Airbus invites Saudi innovators to soar with new entrepreneur incubation platform

Posted on September 21, 2016 by مشرف

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Nationwide challenge promises training, funding for best aerospace ideas

Airbus Middle East today announced the official launch of ‘Entaliq with Airbus’, following the collaboration agreement signed between Airbus Middle East and TAQNIA Aeronautics, a Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company in June 2016.

The nationwide hunt for the best innovators in Saudi Arabia will begin this month, wherein all interested university students and young Saudi entrepreneurs with new business ideas or existing businesses in the aviation, space and technology sectors are invited to register and participate in the program.

The new initiative from Airbus Middle East aims to challenge the Saudi youth to find the best innovative ideas that can support and advance the national and global aerospace industry. ‘Entaliq with Airbus’ will roll out across Saudi Arabia in cooperation with TAQNIA Aeronautics, and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia).  

Interested applicants have three months to create and submit their best idea at www.entaliq-with-airbus.com. The initial phase will require users to register for online learning courses in order to train applicants in innovation and aviation. The training will consist of coaching, mentoring by aerospace experts and use of online content as well as workshops.

Retired M. General Ali Alghamdi, CEO of TAQNIA Aeronautics, owned by the Public Investment Funds, said: “Across the globe Airbus works closely with local governments and communities to support the growth of new ideas and innovation. As an organization that prides itself on the promotion of technology and knowledge transfer in KSA this partnership is a natural fit for such a beneficial program. We are very excited to see this come to life.”

Abdulrahman bin Ghazi Altayeb, VP Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia said: “We are honored to contribute to the development of Saudi’s aviation sector and partner with ‘Entaliq with Airbus’ to nurture talent and harness the latest incubation platform.  This initiative is in line with Saudia’s vision (SV 2020) which is currently being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Education through the King Abdullah Foreign scholarship program which has allocated 5000 scholarship for the study of aviation science and aircraft maintenance.”

He added: “Furthermore Saudi Arabian Airlines launched a special talent management program in collaboration with SAP to improve the services provided to staff and develop the work of HR departments and achieve the strategic goals of the organisation.”

“Entaliq with Airbus is a platform that brings multi stakeholders together to connect and exchange ideas for the development of the Saudi aviation industry,” said Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East. “The aim of this program is not simply to find a single winning idea, but to encourage the Saudi talent to think and create innovatively. We have a responsibility to inspire and provide opportunities for the future generations to recognize their own potential.”

The training will be followed by a challenge for participants to advance the national aviation sector by proposing innovative changes to existing processes, products and functions that will eventually award successful applicants with a brighter future. Shortlisted applicants will receive online and in-person coaching in aviation, innovation and business planning, as well as mentoring from industry experts and veterans.

The third showcase phase of ‘Entaliq with Airbus’ will see professional juries select the best ten innovations to pitch their projects to an expert VIP panel consisting of Airbus, TAQNIA Aeronautics, Saudia and other aviation industry experts.

“Entaliq with Airbus” platform will manage the application process and training at venues across Saudi Arabia, and identify areas of support for the 10 shortlisted candidates, including supporting them with intellectual property registration, company formation or innovation development to ensure the ‘Entaliq with Airbus’ programme goes beyond merely rewarding applicants to actually incubating their ideas.

Airbus, a global leader in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing, champions innovation as part of its corporate DNA. Employees across operational units contributing new business ideas to its internal incubator the Airbus Group Nursery receive support, networks and seed funds, for example. The Group also has a dedicated Innovation division and its research and development spend is among the highest in the world, averaging Euro 3.1 billion annually.

For more information on ‘Entaliq with Airbus’, please visit www.entaliq-with-airbus.com   

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‘There’s a new consumer on the horizon’ Ogilvy Noor book ‘Generation M’ explores what it means to be a modern-day Muslim consumer.

Posted on September 21, 2016 by مشرف

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Today, Ogilvy Noor announces the release of its latest book ‘Generation M: Young Muslims Changing the World’, an exploration of what it means to be a young Muslim today and why this generation demands our attention. Written by Ogilvy Noor’s Vice President and award winning author Shelina Janmohamed, the groundbreaking book underscores Ogilvy Noor’s global thought leadership around Muslim consumers. It is the first book of its kind to paint an intimate portrait of the attitudes, aspirations and cultures of a growing population for whom faith and modernity go hand in hand, and for whom consumption is a badge of identity.

As the the world’s first bespoke consultancy for building brands with Muslim audiences, Ogilvy Noor has expanded globally to now operate in key markets throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Its vision around the notion of engaging with Muslim audiences through building businesses, products and brands that directly engage with Muslim consumers, is explored in detail throughout ‘Generation M’.

This understanding is vital for businesses and brands. The global Muslim population is expected to increase 73 per cent – from 1.6 billion in 2010, to 2.8 billion in 2050; by 2030 Muslims will make up 26.5 per cent of the global population and in 2050 will equal the number of Christians. The Islamic economy is estimated to be worth $2.6 trillion by 2020 with Islamic finance worth an additional $2.6 trillion.

It is Generation M in particular from among the global Muslim population that are driving change. Their youth, their growth and their economic power makes them one of the most important and exciting rising economic forces, with one third of Muslims today under fifteen and nearly two thirds under thirty.

As one of the 21st century’s most powerful economic forces. Author Janmohamed explains that the Muslim lifestyle which spans across all categories from food to travel to healthcare and more has resulted in a thriving Islamic economy. This is going hand in hand with a growing consumer concern about the values which brands and businesses are built on and convey.  Understanding Generation M’s values is key to engaging with them, and the book offers a deep exploration of those values and how to engage with them.

Shelina Janmohamed, VP, Ogilvy Noor and author of ‘Generation M’ said:“For too long, the faithful, modern, creative, brand conscious tech-savvy Generation M has been overlooked by businesses and brands. Yet this is one of the world’s most influential and rising economic and social forces. Generation M goes beyond the statistics, to explore what motivates them, their inner aspirations and how they are going to shape our future.”

Annette King, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather UK: “Ogilvy & Mather has always been at the forefront of changing cultural trends and attitudes, actively ensuring our communications reflect these shifts globally. The increasing prominence of ‘Generation M’ is a reality that the industry and brand owners now need to actively recognise. As ever, we lead the way for brands to successfully engage with one of the world’s fastest growing & most influential commercial forces.”

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Commercial Sector Left to Pick Up the Slack as Consumer Demand for Tablets Continues to Slow Across Middle East & Africa

Posted on September 7, 2016 by مشرف

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Sluggish demand from consumers across much of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) saw the region’s tablet market shrink 13.3% year on year in Q2 2016, according to the latest ‘Middle East and Africa Quarterly Tablet Tracker’ from International Data Corporation (IDC). The global ICT research and advisory services firm’s latest data shows that the overall market totaled 3.52 million units for the quarter, with Middle East shipments declining 18.8% year on year. By contrast, Africa performed much better, with shipments increasing 2.0% over the same period.

“Market saturation continues to inhibit the growth of tablets in Middle Eastern countries, while poor consumer sentiment caused by the effects of low crude oil prices is compounding the issue,” says Fouad Rafiq Charakla, senior research manager for personal computing, systems, and infrastructure solutions at IDC. “In light of these circumstances, the commercial sector – spurred by some large-scale education deals – holds the key to driving growth in the region’s tablet market over the coming quarters.”

In terms of vendor rankings, Samsung continued to lead the tablet market in Q2 2016 with 20.8% share, despite seeing its shipments decline 35.3% year on year. Lenovo remained in second place with 12.9%, having suffered a 15.1% decline in shipments. Huawei leaped above Apple to rank third in the market after its shipments increased 179.3% year on year to give it 10.0% share. Apple followed closely behind in fourth place with 9.3% share, having seen its shipments decline 28.1%.

“Tablets have traditionally been used for content consumption rather than content creation, and as consumers have gradually transitioned to bigger smartphones, the majority of content consumption activities have shifted in the same direction and away from tablets,” says Nakul Dogra, a senior research analyst for personal computing, systems, and infrastructure solutions at IDC. “Looking forward, the rise of detachable tablets will help to boost the use of tablets for content creation purposes, something that has traditionally been limited to PCs for the majority of consumers.”

Partially compensating for the continuing slowdown in consumer demand is a massive order for Windows-based detachable tablets that has been placed as part of Kenya’s Digital Literacy Programme. The size of this deal has led IDC to revise its growth forecast for shipments of Windows tablets in 2016 upwards from 78.2% year on year to 232.3%. It has also resulted in a slight upwards revision of IDC’s forecast for the overall MEA tablet market’s performance in 2016, although shipments will still be down 7.0% year on year to 15.07 million units.

“The pace of innovation in the tablet market has slowed considerably, and consumers are now holding onto their tablets for longer due to the minimal differences between their existing devices and the new-generation of tablets being pushed by vendors,” says Dogra. “This trend of longer replacement cycles is likely to continue as there are no innovative products lined up for the foreseeable future.”

IDC’s ‘Middle East and Africa Quarterly Tablet Tracker’ provides insightful analysis of key market developments, covering vendors, operating systems, screen sizes, user segments and distribution channels, quarterly market share data, and a comprehensive 5–8 quarter and five-year forecast.

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As a First in the Kingdom Burj RAFAL premiers the Execution of Title Deeds

Posted on September 7, 2016 by مشرف

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Burj RAFAL, the iconic and unique vertical residential self-sustained community in Riyadh has released 460 title deeds to its respective owners on 19 Shawwal 1437H corresponding to 24 July 2016G, supplanting the previous sale purchase agreement issued between Burj RAFAL Real Estate Development Co. and the owners of the residential units.

 The 70 floors tower constructed on an exclusive 20,000 sqm plot, is the first mixed-use community to finalize deeds in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the owners have gained all legal rights of their properties at the Burj RAFAL as per the recent Rules and regulations of the Saudi ministry of Justice and the ministry of Housing. The owners have full rights and authority of possession, control, exclusion, enjoyment, and disposition as in lease, resale, transfer of title and other legal actions deemed necessary.

 Mr. Abdulrahman Bajunaid, CEO, RAFAL Real Estate Development Company, said: “We are proud to be the pioneers in complying with the legal rules and regulations, where we believe that these regulations come for the greater good of our country and are in line with the Ministry’s objectives and initiatives to achieve the strategic objectives aligned with Saudi vision 2030.”

 He added: “RAFAL leads the dynamic lifestyle pattern by providing an enriched, homogeneous social environment offering both clients and investors a real opportunity to live and invest in.”

  It is worth mentioning that RAFAL Real Estate Development Company, established at the end of 2007, is specialized in developing integrated high-end residential communities. The company’s mission revolves around developing various residential communities. RAFAL is committed to providing consistent value for its long term partners in success.

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Sony’s first flagship, Xperia™ XZ and premium Xperia™ X Compact with triple image sensing technology

Posted on September 3, 2016 by مشرف

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Sony Mobile today announced two incredible additions to its new X series smartphones. Continuing the vision set out at MWC in February, the flagship Xperia XZ and premium Xperia X Compact offer an even more intelligent, personalised experience.

“With Xperia we want to assist you when and where it matters most, making your everyday lives more convenient, more effortless, more spontaneous,” said Hideyuki Furumi, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications, “With Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact you can capture every moment as you see it, with blur-free images day or night, and with true to life colours thanks to our new triple image sensing technology.”

Capture the action laser-fast with true colour

Sony’s first flagship of the X series, Xperia XZ, and premium Xperia X Compact bring new and improved camera technology to give you the best pictures from Xperia yet. Oozing camera excellence using Sony’s heritage in camera technology and in collaboration with our digital imaging engineers, the new models feature one of the most advanced cameras in a smartphone. Maximising Sony’s acclaimed image sensor, two additional assisting sensors have been added to become Sony’s triple image sensing technology. This allows you to capture beautiful images in motion with true to life colours in virtually any conditions.  The technology is comprised of Sony’s original Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor which provides a powerful blend of high quality image and autofocus (AF) speed combined with Predictive Hybrid AF to intelligently predict and track subjects in motion for blur-free results. Added to this is the Laser AF sensor with distance sensing technology, which captures beautiful blur-free photos in challenging low light conditions. And what’s more, you will enjoy superb true to life colours thanks to the RGBC-IR sensor with colour sensing technology which accurately adjusts the white balance based on the light source in the environment.

The 23MP main camera not only gives you clear shots, but also super-fast start-up going from standby to capture in 0.6seconds at the touch of a dedicated shutter release button, ensuring you are ready to take the perfect shot whenever it might strike.

Advanced features have been added for those who want more flexibility with manual settings to further enhance the shooting experience and creative possibilities, such as shutter speed and focus controls.

Videos are ever more popular for capturing and sharing unique moments on social media, both models bring significant advancements in the evolution of image stabilization, cultivated in Sony’s Handycam® camcorders, with Sony’s SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode to enable superb video. Now with 5-axis stabilization you can shoot smoother videos even when walking or capturing extreme close-ups.

Xperia XZ provides a 13MP front camera for the selfie perfectionist, with its super high sensitivity as high as ISO6400 and 22mm/90-degree wide angle lens it will make the best of your pose even in low-light and group selfies. Xperia XZ also offers the highest quality recording in 4k so you get sharp, crisp footage that is full of detail.

Premium design to fit in your life

With its stunning loop surface design, the 5.2” glass display and metal back of the Xperia XZ become one, to provide a perfect fit and beautiful feel in the hand. The loop surface is inspired by a monolithic form, whilst ALKALEIDO™ metal with high brightness and high purity provides shine and a feeling of depth which both enhance its premium design.  Xperia XZ is available in a brand new blue colour inspired by the beauty of nature – Forest Blue – along with stylish classics Mineral Black and Platinum.

Adding a popular Sony form factor to the X series, the Xperia X Compact packs mighty technology into its small frame. Its 4.6” screen and loop surface design make it extra comfortable to hold and is ideal for an operation with just one hand.  Xperia X Compact’s premium design can be clearly seen via its high-gloss finish and solid feel. It also follows our new signature blue colour expression with a Mist Blue colour hue together with timeless Universe Black and stylish White.

Sony’s expertise in functional design is carried through to the Xperia XZ with a water resistant design to take the worry out of a little splash of water, so you can relax about sudden spills or unexpected showers. Knowing who you are by just holding the phone, the fingerprint sensor power button on Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact is intuitively placed on the side of the phone, so you’re able to pick up and securely unlock in a single movement and adds to the comfortable fit in the hand.

Learning your habits to improve your experience

We’ve incorporated intelligent features into our smartphones so that they can assist you to make your daily life more convenient, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Both models feature new Battery Care complemented by Qnovo adaptive charging which work in harmony to keep your battery healthy and make the lifespan last up to twice as long. Qnovo adaptive charging monitors and adjusts the charging current to avoid damage for battery longevity whilst Battery Care controls the charging based on learned habits and avoids excess charging by pausing charge at 90% and only completes the charging just before it’s needed.Xperia Tipsalso recognises user habits to provide personalised tips and recommendations, helping you optimise your own personal user experience while Smart Cleaner automatically maximises performance by cleaning the cache from certain apps based on learning their usage so optimal performance is achieved at all times.

Performance matters

Xperia XZ is driven by its Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 820 processor to provide a seamless experience on your phone. As one of the most cutting-edge mobile processors ever created, the Snapdragon 820 processor with X12 LTE supports the ultimate in connectivity, graphics, photography, power and battery efficiency.

Accessories

Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact each have a range of matching optional Style Covers in corresponding colours including Style Cover Touch (SCTF10/20)which lets you access your favourite smartphone widgets through a smart window without needing to open the case. For easy video viewing, Style Cover Stand (SCSF10/20) has an auto on/off function with adjustable viewing angle. Each model will be supplied with the new USB Type-C™ charger for easy charging.

Xperia Smart Products

Sony continues to explore the unlimited possibilities for product innovation in the area of communications and we are advancing Smart Products to enable you to interact and connect in closer, more human ways.  Xperia Ear, Sony’s in-ear and hands-free Smart Product that brings a new way of communicating, will be available to buy from November starting in select markets. Xperia Ear responds to verbal commands with intuitive operations, and through a wireless connection to your smartphone, it gives you information and assistance in a natural, authentic voice interaction. Equipped with Sony Agent Technology and a proximity sensor, it provides you with useful information such as your schedule and other personalized updates when you just place it in your ear, enabling you to face forward and get things done. Sony will also display Xperia Projector and Xperia Agent as concepts at IFA, combined with services from Yahoo Japan and Nestlé Japan, to give a glimpse of the user experiences offered by Smart Products.

Availability and specifications

Xperia XZ will launch globally from October 2016 and Xperia X Compact will launch globally from September 2016. Xperia XZ will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants.

Xperia XZ will be launched in the UAE at the price of AED 2,299 and will be available from October 2016 and Xperia XZ and Xperia X compact will be launched in KSA at the price of SAR 2,399 and SAR 1,699 will be available from October 2016.

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/phones/

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Huawei obtains a commercial license to invest in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and establish a center for innovations Total purchases from the local market are estimated at SR 300 million

Posted on September 3, 2016 by مشرف

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During the scheduled visit of His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs to China, Huawei; a leading global ICT solutions provider, received on Wednesday August 31 2016 an investment license from his excellency Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, as part of the activities of the Forum held by Aramco in Beijing to introduce the Kingdom’s vision 2030.

Huawei, represented by Pang Jimin, Director of Huawei Global Government Affairs, received the license to start the Company’s business in the Kingdom with a 100% ownership privilege. After submitting a comprehensive action plan to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) that includes several initiatives to contribute to the localization of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in the Kingdom, the new license would allow the company to sell its products directly in the Saudi market.

This is the first commercial license in the field of ICT in the Kingdom, and it is also the first commercial license in Saudi Arabia to a Chinese company.

His Excellency Minister of Commerce and Investment explained that granting the license to Huawei was based on the regulations and conditions approved by the Council of Ministers to license foreign companies to invest in the wholesale and retail trade sectors with a 100% ownership. The Minister also reiterated his keenness to attract and empower qualitative investments in the promising sectors and stimulate international companies in the target sectors to invest and guarantee all the necessary facilities to help them implement the commitments and initiatives to promote the investments in the Kingdom in order to contribute to the achieving the Kingdom’s strategic vision 2030.

Mr. Ramadan Ding, CEO of Huawei Tech Investment Company in Saudi Arabia, stated:

“Huawei is proud to be in the market of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1999, where we have launched the latest technological innovations, in addition to our support to young talents by investing to improve their skills through establishing a technology center . We look forward to future achievements and transforming ideas into reality using our latest innovations and the confidence of our customers in order to support the Kingdom’s vision 2030”.

Mr. Ding indicated that Huawei will immediately start implementing all the requirements and regulations according to the action plan submitted to SAGIA.

An action plan has been approved by SAGIA and Huawei. The plan stipulates that Huawei will establish an exhibition showcasing innovations,  arrange an annual and quarterly competition in the Kingdom to encourage young talents to innovate; in order to make this exhibition a platform for innovations, foster small and medium companies, establish a center for  ICT competencies which aims to train 4,500 of the qualified professionals in the ICT sector in the coming three years; including 900 Saudi people in the field of ICT, as part of the social responsibility activities of the Company to improve the Saudi competencies in ICT and finally to build a showroom for retail sales; in addition to three service centers.

Huawei will focus on building effective partnerships with local distributors and enhancing local content through its purchases from the local market at 300 million Saudi Riyals in the coming five years. In addition, the company will focus on maintaining and promoting its alliances with the leading telecommunication companies, as well as investing heavily in the creative brands and local marketing activities.

A delegate from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment visited Huawei’s center for research and development in Beijing. The delegation expressed their appreciation to the company for expanding its investments in the Kingdom and its decision to establish a center for innovation. They also maintained that the Kingdom’s vision 2030 focuses on the importance of promoting creativity and innovation in the universities, up skilling graduates for the job market and training the Saudi students, either through laboratories in universities or through its new center.

It is worth mentioning that the size of the ICT market in the Kingdom is estimated to be around 135 billion Saudi Riyals with a growth rate of 3.8% per annum. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered to be one of the largest consumer markets for Huawei in the Middle East. The number of employees in the Kingdom is currently more than 1,000 male and female employees.

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Coca-Cola named the official sponsor of Saudi Arabia Football Federation The company was announced as the ‘refreshing partner’ of the Saudi Arabia national football team and sponsor of the Saudi King’s Cup, the Crown Prince Cup and Super Cup.

Posted on August 30, 2016 by مشرف

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Coca-Cola has officially announced its sponsorship of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The agreement includes full support to the Saudi National football Team, and the three main events happening in the Kingdom during the year;  the Saudi King’s Cup, the Crown Prince Cup and Super Cup.     

As official sponsor of the Saudi National Team, Coca-Cola will back the squad as they aim to qualify for all upcoming international and regional tournaments. This includes the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the KSA national team hopes to compete for the fifth time. By uniting the fans and building passion among them, Coca-Cola hopes to encourage the squad during all upcoming tournaments.

Alongside these sponsorship activities, Coca-Cola will show its support of the team through on and off field signage and branding, and across digital and social media channels including Coca-Cola Journey Arabia. The brand’s packaging, in-store displays and other customer experience assets will also be customized to highlight the partnership and encourage fans to show their passion for the team. Arwa water will also be the official water brand for all the sponsorship activities.

“Today we witness an important partnership with Coca-Cola, one of the leading global brands renowned for their history in supporting sports, as an official sponsor of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. This new partnership reflects the importance and the stature of our federation, teams and the competitions we organize.” said Ahmed Eid, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. “We are delighted to have Coca-Cola as our partner, and look forward to a successful and promising future for both partners and the Football society”.

Throughout this partnership, Coca-Cola will make use of various platforms and channels to give the KSA football community a voice that can be heard. Real human stories of Saudi’s pride and passion for the sport will also be shared via these outlets.

“We are thrilled to be the official sponsor of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, as we always believe in supporting national talent across the region and especially when it comes to a game that brings us all together. We are certain the Saudi National Team will inspire fans of all ages, including the generation who will represent the country at the 2018 World Cup qualifications.”, said Tolga Cebe, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola, Middle East Region.

Coca-Cola has always believed in the power of football to unite and inspire people. The brand’s latest partnership follows a long history of sponsoring local initiatives that support national talent and a passion for the game. In KSA for example, Copa Coca-Cola – among other programs – was held again last year to offer teens (13-15 years) the chance to compete in an international football competition. Coca-Cola also has extensive ties with football globally, by sponsoring tournaments including the World Cup and European Cup, and other National football Teams around the world.

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‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Two LOIs between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Dur Hospitality Operating Two Hotels at Dar Al-Hijrah Project in Medina

Posted on August 28, 2016 by مشرف

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The Public investment fund (PIF) represented by the Saudi Real Estate Development Company (Dar Al-Hijrah) and Dur Hospitality, the Saudi Company specialized in hotel development and operation through local & international hotel operators signed two Letters of Intent, whereby Dur Hospitality will be operating two hotels at Dar Al-Hijrah project in Medina.

The LOIs were signed on Wednesday 13, Thul Qedah 1438 H, corresponding to August 17, 2016 G, by Assistant Minister of Finance Mr. Mohammed bin Hamoud Al-Maziad who is the Chairman of the founding committee of the Saudi Real Estate Development Company (Dar Al-Hijrah), and Mr. Fahad bin Abdullah al-Qasim, Board member at Dur Hospitality.

Through its own Saudi Hotel Brand specialized in operating hotels in Mecca and Madina “Makarem”, Dur Hospitality will operate the first Hotel that will boast 614 rooms and hotel apartments which will further boost the brand’s leading position in the holy cities of Saudi Arabia.

The second hotel will incorporate 380 rooms and hotel apartments and will be operated by Marriott Courtyard, making it the second hotel managed by Dur Hospitality through Marriot International as per the franchise agreement signed with Marriott last April.

Dar Al-Hijrah project will be developed over an area of 1.6 million sqm, 3 km southwest Al-Masjid an-Nabawī and 900 m away from Quba mosque, with a total cost of 55 Billion Saudi Riyals. It is one of the monumental projects foreseen to develop Al Medina AL Munawara city further, and contribute in upgrading the level of services in the area, as it includes more than 100 executives, commercial and hospitality towers, in addition to Public utilities and administrative centers and pilgrims’ services.

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The first Saudi Brand wins three awards Makarem Hotels tops the list of hotel operators

Posted on August 28, 2016 by مشرف

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In recognition of its unique services and success record, Makarem Hotels, the Saudi-grown Hotel Brand designed by Dur Hospitality, specialized in operating in the cities of Makkah and Madinah was recently awarded a set of three awards during Transform Mena prestigious awards Ceremony held in Dubai.

Transform MENA, the global celebration of brand development, reputation management and rebranding, is the only awards program awarding the best brand work in the Middle East and North Africa. The program provides an important platform from which to benchmark and showcase the fantastic work being done in the region.

Makarem Hotels were awarded The Silver Award for “Best brand evolution”, the Silver Award for the “Best use of typography” and the Bronze Award for “Best visual identity from the travel & leisure sector”.

On this occasion, Dr. Badr Al Badr, CEO Dur Hospitality, said: “Transform Mena Awards is an important platform for showcasing the successful brands of companies globally and highlights the importance of building strong brand identities. Winning these awards is the result of Makarem’s success during the past few years, where we revamped our corporate identity that stems from our belief in delivering the Saudi hospitality in a modern environment thus setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Kingdom. “

He added: “These awards urge us to pursue our mission of delivering world class hotel experience designed to the best Saudi spirit as per the finest industry standards.”

He concluded “We seek to be the first Saudi brand in the mind of our business partners and guests, and accordingly, Makarem unveiled a bouquet of unique services including its spiritual concierge, “Karam Club” loyalty program, and its7 languages website to cater to its diversified guests’ portfolio visiting Makarem from all over the world.”

It is worth mentioning that the whole evolution of Makarem’s Brand, is the result of the mutual collaboration between Landor and Makarem.

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Business with Style – on the go! The HUAWEI MateBook now available in Saudi Arabia After launching at Mobile World Congress MWC, Huawei’s latest productivity tool is now in-stores across the region

Posted on August 17, 2016 by مشرف

هواوي

Huawei announced that the HUAWEI MateBook is now available for purchase in Saudi Arabia. The device can be found in the beginning and exclusively at Jarir Bookstore, then after that at other retail outlets.

The HUAWEI MateBook, which was launched at Mobile World Congress in February, is Huawei’s first 2-in-1 device designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s modern business users, and is an ideal mobile productivity tool that seamlessly integrates mobility, high efficiency, work and entertainment. The device will be available in three elegant colors: black, brown and orange (only available in the high-end M7 SKU model.)

“Designed as a total solution for consumers who enjoy the flexibility of a convertible device, the MateBook is a premium product that perfectly balances mobility, productivity and design,” said Mr. Pablo Ning, Vice President of Huawei Saudi Arabia. “The MateBook combines the best of mobile and computing, offering consumers here in the Middle East a device that meets all the needs of today’s on-the-go business environment.”

The MateBook runs on Windows 10 and is powered by a 6th Generation Intel Core m-series processor. Its metal unibody weighs in at just 640 grams and measures 6.9 mm in slimness. It features a 33.7Wh high-density Lithium battery to provide enough power for 9 hours of working on Microsoft Office, 9 hours of video playback, or 29 hours of music playback, as well as Huawei’s exclusive power-saving technology. The MateBook also features the fastest fingerprint recognition in the industry, taking only one touch to unlock the screen.

Several accessories are also available for purchase:

  • The HUAWEI MatePen, which has a built-in laser pointer feature and a rechargeable lithium battery chargeable by USB for up to 100 hours of use
  • The HUAWEI MateBook Portfolio Keyboard, which features a cutting-edge ambient light sensor and weighs only 450 grams
  • The HUAWEI MateDock, which features two USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, HDMI, and a VGA port

Starting at 2999 SAR, the MateBook answers the demand for a portable, stylish smart device that allows users to stay connected in any setting. For more information on the MateBook, visit http://consumer.huawei.com/minisite/worldwide/matebook/

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