March 19, 2004
More News Click here
One of the best labour markets in the world - Browne
Mar 17: Speaking on Budget day, Des Browne welcomed figures showing more
people in work, fewer people unemployed and more vacancies. He said:"The UK has one of the best labour markets in the world, with the
highest employment and lowest unemployment of the major world
economies. Employment is high across the country: every region has
an employment rate above the EU average."More UK NewsSea Horse Marine unveils environment friendly Evinrude E-TEC Outboard engine for boats at Dubai International Boat Show
E-TEC is the first 2stroke engine to deliver zero emission, supe
r quiet sound and power-packed performance
‘Bride’ was purchased from UAE event organiser Dialogue.
March 17, 2004 Sea Horse Marine, a leading distributor of marine equipment will be showcasing the environment friendly Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines for boats at the Dubai International Boat Show, which will be held from March 17 to 20, 2004 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mena Seyahi Hotel. The energy efficient engines are fitted with Evinrude’s advanced E-TEC technology, making them the first 2 stroke Direct Injection (DI) engines to deliver zero emission, super quiet sound and low maintenance, combined with power-packed performance.
Sea Horse Marine is one of the largest distributors of quality water sport products, military boats, parts and accessories in the Middle East. The company will be exhibiting its entire range of marine leisure and recreational products such as Evinrude outboard engines, Gemini inflatable watercrafts, diving and adventure gear at the Dubai International Boat Show. The company’s flagship product at the show, the Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine, has beendeveloped by Bombardier Evinrude, the world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products.
“The introduction of the Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines spells a revolutionary change in marine engine equipment. While conventional two stroke engines have been characterized by heavy emissions and noise, they are preferred by many boating enthusiasts on account of their superior performance. The E-TEC engine combines the smooth running and energy-efficient features of a 4 stroke engine with the powerhouse performance of a 2 stroke engine, while delivering Evinrude’s standard guarantee of durability, quality and reliability. The engine’s advanced technology ensures that the right proportions of air and fuel are ignited at the right time to ensure a ‘perfect burn’ with no wastage of fuel or polluting emission”, said Robert Harrison, General Manager, Sea Horse Marine.
The E-TEC outboard engine comes with a fully stratified combustion system, designed to comply with Environmental protection Agency (EPA) and European Union (EU) standards. The engine also complies with California Air Resources Board (CARB)’s stringent ultra-low emissions rating as there is no visible smoking even at start-up, and significantly lower total reportable emissions. The engine’s magneto ignition system also allows it to be pull started with a totally flat battery. The unique applied foam inner liner and air silencer reduce airborne sound, resulting in a whisper quiet operation.
Further proving its energy efficient mechanism, the Evinrude E-TEC uses up to 50 percent less oil than competitive direct injection engines and 75 percent less than typical 2-stroke carbureted engines. The engine requires no scheduled dealer maintenance for up to three years. In other words, owners will not have change the oil or oil filter for up to 300 hours of normal recreational use.
Evinrude engines are known for their durability, quality and reliability. The E-TEC uses super tough pistons with a newly patented NASA alloy, rendering them three times stronger than normal pistons at operating temperatures. The engine has an aesthetic design with a red 3D beltline and a self-aligning hood for easy removal. The streamlined design makes the E-TEC compact and low in weight, making it easier for boaters to access the engine.
“We are delighted to showcase the E-TEC engine at Dubai Boat Show 2004. The show is the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, attracting a large number of boating enthusiasts from the region, and we are confident the E-TEC will receive positive response,” added Harrison.
Arabian bride acquired in a major deal
16 th March 2004 IIR Exhibitions, one of the largest and most successful trade show organisers in the Middle East , has bought the ‘Bride’ event in a move which marks its entry into the consumer show segment.
“This is a well-established event which has been running annually for the past eight years. It is now widely recognised as the first and foremost wedding event in the UAE and utilising the network and sales strengths of IIR, we now hope to bring a more international flavour to the show by marketing the event globally,” said Jessica Sutherland, General Manager, IIR Exhibitions & Conferences, Dubai.
‘Bride’ was purchased from UAE event organiser Dialogue.
“The Middle East wedding culture is a lucrative market for numerous suppliers – everything from couture to florists, from limousines to the latest honeymoon destinations,” said Sutherland. “It is a market we firmly believe will be of immense interest to international suppliers.”
Bride 2004 will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), from April 12-15. The free-to-enter show will host over 20 spectacular fashion shows from leading Middle East and Indian designers and will include the prestigious annual ‘Young Designer Of The Year’ awards.“There has been a surge in interest in the bridal market and this is reflected in the 25% increase in exhibitors at this year’s show. We anticipate upwards of 12,000 visitors, which will held in halls 5 and 5a of the DIEC,” said Sutherland.
Arabian Bride Online - KM photo
Photograph caption: The latest fashion studio collection is one of among 20 to go on show at Bride 2004, now owned by IIR
AL BADIA GOLF RESORT TO HAVE ICONIC CLUBHOUSE & ACADEMY
VENUE TO HAVE SPECTACULAR WATERFALL VIEWS
17 th March 2004
The Al Badia Golf Resort – which is due to open at the waterfront Dubai Festival City on the banks of Dubai Creek later this year – is to have an iconic clubhouse and academy overlooking the 9 th and 18 th greens; and with spectacular waterfall views.
Designed by the celebrated Wimberley Allison, Ton & Goo (WATG), the USA’s premier design consultants for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, the clubhouse will feature an atrium spike outlet and indoor dining terrace, a formal restaurant, lounge and mezzanine bar, academy sports outlet, patio, function room, a presentation and dining terrace as well as a viewing and function terrace. It is due to open in April 2005 with a temporary clubhouse in place until then. Rice, Perry Ellis has been appointed as local project architects.
“Being just two kilometres from Dubai International Airport and with framed views over the golf course and its lakes, we see the clubhouse attracting a host of banqueting functions from both the corporate and private sector,” said Phil McArthur, Director Leasing & Marketing, Dubai Festival City . “The academy’s elevated public areas will offer magnificent night views of both Dubai city and the golf course.” The clubhouse is designed in a wrapping form of golden roofs, stone and blue glass culminating in a central atrium, where an interior oasis is planned and there will be extensive water features throughout. The lower roofs sweep around the terrace providing shade and the use of palm trees perfectly matches the Al Badia theme – which translates ‘Land Of The Bedouins.’ Visuals of the clubhouse design were revealed at the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic, held recently at the Emirates Golf course.
“This is more than just another clubhouse; it will be a focal point of the Al Badia community. The grand atrium is surrounded by amenities, including the restaurant, bar, lounge, pro shop and banquet facility – all having dramatic surrounding views of the course and lakes,” explained Roger Morris, General Manager, Al Badia Golf Resort. “Outside, surrounding terraces offer many vantage points from which to enjoy the spectacular views.
“Visitors to the Classic were very complimentary about the design and most commented that the Al Badia clubhouse will become a ‘must-see’ building in Dubai.” The Al Badia academy will have a driving range and chipping green, pro shops and a hi-tech swing analysis rooms. Sports and leisure facilities will be available in the planned 150-room boutique hotel on the course. The limited membership/pay and play Al Badia course, which will have a cart path running throughout, is a championship standard Par 72, 18-hole facility designed by master golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II. Within the next few months it will welcome its first VIP guests who will also use a temporary clubhouse and marketing facility created from two of the planned show-homes on the site. “The invitational programme will provide us with great feedback in the run up to the public opening,” said Morris.
The entire landscaping of the Al Badia course is due to be completed by the end of May – transforming the Creekside setting. “We have three distinct landscaping themes running throughout the course which gives it great variety,” said Morris. “There is a coastal theme for the waterfront area, an inland theme, which is reminiscent of forestry, and a stream theme, which reflects tranquillity.”The Al Badia course has been designed to capture an oasis feel with the expansive use of water features and a touch of the desert created by Robert Trent Jones II’s unique ‘Rivers of Sand’ concept. Major new developments are now imminent for the Al Badia Golf Resort, which from the end of March will feature three show homes in its Hillside residential district.
Al- Khaleej-Al-Falak group seeks enhanced IT market share with strategic focus on human resources development and innovative technology
Leading Saudi Group completes 25 years in the Middle East IT markets
March 17, 2004
The Al-Khaleej-Al-Falak group, leading IT and communications solutions provider in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, celebrated its 25 th anniversary today (March 17, 2004) with the announcement of a new market strategy aimed at enhancing the group’s strategic Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market share in the region. The occasion was marked by a gala event held at Al Gosaibi Hotel, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia , attended by the company’s Board of Directors, employees, consultants, clients and key government officials.
Speaking at the occasion, Ahmed Ali Ashadawi, President and CEO, Al-Khaleej-Al-Falak Group stated, “This day is a very important event in the history of Al-Khaleej-Al-Falak Group. We are celebrating 25 successful years of catering to the IT requirements of businesses across the Middle East. The ICT industry in the region, especially in Saudi Arabia has grown tremendously over the last twenty-five years. Saudi Arabia currently constitutes 60 per cent of the entire GCC’s ICT market. More and more businesses are realizing the importance of investing in a strong ICT infrastructure to streamline operations, increase efficiency and bring down costs. This positive trend has seen us expand our operations to emerge as one of the leading ICT and communications solutions provider in the region”.
“Recent studies conducted by the Dubai based Madar Research Group indicate that the IT market in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC has a potential to reach US$ 8 billion by 2005. Several other governments in the GCC are also investing heavily in boosting IT penetration in the region through increased emphasis on eGovernance. The Al-Khaleej-Al-Falak group is favourably placed to tap these markets because of its business partnerships with some of the world's leading software solutions providers, hardware and consumable manufacturers, networking and communication solution providers, business consultancy houses and implementation specialists,” added Ashadawi .
“To prepare ourselves for the increased demand, we are implementing an aggressive strategy for business development and expansion in the GCC. Our growth strategy will focus jointly on development of human skills, and the introduction of new and pioneering technology in the region. Our aim is to have a team of highly skilled staff throughout the Gulf region to offer a full range of local support and services to businesses across the region. With this objective in view, the company has set up a Human Resources division dedicated to recruiting, retraining and developing fully skilled professionals in engineering, computer science, communications, technical, operational, safety and other vocational and academic disciplines,” continued Ashadawi .
“In terms of technology, our experience in designing, installing, and maintaining all types of communication network systems for large corporations, as well as for SMBs has equipped us with the resources to offer customized end to end business intelligence solutions, be it small inter-office solutions or complete global infrastructures,” added Ashadawi.“We offer all forms of operational automation including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), supply chain management and supplier relationship management. We also offer a range of e-business integration solutions to meet the needs of organizations and trading communities of all sizes and levels of complexity. Recognizing the value of information in an organization’s corporate strategy, we have further established ourselves as one of the foremost providers of document and knowledge management solutions,” concluded Ashadawi. (keralamaonitor.com)
