBEEN PLAZA The largest Brazilian Steakhouse in the US offers an unparalleled dining experience with over 50 gourmet salads and a variety of premium meat options

Posted on May 30, 2017 by مشرف

Texas de Brazil, the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse chain in the world, opened today in Riyadh, bringing the unique churrascaria dining concept for the first time to Saudi Arabia. The restaurant’s menu combines the cuisine and culture of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas, for an unparalleled dining experience.

The restaurant, managed by Gourmet Gulf, the leading food and beverage company in the Middle East, is located at Rubeen Plaza, on Riyadh’s Northern Ring Road.

At Texas de Brazil, the all-you-can-eat concept comes to life as Gauchos prepare, cook and personally serve each table, carving an array of grilled beef, lamb, chicken, prawns and beef sausage, as directed by the guest’s green and red disks that indicate when to bring more meat, or when a break is needed. The impressive selection of cuts are prepared in a traditional Brazilian method over an open flame, and presented tableside by only the best skilled Brazilian gauchos, known as the ‘cowboys of Brazil’!

The steakhouse also boasts an elaborate salad area, beautifully decorated by large tropical flowers and featuring tempting fresh gourmet items such as imported cheeses, charcuterie, roasted vegetables and creamy lobster bisque. Texas de Brazil also offers a variety of beverages and decadent desserts from the à la carte menu, which includes a selection of specialty mocktails, to further enhance the dining experience.

“The food and hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly over the past years and there is growing demand for best in class international restaurants. We look forward to providing a unique dining experience and an amazing value to the meat lovers in the Kingdom,” says Stewart Black, CEO, Gourmet Gulf.

“We are proud to partner with Gourmet Gulf for our first opening in Saudi Arabia.  We look forward to welcoming many visitors and residents in the capital city of Riyadh”, says Salim Asrawi, Chief Operating Officer, Texas de Brazil.

Gourmet Gulf currently holds the franchise rights to California Pizza Kitchen, Yo! Sushi and Panda Express, the largest Asian restaurant chain in the world.

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