1. Kerala News
3. Gulf News
4. Dubai News

   Oman News

5. Saudi News

6. Bahrain News
8. Qatar News

The Vice President Shri Bharion Singh Shekhawat and the Prime Minister - designate Dr. Manmohan Singh attend a prayer meeting organized on the occasion of death anniversary of Shri Rajiv Gandhi at Veer Bhoomi in Delhi on May 21, 2004 (Friday).

The Prime Minister - designate Dr. Manmohan Singh paying homage at the Samadhi of Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary at Veer Bhoomi in Delhi on May 21, 2004 (Friday).

Dr. Manmohan Singh Governor, Reserve Bank of India called on H.E. Dr. Jurgen Warnke, Minister of FRG, in New Delhi on September 17, 1982

DUBAI MONITOR NEWS-KERALAMAONITOR.COM

Tourism

NEW DELHI - May 21, 2004 Indian Railways have taken steps for revival of steam traction as a niche marketing area for promotion of rail-based heritage tourism. The challenges taken up to promote rail heritage tourism relate to rehabilitation of a ZB Class steam locomotive of 1917 vintage for the Neral-Metheran sector and further revival of two ZB Class (1952 and 1953 vintage) and one KC Class locomotive of 1905 for the Kalka-Shimla section. Besides, a Steam Centre for homeing-in steam locomotives at Rewari has been set up for their repair and maintenance. Twelve steam locomotives are already in place. The Railways are making a direct effort to sustain their heritage legacy for the posterity. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways has already been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Romance of the iron workshorses of yester years continues even after the effective phasing out steam locomotives from the functional railroad transportation systems in nearly all countries of the world. This feeling has been the primeover in the revival of the steam traction for promotion of the rail based heritage tourism. (KM News Bureau)

Manmohan Sing the Next Prime Minister of India

Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India More

New Delhi - Manmohan Singh was tonight appointed Prime Minister of India to head the first-ever Congress-led coalition at the Centre after Sonia Gandhi rejected appeals to take up the top post, and instead got her party to back the distinguished economist, declaring that the country "is safe in his hands".

President A P J Abdul Kalam appointed the 71-year-old Sikh to succeed Atal Bihari Vajpayee after he along with Sonia met him for about 15 minutes at Rashtrapati Bhawan to bring to an end an extraordinary political drama triggered by her decision not not to become Prime Minister despite frenzied pleas by her partymen across the country. Flanked by a relaxed Gandhi, a smiling Singh, who will be India's first non-Hindu Prime Minister, disclosed that the President had given him the letter of appointment which took note of his unanimous election as Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party shortly before the two drove together to Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Prime Minister-designate did not not indicate when he would take the oath of office, merely saying that the President would be informed about the date later. He is likely to take over before this weekend. The self-effacing "accidental" politician made no no secret of his admiration for Gandhi and said that the mandate of the people was for her to be the Prime Minister. "We all persuaded her to accept the verdict of the people but she declined due to reasons spelt out by her in her statement," he told reporters in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Backed by political parties opposed to BJP, Singh will have a solid majority of close to 325 in the 539-member Lok Sabha. Apart from alliance partners such as Laloo Prasad Yadav's RJD (20), DMK (16), NCP (9), the Singh-led government will draw on the strength of the Left parties (61) and Samajwadi Party (36) in addition to Congress' own 145

SOLIDARITY INSURANCE APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF MARKETING

Bassel Hanbali, Head of Marketing Assurance and Family Islamic Insurance.

Dubai -19/4/04 Solidarity, one of the Middle East's leading Islamic Insurance companies, has appointed Bassel Hanbali to its executive management team as Head of Marketing, Assurance & Family Takaful. Hanbali will drive the company's international sales and marketing team with the key objective of strengthening brand loyalty and refining awareness, recognition and attractiveness of the brand and products. The company, which is designed to operate in full accordance with the guiding principles of Islamic Shari'ah, has been set up in direct response to the growing demand for Takaful Insurance products around the world.

"Our main purpose is to focus on providing Family & Life Takaful products as well as Takaful & Re-Takaful general assurance products that comply with Islamic Shari'ah across the GCC and selected European, Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries," said Hanbali. "Takaful insurance has gained increasing popularity because of it's fairness to its consumers. Whilst still providing comprehensive coverage against loss, it differs from western policies in that if no loss is incurred during the allotted period, then the insured is entitled to all their payments and profits from these payments back in accordance with the Al Mudharabah financing technique.

" Hanbali/2 Hanbali has held a number of key marketing positions with top international companies. He has a BS in Business and Marketing from the Lebanese American University, an MSc in Marketing Communication Management from the University of Surrey (SEMS/UK) and a CIM Diploma from the Charter Institute of Marketing. His extensive knowledge of the region will add another dimension to the company's team of professionals. In his leisure time, Hanbali is an avid basketball fan, player and coach and has represented teams in a host of national and international tournaments. Caption: Bassel Hanbali, Head of Marketing, Assurance & Family Takaful, Solidarity (KM News Bureau)

AL BUSTAN PALACE INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS CONDE NAST TRAVELER AWARDS

One of the Middle East's most stylish hotels receives awards for Best Design and Best Rooms (Click to have detailed view)

Dubai, UAE, 19 May, 2004: The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has reinforced its place among the world's finest hotels and resorts by earning two prestigious awards from the readers of the influential Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the United States. More than 32,000 readers of the magazine participated in an annual poll in which the hotel, known as one of the region's most stylish, was awarded first prize in the Best Hotel Design and Best Room categories for the Middle East.

The two Condé Nast Traveler awards join a long list of other prestigious accolades given to the hotel over the years, including the "Best Business Hotel in Muscat 2002" by Business Traveller Magazine, "Best Hotel in the Middle East" in 2001, 2002 and 2003 by World Travel Awards and "6th Best Business Hotel in the World" in 2000 by the UK-based edition of the Condé Nast Traveller magazine. In 1999, Condé Nast Traveller magazine readers voted the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat 3rd Best Overseas Business Hotel and Institutional Investor Magazine readers from the United States voted the Al Bustan 27th in their Top 100 Best Hotels. Offering 200 guest rooms, 50 suites and deluxe suites, the hotel features all modern amenities, while remaining true to the richness of Arabian culture, art and history. A multi-million-dollar renovation programme recently carried out at the hotel fused Islamic architecture with contemporary state-of-the-art technology.

Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat - 2 With a unique atmosphere and a scenic location between the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar Mountains, the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental is within easy reach of Muscat and its multitude of heritage sites and charming bazaars. Situated on a kilometre-long private beach, the only one of its kind in Muscat, the hotel is ideal for guests in search of privacy and pampering. Diners have a choice of four restaurants offering Italian, French, Chinese and seafood specialties. For more information travellers can contact the InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East Reservations Centre using the following toll-free numbers in Bahrain (800 880), Egypt (0800-4433322), Jordan (800-22666), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233), Lebanon (01 426-801 - ask operator to connect to 866 866 7556), Oman (800 777 999), Qatar (0800 971234), Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), and the UAE (800 4642). (KM Bureau, Dubai)

Anju Bobby George in Doha IAAF Super Grand Prix Circuit

Sapna Anu B George.

DOHA - Anju Bobby George the World No. 3 ranked athlete in long jump, moved closer to her dream of surpassing all records, and creating a name for herself after her resounding performance in the IAAF Super Grand Prix Circuit in Doha. Arriving In Doha as the world No. 7, her extra ordinary performance of leaping to a distance of 6.82 meters thus breaking her own record of 6.74 meters cleared the deck for re-writing the ranking list, for her to ascend as the World No.3 athlete in long jump.

The weather conditions of having strong winds of 2.3 M/S deprived this aspiring athlete of having her name inscribed in the achievements of the World Book. Her achievement of also being the first Indian to win a gold medal in the IIAF Super Grand Prix Circuit Doha generated immense excitement, and appreciation from the large community of the Indian population, who were closely monitoring the performance, of this commendable athlete. On the Comfort Zone of performing in Qatar

Anju Bobby George, was all praise for the welcome she received from her fans and friends who provided her overwhelming support, and showering her with their kind affection, which was also an element, to her immaculate performance, and improving her world Ranking. Mr. Bobby George, who is her husband, mentor and coach, is confident of Anju's ability of churning out world records in her every participation. Being her career best performance- to date- in Qatar, the exuberance level, of foreseeing Anju, reaching her maximum Potential by her Coach, gives us a clear picture of what is 'going to come'.

The Indian club, felicitated, this Great Athlete with the children waving the national flag on her arrival, and the choir from the kids club singing the inspiring song "Hum Honge Kamiyab" The club officials, all the members lead by the Councilor Mr. Rajendra Bahgat from the Embassy of India, presented to her a memento to appreciate her performance and making India feel proud. All eyes of we Indians will definitely focus, on her trail of achievements, and the hope of witnessing an inspiring performance in Netherlands on May 31st and the much-awaited Olympics during the year. (KM News Bureau, Doha)

ORACLE AWARDS GTS HIGHEST PARTNER ACCREDITATION

Dubai -18 May 2004 Global Technology Services (GTS), a fully-owned subsidiary of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) LLC and a major player in the Oracle E-Business Suite implementation and consultancy services domain, has recently been awarded Oracle's Certified Advantage Partner status. "This reward catapults GTS into an elite league of Global Oracle Partners," said Hussain Sultan, Group Chief Executive and Board Member, ENOC.

"To achieve this award GTS fulfilled stringent criteria based on business performance, successful project execution and the availability of a large pool of Oracle-certified functional and technical resources." In recent months, GTS has secured over 20 customers throughout the GCC and has successfully completed several large projects for major customers such as Qatar Steel Company, MB Petroleum, Seef Mall in Bahrain and the National Bank of Dubai. Hussain Sultan received the award from Husam Dajani, Vice President, Oracle Middle East & Africa region.

"The award demonstrates the GTS commitment to quality and customer satisfaction and highlights its long term commitment to Oracle thereby ensuring regional customers of sustained quality," said Sultan. Husam Dajani congratulated GTS on the award. "We look forward to continuing the great partnership between Oracle and GTS," he said. Caption: Sultan receives the award from Dajani as V. Shankar Iyer, CIO, Group Information Technology, ENOC looks on. (KM News Bureau)

HERTZ EGYPT LAUNCHES ATTRACTIVE SUMMER OFFER

Dubai, UAE, 19 May, 2004: Middle East travellers visiting Egypt for business or leisure trips can now take advantage of an attractive summer car rental offer from Hertz Egypt and enjoy a day of free car rental for every 10 days booked. The offer is valid from mid-June until mid-September and only applies to travellers who have booked and paid for their vehicles before arrival in Egypt. Rates start from US$313* per week or US$1,045* per month for an economy-class car such as Citroen C3.

For a more dynamic driving experience, travellers can opt for the Hyundai Accent which is available for US$376* per week or US$1,140* per month, or the Hyundai Verna, available for US$410* per week and US$1,311* per month. With a Head Office branch at the ICC Centre on Cairo's Desert Road, Hertz Egypt also operates car rental outlets in the city's Maadi area, at Cairo International Airport, Ramses Hilton Hotel Cairo, Pyramids Park InterContinental Resort Cairo, Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel Cairo, the ICC Centre on Alexandria Road in Giza, Naama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh and Aden Beach Resort, Hurghada.

The current Hertz fleet mix covers a full range of vehicles, from economical compact VW Polos, to mid-sized sedans and specialised 4WD's and mini vans. Chauffeur drive is a highly popular option with all vehicles. Hertz Egypt - 2 For more information, travellers can contact Hertz Egypt on + 202 539 1380. Bookings can also be made through any of the other 10 Hertz franchisees in the Middle East in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE and Yemen, as well as through the Hertz general sales agents in Saudi and Bahrain. *Local taxes of 12% + 5% VAT included in package rate, along with unlimited mileage. Ends. Caption: Travellers can now take advantage of attractive summer car rental offers with Hertz Egypt.Hertz is the largest worldwide general use car rental business, operating in over 150 countries from 7000 locations. Hertz is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. In the Middle East, Hertz is represented by franchise operations in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE and Yemen, and by general sales agents in Saudi and Bahrain. (KM News Bureau Dubai)

Bosch Car Service in the region set to increase from six to 20 outlets by the end of the year

May 19, 2004 Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Division has announced that the number of Bosch Car Service outlets is set to grow this year from six to twenty, in the Gulf States. The Bosch Service organisation consists of around 10,000 automotive workshops worldwide. Bosch will present it entire range of products and services at Automechanika Gulf 2004, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 23-26, 2004. Bosch will also use the show to enhance its profile as a comprehensive provider of solutions for the automotive industry and to increase Bosch brand awareness in the Middle East. Jacek Siwinski, General Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Middle East, said: "Automechanika Gulf has proved to be a regional event with 40 per cent of the registered visitors last year coming from outside the UAE, according to statistics. We expect that the exhibition will steadily become more of a manufacturers' fair, presenting the profiles of companies like us, with the involvement of small local trading companies not so prevalent. It is encouraging that Automechanika Gulf is growing fast, from occupying one hall in 2003 to three halls this year."

"We intend to present the entire range of products and services available from Bosch Automotive Aftermarket. We offer an enormous range of products from spare parts for European, Asian and American cars and trucks, to garage equipment for sophisticated diagnosis and repair of vehicles and components. Furthermore, we offer workshop concepts that help the independent service companies to grow their businesses and deal with the latest technology," added Siwinski. The Bosch Car Service portfolio has expanded in the region after the first such outlet was opened by Central Motors in Abu Dhabi in February last year. "Our exclusive Agents in the Gulf are Juffali Auto Parts Company in Saudi Arabia, Central Motors in the UAE, Al Qurain in Kuwait, Malatan in Oman, Nasser Bin Khaled in Qatar and Al Haddad in Bahrain. All agents will be represented at the Bosch stand at Automechanika and discussions with any potential partner can be conducted at the show," added Siwinski.

Bosch develops and sells "ESItronic" software containing the equipment and service information for more than 50,000 vehicles, making Bosch's software the most comprehensive system in the market place. Bosch also offers technical training, literature and hotline support for partners. Bosch would also like to draw attention to the importance of using genuine and OE quality spare parts at Automechanika Gulf. "This is crucial for the safety of car drivers and passengers," said Siwinski. "Proper vehicle maintenance and fixing of genuine spare parts can reduce the number of accidents on the roads; it saves money, fuel and protects the environment."

The spare parts market in the region is valued at over US$11 billion per year and Dubai's automotive accessories re-export trade is growing at just under 20% per year. However, this healthy market is being affected by counterfeit goods on a daily basis, with over US$200 million lost every year to counterfeiters in the region. "Bosch Automotive Aftermarket's turnover is rapidly growing in the Middle East. It increased almost 20 per cent this year to date, in comparison with last year. We project even higher growth this year as quality awareness in the region is increasing and the number of vehicles fitted with Bosch systems and components grows steadily," added Siwinski. Globally, Bosch achieved a good growth in turnover and profits last year.

The sales reached a level of 36.4 billion EURO, approx 4 per cent above the previous year. The profits went up to 1.8 billion EURO before taxes due to excellent performance in the automotive Business Sector of Bosch. Last year, Bosch invested over 2.6 billion EURO in research and development and maintained its position as the most innovative company in the automotive industry by registering 2748 patents in 2003. Automechanika Gulf 2004 covers a range of automotive segments including vehicle parts, components for the drive, chassis body and electrics of vehicles, equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, tyres, batteries and performance systems. In 2003, the event attracted over 5,000 trade visitors, 54% of whom were either senior company directors or owners. (KM News Bureau, Dubai)

Gulf Investment Corporation in landmark deal to co-invest with Wataniya in its Algerian GSM operation Kuwait -

19th May 2004 Wataniya Telecom Kuwait (Wataniya) and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) today announced that they had reached an agreement to co-invest in the mobile telecommunication operations currently being set up by Wataniya in Algeria. The agreement, which is subject to the approval of the relevant Algerian authorities, provides for GIC to take an initial 20% interest in Wataniya Telecom Algerie (WTA), the local company incorporated by Wataniya in Algeria.

WTA is currently capitalized at about US$210 million. GIC will be investing through a Bahrain based subsidiary specialising in telecommunication investments. Wataniya recently won a 15-year license to operate a GSM network in Algeria in competition with seven international operators from Europe, MENA and South Africa. WTA expects to launch its mobile service in Algiers, Oran and Constantine before the end of 2004 and has already signed contracts with two leading European GSM network technology and infrastructure providers.

"This investment highlights the interest of GIC in investing in telecom opportunities, said Mr. Hisham Al-Razzuqi, CEO of GIC. "It also shows how GIC can partner with a successful GCC company to help it expand its operations outside the region. " Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar, the Chairman of Wataniya noted "Algeria presents excellent opportunities. The country benefits from a large market of about 33 million people, but only a 5% mobile telecommunication penetration rate." He added

"Wataniya is most appreciative that an institution of the standing of GIC has chosen to invest alongside Wataniya in Algeria and I believe it demonstrates considerable confidence in our transaction selection process." Wataniya is the leading GSM operator in Kuwait and has extensive regional operations including networks in Kuwait, Iraq and Tunisia. GIC was established in 1983 and is equally owned by the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most highly capitalized financial institutions in the region. At the end of 2003, GIC had total assets exceeding $ 6.6 billion and shareholders' equity of almost $ 1.3 billion.

IRAQI DESIGNER USES THE HOTEL SHOW TO LAUNCH MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FRESCO BUSINESS IN MIDDLE EAST

Indian company aims to gain a 20 per cent Middle East market share worth around Dhs10 million for interactive TVs

Dubai, UAE, 19 May, 2004: An Iraqi-born designer rounded off a highly successful debut at The Hotel Show in Dubai today (Wednesday) by saying he expects to develop a multi-million dollar business in the Middle East from the centuries old Italian fresco style of painting. Manar Al Ani, who left his native Baghdad for Italy as a 19-year-old in 1979 and now runs his thriving Babilonia Arte business in Desenzano del Garda, produced one of the most colourful of the many success stories behind the three-day event, organised by Streamline Marketing, which drew to its close at Airport Expo Dubai tonight (Wednesday). Striking fresco paintings will soon be adorning the walls of hotels and private homes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Middle East countries, with initial business set up in Dubai this week worth up to $2 million, and many more sales expected to follow.

"I believe that we can do amazing business in this region," said Al Ani, who feels the Middle East has the potential to overtake Germany, the US and France as his company's leading export market.Frescos are decorative pictures painted upon layers of fresh plaster. Babilonia Arte creates big surface works as large as the 800 sqm example done for a castle in southern Italy, although they are usually more in the range of the 70 sqm work inside the President's Palace in the Ukraine. Just as The Hotel Show provided a perfect launch for a 500-year-old painting technique, the exhibition will also drive big business for an Indian supplier of the latest in-room TV equipment. New Delhi-based Catvision used the show to spotlight nStreams - a full bundled integrated interactive television solutions, with which the company expects to gain a 20 per cent Middle East market share worth around Dhs10 million over the next three years.

Hotel Show 2 The company recently opened an office in the Jebel Ali Free Zone to drive its regional business. Arvind Singal, General Manager, Projects, said: "We have a 90 per cent market share in India for interactive TVs, and this exhibition gives us a great introduction to what is a very important new market for us." Expectations are also high among the 22 Spanish manufacturers of furniture, decorative lighting, textiles and uniforms, attending the event under the umbrella of the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX). "While electrical equipment and machinery, vehicles and auto accessories, ceramics and electronics currently account for the bulk of Spanish exports to the UAE, there is also huge potential for hotel suppliers here" said Lola Sebastian de Erice, an ICEX representative. "We hope to see more growth in furniture exports and we are coming back to the region in November on a commercial mission, bringing 15 leading Spanish furniture companies," said Graciela Soler, a representative of the Spanish National Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Exporters (ANIEME), at this year's Hotel Show.

Held under the patronage of H.H.General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, The Hotel Show was a showcase for 325 hotel suppliers from 33 countries. "The visitors to the show from the Middle East, Europe and the sub-Continent included hotel owners, developers and operators, and exhibitors have been telling us that the overall quality of visitors was very high", said Laith Kubba director of Streamline Marketing. The exhibition was a profitable event for Appointments, a year-old Dubai-based recruitment company for the hospitality industry. They snapped up three contracts, and anticipate more will follow. The new business came from a UK restaurant chain set to open five new outlets in Dubai, a new hotel residence property also in Dubai, and a firm of consultants working in the hotel business. "As a new company, we weren't sure about taking a stand to begin with, but it was such a good event for us that we'll be having a much bigger one next year," said director, Ashwin Dabholkar. Caption: Iraqi-born Manar Al Ani - looking forward to major business success in the Middle East after launching his company's fresco paintings at The Hotel Show. (KM News Bureau Dubai)

EPSON launches photo printer incorporating ground-breaking UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink technology

The Stylus Photo R800 provides outstanding quality photographic prints for today's professional and amateur photographers

May 19, 2004 The Stylus Photo R800, a new photo printer from EPSON, has set a new benchmark for A4 photo printers, with its UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink technology that delivers groundbreaking quality, durability and flexibility in printing for the photographic world. Responding to the rapidly changing needs of the digital photography market, this versatile photo printer has been designed with both amateur and professional photographers in mind. Maximising EPSON's technological advancements, the Stylus Photo R800 enables the smallest details to be captured with its 1.5pl ink droplet - the smallest ink droplet in the world. This, combined with EPSON's Variable Sized Droplet Technology and a new MicroPiezo print head, provides outstanding photographic reproduction at fast speeds to satisfy the most demanding photographer.

"The introduction of the Stylus Photo R800 is changing the face of photo printing," said Khalil El-Dalu, General Manager, EPSON Middle East. "For the first time in the Middle East, professional and amateur photographers can produce print quality previously only achieved through traditional silver halide processes or high cost professional printers. In addition, the benefits of digital photography mean that photographers can now have total control - from capture through to final print - and reprints and enlargements can be achieved at the click of a "print" button. The introduction of UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink into the photo inkjet market sets a standard that other manufacturers will aspire to match." The Stylus Photo R800 cartridges feature cyan, magenta, yellow, matte black, photo black, red, blue and a new gloss optimiser. The addition of red and blue ink ensures that the Stylus Photo R800 offers the widest colour gamut available from an inkjet photo printer - bringing life to sky, seas, sunsets and autumn scenes.

The UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink is also designed for unsurpassed print permanence in an A4 photo printer, with a lightfastness estimated* at over 80 years for glossy papers and over 100 years on matte medias; a flexibility and durability that truly rivals silver halide. The new EPSON Gloss Optimizer is a fine-tuning tool to achieve a totally smooth gloss finish, producing stunning archival prints on premium glossy or semi-gloss papers. The separate matte and photo black ink cartridges automatically ensure the best possible photographic reproduction whether printing on glossy or matte photo papers. The most versatile photo printer on the market, the Stylus Photo R800 features true border-free printing at a number of standard photo sizes, advanced connectivity with both USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and IEEE 1394 (FireWire), CD Printing, ideal for cataloguing images, and advanced PhotoQuicker 3.5 print layout software for perfect prints every time. Robust and easy to use, the Stylus Photo R800 means that outstanding photo print production is now accessible even for the photographer who is not completely IT-literate. (KM News Bureau)

Bosch Car Service in the region set to increase from six to 20 outlets by the end of the year Elaine Jones, Managing Director, Asteco said, "Jerry's appointment is an integral part of our ambitious campaign to accelerate the growth of Asteco. He comes to us with ample experience and talent to play a crucial role in generating business leads and referrals for our affiliates. His responsibility is to facilitate and guide the growth of multi-market assignments among new and existing property clients. Jerry has been in the property industry for 23 years and is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS is the foremost property accreditation organisation in the UK and worldwide.

He also holds a degree in Environmental Science and a degree in Estate Management. Over the last 20 years, Jerry has worked in the real estate industry in UK, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Moscow, Germany and Korea managing a wide range of properties. In his last job as Managing Director for Cushman and Wakefield in Korea, Jerry was responsible for retail leasing, Corporate Services and research as well as responsible for all business operational aspects of the company. Jerry's appointment is part of a corporate realignment designed to better serve Asteco clients by accelerating growth through market expansion and new business development. He looks forward to working the diverse and dynamic UAE property market with its impressive accelerated growth and world class iconic developments. (KM DUBAI News Bureau)