4th MUSCAT TERRY FOX RUN RAISES OMR 14,120.000 FOR CANCER RESEARCH
PICTURE: (From left to right) Chacko Angilimoottil, Financial Controller Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat; Mr. Salim bin Abdullah Al Yahmadi a representative from the Ministry of Social Development, Dr. Mansoor Al Manthari, Department of Breast Cancer Research at the SQU Hospital; Line Brunswyck, Run Organiser and Recreation Manager at the Radisson SAS Hotel; Torbjörn Bodin, General Manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat; Khalfan Al Barashdi, Public Relations Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat
MUSCAT - 11 May 2004. The fourth Muscat Terry Fox Run that took place on the 23rd January 2004 was once again a tremendous success thanks to the support of companies, institutions, independent groups, schools, the media and individuals. The final proceeds totaling OMR 14, 120 were recently handed over to Dr. Mansoor Al Manthari from the Department of Breast Cancer at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The cheque was handed over by the proud Run Organiser Line Brunswyck, and Torbjörn Bodin, General Manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat. The funds will support much-needed research that is being conducted by the SQU Hospital into breast cancer research in the Sultanate of Oman. This brings the total amount raised and invested in the local community by the Muscat Terry Fox Run to an amount of over OMR 52 000, over a four-year period!
When asked to comment on the success of this year's run Line Brunswyck, Run Organiser and Recreation Manager at the Radisson SAS Hotel enthused, "As organisers we are extremely delighted and proud at the success we have had with the run. Everything went as planned and we were able to raise a substantial amount of money for breast cancer research. The main aim of the Terry Fox Run is to make a difference, and I believe we did. I would like to thank everybody for their tremendous support and effort over the past few months, the success of this run did not come from one person but from an entire team and the support of outside groups." As with previous years Line also noted the important role the media play in bringing about public awareness and would like to thank all those who contributed to helping make the event a success by getting the message out. "From the bottom of my heart thank you - we have done it!" The organization of an event such as the Terry Fox Run involves the efforts of a lot of people and many resources and manpower hours. Below is a list of some of the interesting milestones achieved during the organization of the Terry Fox Run 2003: " Over 200 sponsorship request letters were sent out to corporate companies. "
Terry Fox presentations were undertaken at local schools and over 3000 students were informed. " 3000 flyers and 250 posters were distributed around Muscat. " 10 000 SMS messages were sent out. 5 radio interviews were conducted to inform the public and create awareness. " 2 press conferences and 6 press releases. " 9 Ministry approvals. " 920 caps and t-shirts were sold plus 1060 raffle tickets. " Over 3000 tattoos were distributed. " 250 balloons were distributed to children present on the run day. " There were 55 volunteers on the run day. " Over 2000 participants and supporters on the run day. " 5000 bottles of energy drink, 4000 bottles of water and 1000 cookies were distributed on the run day. " 45 raffle prizes were given away. The run organizers at the Radisson SAS Hotel would like to thank all the participants and volunteers for their fantastic efforts and hopes to see the same enthusiastic support next year! (KM Bureau Muscat)
GULF AIR OPERATES MORE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM MUSCAT THAN ANY OTHER AIRLINE
[Muscat, Oman- 11 May 2004] Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will expand its global network and increase flight frequency to accommodate the growing number of travellers to and from Oman. Gulf Air announced new flights, as well as an increase in flight frequency from Oman to popular destinations in the Subcontinent, Middle East and Europe. To meet the demands of India's increasing number of business and leisure travellers, Gulf Air is increasing flights to Trivandrum, and with effect from 20 May 2004, the airline will fly three times per week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Gulf Air also is bolstering its routes to Pakistan with the increase of flights between Muscat and Karachi and the introduction of flights to Peshawar. Starting from 21 June 2004, Gulf Air will operate daily flights from Muscat to Karachi.
Flights to Peshawar will run every Friday and Saturday beginning 25 June 2004. On its route from Muscat to Jeddah, Gulf Air will add another weekly flight effective 25 June 2004. Flights will commence from Muscat to Jeddah every Monday and Friday. Beginning 21 June travellers can enjoy the comfort and ease of direct travel to Europe when Gulf Air begins daily, non-stop flights from Muscat to London. "Due to the increasing demand for international flights from Oman, Gulf Air is expanding its network to satisfy customer requirements," said Fareed Al Alawi, Vice President Network Services at Gulf Air. "We are committed to extending our services globally and serving our customers more effectively with increased frequencies." Gulf Air operates more international flights from Seeb International Airport than any other carrier, with 120 flights a week serving the needs of the Business or Leisure traveller. For more information on flight schedules and prices, contact Gulf Air or your nearest travel agent or visit http:///www.gulfairco.com.
Ends About Gulf Air Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers more than 45 cities in 32 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft. The airline is in the second year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline's aim is to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, technical expertise, modern fleet and professional management team which have been developed over more than half a century, into a global competitive environment. Gulf Air was recognised with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) in 2003 and it was selected as a one of the leading and most recognised brands in the UAE by the Superbrands Council.
Hi-Rez, a new 'Imaging' concept store at Wafi City launched by Salam
May 11, 2004 In a bid to capitalize on the growing demand for first-class imaging solutions from technology-savvy consumers, Salam has launched Hi-Rez, a new imaging concept store that escalates its former imaging services to a broad new level in the digital realm. Combining the latest in computer-aided imaging solutions with hi-tech image capture devices, the new store is set to provide customizable imaging kits to both individual and corporate clients. "The world is changing digitally; Hi-Rez is the convergence platform to digital imaging that enables consumers to migrate from traditional photography processes to the convenience of real-time dynamics of today's evolving digital technology," said Bassam Abdulsalam Abu-Issa, Executive Director, Salam. "Change is the evolution factor for progress. While imaging technology develops at a rapid pace, Hi-Rez will be the platform for introducing revolutionary new technologies that have been developed in response to an increasingly demanding, tech-savvy consumer." Salam has earned its reputation as a professional vendor of high quality products and services.
Over the last 52 years Salam has grown from a single outlet in Doha, to a retail chain spread across the region with outlets in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Muscat, as well as distributors in Kuwait and Jordan. This phenomenal growth underscores the founder's vision that has consistently met, over a passage of time, the needs of a dynamic market place. While Salam's imaging sector has always been highly popular among regional photography professionals, Hi-Rez was envisioned as a value-added store providing consumer awareness with hands on experience for this market segment. While the new concept store seeks to maintain the wide selection of superior class products for its loyal clients, even as the portfolio is imaging solutions is enriched to focus on many of the newer technologies that are evolving to complement the vast array of more traditional options. Contributing to this evolution are leading industry brands that have partnered with Salam over the years. In the UAE, Leica, Pentax, Rollie, Bronica and Sinar have provided the foundations for the traditional concepts of photography. The evolution of these brands into digital imaging, as well as the entry of IT majors such as HP, Toshiba and Apple is set to create a new paradigm in imaging. The presence of all these brands and more at Hi-Rez, with their range of quality products and solutions, will satisfy the most demanding of customers' needs.
"The Hi-Rez concept is best defined as 'Customer satisfaction through retail excellence.' We have attempted to go beyond the concept of traditional stores. The difference with Hi-Rez is the hands-on opportunity for consumers to come and try out products and understand the functionality based on their individual needs. The possibility of a total solution is further demonstrated with the connectivity of image capture devices to options of creative image enhancing and printing image creation. Hi-Rez will be a one stop shopping option for consumers that need a high-tech yet easy to implement Out of the Box, Plug and Play solution, without making multiple trips to various locations for their imaging requirements," explained Hasan Sultan, Group Business Development Manager, Imaging Solutions, Salam. In terms of branding, Hi-Rez has developed a strategy that will underscore its raison d'être as the platform to view and experience cutting-edge technologies. The choice of an evocative name, 'Hi-Rez' and its graphic depiction in a technical font that underscores its link to digital technology solutions, introduce the market to the new concept store. The digital technology focus is re-established through a series of icons that depict the in-store products; instead of the usual 'pretty-model-glorious-landscape' interpretation of photography.
The use of funky lime-green and white brand colours, running as a leitmotif through all visual representations of the store (from signage and icons, to brochures and bags), will further translate the theme of vibrancy in technological innovation. "Branding was one of the critical elements of our communication strategy with our customers. We wanted to create a memorable brand that would immediately communicate what we are all about. We chose to go simple and effective in what we offer our consumers. The name, Hi-Rez, does that and by designing it in a vivid and graphic manner that echoes the focus of our product line we are confident our target market will respond enthusiastically and come in to investigate. The choice of a vivid green product icon is also very evocative of the cutting-edge technologies featured at Hi-Rez," explained Abu-Issa. "Our world is made up of pictures and as technology progresses, our lifestyles are becoming increasingly monopolized by the need for quality images in the context of home entertainment and just plain fun. Imaging is the way of the future - and Hi-Rez will satisfy every need of the consumers who appreciate quality imaging in their life," said Sultan. Part of the Salam outlet at Wafi City, the Hi-Rez store is easy to locate thanks to the funky lime-green and white branding that projects the store's name. Encompassing more than 405 square meters of space, it is a 'must-see' for imaging enthusiasts and high-tech junkies. The product line includes a broad array of imaging options, from cameras and lenses to computers, plasma screens, mobile phones equipped with imaging technology and more. (KM Bureau Dubai)
