ArabWeeks

LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD), the world’s largest professional network, has announced the findings of its 2015 Talent Trends survey into the experiences and perceptions of candidates as they search for jobs, and the factors that will make them consider a new role. Some of the key findings included the fact that, while not actively looking for a new role, 87 per cent of professionals in the KSA are open to relevant job opportunities, while 53 per cent of all candidates are using professional social networks as part of their search for their next role.

The study included responses from over 750 professionals in Saudi Arabia, and offer valuable insights to empower companies more effectively find the best talent in the Kingdom.

Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn Talent Solutions, MENA, said: “World over, LinkedIn is working to better connect talent with opportunity, and these results offer meaningful insights for companies looking to better attract talent. Our data shows that there is a huge premium placed on the interview experience: first impressions count, and this can be a pivotal moment in the relationship between company and candidate.”

Rise of social media

Responses from the KSA show that today’s job-search is moving online. Fifty-three per cent of respondents use professional social networks to identify the next opportunity, the most popular online destination for job seekers. The good news for employers looking for the right candidate is that 87 per cent of respondents in the KSA are open to being contacted with the right opportunity. This is higher than a global average of 78 per cent.

Professional priorities

For professionals in the KSA, money talks. Fifty-one per cent of respondents base their career decisions on the salary package offered, more than professional development (29 per cent) and a better work culture (25 per cent).

First impressions count

The vast majority of professionals (83 per cent) would be put off a potential employer by a poor interview experience, even with a company they like. Conversely, a positive interview experience would change the minds of 87 per cent of professionals who previously weren’t interested in the company.

A full 53 per cent of professionals surveyed said that they saw the first meeting with their prospective manager as the most important interaction during the interview process. A conversation with leadership is also appreciated by nearly half of the respondents

Follow-up gap

There are some simple ways for companies to improve the overall process for candidates. A follow-up after the interview process is a priority as for 94 per cent of the respondents, whereas only 41 per cent said that they have experienced this from companies they’ve interviewed. Interestingly, 77 per cent of professionals prefer to receive good news on the phone, and 65 per cent of them would rather receive bad news via email.

Matar continued, “It’s clear from this data that there are some simple changes companies can make to their interview process that will not only help them attract the best talent, but also ensure unsuccessful candidates leave with a great impression of the company. With the growing importance of employer branding to employers worldwide, this is an easy win for companies looking to improve their reputation among talent in the region.”

There were some housekeeping tips for today’s ‘always-on businesses’ as well – candidates don’t appreciate being contacted outside working hours (typically after 6pm) or on weekends.

LinkedIn gives employers access to both active and passive candidates; those not actively looking for a new job but who make up the majority of professionals. This greatly increases the number of potential candidates for companies, reducing the time and cost associated with acquiring the best talent.

LinkedIn has been available in Arabic since February 2015, offering a more relevant experience for professionals in the MENA region.

Dur Hospitality announced the signing of a 40 years land lease agreement of 7,600 square meters in Yanbu, with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.

Dur hospitality intends to invest the leased land in establishing a 3 stars hotel in Yanbu.

This step comes in line with the company’s strategy to develop hotels in emerging cities across Saudi Arabia, such as Jubail and Yanbu, which are increasingly attracting investments in residential, commercial and touristic projects.

The investments in the cities of the Royal Commission reached one trillion Riyals, and acquired 65% of the Industrial investments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and produces about 10% of the global petrochemical output, thus contributing to 12% of the gross national product of the Kingdom.

This project is expected to take about three years, once the architectural design is complete, and it will be reflected on the company’s financial statement in the third quarter of 2018. Dur Hospitality also announced the project will be self-financed along with banking facilitations.

The premium Collection, a subsidiary of Nahwasharq Co., celebrated the showroom inauguration of the Italian-made premium sports car ‘Pagani”, the most expensive and luxurious car in the world. The ceremony was held at the Burj RAFAL Boulevard, on the 30th of May, and gathered a group of VIP guests and media representatives who had the chance to examine the Italian, artistic masterpiece.

“The PaganiHuayra has reached its Riyadh showroom after touring in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which comes in line with Nahwasharq Co. (The premium Collection) Strategy, the exclusive agent of Pagani in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.” said Mr. Sabah Al-Kraidees, Vice President of Nahwasharq Co. Ltd (the Premium Collection).

Mr. Fawaz Al-Kraidees, General Manager, Nahwasharq Co. Ltd (the Premium Collection) said “We are keen on selecting unique premium sport cars and Pagani is considered the world’s finest luxury sport car. And as Pagani is getting ready to launch its convertible special edition Huayra roadster, the entire collection will be showcased at its showroom in Burj RAFAL Boulevard, the hub of the premium brands for luxury fans.”

The handcrafted and manufactured car features a carbon fiber structure that is known for its power and light weight along withits twin turbo engine, 6.0-litre V12 should pump out 720 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque and when combined with a quick-shifting seven-speed transmission and rear wheel drive, should accelerate to 100 km/h in the low 3.3 second range.

Nahwasharq Co.is a Saudi Company that was established in 2007 with a strategy to carefully select the finest and best luxury sports car brands, taking into consideration the requirements of their distinguished customers as well as being the first to offering unique brands that meet the demands and needs of customers who are seeking luxury and excellence.

The Premium Collection is the exclusive agent of several luxury sports cars and brands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. They are the exclusive agent of Pagani and Koenigsegg, among other luxury sport car brands.

The company also offers highest level of quality services across all branches such as after-sales services and spare parts, covering major cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer valued customers high quality services.

• Captivating design & stylish interiors command instant attention
• Top Class performance leads to  an outstanding driving experience
• Comprehensive safety features provide ample protection
• Fully loaded XSE sports variant makes a distinctive statemen

Toyota has raised the bar yet again in the mid-size sedan segment with a bold, bumper-to-bumper redesign of the new Toyota Camry to open a new chapter in the illustrious history of the world’s most popular mid-size sedan. With a striking new design, new model grades, and more dynamic handling, the new Toyota Camry which is being introduced in the Middle East, is Toyota’s best ever Camry  and puts the hot-selling model truly in a league of its own.

According to the car’s Chief Engineer Masato Katsumata, the new-look Camry was developed for customers who want a car with more emotional styling and greater driving enjoyment. “We wanted to produce a Camry that appeals to its traditional customers as well as to younger buyers,” he said. As a result, the latest Camry is the boldest-looking Camry ever. The car is more expressive, more athletic and more confident.”

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation, said, “The new Toyota Camry blends an evolution of the car’s features– such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience. With its striking hood lines and statement-making front grille, the car is designed for those who dare to be bold, and combines refinement and performance like never before. I would like to thank our customers in the region for their loyalty and support over the years. The new Camry is our way of repaying their trust by making a truly special vehicle for them.”

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over six generations, Camry has come to be embraced by people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality and its high level of QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability). The car has established an unshakeable presence in the standard mid-size sedan market – both in the Middle East and around the globe – selling more than 15 million units worldwide.

“The Toyota Camry has been a fixture on Saudi roads for ages,” said Dr. Adel Ezzat, Managing Director of Marketing at Abdul Latif Jameel, authorized distributor of Toyota in Saudi Arabia. “The Camry has had many changes incorporated into it through many generations, and it is still paving its way at the top of the midsize sedan totem pole today, not only in the Kingdom, but the world over.”

“We are very excited about the latest generation of the Camry, which sets new standards for many features this very popular brand has always been known for,” he added. “Today, we are witnessing along with you the continuation of the drive of innovation, reliability, performance, flexibility, and solid build quality. We are confident that the latest Camry will amaze its enthusiasts like no other

Camry has done before, thanks to its unique, modern styling and elegant design cues, both inside and out.”

For its latest upgrade, Toyota designers and engineers re-design nearly every exterior surface of the car, with only the roof remaining unchanged. The new, upscale interior features premium, soft-touch materials throughout the spacious cabin, and advanced instrumentation with intuitive controls helps keep the driver’s eyes safely on the road ahead.

The new Toyota Camry is offered in the Kingdom market in several variants – the GL Standard, GL, GL limited, GLX, GLX Premium, XSE and XSE Premium.

With a history of more than half a century of outstanding success, the partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and Abdul Latif Jameel Company (ALJ) has grown into the leading automotive dealership in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the biggest Toyota independent distributor in the world.

Captivating Design & Sumptuous Interiors

An aggressive looking front bumper and grille and pronounced side character lines give the new Camry a far more expressive style. It’s a sleeker look that’s also slightly longer and communicates a dynamic stance and presence. In profile, a pronounced body line starts from the Camry’s muscular front fender and spans across the doors and rear quarter panel, conveying a sense of motion.

Sleek new headlamps are the eyes in a new Camry face that makes an immediate impression. The new Toyota Camry offers LED low and high beams, and front turn signal indicators and LED DRLs are integrated for an elegant appearance. Tail lamps wrap around into the tapered rear quarters for a more sophisticated look, while 17-inch wheels express an impressive performance, helping motorists get the most out of their drive.

The new Camry has an interior that thrills before the driver even starts moving. With its intuitive top-flight technology and high-contrast stitching, the cabin feels more like a cockpit than anything else, and the driver-focused layout is designed to reduce distraction. A sleek center stack with 4.2-inch TFT screen makes it easy to access content with an information layout which is simple and easy to understand.

Sit inside the new Toyota Camry to very quickly see, and feel, the difference. Genuine leather-trimmed surfaces are situated throughout the cabin, and trim elements are finished in wood-grain-style accents and satin chrome. A new generation frame construction has been adopted for the front seats to provide enhanced comfort. The front seatback height and the cushion shape have been modified, increasing the surface area that contacts the body, resulting in comfortable and anti-fatigue seats. A power 8-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat are also available. The rear seats split and fold forward so passengers can carry more things, and the ample leg room makes this space ultra-versatile, ensuring the Camry has some real utility that’s eager to be put to good use on the next trip.

Extensive real world road testing to fine-tune cabin noise levels has resulted in the creation of a cabin that allows those inside to easily hold a conversation and enjoy an unmatched level of quietness that stands out in its class. This special attention to reducing unwanted wind and road noise has resulted in the quietest-ever Camry cabin.

A high performance yet compact, lightweight and fuel efficient air conditioning system has been adopted to deliver top class cooling and comfort while being environmentally friendly. The independent left/right temperature controls allow separate temperature zones to be automatically set for the driver and front passenger seats.

Adding to the class-leading comfort and utility quotient of the new Camry is the availability of a 10-speaker JBL, resulting in efficient sound.

The new Toyota Camry is available in 10 colors, including two new colors – Dark Blue, a modern and rich metallic blue color with bright sparkle that indicates power and function, and Light Blue which expresses longevity, elegance and sophistication. Several interior colors are also available: Ivory, Black.

Top Class Performance

If the new Camry looks like a stunner, it drives like a dream. The car features a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 235 NM of torque, allowing it to deliver best-in-class engine performance and quietness. The engine employs Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. A 6-speed automatic transmission enables smooth manual-like shift feeling and is complemented by an innovative flex-start control that proactively engages the lock-up clutch when starting off to enhance power transfer efficiency and lower the engine speed, contributing to excellent fuel economy. The newly developed Electric Power Steering (EPS) on all the new Toyota Camry models is tuned for better on-center feel, enhanced stability and more direct-feeling steering inputs.

The use of the latest in efficient, lightweight and low-emission technologies has helped reduce kerb weight while ensuring high performance across the entire rev range. A preload differential that provides torque to limit the differential motion under light loads or low rotational speed differences helps the car realize excellent starting off performance and straight line stability.

The chassis and body structure are bolstered with additional spot welds, enhancing rigidity for better ride quality. Re-tuned suspension and steering systems along with optimized aerodynamics take the new Toyota Camry’s handling to a whole new level of responsiveness.

Comprehensive Safety Features

The new Toyota Camry continues Toyota’s comprehensive approach to safety to ensure peace of mind for customers, with the car coming equipped with an array of safety features designed to give them the confidence they need every time they take the car out for a spin. These include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and more. For e.g, EBD control utilizes ABS hydraulic control to optimize the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions and vehicle load. In the case of Brake Assist, if the brake pedal is suddenly and rapidly depressed, it helps the driver with braking by generating a larger braking force.

The new Camry also employs an advanced collision safety technology designed to not only ensure occupant safety but also to reduce pedestrian injuries. The body construction disperses collision energy through many frame components for effective energy absorption, thereby controlling cabin deformation to ensure survivable space after a collision. The front bumper absorber has been given a concave shape in order to reduce intrusion by controlling vehicle under-ride in a frontal collision.

There are also a suite of convenience equipment that includes Rear View Monitor with Guide Lines, a Parking Assist System that alerts the driver when approaching obstacles in blind spots behind, and a Back Sonar System that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles behind the vehicle and informs the driver of the position and distance between the sensors and the obstacle using a buzzer. The new Camry features 6 SRS airbags, including driver’s airbag and knee airbag, front passenger airbag, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags that help reduce the collision energy imparted to occupants’ heads in the event of a side collision. In addition, it is provided with 3 point Emergency Locking Retractor seatbelts for the driver along with 3-point Automatic Locking Retractor for the front passenger and rear seats.

Camry Sport Model XSE makes distinctive statement

Bold, aggressive and stylishly modern, the new sport model (XSE) makes an immediate design statement with its smoked chrome upper grill, piano black lower grill and dark chrome coated headlamps. The car’s edgy look injects some serious high-end sportiness to the Camry nameplate. The XSE grade comes loaded with a raft of exclusive features in the form of automatic air conditioning control panel, sporty seats dressed in Alcantara and genuine leather, a newly designed two dial Optitron meter, and race-inspired paddle shifters that put the power at customer’s fingertips.

The Camry XSE also gets 17-inch wheels and more sharply tuned suspension and steering along with satin chrome ornamentation with an enhanced quality feel that helps reduce light reflecting from each part. Additional under covers fins have been adopted leading to excellent aerodynamic performance and handling stability. A total of 9 exterior colours are available for the XSE grade which includes Super White 2, White Pearl CS, Gray M.M., Dark Steel MC, Silver ME, Attitude Black MC, Red MC, Lt. Yellow M.M. and Dark Blue M.M.

The distinguished relationship between Toyota and Abdul Latif Jameel goes back more than 50 years, during which the company grew to become one of the leading automotive concerns in the Kingdom, and one of the world’s largest independent Toyota distributors in the world. Based on a policy that always puts the guest first and demands nothing short of excellence, ALJ’s companies provide support for the great ubiquity of Toyota vehicles in the Saudi market through a sprawling network of strategically placed sales and service centers, which provides happy motoring and peace of mind to clients wherever they might be in the vast Kingdom.

A planned portfolio of 20 hotels and 6 residential complexes in Saudi Arabia over the next seven years with SR 1.5 billion investments will definitely enhance Dur hospitality’ leadership position in Saudi Arabia and will sure reflect positively on the revenues, which are expected to increase 3 times by 2023.

The Hospitality industry in the Middle East in general and the Kingdom in particular especially the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, has been discussed duringthe Regional Leaders’ Panel at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2015. Dr. Bad Al Badr, Dur Hospitality’, Chief Executive Officer, elaborated“The market is promising as reputable sources expect 25 million visitors to Makkah and Madinah by 2025, and the Domestic Tourism expenditure growth is forecasted to increase by 11% annually and Inbound Tourism by 13% Annually especially after the completion of the two Holy mosques and the mega infrastructure projects.”

Dur Hospitality also revealed its expansionary plan targeting the emerging cities in Saudi Arabia such as Jubail, Yunbu and Tabuk, thus attracting business visitors, by announcing the first Holiday Inn in Tabuk, the first hotel to be developed under the master development agreement (MDA) inked between IHG and DUR Hospitality Company last year.

Dr. Badr Al Badradded, “Hotels are one of the investors’ most favorite investment assets but they require professional expertise and operational capabilities, thereforeDurdeveloped its operational strategy to cope with the investors who are looking for the perfect hospitality partner, byintroducing 3 operationalmodels; The Dur-owned hotels operated by international brands that rely on management agreements with international operators, under which falls our Partnership with Marriott since 1979 and will soon announce 2 new projects in Riyadh. Another model, are hotels operated by Dur Hospitality under its 10-year-old operational brand, Makarem that has recently re-launched its new brand identity and announced operating 10 new hotels in the coming 5 years. And finally Franchise agreements, represented by our partnership with IHG”

Dr. BadrAl Badr concluded his speech by affirming the stability of the Saudi Economy, which was not affected by the geo- political environment and the oil prices; on the contrary, the government expenditure did not change and with the fresh young leadership, things will become better.

Dr. BadrAl Badr pointed out the Saudization is one of the major challenges that face the hospitality industry and the importance of attracting Saudi Calibers to work in the hospitality industry which needs their contribution for healthy & sustainable development.

Hollywood actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, world-renowned Malaysian fashion designer Datuk Jimmy Choo and British supermodel Georgia May Jagger added glitz and glamour to the launch of British Airways’ flights to Malaysia with a Cinderella-inspired photoshoot in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

With the iconic Petronas Twin Towers serving as a stunning backdrop, Tan Sri Yeoh and Jagger dazzled while seated in British Airways’ Club World business cabin seats as Datuk Choo slipped on a glass shoe specially designed for the occasion.

Jagger wore a TEMPERLEY LONDON ‘Long Sand Goddess Dress’ in Almond while Tan Sri Yeoh looked stunning in her own evening gown as they posed for the photograph.  Datuk Jimmy Choo was in a suit by Lord’s Tailor.

British Airways’ inaugural flight to Malaysia arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 2:35pm local time on May 28, 2015. The non-stop route is served by the long-range Boeing 777-200ER aircraft offering customers a choice of four cabins – First and Club World business cabin featuring award-winning flat beds, World Traveller Plus premium economy and World Traveller economy cabin.

Datuk Jimmy Choo said: “Being a proud Malaysian, it has been such a pleasure to support British Airways as they begin services to Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has so much to offer those looking for new business and investment opportunities, or a memorable holiday destination for a few weeks. Beyond the action and nightlife of Kuala Lumpur, my hometown of Georgetown in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a marvellous place and one that I highly recommend that tourists visit.”

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh said: “Malaysia is the place I call home so I think it’s tremendous British Airways have launched a new route linking London and Kuala Lumpur. There’s so much to see and do here, be it visiting the historic monuments dotted around the city, tasting the mouth-watering delicacies served at our famous street food markets or wandering one of the many art galleries. I was born to the north in the city of Ipoh and it’s just one of the many inspiring places visitors can explore within easy reach during their stay.”

Georgia May Jagger said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Malaysia. The people are so welcoming and the food is amazing. I’ve been trying the local speciality dishes. It has also been an incredible experience working with Datuk Jimmy Choo on this one-of-a-kind photoshoot for British Airways. Being made to feel like Cinderella was a truly magical moment – after all, British Airways knows how to treat its customers.”

To celebrate the inauguration, British Airways is offering special fares to London, the UK and Europe from Kuala Lumpur starting from just RM3,088 for travel between May 28 and November 30.  The fares are valid for booking until 16 June 2015.

A roadshow is visiting three countries in the region offering the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi Summer Season’s offers, events and much more to encourage potential GCC visitors to spend a thrilling summer experience across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region over the next few months.
The delegation is being led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which is presenting the three-month long season of headline theatre shows, comedy acts, famous singers, illusionist and international children’s performances across the emirate from June 11 until September 5.
In addition, hotels, attractions and malls across Abu Dhabi are also joining in the festivities and delivering excellent summer promotions and offers for visitors and residents during the period. More than 40 offers for hotel-rooms are presented emirate-wide, while shopping malls offer mega promotions and some stunning prizes to be won for 12 consecutive weeks.
Joined by leading UAE-based event organisers, the TCA Abu Dhabi roadshow starts in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on May 26 before heading to the capital Riyadh and then on to Al Khorbar in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. The roadshow then ventures to Kuwait on June 2nd before ending in Muscat, Oman on June 4.
Promising ‘Fun for All’, the Summer Season will host more than 60 performances in venues across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and the Western Region, including Saudi singing sensation Mohammed Abdo, Sesame Street Live, Hans Klok – the world’s fastest illusionist, Mythbusters and Arabic and Western comedy nights as well as a range of other leading shows.
“During our last summer season, we saw a highly impressive increase of 20% in our guest arrivals into our hotels and hotel apartments over the previous year to 786,376, with guest nights from visitors within the GCC increasing by 25%. Hotel occupancy also grew, even with an additional 2,495 rooms across the emirate,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism Sector, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“We are looking to again further increase the number of visitors coming to the emirate during this summer period and have already had an excellent first quarter of the year in terms of visitor numbers. Working with our event organisers, who are travelling with us from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman, we want to display why Abu Dhabi is such an attractive proposition for families to come and visit and spend their summer while offering them an unforgettable summer season.”
The shows begin on July 18th with an Eid Al Fitr celebration, starring Mohammed Abdo live in Abu Dhabi at the du Forum on Yas Island and Emirati singer Habeeb El Yasi in Al Ain on the same night, followed by his appearance the following evening in Abu Dhabi.
Throughout the season, children will be treated to a stunning line-up of some of their favourite characters live on stage, including Barney, Sesame Street and Shaun the Sheep.
For a full list of events and timings visit: abudhabisummerseason.ae and follow @AbuDhabiEvents on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

A must for all railway fans – beauty and boldness combined. With its 65m high pillars, tapering towards the top, the viaduct is one of the most elegant bridge constructions in Graubünden. The most frequently photographed feature of the Rhaetian Railways

Between Thusis and St. Moritz the Landwasser viaduct is the most spectacular construction on the 63 kilometers long Albula stretch. And the Albula and Bernina routes of the scenic Rhaetian railway form part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since mid July 2008 – as first of three railway lines worldwide.

The construction of the main pillars of the Landwasser viaduct in 1901/1902 was considered a huge architectural feat, as this took place without scaffolding and solely two cranes. And 106 years later, in the year 2009, the masonry and track trough of the viaduct were repaired for the very fist time. The viaduct wall of natural dolomite lime is 142 meters long and at 65 meters high extends in a curve over the rugged Landwasser Valley and inside a tunnel, the entrance of which is on a vertical rock wall.

From the Filisur village you reach a beautiful vantage point in just half an hour on foot, from where you have amazing views of the viaduct. Next a path leads either down to the river, under the viaduct and into a ravine, or at the fork to the lookout point in around 2 hours and on to the Wiesner viaduct. This viaduct you can cross on a footpath while enjoying incredible in-depth views down under.