Indomie gives away gold to campaign winners

Updated 29 October 2013
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Indomie gives away gold to campaign winners

Pinehill Arabia Food Ltd. (Indomie) announced the names of the winners in its mega promo campaign "Enjoy the Taste of Gold" in a nationwide announcement last September. The total number of winners in this campaign reached 231.
Abdulgader Bawazir, PR manager at Indomie, said: “We are very proud to have spread this joy among people and to have witnessed this strong participation among our customers, which was a huge success and drew in many participants from all over the country.”
He added: “With these draws across each of Qassim, Madinah and Jazan on Sept. 25, and Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam on the following day, we announced 231 winners. The prizes will be distributed as follows: The mega prize of 500 gram gold will be distributed to each of 6 first prize winners, 25 bars of gold of 100 gram to each of the second prize winners, another 50 winners will receive the third prize of 10 gram gold bars, while 150 participants will each get the fourth prize of 5 gram gold bars.”
The prize winners include Salwa Al-Malki, Noor Jan Taj, Ashraf Abu Hussein Yousef Ahmed, Rinad Hussein Al-Hazhaz and Johara Mohamad Salah. The names of the remaining winners will be published on Indomie's social media sites soon.
A top official of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said: “Indomie’s mega promo campaign is one which kept its promise and won its credibility because JCCI gave its permission. Besides, Indomie needs no introduction and our children love to eat it. We strongly support such campaigns for the commercial activity they bring along to Jeddah. And at the JCCI, we give the utmost care to any event or campaign that contributes to strengthening Jeddah’s commercial development.”


Leading industry suppliers line up for Gulf Print & Pack 2025

Updated 12 January 2025
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Leading industry suppliers line up for Gulf Print & Pack 2025

More than 150 exhibitors including Konica Minolta, Bobst, Ricoh, Canon and Fujifilm will take part in Gulf Print and Pack 2025, the Middle East’s leading commercial print and packaging trade show for printers, machinery buyers and brand owners. This edition will take place for the first time in Saudi Arabia at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from Jan. 14-16.

Live demonstrations of the latest commercial and package printing technologies are set to take center stage at the show.

Konica Minolta will showcase its latest innovations in production printing and embellishment, including its MGI embellishment technology, which adds striking decorative effects to printed materials, and the AccurioLabel digital label press.

Bobst will promote its most recent introductions for narrow and mid-web label and packaging printing, including the Digital Master 340/510 All-in-One and Digital Expert 340 presses.

Ricoh will present a broad range of digital printing solutions including the Pro 8400 digital mono sheetfed press, Pro C7500 digital color sheetfed press, Pro C9500 digital color sheetfed press and Pro C5300 digital color sheetfed press, along with the Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster.

Canon will demonstrate a range of equipment including the Arizona flatbed UV series for rigid media, the UVgel/ Colorado M-series for high-productivity roll-to-roll printing, and the imagePROGRAF series for premium photo and fine art applications. These are supported by the PRISMA XL software suite. The showcase will also feature a mezzanine area highlighting retail interior décor, signage, and commercial applications, emphasizing Canon’s versatility in serving this market. The company will also present information and print samples from its varioPRESS iV7 B2 press and LabelStream 2000 digital label press.

Meanwhile, Fujifilm will offer visitors live demonstrations of its latest technologies for the analogue and digital print markets, including the Revoria Press PC1120, Revoria Press EC2100S and SC285S, Revoria Press E1136 and ApeosPro C multi-function printer.

Barry Killengrey, event director, Gulf Print and Pack, said: “We are delighted to welcome leading industry suppliers from across the commercial and package printing landscape to Gulf Print and Pack 2025 — another great reason why PSPs, commercial printers and packaging converters should visit the show.”


Arab Energy Fund-led consortium acquires Metito Utilities

Updated 12 January 2025
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Arab Energy Fund-led consortium acquires Metito Utilities

The Arab Energy Fund, formerly known as APICORP, a leading multilateral impact financial institution focused on the MENA energy sector, has successfully led a consortium to acquire a 100 percent stake in, and provide further growth capital to, Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets.

This landmark transaction, in partnership with Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, aligns with TAEF’s strategic vision to advance energy security and sustainability by driving impactful investments that address critical infrastructure needs in water and wastewater management across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Metito has been an industry leader in the water sector since 1958, and Metito Utilities has more than 25 years of experience in the investment, development, and long-term operation and maintenance of water and wastewater concessions. It has a proven track record of over 35 successful concessions and has a long-standing legacy of pioneering water and wastewater management, delivering first public-private partnership projects in the sector in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Rwanda, Serbia, Qatar and beyond.

Khalid Ali Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of TAEF, said: “The investment in Metito Utilities marks a strategic milestone in TAEF’s mission to advance sustainable infrastructure and energy value chains. Water and energy are deeply interconnected, and this collaboration, alongside our partners Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, as well as Metito Utilities’ talented team, allows us to strengthen regional leadership in addressing water scarcity challenges while delivering long-term value creation. We aim to accelerate growth and innovation across new and existing markets.”

Abdullrahman K. Al-Zamil, president of Zamil Group Investment Company, said: “We have consistently sought opportunities that combine business excellence with meaningful impact. Water security is fundamental to our region’s future, and Metito’s expertise in water management aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable development.”

As a family business that has witnessed and participated in the region’s transformation, we see this partnership as another milestone in our journey of being partners in building nations, bringing proven water solutions to communities and industries that need them most.”

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said: “We are proud of our legacy, and the continuous evolution that has brought us to where we are today. While this transformation marks a new era for Metito, our commitment to a cleaner environment remains at the heart of everything we do. With this strengthened partnership, we aim to expand our positive impact by leveraging our experience in PPP projects to enhance water efficiency and deliver tailored, sustainable water management solutions across the pan-emerging markets. Together with our valued partners, we are excited to lead the way forward in shaping the future of water management.”

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for all shareholders, uniting their shared vision to address global water security challenges while developing long-term environmental, social, and economic value.

It aligns with TAEF’s broader strategy to drive sustainable infrastructure development, measurable impact and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity.


New MG HS redefines Mideast’s mid-size SUV segment

Updated 11 January 2025
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New MG HS redefines Mideast’s mid-size SUV segment

MG Motor has announced the launch of the new MG HS, a mid-size SUV that redefines style, performance and technology in the sector. Building on the success of the first-generation MG HS, which was voted “Middle East Car of the Year” by a panel of industry experts in 2020, the new model is now available across the GCC, Iraq, and Jordan. The new MG HS brings a bold new vision to the segment, building further on its international success.

The model offers exceptional value for money, with prices starting from $21,600 (excluding VAT). With its sporty design and advanced features, the new MG HS is perfect for younger buyers seeking passion, drive and control in their everyday adventures.

Tom Lee, managing director of MG Motor Middle East, said: “The new MG HS represents the next step in our journey to redefine the mid-size SUV experience. Designed with the needs of young, ambitious drivers in mind, it combines passion, power, and practicality. If buyers are looking for a reliable SUV which is both sporty and stylish, the MG HS delivers on all fronts, making it a game-changer in the segment.”

The new MG HS is designed to stand out in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, offering a perfect balance of style, performance, and technology. Its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating highlights MG’s commitment to safety, with the Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems providing added convenience and protection. Safety is further enhanced with features such as intelligent cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and blind spot information system. The vehicle includes a 360-degree HD camera, front and rear parking sensors, and up to six airbags, ensuring maximum occupant security.

Under the bonnet, the new MG HS offers two powerful and efficient engine options. Drivers can choose between a 1.5T power plant, delivering 173 hp with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, or the 2T engine, producing 231 hp with a 9-speed automatic transmission. These engines, coupled with superior handling dynamics and enhanced NVH levels, make every drive smooth, responsive, and exhilarating. The sporty three-spoke squaricle steering wheel adds a touch of dynamism, ensuring an engaging driving experience that matches the SUV’s bold character.

Visually, the MG HS is a masterpiece of modern design. Its striking “Hunting Eye” LED headlights and “The Shard” full-length LED tail lights lend it a confident and sophisticated look. Inside, the cabin combines high quality materials with cutting-edge technology. 

Dual 12.3-inch HD screens provide a fully immersive digital cockpit experience, while the premium BOSE audio system with eight speakers delivers crystal-clear sound. Convenience features such as dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless phone charger, and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration further benefit the driving experience.

Practicality meets elegance in the MG HS, with a power tailgate and a versatile cargo capacity of up to 1,397 liters, making it perfect for family adventures and weekend getaways. The electronic panoramic roof invites natural light into the cabin, creating a spacious and airy feel, while memory functions for the driver’s seat and mirrors add a personalized touch. By delivering a winning combination of utility, performance and affordability, the MG HS offers unparalleled value for young professionals and families.


Nokia, stc set regional record for data center connectivity

Updated 11 January 2025
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Nokia, stc set regional record for data center connectivity

Nokia and stc Group have successfully concluded the first-ever 1 Tbps (terabit-per-second) long haul field trial in the Middle East and Africa region. Leveraging stc Group’s live dense wavelength division multiplexing terrestrial network, this innovative trial highlights the unique potential of Nokia’s sixth generation of super-coherent photonic service engine technology in delivering high-capacity, efficient, and scalable connectivity for data centers.

With the ability to significantly increase the capacity of the digital network, stc Group and Nokia are enabling faster and more efficient data transmission over long distances. With this advanced optical infrastructure, stc Group is well-positioned to meet future market demands and continue its supply of rapid and reliable connectivity while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals.

The field trial transported 6 x 100GE and 1 x 400GE high-speed services over 1 Tbps single wavelength across 850 km, demonstrating the trusted performance and seamless integration of Nokia’s Data Center Interconnect DWDM solution into stc Group’s data center environments. Designed to seamlessly fit into the data center with advanced energy efficiency, the solution addresses the dynamic needs of AI/cloud services transport and will offer consumers across the Kingdom improved network efficiency and performance.

Nokia and stc Group’s collaboration sets a new benchmark for data center interconnectivity across the MEA region, in line with the Kingdom’s wider digital transformation journey. With ambitions to enhance Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, expand 5G coverage, and promote cloud computing adoption among other Vision 2030 goals, this collaboration is laying the groundwork for future-ready network infrastructure.

Abdullateef Alsenan, infrastructure design general manager at stc Group, said: “stc Group’s partnership with Nokia demonstrates our advancements in building a future-ready network. This milestone reflects our ability to securely support massive traffic volumes, addressing the demands of cloud services and AI applications, ultimately supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. These infrastructure advancements are positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in digital innovation and sustainability.”

Carlo Corti, head of optical networks, Middle East and Africa at Nokia, said: “By pushing the boundaries of optical technology, Nokia is committed to trusted performance and proud to partner with stc Group in achieving this record-breaking milestone. Our Data Center Interconnect solution provides scalable, energy-efficient, resilient, and secure infrastructure to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital transformation journey.”


Radisson offers gateway to Antananarivo’s charm

Updated 08 January 2025
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Radisson offers gateway to Antananarivo’s charm

Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, blends rich history, cultural diversity, and modernization. Known for its hills adorned with traditional Malagasy houses and colorful market stalls, the city’s charm is captivating. Among its most dynamic areas is the Tana Waterfront District, a centerpiece of the city’s evolution, combining commerce, entertainment and luxury living along the serene Lake Masay.

In this vibrant district stand the Radisson Blu and Radisson Tamboho Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront. Owned by local stakeholders Feride and Eric Hassanaly of Talys Group and managed under the prestigious Radisson brand, these hotels epitomize modern sophistication and Malagasy hospitality. They offer a gateway to explore both the cultural richness of Antananarivo and the cosmopolitan vibrancy of the Tana Waterfront, making them ideal for explorers and business travelers alike.

Located near the Ankorondrano business district, Radisson Blu Antananarivo Waterfront is a serene retreat for professionals and leisure travelers. Combining contemporary design with comfort, it offers stylish rooms and thoughtful amenities, ensuring productivity and relaxation. The hotel features a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to the opulent presidential suite, each thoughtfully decorated with modern sophistication. Guests enjoy seamless service, making the Radisson Blu a perfect blend of luxury and practicality. 

Beyond its rooms, the hotel offers inviting spaces for work and connection, excellent dining options, and attentive service, creating an environment where guests can recharge, connect, and thrive. The signature restaurant Firelake is a grill house and seafood haven that invites diners on a captivating sensory journey. Located on the eighth floor, it offers stunning views and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Guests enjoy a variety of grilled meats and fresh seafood, prepared by skilled chefs who celebrate authenticity and depth of flavor. The open kitchen adds to the dining experience, showcasing culinary artistry, while the rooftop pool enhances the ambiance. Firelake transforms from a bright, inviting space during the day to a cozy, vibrant setting at night, making it a top destination for culinary exploration.

For those seeking comfort, The Larder offers a continental culinary escape, celebrating homely tastes and diverse cuisines. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet in a relaxed setting, either indoors or on the charming balcony. Perfect for any occasion, The Larder provides a warm atmosphere and a delightful blend of familiar and new flavors. The Firelake Bar, also on the eighth floor, is a cozy retreat offering an exceptional selection of signature beverages. With soft lighting, inviting décor, and stunning city views, it provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding or celebrating. The Lobby Bar offers a tranquil escape with comforting drinks and warm beverages. Its inviting terrace and live piano music create a relaxing oasis, perfect for quiet reflection or meaningful conversations.

Wellness is a priority at Radisson Blu Antananarivo Waterfront. The eighth-floor fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment with panoramic city views, while the rooftop pool offers a refreshing escape. On-request massage services provide an additional layer of relaxation, making it easy for guests to recharge during their stay.

With more than 30 years of experience, Cluster Executive Chef Jérôme Daniel Martens brings a love for gastronomy to Radisson Blu Madagascar. His commitment to using 100 percent local ingredients ensures each dish reflects the essence of Madagascar, creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Cluster General Manager François van Rens oversees three Radisson properties in Madagascar. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, van Rens is dedicated to excellence and actively contributes to the development of Madagascar’s tourism sector through his work with local organizations.