Dell Services Launches the Dell ProSupport Enterprise Suite to Help Customers Improve Performance of Critical Systems, Increase Productivity and Reduce Downtime • Dell ProSupport Plus can improve stability of critical IT systems with environmental intelligence, a dedicated Technical Account Manager and direct access to elite Dell engineers • Dell SupportAssist technology provides automated support to help customers get ahead of IT problems before they become issues • Dell ProSupport Flex for Data Center provides hyperscale data centres flexible support options tailored to their needs and a dedicated team to increase efficiency and speed time to resolution • Dell TechDirect can improve productivity with efficient self-service support options

Posted on April 22, 2014 by مشرف

As enterprises face an increasingly complex and converged IT environment, they require a higher level of service to maintain and optimise performance. Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of its award-winning Dell ProSupport service that boasts an estimated 95 percent enterprise customer satisfaction[1], Dell today unveiled its new ProSupport Enterprise Suite of services.

With new support offerings and automation, customers can improve the hardware performance and stability in the data centre, leverage the insights gained through intelligent data and increase the productivity of their teams.

“As customers struggle with adoption of new technologies and the resulting complexity in their data centres, IDC recommends they consider vendors with state-of-the-art offerings, deep domain expertise and the tools and automation to help address day-to-day operational issues. Dell’s ProSupport Enterprise Suite of services demonstrates that Dell has stepped up to provide a true enterprise-class service offering to meets these needs,” said Rob Brothers, Program Director Hardware and Software Support and Deploy Services, IDC.

The Dell ProSupport Enterprise Suite includes:

Dell ProSupport Plus

Dell ProSupport Plus can proactively improve the performance and stability of critical enterprise IT systems. Dedicated Technical Account Managers provide monthly reporting and performance recommendations to Dell ProSupport Plus customers based on insights gained through remote monitoring and data collection as well as trends and best practices identified across the Dell customer base.

Dell ProSupport Plus customers also have direct access to a team of Dell support engineers with detailed expertise in all of Dell’s enterprise products as well as hypervisor and operating systems –resulting in fast, expert resolution of issues when they arise. Dell ProSupport Plus, available today in 70 countries, allows customers to adopt new technologies with confidence knowing that Dell’s best resources are backing them.

SupportAssist automated support technology

SupportAssist identifies potential problems before they become severe, and in some cases, before they happen. SupportAssist remotely monitors enterprise systems and when a problem is identified, it collects and transmits information to Dell and automatically creates a support case. This allows our Dell ProSupport engineers to gain insight into the problem and begin troubleshooting before proactively contacting the customer. SupportAssist is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese to all ProSupport Enterprise Suite customers globally.

Dell ProSupport Flex for Data Center

Large data centres have support requirements that often can’t be met with off-the-shelf services. Dell’s ProSupport Flex for Data Center offers flexibility to build a support plan that complements the skills of internal resources and provides tailored support. A dedicated Technical Account Manager and dedicated phone and field support teams are trained to know their customer’s specific data centre environment and procedures – offering fast resolution to issues when they arise. With multivendor support capabilities in 43 countries, Dell can support the largest data centres wall-to-wall and around the world.

“We have a global data centre operation and Dell’s ProSupport Flex for Data Center allowed us to tailor the support we receive from Dell to the right level for our business,” said Ian Hammond, senior vice president, TechOps, TomTom.

TechDirect online case management and self-dispatch tool

Dell TechDirect is an easy-to-use, online portal that can increase the efficiency and productivity of teams supporting their organisation’s IT environment. Providing online case management and self-service options for requesting parts and labour, TechDirect helps minimise phone-based troubleshooting and can accelerate time to resolution. TechDirect is available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese to all Dell ProSupport Plus customers globally at www.dell.com/techdirect.

“Infrastructure complexity is rising and so are data centre maintenance costs. The Dell ProSupport Enterprise Suite provides a new level of proactive support and automation designed to improve customer performance with reduced effort,” said Doug Schmitt, vice president, Global Support Services, Dell Services.


[1] Based on 2013 internal Dell analysis.

Posted in Technology News | Leave a comment

Sporty SUV set to propel Porsche into new segment Porsche reveals all-new Macan in Riyadh

Posted on April 12, 2014 by مشرف

The world’s first sports car in the compact SUV segment, the Macan, has been revealed to an excited local audience at an exclusive event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh last night. The event was organised by Porsche Saudi Arabia, a division of Volkswagen Group Saudi Arabia (the National Sales Company) and SAMACO Automotive, the local distribution partner of Porsche across the Kingdom. The introduction marks Porsche’s pioneering move into a new segment, following in the footsteps of the brand‘s most successful model in the luxury SUV range, the Cayenne.

Under the theme “Life, intensified”, a phrase which exemplifies what Macan represents, guests to the event were taken on a journey through the senses as live musicians, exquisite food and vivid dance performances built the evening to a thrilling crescendo – the reveal of the Porsche’s fifth model line.

Commenting on this occasion, Christer Ekberg, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, said: “With the all-new Macan, Porsche launched a world first and entered a new segment. I have no doubt that this car will be another success for the brand, with the long-term commitment and intensive efforts of our local Porsche partners in Saudi Arabia.”

Poised to set new standards in driving dynamics and enjoyment, both on and off the road, the new Macan boasts the typical sporty handling characteristics that have become synonymous with the Porsche brand. Many of the design and performance elements have been inspired by the brand’s sports cars, including the iconic 911 and the revolutionary 918 Spyder, making it clear that the compact SUV heralds the first of its kind.

Featuring exceptional acceleration, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision, the Macan is set to rewrite the rulebook on outstanding sporting comfort and everyday usability. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognisable in the design. The compact SUV is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wrap-around bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Two derivatives are initially available to order across the Kingdom at the Porsche Centres Saudi Arabia: Macan S and Macan Turbo.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, delivering 340 hp and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. From the outset the Macan boasts the recently developed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which transfers power as required and almost free of interruption in tractive force. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, and reaches a top speed of 254 km/h.

As the top derivative, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful petrol-powered vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 hp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono package), reaching a top speed of 266 km/h.

Mark Sinclair, General Manager of Porsche Centres Saudi Arabia, said: “As you would expect, we have had a great deal of interest in the new Macan. Last year the Cayenne, our luxury SUV, proved our most popular model range and we are excited to expand our SUV offering, reaching a new group of customers. The sporty dynamics of the Macan inject an added dose of fun which I believe is set to redefine the SUV market.”

The name Macan comes from the Indonesian word for tiger, a spirit the car truly embodies. Boasting pure Porsche power and assertiveness, the Macan is also a nimble yet tenacious off-roader. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management – has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems.

A glance at the performance specifications reveal that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design and the mixed tyres with different dimensions at the front and rear axle, enhancing the look and functionality. The driver and passenger seats also boast the low position typical of sports cars.

The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate. The Macan features the air suspension system as the only vehicle in its segment and it comes as standard.

The basic retail prices of the all-new Macan in Saudi Arabia are as follows:

Macan S SAR 261,900
Macan Turbo SAR 361,300.

 

Posted in Economic News | Leave a comment

From Venice to Riyadh: Alāan Artspace Will Launch its 2014 Season with a Thought Provoking Exhibition

Posted on April 9, 2014 by مشرف

Alāan Artspace, one of Riyadh’s premier street-level galleries, will be launching its 2014 season with a unique exhibition titled “Questions/More Questions” showcasing the artwork of Riyadh-born artist Abdullah Al-Othman. The new exhibition will build upon the considerable success of the gallery’s inaugural year, which witnessed the impactful launch of “Soft Power” – a debut exhibition of solely female artists.

Alāan, meaning ‘now’, expresses a call to action for Saudi artists to produce more artwork alluding to the need for increased art and art education in the Kingdom. The name also represents the credo of the dynamic gallery, founded by siblings Neama and Mohammed Alsudairy. The Artspace has become renowned for endorsing and supporting contemporary, up-and-coming local artists and assisting in the development of the art community within the Kingdom. Maintaining the high standards the gallery set for itself last year, Alāan represents and supports talented artists who have demonstrated a serious commitment to their work, shown depth in their craft and created visually engaging pieces. These benchmarked criteria have paved the path for local Saudi artist Abdullah Al-Othman to display his artwork in his first ever solo exhibition that will launch on April 4th, 2014.

The multi-functional art space, with its commitment to art education and ability to accommodate for some truly unique pieces, distinguishes Alāan from other galleries in the Kingdom. This distinctive feature has allowed for the display of “The Question”, the centerpiece of Abdullah Al Othman’s exhibition. The video installation art piece first debuted in June, at the 53rd Venice Biennale and Alāan is now arranging for its Riyadh premier, which will also mark the first time that the artwork in its entirety will be showcased in Saudi Arabia. The installation of twenty-eight monitors, shows twenty-eight people whom the artist interviewed about Allah. The videos capture the tiny facial details and expressions as each person grapples with the topic and how to articulate often private thoughts.

The ‘Questions/More Questions” artist is proud to be represented by Alāan Artspace for his first ever solo art exhibition. The local art community is equally excited to see Abdullah Al-Othamn’s pieces exhibited in his native city of Riyadh, which symbolizes the homecoming of ‘The Question’ from its international premier in Venice. The exhibition curator is Mary Teeling, formerly Curator of Education and Head of Public Programs at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Ms. Teeling is now based in Riyadh, as Alaan’s Head of Curatorial Programs.

Whilst no concrete answers are provided to the questions put forward by the artist, Alāan Artspace will re-open its doors to the public on April 4th, to allow the public to draw their own conclusions and construct their own answers. The exhibition runs through May 30th.

Posted in Artists News | Leave a comment

Access to an International Baccalaureate education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increases New partnership between the international organization and The King Faisal Foundation aims to increase the impact of education

Posted on April 4, 2014 by مشرف

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) and The King Faisal Foundation (KFF) have today announced a partnership project that will bring holistic IB educational programmes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – through the “Developing Learners, Leaders and Teachers for the Future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” project.

Reinforcing both organizations’ shared beliefs that education for young people provides the foundation for greater understanding, awareness and knowledge throughout later life, the project aims to have a wider impact in Saudi Arabia and the Arabic-speaking world at a later date.

The project will focus on the educational development of young people and adults by increasing access to the IB’s Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes – all of which are to be delivered in Arabic. This includes increasing the number of authorized IB World Schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in addition to translation of programme delivery materials.

It will also seek to augment the professional development of educational professionals within the state system in Saudi Arabia. This will include establishing IB Certificates in Teaching and Learning, and in Leadership Practice, at higher educational institutions locally.

Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, Secretary General, The King Faisal Foundation, continues: “Our partnership with the International Baccalaureate has existed since 2008 and this new phase is a five-year plan that will lay strong foundations for future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will be able to use their knowledge to enhance the quality of education and benefit the Kingdom’s economy. Through our collaboration with the IB, who provide the educational expertise, quality and pedagogical leadership, this initiative aims to develop up to 40 primary and secondary schools in the Kingdom to become centres of excellence as IB World Schools including the provision of IB Diploma Programme subjects in Arabic. Furthermore, we aim for over 1500 teachers to be trained through an innovative professional development program and hundreds of practicing teachers and school leaders will acquire IB teaching and leadership certificates each year.” Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, Secretary General, concludes, “In line with The King Faisal Foundation mission, and with an investment of more than SAR16,500,000 from the Foundation, this initiative aims to gradually transform education in Saudi Arabia and the Arabic-speaking world to be amongst the best in class”.

Dr. Siva Kumari, Director General, International Baccalaureate, says: “The IB is already recognized for its rigorous standards and holistic educational offer in Saudi Arabia and this partnership with the King Faisal Foundation – one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations – is a significant commitment that will allow many more Arabic-speaking students access to the IB. The IB looks forward to truly internationalizing its community as it is our mission to create intercultural understanding. Our organizations are aligned in the vision to create a better world through education, and we are confident that the benefits will be felt in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Posted in Technology News | Leave a comment

Embassy of Nepa

Posted on April 3, 2014 by مشرف

The Embassy of Nepal, Riyadh organized a “Felicitation Program” on 26 March 2014 to honor His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khalid Bin Fahad with the objective of tourism promotion in Nepal in the prescnce of Saudi Government officials, media persons, travel agencies, tour operators and the community members. 1- lis Highness had earlier scaled up the Mt. Everest on 19 May 2012.Receiving the honor, [lis Highness the prince expressed his sincere gratitude towards (he ambassador and the embassy of Nepal. His Highness praised the natural beauty of Nepal and also extended the overwhelming love and affection towards the Nepalese people for making his mountaineering successful. While speaking in the program, he explained how he succeeded to climb the highest mountains of the respective seven continents within the short span of time. During the speech, His Highness shared own video footages filled with excitin ] and incredible experiences mixed with fear, anticipation, and happiness of climbing the Mt. Everest. Extending the hear t0 congratulation to His Highness, His Excellency the ambassador ofNepal to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Udaya Rai Pandey handed over a letter of honor and a token of memory to His Highness. Thc ambassador Pandey applauded the incredible achievement of his highness, who even growing up in one of the hottest place with the j=g’maximum temperature of 50 degree Celsius succeeded to climb the Mt. Everest situated in the coldest place in Nepal with almost -50 degree Celsius minimum temperature. Similarly, the ambassador highlighted the ever existing best bilateral relationship between the twogovernments of Nepal and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and also focused on the importance of people to people contact. “Apart from these high level visits, I am very hopeful and alsou fully believe that the visits of the people from both countries regardless of their purpose like for recreation or education will increase the people to people contact which will ultimately make the relation of both nations stronger”, he added. In the program, the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Harishchandra [vGhimire warmly welcomed

the distinguished guests and highlighted the tourism attractions of Nepal. Similarly, the Second Secretary of the Embassy Mr. Kul Bahadur Magar, also the MC of the program, bemphasized on the shared responsibilities of all to preserve and promote the Himalayanranges including the highest peaks. Towards the end of the program, a promotional video was shown introducing the exciting adventures of Nepal like mountaineering, trekking, rafting, bungec jumping, wild safari, paragliding, canyoning, khayaking and so forth. Md,Nepal tourism promotional materials were distributed to all the participants at the end of the program.

 

Posted in Sport | Leave a comment

Mohammad Zaza solo exhibition “This is Not a Coincidence” at Naila Art Gallery

Posted on March 31, 2014 by مشرف

Naila Art Gallery is pleased to present Mohammad Zaza’s second solo show at the Gallery, “This is Not a Coincidence”, running from April 1-14.

 

Mohammed Zaza’s investigates the cosmic reasons for chance in his series of paintings exploring the ideas of coincidence, random encounters, and arbitrary collisions. His conceptual approach is based on an attempt to understand collective consciousness.  The kaleidoscope of wonder is used to ask the audiences to reassess what is perceived as planned versus random.

 

The artists has said of his new series, as with his previous work in which he articulated a captivation with how coincidental is coincidence, he is “exploring new ways to construct figments in non-hierarchical visual fields and further redefining the concept of havoc and chaos.”

 

About Mohammad Zaza:

Mohammad Zaza is a Syrian artist, who was born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1987. He attended Aleppo University to pursue his interest in art and graduated with a degree in Fine and Applied Arts in 2010, and was later worked as a teacher assistant from 2010 to 2012. Zaza lives and works between Amman, Jordan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

About Naila Art Gallery

Located in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, Naila Art Gallery is an independent and innovative gallery showcasing work by both emerging and established artists. The Gallery itself is unique in the Saudi art community as an infinitely reconfigurable space able to host international exhibitions, local shows, and art symposiums alike. 

Exhibition opens: April 1, 2014 at 8 pm
Posted in Artists News | Leave a comment

The Art of Fashion SS’14 Splash fashion show

Posted on March 31, 2014 by مشرف

Celebrating the concept of art is fashion, the recently concluded Splash Spring Summer’14 fashion show explored varied possibilities of art applied to garments, where each was seen as a blank canvas for free artistic expression. Titled ‘Art of Fashion’, the show featured this season’s newest works of art which will be seen hanging in all Splash stores across the Region. Held at Dubai Studio City, the show enthralled a 3000 strong audience of style-conscious aficionados from across the Region.

Tugging at the season’s trends Splash presented an inspiring and artful new collection that draws from the bold work of pop art to influences of tribal artistry to the structure of constructivism and the surrealism of prints. The posh, contemporary evening saw 45 international models sashay down the catwalk which was an industrial space created into an art gallery, offering a clean, minimalist and urban feel. The entire set used only three colours white, teal and grey while real colours were added by way of custom-made art installations and the runway collection.

Inspired by the season’s trends and the recently concluded catwalk extravaganza, Raza Beig,
CEO, Splash & ICONIC, said,” At Splash we have always strived to work on unique concepts and sets and this season we got inspired by the fact that fashion is an art form and one that is very influential. A season that is all about structure and minimalistic fashion our runway was a mix of pop to abstract art to nuances of tribal art and surrealism as we presented a collection of high street must haves.”

“With an aim to maximize the reach of our shows and celebrate fashion on a larger scale, we live streamed our 3 shows on all our social media platforms along with other leading online platforms across the Region, where a million or more fans and consumers watched the show.” Raza added further.

As the 20 minute action on the ramp came to a halt, the art gallery setting of the show was instantly converted into the after party arena where guests danced into the wee hours of the night on the latest hits. The VIP show was attended by UAE’s crème de la crème where Raza Beig walked the red carpet for the finale along with Nisha Jagtiani, amidst a thunderous round of applause. Continuing with the lineup of the two consumer shows, fashion followers and Splash customers also got a taste of the season’s most awaited runway action across 2 shows earlier in the evening.

With the SS’14 blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash runway married themes beautifully with each other to offer high-voltage fashion. The show started with Popism, a trend that exhibits the surge of pop inspired fashion and is influenced heavily by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Litchenstien.  Application of artwork to garments with a strong primary colour palette and bold geometric patterns this was one of the boldest collection so the runway.  Next in line was Sketch Art where freedom of expression is key with sketching, paint splatter and scribble inspired prints forming the core.  Just as art combines opposite textures on a canvas, the Splash collection included combinations like sheer with solid, shiny with matt and embellishments with strong clean modern lines, bringing a whole new dimension to clothing.  Dominating the runway were trends like cubism and constructivism which are key for the season in terms of shape influences and introducing a clean minimalist fashion future.

The season promises to be print dominated with the most conversational prints and bold designs where photo-real surrealist collages are fashioned and applied to formal jackets, casual tees and sweaters.  The mixture of abstract art and visually impactful brush strokes are applied to garments as if painted by hand offering a line-up of head turning pieces. Last but not the least is Tribalism, a popular theme that is reborn in a whole new form. Bold and bright ikat tribal designs with flashes of neon with a big emphasis on body conscious silhouettes are must haves. Not to be left behind are accessories with particularly artful designs like fruit adorning neckpieces, clutch bags with raffia fringing and oversized tassel decorations.

A combination of visually stimulating and thought provoking collection the, Splash SS’14 wardrobe presented on the runway will be available from now until June’14 in store while all the looks from the catwalk are available on www.splashfashions.com and Facebook.com/Splashfashions for choosing your favorite pieces and in case you want to revisit moments from the show tune in to Youtube.com/SplashFashion.

Posted in Technology News | Leave a comment

The Dubai Mall records over 300 entries per day for #NameTDMDino competition

Posted on March 29, 2014 by مشرف

Thousands of residents and visitors to the United Arab Emirates, have expressed tremendous interest in naming Emaar’s newest tourist attraction, an original fossil of a 155-million year old she-dinosaur, with The Dubai Mall recording an average of 300 entries per day for its ‘#NameTDMDino’ competition.

Following the unveiling of the dinosaur in The Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium, the mall launched a social media-wide competition inviting fans and followers to help Emaar name the latest addition to its portfolio.

From play-on-words to phrases that symbolise Emirati heritage, The Dubai Mall has already received a wealth of responses. The Dubai Mall is also reaching out to school students to take part in the competition, with several children having submitted creative names backed by their remarkable knowledge of dinosaurs.

The #NameTDMDino competition, open until March 31, 2014, allows each user to submit three suggested names per entry. The winner of the competition will win a five days/six nights trip for four (two adults and two children under the age of 12) to ‘Jurassic Park’ in Universal Studios, in Orlando, United States, inclusive of flights, accommodation and tickets to the attraction.

Ms. Natalie Bogdanova, Senior Director, Business Development & Operations, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The response to the #NameTDMDino has been overwhelming, with people of various nationalities residing in the UAE, suggesting names that build on both Dubai and The Dubai Mall. With over 3,000 entries to date, we look forward to more entries and eventually select a captivating name that will go down in the history, given the extreme rarity of the exhibit on display.”

With nearly 90 per cent of the fossil’s bones being original, the skeleton characteristic is very unique, given that the most original Diplodocus longus skeleton finding, prior to this, had only 30 per cent of original bones from the overall found structure.

The 24.4 metres long and 7.6 metres tall exhibit of the prehistoric dinosaur is open for free viewing for the public in the Grand Atrium of the mall. The exhibit is the only one-of-its kind in the world and is mounted in an upright position. It has unmatched completeness, consistency, and is highly rated in scientific integrity and preservation.

For more information on the #NameTDMDino competition, please visit: www.thedubaimall.com or follow The Dubai Mall on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheDubaiMall; and on Twitter: @thedubaimall.

Posted in Artists News | Leave a comment

Luxury Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA Celebrates Grand Opening World-Renowned Spa Brand ESPAdebuts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Posted on March 29, 2014 by مشرف

Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA last night welcomed guests including several members of the royal family and other dignitaries to the glamorous opening tothe first internationally branded ladies-only spa in Saudi Arabia.Located in the heart of Riyadh, at Al Faisaliah Suites, a Rosewood Hotel,Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA offers a sequestered sanctuary away from the city, providingguests with a tranquil oasis to unwind and indulge in a number of world-class, luxurious treatments.

Adorned with Swarovski crystals and opulent finishes, Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA highlights glamour and elegance.Meticulously designed by Her Highness Princess Al AnoudBint Khaled Bin AbdullahAl Saud,thespa is draped with plush fabrics in rich colours, sumptuous textures and cascading waterfalls which come together to create a truly magical experience.  The spa’s signature treatments by ESPA teamed with the unique design elements reflect the local culture and heritage, providing theperfect ground for relaxation and indulgence.

Spanning across four floors, the spa features 6 treatment rooms, 2 private spa suites, relaxation rooms, whirlpool, nail studio,hair salon and a fitness zone with the latest Technogym equipment. In addition, the spa includes a 14-m long swimming pool, a traditionalHammam, and an inviting tea lounge for guests to continue their ultimate spa experience.

His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khaled, Chairman of Al Khozama Managementsaid, ‘We are delighted to launch the Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA which will allow guests to retreat to a private oasis for a relaxing break from the bustle of the city. Carrying forward the established brand;which already exudes luxury, elegance and sophistication;into the spa industry was an obvious move. We are excited to enter another realm of the service industry and look forward to welcoming guestsas we continue to deliver a world-class service to our guests.”

ESPA, the world’s leading spa company provides bespoke spa services which reflect local culture requirements. With presence in 55 countries, including Bahrain and the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ESPA’s holistic approach offerspersonalized treatments using advanced techniques. The spa has partnered with leading skin care and beauty brands, including traditional and regionally sourced services and products, to create exceptional rituals that are unique to the establishment.

Susan Harmsworth MBE, Founder & CEO, ESPA International said, “We are very excited about our partnership with Al Khozama Management Company and Rosewood Hotels and Resortswhich sees the launch of our brand in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership focuses on creating a concept for the Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA that redefines luxury and delivers our world class, multiple award-winning spa service.”

The ESPA treatment menu will offer services that combine regional traditions in wellness with internationally advanced ESPA treatments and experiences, ranging from facials to Hammam rituals. Guests will be treated to tailored treatments based on their need for relaxation, revitalization or stimulation.

Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA is open from 9am to 11pm daily and serves hotel guests as well as the general public. For appointments, please call 00966112733000 and spareception@alfaisaliahspa.com.

Posted in Sport | Leave a comment

Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. Launches All-New 2014 Ford Fusion,Redefining Mid-Size Expectations with Unprecedented Suite of Driver Assist Technologies • With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, and MyFord Touch®, the all-new Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

Posted on March 29, 2014 by مشرف

Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA), the exclusive Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Saudi Arabia, today launched the all-new 2014 Ford Fusion at a major event in Riyadh’s Faisaliah Hotel , bringing to the Kingdomone of the hottest contenders in the mid-size segment. The event was attended by VIPs, business men, media, senior executives from Ford Middle East and customers.

The all-new Fusion promises to redefine expectations from vehicles in its category with an unprecedented suite of driver assist technologies, a dynamic and expressive design, top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want advancetechnologies, game-changing looks and leading fuel efficiency.

Sabah Abdullah Al Kraidees,Sales and Marketing director at Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co., said: “With the launch of the all-new Fusion, the Ford range in Saudi Arabia now features award-winning products across the board. This is a great car, true to the new generation of Ford vehicles, featuring outstanding quality and craftsmanship, class leading safety, unmatched technologies and fuel economy and above all, tremendous value. We are confident that the Fusion will impose itself in its segment.”

“The new Fusion truly embodies what One Ford stands for,” said Paul Anderson, Marketing director of Ford Middle East. “Our global teams were challenged to develop a midsize car with a jaw-dropping design and groundbreaking fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result, and we are excited to have it here at Ford dealerships across the region.

“Ford Fusion is a game-changer on all fronts thanks to its richarray of unexpected features and segment-first or even segment-exclusive technologies that truly make it stand out from the rest,” Anderson added.“We are confident it will witness the same level of response here as it does globally.”

In Saudi Arabia, the all-new 2014 Ford Fusion is available at all branches of AJVAin the S and SE series, and comes with the Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co warranty of5years or 200,000kms, whichever comes first.

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position and adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions. Specific technologies include:

  • Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
  • Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
  • Active park assist (available at a later stage): Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver needs to do is to operate the accelerator and brake pedals
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

 

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC®communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®– powered by SYNC – allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design

According to Ford, the design goal for the new Fusion was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

  • Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans
  • Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
  • Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
  • Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
  • New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

“This really is a driver’s car,” said Anderson. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to premium brands configurations.”

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please well-seasoned enthusiast drivers.

Fusion interior quietness reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

The Ford product development team also found a way to honor Fusion innovative design while lowering the cost that results from low-speed rear-impact repairs.

An integration panel is mounted to the rear face of the Fusion decklid. In the event of a low-speed impact, this panel is designed to absorb the brunt of low-speed damage that might occur in a parking situation.

Helping to keep passengers safe
Safety experts acknowledge that the back seat is the safest place for children and Ford is committed to keeping all vehicle occupants safe. The optional inflatable rear seat belts that Ford debuted in 2011 are now available on Fusion for the first time. In the event of a collision the rear belts inflate, distributing the load over a larger area and reducing the risk of abdominal, chest and shoulder injuries for rear passengers.

Fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy on the 2.5L I-4 paired with an automatic six-speed transmission.

Posted in Economic News | Leave a comment