Canon raises the bar on photo printing speed, quality and economy
No Threat to Shrimp Export to USA France gave passports to help Iraqis escape: US paper Greek aid convoy attacked outside Baghdad Nigeria: Nine killed in elections to state assemblies Union Cabinet decides to grant dual citizenship Iraq: Amnesty International urges Bush and Blair to intervene in relation to "disappeared"
e-Gate fast tracks immigration offering greater traveler convenience in Dubai, says DNRD official
Fully secure electronic access system significantly speeds up passport control procedures
May 06 2003
"The e-Gate project has significantly accelerated passport control procedures at Dubai International Airport, introducing a much-needed comfort factor for regular travelers," said Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Lootah, Head of IT at Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department (DNRD).
Delivering the keynote address on "Fast Track Immigration - the Dubai International Airport e-Gate" recently at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) IT Forum, Lieutenant Colonel Lootah said: "In these times of increasing airport traffic and stringent security requirements, Dubai International Airport has succeeded in reducing the time at passport control down to approximately five seconds, due to the novel concept of e-Gate, developed by the IT department of DNRD. Dubai International Airport is the first airport in the region and the third in the world to adopt such a hi-tech passenger clearance system."
e-Gate is open to pre-registered users through an e-Card, issued by DNRD. The system is fail-safe because it uses the fingerprint scan for identification and instant information retrieval. Within seconds, the computer confirms the record and provides or denies access of the user. Travelers can register for the e-Card at counters set up at the Dubai International Airport and the DNATA office on Sheikh Zayed Road.
"The e-Gate project is an ideal example of the Dubai rulers' vision to leverage technology for easing the lives of people," said Lieutenant Colonel Lootah. "Technology has provided the answers to the frustration of long queues at airports. As a department committed to simplifying procedures, DNRD took up this challenging project to introduce an innovation at Dubai International Airport. The in-house IT department developed the system using state-of-the-art technology, demonstrating the capabilities of young UAE nationals, in creating world-class solutions for complex problems."
"We are pleased to report that the number of registered users of e-Gate are ever increasing. The system has not only accelerated the movement of passengers but also helped detect and prevent fraudsters from leaving the country," said Lieutenant Colonel Lootah. "The success of e-Gate has prompted us to introduce enhanced innovations to the system to make it accessible to people who are unable to provide a fingerprint scan."
The ATM IT Forum was addressed by a number of prominent speakers, including Hugh Pride, IT Director Information, Mercator & Emirates Group; Gilbert Lacroix, General Manager, Intel Middle East; Jean-Claude Ummels, Executive Assistant Manager, Dusit Dubai Hotel; Robert Renton, e-Procurement, MMI and Kevin O'Sullivan, CEO, Open Destinations.
Kanoo Travel and mytravelchannel.com partner in 'Internet Travel'
6 May 2003: With immediate access to 500 airlines, 50,000 hotels, thousands of holidays and three-quarters of a million car hire options, Middle East's most popular travel website, mytravelchannel.com on MSN Arabia is now partnering with the region's largest travel agency, Kanoo Travel, to provide customers an extensive choice of travel options.
This partnership will result in delivering a seamless service and a one-stop travel shop providing travel and travel related services through the net to travellers in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the Southern Emirates.
Mr. Yusuf Ahmed Kanoo, Chairman, The Kanoo Group said during the signing ceremony: "Kanoo's partnership with mytravelchannel.com reflects our strategic plan to develop our travel and holidays business on line to provide internet users with quality and reliable services through our regional and global network".
Simon Lewis, E-Ventures Group Manager and Manager, mytravelchannel.com, said: "With over 140 locations in the region and a global network of world class travel partners, having Kanoo Travel on board offers our customers even more holiday options in this region to make their travel arrangements. Customers can now get all their information from the comfort of their home or office, swiftly and securely."Special emphasis will be on trendy and young customers utilizing the Internet as a medium of service. The current trend and research indicates a remarkable growth in this market segment and this will be an important distribution network of the future providing 'Value for Money' products, both in terms of Holiday and Business Travel.
Mr. Edward Laycock, Kanoo Holidays General Manager said: "All over the world, Internet users have embraced Internet travel, whether for their package holiday, hotel accommodation or flights, purely because of the "hassle free factor" and more importantly, the great deals that are available online. Our new partnership with mytravelchannel.com signifies Kanoo's position in making booking a holiday or travel arrangements from your home or office PC with ease".
The Partnership will be extended to Egypt through American Express where Kanoo is a joint venture partner. In the second and third phases, more countries will be added to this program and with aim to achieve a significant milestone in servicing this particular market segment.
"At mytravelchannel.com, we provide internet users with a web site that delivers value and choice through well established travel providers and partners using simple and leading edge technology. This partnership with Kanoo reinforces our commitment to provide a comprehensive choice of holiday booking options to our customers in the GCC & Levant," said David Robertson, Emirates' eVentures Business Development Manager for mytravelchannel.com.
In partnership with airlines, cruise companies, tour operators, hotel groups and car hire companies, mytravelchannel.com, which is available in English and Arabic, offers a one-stop shop that meets the requirements of all kinds of travellers.
May 6, 2003
RADISSON SAS TO MANAGE LUXURY SERVICED APARTMENTS
Bahrain's latest property development comes under Radisson SAS management
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, which operates 14 properties across the Middle East and Africa, has won a contract to manage the new 15-storey extension of the highly respected 246-room Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
The five-star extension, which together with the hotel will be called The Diplomat, Radisson SAS Hotel and Executive Apartments, features a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroomed, generously proportioned serviced apartments. There are also a limited number of VIP penthouse suites.
The contract to manage the property was signed today at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai by Ahmed A. Al Zayani, Chairman of Bahrain's National Hotels Company, B.S.C, and Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor SAS Hospitality, the holding group of Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts.
"Having successfully worked with Radisson SAS on the management of the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel over the past two and a half years, we were confident in further extending the contract," said Al Zayani. At the heart of Bahrain's diplomatic and business district, the 121 apartments are close to the main tourist attractions and shopping areas, and just ten minutes from Bahrain International Airport.
Ritter said: "These apartments will set a new benchmark for quality accommodation in Bahrain. The fact that we were chosen to manage these state-of-the-art apartments is testament to our long-standing and successful relationship with our Bahrain business partner in managing The Diplomat Radisson SAS hotel." The apartments will include top of the range fitness facilities, while guests will also be able to take advantage of all the neighbouring facilities of The Diplomat Radisson SAS hotel.
Dubai Strategically Placed for Iraq Reconstructin Projects, DCCI
May 6, 2003 Dubai is strategically placed to play a vital role in the reconstruction of Iraq, according to Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Speaking at the opening today of the 8th Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME) exhibition - Dubai's annual international trade show for vehicle parts, accessories, tyres, batteries and garage equipment - Al Mutaiwee said Iraq represented a huge business opportunity for local, regional and international companies.
"Dubai has the capability and experience necessary to take a leading part in the rebuilding of Iraq. We expect to see a big increase in exports and re-exports as reconstruction gathers pace.
"Iraq is effectively a new market, not just for the autoparts industry. There will be opportunities in all commercial sectors and Dubai, as the leading regional trading hub, is ready to play its part in helping put Iraq's economy back on its feet."
AAME Opening/2Al Mutaiwee said exhibitions, such as AAME 2003, underline the key role Dubai plays in the development not only of the UAE economy but the region as a whole.
"The show is substantially bigger than last year. This, combined with the presence of so many international exhibitors, especially from Turkey, Iran, China and the Sub Continent, demonstrates the importance of the Middle East market globally," Al Mutaiwee said. "Many of the companies not only want to increase regional exports but are also looking to establish local offices." Industry sources estimate the Middle East spare parts and accessories trade is worth US $8 billion and is expanding at 5% annually. The value of re-exports from Dubai is put at US $1.5 billion.
Praising organiser International Expo-Consults for overcoming problems posed by the conflict in Iraq and, more recently, SARS, Al Mutaiwee said: "Dubai has once again shown it excels in organising exhibitions and conferences, even in difficult times." AAME 2003 is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) until Thursday (May 8). Despite a six-week postponement caused by the war in Iraq, the show is 33% larger than the 2002 event. It features over 150 vehicle spare parts, component and accessory manufacturers and suppliers, from North and South America, Europe, the Middle and Far East and Australasia.The trade only exhibition is open from 10 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm until 9 pm daily. No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted.
Egypt's banking sector prime for adopting electronic and Internet banking
BEA Systems surveys the market for technology upgrade solutions for banks
May 06, 2003
The banking sector in Egypt, which has been relatively slow to embrace modern technology, has started showing signs of emergence into electronic and Internet banking, in the face of a strong drive by government programmes to create a Knowledge Economy.
Major initiatives such as the floating of the national currency in January 2003, the five-year plan to boost liberalization and privatization and the launch of innovative IT projects are forcing Egypt's banking sector to come out of the shadows and join the global trend towards electronic banking and Web-based transactions.
The encouraging signs are expected to significantly change the opinions towards banking in Egypt. Research has shown that approximately 10 per cent of Egyptians have bank accounts. Majority of banks do not even have a website, although 65 per cent of them have reserved domain names, according to the findings of the Dubai-based Madar Research Group.
"Though Egypt has been gaining prominence in terms of telecom infrastructure, e-government and multi-sector development, its banking sector has not kept pace with changes" said Diyaa Zebian, Regional Manager, Middle East & Egypt, eSolutions BEA. "However, the scenario appears set for a dramatic change as several recent developments have shown."
With the government leading the movement towards leveraging the tools of the Knowledge Economy, the banking sector has begun to embrace technology for delivering services to consumers. Internet banking has thus far been limited to a handful of banks, predominantly foreign, putting the 42 national banks at a major disadvantage. In recent months, three local banks have taken the first steps to offering a combination of Internet and PC banking, while several others are planning to offer Internet banking during this year.
The biggest drive for Internet banking is led by four state-owned commercial banks, which collectively control 60 per cent of all banking assets in Egypt, including two that are leading the way with a combined investment of US$ 10 million deals to upgrade IT capabilities.
"Egypt holds immense potential for leading edge banking solutions once the population's mindset has changed," added Zebian. "Egypt is home to one quarter of the entire Arab population with more than a 20 million workforce, making it the largest retail market in the region in terms of numbers. The fierce competition that is visible among banks is a sign that Egypt is set to join the modern banking mainstream."
"As a leading global application infrastructure software company, with a strong presence in the Middle East, BEA is set to play a major role in this technology upgrade exercise in Egypt's banking sector. BEA has provided its tailored WebLogic solutions for several banks in the Gulf region, including Saudi American Bank, Arab National Bank, Emirates Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Egypt American Bank, Arab Bank and Audi Bank," said Zebian. "Our solutions are designed to ensure that the banks make a smooth transition to modern banking, thereby integrating with the Knowledge Economy."
The new developments are set to gradually change the Egyptian skepticism about banking. Banking penetration has been particularly slow in the past because the prevailing norm was either to keep savings at home or to join a gamiyah, a self-help financial group formed by close relatives, friends or co-workers for interest-free loans.
Riyad Bank Uses High-Tech System to Improve eCustomer Care
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - 6th May, 2003 - Riyad Bank has completed the implementation of a sophisticated new technology system to improve the customer care it delivers through its call centre and online e-banking portal. The new Siebel eFinance Call Centre solution, implemented by Saudi Business Machines (SBM), the general marketing and services representative of IBM WTC, provides Riyad Bank's call centre agents with a full view of each customer's relationship with the Bank, and a history of their past interactions, allowing them to deal faster and more effectively with customer calls.
Riyad Bank and SBM have long worked together on hi-tech projects such as these, developing a strong partnership. The project required that the solution be implemented within a tight deadline, integrating with the Bank's complex and comprehensive IT application architecture and technical infrastructure. The Siebel Call Centre solution provides the Riyad Bank Customer Contact Centre with a host of service transactions, including report creation and monitoring of marketing functions using as many as 80 custom screens displaying Siebel views, with batch and real-time integration to back-end applications enabled through IBM WebSphere middleware, and integration with the bank's Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system using Siebel's Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) technology. The solution also provides full task management using workflow, automatic assignment of tasks and call scripts. The Siebel solution offers agents at Riyad Bank's Customer Contact Centre a unified view of a customer's interactions with the Bank, no matter which channel they use, including the electronic "eChannels", i.e. the telephone, IVR, Internet Banking and WAP.
The Siebel Call Centre solution gives the agent at the Customer Contact Centre a comprehensive view of a customer's account transactions across all back-end applications, as well as all Service Requests across all eChannels, along with their statuses. Having such a comprehensive view makes the agents more efficient, and the speed and the quality of the agent's response not only improves customer service, but significantly improves their experience of dealing with the Bank. Using this sort of technology to empower the agents with the right information frees up the agent to focus on higher-value sales activities. The Siebel solution also offers management a powerful tool to monitor the performance of the Customer Contact Centre.
The solution was implemented in three stages. Stage One involved capturing customer Service Requests and enquiries, and tracking their progress (went "live" in February 2002). Stage Two covered the automation of fulfillment process and increased straight- through processing to back-end applications for financial and non-financial transactions
(went "live" in July 2002). The final stage was implementation of enhanced financial transactions such as account-to-account transfers and bill payment, adding advanced functions such as e-mail and fax integration, and support for Remote Channels (eChannels) such as the Internet, WAP and telephone-based Interactive Voice Response (IVR). There was also increased customer care functionality such as managing customer complaints and response to marketing campaigns (went "live" in March 2003). SBM had total responsibility for the specification, design, development and implementation of the solution, using a multi-skilled team including people from SBM, Riyad Bank and Siebel. The successful implementation of the Siebel Call Centre solution is a major milestone in the transformation of Riyad Bank's IT infrastructure, and provides it with a sound foundation for moving ahead as a market leader in customer care and service.
Governments should draw on the expertise of eServices to provide smoother implementation of ICT projects
Dubai eGovernment joins efforts with Finnish Embassy to host seminar for online services
May 05, 2003
"Evolving eGovernments and businesses can gain much from the experiences of developed countries and adopt the successful solutions created by leading information and communication technology (ICT) companies," said Salem Al-Shair, Director, eServices, Dubai eGovernment.
Al-Shair recently inaugurated a seminar on 'Internet-based services for eGovernment and businesses in Dubai, hosted by the Embassy of Finland in association with Dubai eGovernment, in the presence of H.E. Risto Rekola, the Ambassador to Finland in the UAE.
Al-Shair said countries that had a head start on eServices had reached high levels of eService delivery for their government departments, and it was in the interest of evolving governments to draw on that expertise for a smoother implementation of ICT projects.
H.E. Risto Rekola said, "The ICT sector is advanced in Finland and has subsequently attracted international attention. With this in mind the campaign Digital Finland was launched last year in the UAE with the purpose of sharing Finland's experience in the IT arena with the Gulf region."
The seminar highlighted the Finnish experience on eGovernment. Finland is among the worlds leading nations on ICT and a recognized information society who was rated thirteenth according to the United Nations worldwide benchmarking exercise for e-governance, which also rated the UAE as twenty-first last September. This has given rise to the emergence of numerous Finnish ICT companies specializing in highly advanced and innovative products and solutions. These companies, now grouped under an initiative called Digital Finland, are offering their expertise to the Gulf region. The speakers at the seminar were representatives from Digital Finland (Axel Finland, Evia Helsinki, Nixu Oy, Stonesoft Middle East and Axel Digital Oy) as well as Counsellor Seppo Kurkinen from the Ministry of Finance of Finland.
The Dubai seminar focused on the benefits of Internet based services, how to build portals, market eServices to the people, security and the latest IT and eService developments in Finland between the government and municipalities.
Focusing on the Dubai eGovernment experience, Al-Shair commented: "The Dubai government's vision to emerge as the regional hub of the Digital Economy is being implemented with expertise from the world's leading players in ICT and eCommerce. The project was preceded by extensive groundwork that included visits to countries that were successfully migrating from manually delivered services to integrated eServices."
"We are pleased to welcome representatives from Digital Finland as their visit offers increased awareness for eServices and highlights the wealth of knowledge, real experience and technology gone into creating successful eGovernments," added Al-Shair. "Their presence in the Gulf region indicates the seriousness with which they view ICT developments in the Middle East. These companies are assured of receiving a strong response from the local business sector and should lead to productive mutual cooperation."
The topics shared at the seminar included development of eGovernment services in Finland, marketing of eServices, publishing and user interface solutions for portals, secure eCommunity portals, digital television as a delivery channel and cooperation between the government and municipalities as well as a case study on Espoo, Nokia mobile phone's hometown.
Canon raises the bar on photo printing speed, quality and economy in the Middle East
Canon's newest range of Bubble Jet printers offer increased resolution, speed, operating economy and even portability
Dubai, UAE, 5th May 2003 - Canon Middle East today launched its latest range of Bubble Jet printer models offering speed and resolution improvements across the range. The new i-Series was presented to partners and media at a spectacular launch event, with the highlight being the ultra-portable new i70, which sets new standards for performance and image quality, in an incredibly compact device.
i70 Bubble Jet
The i70 Portable Bubble Jet printer is the first portable from Canon to utilise the groundbreaking silicon wafer based permanent print head technology previewed in desktop models in 2001. The i70 offers a sleek silver exterior and cobalt blue inner cover, however the attractions are more than skin deep, with 4800 dpi printing, borderless A41, 5" x 7" and 6" x 4" photo printing, five picolitre ink drops, 13ppm monochrome print performance and Canon's unique Bubble Jet Direct digital camera interface for portable photo printing without a computer2.
The i70 Portable Bubble Jet printer comes standard with a universal voltage mains power adaptor, while an integrated battery pack is available as an option. Also new with the i70 is an optional desktop charging cradle that allows the i70 Portable Bubble Jet printer to stand vertically while recharging, reducing desktop clutter while making recharging a no-fuss, simple drop in operation.
i950 Bubble Jet
The new flagship model, the i950 Bubble Jet, Canon has improved on both droplet size, reducing from four picolitre to two picolitre droplets that eliminate visible graininess, while increasing resolution up to 4800 dpi. Most impressively, these improvements come without any reduction in print speed, allowing the i950 to maintain a class leading one minute to produce a glossy A4 sized photo print3. The i950 Bubble Jet uses the economical six Individual Ink Tank system that includes low-density photo-cyan and photo-magenta inks found in the highly regarded S900 Bubble Jet printer launched in early 2002.
i850 Bubble JetNext in the range, the i850 Bubble Jet printer offers a combination of 4800 dpi and two picolitre droplets to deliver photo quality equal to or better than many dedicated photo printers, while also offering 22 page per minute print performance and high-capacity pigment black ink, making it the ideal printer for business or pleasure.
The i850 Bubble Jet uses the four Individual Ink Tank system found in a number of Canon's mid range printers. This system offers outstanding operating economy and convenience, with transparent tanks, permanent print head and optical ink level detection and on-screen ink level warnings.
i550 Bubble Jet
The i550 Bubble Jet printer is essentially an 18ppm version of the i850, without the advantage of two picolitre droplets. This affordable mid range printer boasts 4800 dpi and five picolitre ink drops for outstanding photo prints and fast general purpose printing.
All of these new printers offer true four-sided borderless photo printing and are compatible with Canon's premium and archival quality photo papers. In addition, all of these new models include Canon's image management software suite, which includes:FIRST GULF BANK INAUGURATES NEW AJMAN BRANCH
Monday, May 5th
First Gulf Bank's new Ajman branch has been officially inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman Of Ajman Economic Department, in the presence of Ahmed Al Sayegh, vice chairman of First Gulf Bank, other board members, Chief Executive Officer Abdulhamid Saeed, officials and customers.
The Branch has adopted the new corporate colours - blue and burgundy - in its design. It ensures consistency in branch design across all emirates, and is in line with the Bank's overall strategy of ensuring customer service efficiency and privacy. The new branch is located in the Insurance Building on Khalifa Street.
The Bank operates five branches, and has further plans to expand its branch network this year. First Gulf Bank is also focusing on enhancing its customer service facilities and improving remote banking solutions.
The Bank has recently entered the retail market with two competitive products on Personal Loans and Credit Cards, and will soon launch other various products and services.
First Gulf Bank's profit in the first quarter 2003 increased by 76%, compared to the same period last year, recording an AED27.7 million profit.This Branch network expansion, and heightened customer services are evidence of the Bank's commitment to "Putting the First into Banking."
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK OPENS GOLD SOUK BRANCH
NEW BRANCH UNDERLINES COMMITMENT TO 'CITY OF GOLD'
Dubai, May 5th, 2003 - Standard Chartered Bank UAE has opened its eighth branch in Dubai, at the heart of the Gold Souk. The new branch is designed to service the fast growing jewellery and diamond trade, and provide wealth management services to the large number of high net-worth customers the Bank serves in the Deira area.
Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwi, the Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, officially opened the branch, in the Gold Centre, Deira, in a ceremony attended by the Bank's customers and staff today, May 5th.
Ray Ferguson, Standard Chartered Bank's UAE CEO, said: "Standard Chartered Bank has long been the banker of choice for Dubai's jewellery and bullion trading community, and the opening of this branch is a response to growing customer demand for bespoke banking at the heart of the precious metals trading zone.
"With Dubai government initiatives such as the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre and the Gold and Diamond Park, and continuing anticipated annual growth in the gold, jewellery and diamond trade, the Gold Souk branch is certain to be very popular.
"Our successful Deira branch is extremely busy. This new branch will afford clients two outlets in Deira, and allow a new dimension of personalised service to a very important client sector."
Designed as a wealth management branch in the bank's new global branding standards, the new branch will provide personal wealth management services in addition to specialised corporate banking services for the gold, jewellery and diamond trade.
The branch opening is part of Standard Chartered Bank's strategic expansion plan for the UAE, with three more branches slated to open by year-end, at various locations in the Emirates.
The Gold Souk branch is staffed by corporate and wealth management professionals, and will open from 8am to 3.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, 8am - 2pm on Thursday.
Standard Chartered Bank, which has been serving business and personal customers in the Gulf for more than 80 years, celebrates its 150th global anniversary this year.
Industry expert to highlight future trends in Middle East automotive aftermarket sector during Automechanika exhibition
May 5, 2003 Intensifying competition, market forces and new technology continue to accelerate changes in all facets of the automotive industry, which includes the aftermarket sector. Leading experts in the automotive industry will highlight issues that concern the automotive aftermarket sector at the Autotec Automechanika Gulf exhibition, to be held from May 17 -20, 2003, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition will also showcase innovative technologies and products of leading international automotive manufacturers.
The automotive aftermarket industry is an increasingly complex and competitive business that is undergoing profound change. Improvements in new vehicle technology have lengthened repair cycles and contributed to slower growth in service repair sales. The technological sophistication of new vehicles call for the use of highly trained service technicians and other personnel.
In addition, research has shown that an alarming percentage of motorists are neglecting recommended maintenance of critical performance and safety equipment and systems. Peter Rehberg, a leading expert in the automotive industry and the head of the ASA (German Federation of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Services Equipment) will focus on 'The future of the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East,' during a presentation at Autotec Automechanika. Peter has more than 30 years of management experience in the automotive aftermarket. Pia Pacovsky, who is responsible for Brand Protection for Daimler Chrysler in the Middle East region will speak on the 'Importance of brand protection in the automotive industry: Fighting the danger of counterfeit parts."
"Everyone who uses a vehicle, from the motorist to the heavy-duty vehicle operator, benefits from the automotive aftermarket's ability to provide a huge selection of parts, tools and equipment through its network of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service technicians. Autotec Automechanika aims to bring together all of these people under one roof to network effectively and also gain an insight into the working of the industry from automotive experts and technology leaders in the industry," said Michael El Nayal, Managing Partner, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organisers of Autotec Automechanika in the region.Exhibitors from all over the world representing more than 20 countries will be part of Automechanika. Raytek GmbH, a leading worldwide provider of non-contact infrared temperature measurement solutions will display its handheld point-shoot-and-read thermometers designed specially for vehicle inspection and maintenance; which quickly measure the temperature of hot/cold, hard-to-reach and moving targets from a safe distance.
Al Qubtan Trading Co., which is based in UAE and a part of the Kargroup based in Germany, will participate with Behr Gmbh & Co. KG, Germany in the German Pavilion at Autotec Authomechanika. Behr Gmbh specializes in environmentally compatible vehicles air-conditioning, engine cooling and thermostatic control devices. It is one of the leading original equipment manufactures for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and special vehicles (including the aircraft, ships and rail vehicles).
The global market leader in design, manufacturing and distribution of tyre inflation and gauging equipment, Pneumatic Components Limited ("PCL") from the UK, will display its new range of digital tyre inflation products that have been designed for use on petrol filling station forecourts, tyre shops, garages and other specialist outlets.
Ruotecompany S.p.A. from Italy, which has a collection of over 120 different sizes of light alloy wheels, interchangeable with the original ones will also be exhibiting at Automechanika. The company is pioneering the production of a 20" reproduced wheel and three 15" wheels.
Leading UAE suppliers, on the other hand will exhibit a vast range of international products and services at Automechanika Gulf. They include Engel, who manufactures portable fridge freezers suitable for cars, boats and all indoor and outdoor conditions. Engel fridge freezers are purpose-built to withstand off road driving conditions and extremes in weather and working environments. Available in many sizes, these fridge freezers are simple and easy to operate from the car cigarette lighter. The fridge converts to a freezer at the twist of a dial.
OTAL of Dubai represents a variety of innovative and practical automotive aftermarket products that provide simple solutions to complicated and time-consuming tasks. In addition to the well known products, Freylit Carwash Water Recycling and Oil / Water Separators, OTAL are exhibiting two new products for the first time in the Gulf. Easy-balance, an absorbent balancing powder used as the easiest way to balance a truck, bus or 4x4 wheels without the use of balancing machines or lead weights and Petro-clear, fuel filters that remove particulates down to 10 microns and emulsified water.
Al Yousuf Motors, the automobiles division of Al Yousuf Group, which represents many international brands in the UAE such as General Motors, ACDelco, Daihatsu, Yamaha, Suzuki and Daewoo will also be participating in the exhibition.
Another major exhibitor will be Polimar, who represents premium brands in automotive refinishing products in the UAE and other Gulf countries and enjoys a leading position as a body and paint solutions provider in the Gulf. Their product range includes Standox vehicle refinishing systems, 3M automotive products and abrasives, Festo and Rupes power tools, Trisk infrared equipment, USI Italia spraying and baking booths, Car-o-liner collision repair and welding systems.
Serious car lovers, who own a large collection of expensive collectable cars will be offered the very best solutions in car care and detailing - polishing, interior cleaning and rust proofing from Sara Auto Care. The company offers a host of very high quality accessories such as Central Tyre Inflation Systems, Kleen wheels, lights from Lightforce-Australia and Golight-USA, Centramatics automatic wheel balancing, Allied Beadock wheels and racing wheels-USA, neon lights and Classic car and bike tyres
RAS AL KHAIMAH DEVELOPING REVOLUTIONARY US $1 BILLION FREE ZONE CONCEPT
May 5, 2003 Ras Al Khaimah is developing a revolutionary US $1 billion free zone concept that combines luxury waterfront residential and resort facilities with a high tech Technology Park.
Work has already begun on the Jazirat Al Hamrah project that will include the five-star Al Hamrah Fort Hotel, an 18-hole golf course, beaches, lagoon and over 300 properties that can be purchased freehold by non UAE-nationals. There are also plans to add a smaller version of Dubai's Palm Islands.
The 500-hectare Jazirat Al Hamrah scheme and its associated Technology Park are part of Ras Al Khaimah's 'Three Park' system showcased at the International Investment Summit Network Marketing Exhibition, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Centre. The other two zones are the Business Park and the Industrial Park.
"We are developing what we call a 'Millenium' free zone at Jazirat Al Hamrah," said Oussam El Omari, Project Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone "We are no longer in the business of providing conventional labour intensive industrial areas. Instead, we are looking to our natural resources, the mountains, beaches and sea, to offer investors and their families a wide range of lifestyle and leisure choices as well as a first class business location.
"Our aim is to provide modern facilities that will appeal to diverse investors in capital intensive value added businesses, particularly pharmaceutical, I.T. and environmentally friendly companies.
"We are committed to developing a clean, productive, truly positive and stress free business environment within which companies, large or small, can profitably develop and investors can enjoy a five-star lifestyle," said El Omari.
The International Investment Summit Network Marketing Exhibition, organised by IIR on behalf of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), has brought together investment authorities and promotion boards, multinational corporations, major property developers, international and regional non-governmental organisations, free zone representatives and financial institutions.
Major overseas institutions participating include Jordan's Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; Algeria's Blanky Group; Bahrain Economic Development Board; Bahrain Financial Harbour; Solidere and the Investment Development Authority, Lebanon; Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Shell.
Among exhibitors from the UAE are the DDIA; Dubai International Financial Centre; the Technology E-commerce and Media Free Zone (Tecom); Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority; Al Tamimi & Company; Jumeirah Beach Residence and SHUAA Capital.
The exhibition, that closes today, is being held alongside the International Investment Summit. The conference attended by leading decision-makers, academics and key stakeholders from government and the private sector, aims to map out a blue print for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
