Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh Unveils its Superior Offers for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 06 August 2013: In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh, the Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama, have announced a selection of special Eid offers for families staying in the capital city during this festive time.

With the hotels’ superbly appointed rooms and suites available at competitive rates in Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama, and signature brunches offering the finest dining in the capital, the Eid celebration offers promise luxury at its most affordable. 

“We are delighted to celebrate the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr with a variety of special rates and promotions. Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh offer unparalleled luxury hospitality and a wide range of the finest cuisine from around the world,” said Alex Pichel Managing Director of the Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama. 

A haven of hospitality and personalised service for which the Rosewood Group is renowned, the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites and Hotel Al Khozama offer special Eid packages on a wide range of ultra-luxury suites and superior rooms, starting from SR 1650 per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel, SR 2880 per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel Suites and SR 785 per night for Hotel Al Khozama. The packages include: Eid brunch and early breakfast for two persons, complementary valet service, 24-hours butler service and the option for late check out until 6pm.   

Adding to the joy of Eid, both Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh have laid on the finest Eid Brunches in the capital city. Al Faisaliah Hotel will offer an international brunch. Choices include the finest traditional Arabian and Italian fare - kharouf, shawarma, pizza, pasta, seafood, as well as an array of international dishes from almost every corner of the globe. Eid brunch will be offered for SR 320 per person.

Hotel Al Khozama will offer a spectacular Eid brunch in the intimate and inviting Windrose restaurant, with a range of culinary dishes from almost every corner of the globe. Youngsters will be enthralled by the hotel’s resident clown offering face painting, fun and games, as well as Cartoon Corner and a bouncy castle in the famous Hotel Al Khozama garden. Eid brunch will be offered at SR 185 per person.

“There is no better place to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr than Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh. We look forward to welcoming both our long-standing and first time guests,” said Pichel. 

View the original article here

L’Azurde Adopts New Strategy Inspired By Arab Women

Riyadh, July 27, 2013: L’Azurde, the first company in the Middle East to obtain accreditation from the London Bullion Market Association, revealed plan to open 30 showrooms during the next three years in order to raise their market share to 40 percent of the jewellery market in Saudi Arabia, and join 10 existing one’s in the MENA region specialized in selling different collection of diamond.

Hosting a Suhoor on Friday, the Riyadh-based L’Azurde Group, with an experience of more than 30 years, unveiled a new strategy to strengthen its position in the global gold market through developing its brand to compete with the other international brands.

Ayman Al Haffar, Executive General Manager of the Group, gave an overview of the new expansions and projects in GCC region, in addition to revealing the new strategy of the group and the current situation of the jewellery market and promising prospects locally and regionally. “This strategy comes to commensurate L’Azurde leadership with its distinctive position in the formulation and distribution of jewelry, making it number one in this field in the Gulf and the Middle East,” he said.

L’Azurde’s success can be attributed, in a way, to its ability to have access to Arab women and meet all their needs of gold and diamond to shine and boasts by wearing the distinctive cut from L’Azurde. “L’Azurde experience made the group understand women for different character and habits,” he further said, adding that “L’Azurde believes jewelry is more than just a status symbol. It designs original classical and contemporary jewelry for every moment in a women’s life, creating a signature style that offers elegance and uniqueness for every occasion.”

Moreover, he said perhaps the most striking proof on L’Azurde’s new strategy success is the sheer number of viewers for the new identity announcement on L’Azurde channel on YouTube, which surpassed one million 1,000,000, a figure which the majority of the companies operating in this sector in the region did not reach, he noted.

 L’Azurde produces more than 3,000 different jewelry models every year, and one of the few manufacturers operating in 21-karat and 18-karat gold and diamond jewelry. Its award-winning designers and model-makers are at the heart of what L’Azurde does. Because L’Azurde believes jewelry is more than just a status symbol, it designs original classical and contemporary jewelry for every moment in a women’s life, creating a signature style that offers elegance and uniqueness for every occasion.

 Over the last decade, L’Azurde has received industry recognition at the highest level. Among many awards, it received the “Gold Virtuosi International Award” for design excellence in gold jewelry awarded in Italy, and the “International Quality in Gold Jewelry Award” by the Trade Leaders’ Club in France.

View the original article here

National Football Museum Launches Exhibtion of Arab Women in Sport as a part of Qatar UK 2013 Year OF Culture

A new exhibition illustrating Arab women’s love of sport has opened at the National Football Museum in Manchester, UK as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.

Commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport, which runs until 13 October 2013 at the National Football Museum in Manchester, UK, is an exhibition by the internationally renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe and documentary maker Marian Lacombe. The title of the exhibition, Hey’Ya is Arabic for Let’s Go, reflecting the athletes’ energy and enthusiasm.

The exhibition features a series of large-scale photographs of Arab sportswomen, from beginners to Olympians, from 20 different Arab countries, shown alongside videos by Marian Lacombe.

The exhibition was conceived by Qatar Museums Authority to encourage more Arab girls to participate in sports and comes to Manchester as part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture celebrations.

The Year is a programme of cultural exchanges and events in Qatar and the UK coordinated by the British Council and Qatar Museums Authority which aims to forge new and support existing partnerships between the two countries in the arts, education, sport and science, while promoting an awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage.

The project was shot over a period of seven month starting in December 2011 when the Arab Games were held in Doha. With the support of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Brigitte and Marian Lacombe were able to set up their own outdoor studio, working side by side, capturing the athletes practicing different sports ranging from Tae Kwon Do to swimming and equestrian.

Amongst them were a number of Qatari girls, one of them Nada Mohamed Wafa, the first Qatari female swimmer to compete in the Olympic Games. Nada said “I am proud to be featured in this amazing exhibition. I enjoyed learning about UK culture last year when I competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games. I am excited that the exhibition is travelling to Manchester as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture; I hope people of the UK enjoy learning about my country’s culture as much as I did learning about theirs.”

Kevin Moore, Director of the National Football Museum, said: “We wanted to bring something different to Manchester, a truly global sports city.

“The National Football Museum is committed to raising awareness of the key role that women play in developing football and other sports, both now and historically and is committed to breaking down cultural and gender stereotypes.

“This exhibition is part of a programme to display the works of the world’s best photographers and artists and is a continuation of the NFM’s collaborations with cultural institutions, such as the Qatar Museum Authority, from all round the world.”

View the original article here

Shariyah Review Bureau Validates Islamic Finance Qualification Workbook

To coordinate the push towards new Islamic markets, Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) Arabic Edition 5 will be released soon. Shariyah Review Bureau, the world's leading independent Shari’a Advisory firm was assigned to review and validate the Arabic Workbook’s content in light of AAOIFI Shari’a standards. “As a Shari’a Certification body, majorly serving the financial sectors at all levels of the Islamic industry we manage Shari’a compliance of the highest caliber financial institutes on a day-to-day basis. And while working with institutes and individuals we have practically seen the importance of qualified individuals with relevant Islamic financial knowledge. And the IFQ program instills the knowledge of practical applications and the governing rules of Shari’a prevalent in the Islamic market practices which we believe will bring the Islamic industry countless opportunities and long-term success.”

ESA Business School and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) have a global aim to help Islamic Industry professionals around the world equip themselves with a practical understanding of Islamic finance principles and products and its key distinguishing market factors. Commenting on the release Dr. Abdel Maoula Chaar, Head of Research and Development at ESA, said “The financial world is having a sweet moment in terms of the growth of Shari’a complaint products. The increase in Islamic assets, which has been gaining more and more momentum over the few years, is driving the once considered niche market towards internationalization and global reach, and changing some of the dynamics that have been established in the conventional financial markets. It is here that IFQ will help prepare the next generation of seasoned professionals by giving them insight into Shari’a compliant modalities, their distinguishing traits and modern market Islamic financial practices.”

About Shariyah Review Bureau

Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB) is the Corporate World’s leading Shari’a Advisor with scholarly presence in more than 7 countries from Middle East, North Africa and Asia. The breadth of geographical reach crossing national boundaries makes it one of few Shari’a consultancy bodies that can meet clients’ true international business requirements.

Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and with offices in KSA, USA*, Egypt*, Kazakhstan*, Oman* and Kingdom of Bahrain, SRB serves asset managers, insurance and Banking institutes including, Tricon (Canada), U.B.A.F (France), Al Safa investment (Switzerland) United Arab Bank (Dubai), Tadhmon Capital (Bahrain), International Investment Bank (Bahrain), Al Khabeer International (Bahrain), OP Calypso (Hong Kong), and Al Wasatah Capital (KSA). SRB provides direct access to Shari’a experts while furnishing all substantial scholarly support resources with swift turnarounds in Shari’a Certifications (Fatawa) and speedy product structuring solutions to meet its clients’ strategic business needs. (*representative office)

About ESA Business School

Established in 1996 following an intergovernmental agreement between France and Lebanon, the ESA is a Business Management School dedicated to education of executives and managers in Lebanon and the Middle East. It is managed by the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR).

The ESA has become a beacon of academic excellence within Lebanon, and a platform for interactions and meetings between Europe, the Middle East and Lebanon.

Its mission is to form the elite of Lebanon and the region into the leaders of tomorrow.

Paying keen attention to businesses and their needs, the ESA assists them in developing their visions, and helps them to better achieve their objectives by training and coaching their executives and managers.

Situated in the center of Beirut, and the heart of the Middle East, the ESA thus asserts its reach as an important international school, which combines the talents of high-level learners and professors who rank among the world’s preeminent specialists.

View the original article here

The Traditional Ramadan at Hotel Al Khozama

` The tradition of Ramadan runs very deep at Hotel Al Khozama, A Rosewood Hotel, which holds a distinguished position as one of the first hotels to open in the city. For more than 34 years guests have enjoyed the world-class cuisine and warm welcoming service provided by Hotel Al Khozama.

This year, with Ramadan taking place during the hot months of summer, guests at Hotel Al Khozama are assured of cool, convenient comfort at all three of the spectacular Ramadan venues in the hotel.
The renowned Arabic restaurant, Al Nakheel, with its panoramic views of Riyadh from its terrace, features a sumptuous buffet of Arabian traditional specialties for Iftar at SAR 160 and Sohour at SAR 135 including Ramadan beverages. Children up to 7 years are free and from 07 to 12 years 50% off.

Riyadh’s best known outdoor garden restaurant, the mist cooled Garden Barbeque, comfortable even during the hottest summer evenings, serves a wonderful variety of Barbeque and Arabic specialties. Guests who prefer an air-conditioned environment will find The Windrose Restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy iftar. . at SAR 195 including Ramadan beverages. Children up to 7 years are free and from 07 to 12 years SAR 97.50

With dedicated prayer areas and children’s entertainment on offer, Hotel Al Khozama ensures comfort and convenience in a real family-friendly environment

Hotel Al Khozama has partnered for the holy month of Ramadan with the renowned Al Jomaih automotive company this year.

So, during the holy month of Ramadan, we look forward to welcoming the city’s residents and visitors to Riyadh to our signature Ramadan offerings at Al Khozama Hotel.

To make a booking for Iftar or Suhoor, telephone +966.11.273.2222 or email: alkhozama@rosewoodhotels.com.

View the original article here

UAE Ministry of Education unveils enhanced Microsoft-powered Call Center

Link Development integrates Advanced Automated Voice & Call Center Services to improve communication lines with students, parents & employees

The UAE Ministry of Education has launched an enhanced version of its dedicated Call Center featuring key Microsoft technologies that will further enhance communications with students, parents and employees.

Ever since the allocation of AED 9.9 billion or 22 per cent of the 2013 UAE federal budget for the education sector, the Ministry has been intensifying efforts to undertake major projects aimed at optimizing its services to students and parents. The Ministry’s focus on nurturing a highly modern educational system for the Emirates – as embodied by a technology-fortified Call Center – complements government-wide efforts to deliver the best and most developed services to citizens and residents.

LINK Development, a leading provider of integrated technology solutions across the Middle East, Africa and the Gulf, and the implementer of the Call Center solutions, explains that its Call Center solution comprises two parts, Automated Voice Services and Call Center Services.

The new Automated Voice Services is built on the powerful LYNC Server 2012 unified communications architecture. Through the platform students will be able to register online and access services such as academic performance updates. Students and parents will also be able to get important details such as school location, phone numbers and contacts, enrollment programs and Ministry information. The Automated Voice Services will be integrated with the Ministry’s systems to offer Call Center services via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) in both English and Arabic on a 24/7 basis.

The Call Center Services, on the other hand, will provide Call Center Agents with an efficient Customer Management Relationship solution based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and a Voice solution powered by LYNC Server 2013. Through fully integrating the LYNC server with Dynamics CRM the solution will enable Call Center Agents to work seamlessly between LYNC and CRM solutions, cutting down on the time it takes to find the correct information and respond to incoming requests and inquiries hence maximizing their efficiency, productivity and improving customer satisfaction. In addition, Call Center Supervisors will be able to track all activities through monitoring screens and Call Recordings to ensure the services are constantly delivered according to the high level of quality the Ministry is always seeking to offer to its clients.

“The service enhancements we are delivering for the UAE Ministry of Education’s Call Center are part of an ongoing partnership aimed at establishing optimal communication lines between the Ministry and the public. Using leading Microsoft technologies and our integration capabilities we have equipped the Call Center with elements vital to clear, secure and timely interaction with students, parents and employees,” said Mohamed Abd El-Aziz, UAE Sales Manager, LINK Development.

While the 1st phase of the project is focused on offering services to the students and their parents, the 2nd phase of the project will enable the ministry employees to use the voice services to issue any needed papers like HR Letters, Pay slips…etc.

As Microsoft Gold Certified Partner – the highest level of partner certification from Microsoft – LINK Development is a trusted provider of Microsoft-enabled technology solutions across its global markets. LINK Development is headquartered in Egypt and has been operating in the UAE for more than 10 years. Its service portfolio covers internet & intranet portals, e-services automation, e-commerce, enterprise integration, Microsoft Dynamics CRM & ERP, mobile-based solutions, and infrastructure solutions.

View the original article here

Editorial calendar 2011 for Mobile Marketer

December 15, 2010

Mobile muscles for share

Editorial calendar for 2011

Listed below are the events hosted, moderated or covered by Mobile Marketer and its sibling publication, Mobile Commerce Daily.

Also listed are?Classic Guides that Mobile Marketer and Mobile Commerce Daily produce annually, as well as the sponsored webinars that Mobile Marketer will?organize and?host in 2011. All events highlighted in bold are organized by Mobile Marketer and Mobile Commerce Daily.?

JANUARY

Jan. 9-12: National Retail Federation?s Annual Convention & Expo, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York

Jan. 12: Mobile Marketer?s Classic Guide: Mobile Outlook 2011?publishes

Jan. 27: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET: "Mobile Apps: Consumer Usage, Loyalty and Advertiser Impact." Sponsor: The Weather Channel

FEBRUARY

Feb. 2: Mobile Marketer?s Classic Guide to Mobile Creative

Feb. 14-17: GSM Association?s Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain

Feb. 16: Nonprofits Mobile Day: Winter 2011, a joint presentation of Mobile Commerce Daily and the Direct Marketing Association, Venable (auditorium), 575 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Feb. 22: 3rd Mobile Marketing Day, a joint presentation of Mobile Marketer and the Direct Marketing Association, DMA Seminar Center, 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 13th floor, New York, NY 10036

Feb. 24: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET: "Holiday Mobile Marketing: Lessons Learned for Future Holiday Efforts." Sponsor: Hipcricket

MARCH

March 21-24: International CTIA Wireless 2011, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

March 30: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m. ET:?"State of Mobile Advertising: What's Working,?What's Not and What Should." Sponsor: Millennial Media?

APRIL

April 4-6: 2011 Publishing Business Conference & Expo?s Mobile Strategy Summit, New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York

April 11-13: ad:tech San Francisco, Moscone Center West, San Francisco

April 20: Mobile Marketer?s Classic Guide to Mobile Commerce

April 27: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m. ET: Sponsor: Netbiscuits

April 27-29: Mobile Shopping Spring, Westin, San Francisco

MAY

May 11: Mobile Commerce Daily?s Mobile?s Night Out party, New York

May 12: Mcommerce Summit New York, a Mobile Commerce Daily presentation, National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004

May 24-25: Luxury Interactive Global Conference, Millennium Hotel London Mayfair, London

May 25: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m. ET

JUNE

June 8: 2nd Mobile Marketing and Media Conference, a joint presentation of Mobile Marketer and the Direct Marketing Association, DMA Seminar Center, 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 13th floor, New York, NY 10036

June 16-17: Mobile Marketing Forum, New York

June 22: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m. ET

June 28-29:?Luxury Interactive, New York

JULY

July 18: Mobile: IAB Marketplace, New York

July 27: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m. ET: Sponsor: 5th Finger

AUGUST

Aug. TBD: 2011 New York Nonprofit Conference, New York

Aug. 24: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 5-9: Mobile Marketing Week, a global celebration of mobile advertising, marketing and media: A Mobile Marketer-supported series of events

Sept. 8: Mobile Marketing Summit New York: Holiday Strategies 2011, a Mobile Marketer presentation

Sept. 12-14: Shop.org 2011 Annual Summit, Boston

Sept. 22: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3p.m.: Holiday Mobile Marketing: How to Satisfy Demanding Consumers in this Economy: Neustar sponsors

OCTOBER

Oct. 1-6: DMA:2011 Conference & Exhibition, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston

Oct. 10-13: CTIA Enterprise & Applications, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego

Oct. 25-28: Mobile Shopping Summit, New York

Oct. 26: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m.

Oct. 31: Mobile Marketer?s Classic Guide to Mobile Advertising

NOVEMBER

Nov. 7: Mobile Marketer?s Mobile Women to Watch 2012

Nov. 7: Mobile Marketer?s Mobile?s Night Out party

Nov. 8-10: ad:tech New York, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York

Nov. 16-17: MMA Forum, SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA

Nov. 29-30: MEF Americas 2011 Conference, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami

DECEMBER

Dec. 7: Sponsored Webinar, 2 p.m. ? 3 p.m.: Mobile Outlook 2012

Dec. 14: Mobile Marketer?s Classic Guide: Mobile Outlook 2012

View the original article here