The European Saudi Co. For Cooperative Insurance (ESI) made its debut in the Kingdom by organizing the “First conference on medical education” under the auspices of Minister of Higher Education Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari in Riyadh. The company has also marked its advent on the insurance scene by announcing its full scholarship grant to one of the best 10 higher education students (male or female) for nomination to Master of Science and Ph.D. in medical studies abroad. These were some of the major steps taken by ESI, whose general manager Omer Hamdan Al-Bakheet, said that from the start the company had been promoting Saudization, which had reached 70 percent of the workforce. There is also a continuous training program for 300 Saudi officials annually in collaboration with Al-Jazirah International Academy. The company has set up in the Kingdom and the Arab world its regional offices that are well equipped and staffed by highly qualified personnel. The company has invested SR500 million in establishing Al-Lahim Poultry Farm and a real estate firm. Located in the capital with a total capitalization of SR100 million, ESI offers a full range of services covering all aspects of insurance in line with Shariah regulations.
Zahid TREC
Zahid Trading and Real Estate Co. Ltd. launched a Gas Jeans Corner in Lifestylez store at La Promenade II (Al-Montazah 2), Tahlia Street, Jeddah on Sunday night. Zahid TREC Chairman Fahd Zahid and Claudio Grotto, founder of Gas Jeans, jointly performed the inauguration in the presence of Guido Cappellini, Formula One powerboat world champion. “We always make it a point to present distinguished styles and introduce what’s new,” said Zahid. Gas is one of the global Italian brands, which was created by Grotto in 1986 in Italy. It is one of the world’s known casual brands, which has collections of jeans and T-shirts for men and women and accessories. Grotto said Gas Jeans owned more than 3,500 retail points in 35 countries. In the late 2000, Zahid TREC introduced a new concept through Lifestylez, which was established to present selected brands for youth under one roof. A large number of visitors, including company executives, were present at the opening.
Casio
Casio Computer Co. Ltd. has launched in the Saudi market its new EX-P600, the “EXILIM PRO.” It is the flagship model in the EXILIM family of stylish cameras. It features a hi-resolution 6 megapixel SSD image sensor, a large, bright 4x optical zoom lens and hi-definition 2.0-inch TFT LCD in an elegant metal body. The latest EXILIM model offers hi-speed auto focusing, super quick continuous shooting, versatile auto bracketing and many other advanced functions. It is most suitable for those not wanting heavy and bulky SLR type. The “EXILIM PRO” is user-friendly and easily handled by average camera users. Mahmood Saleh Abbar Co. is the sole agent and distributor of Casio products in Saudi Arabia.
Microsoft Arabia
Microsoft Arabia has launched a new public sector division, which is responsible for listening, advising and responding to Saudi Arabia’s e-governance, information & communication technology (ICT) & education needs. This announcement came after a series of meetings that Microsoft Chairman & Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, and senior company staff had with several Saudi Government delegations and businessmen in Cairo during the Government Leaders’ Forum (GLF) Arabia in January. “The new division will be dedicated to supporting the kingdom’s initiatives to build an information society,” said Dr. Khaled Al Dhaher, general manager, Microsoft Arabia. The new division will thrive to support ICT skills education and life-long learning in the Kingdom. Saad Al-Qahtani, previously commercial manager for the enterprise group at Microsoft Arabia, heads the new division. In Saudi Arabia, Microsoft is working closely with non-governmental organizations and on government projects to create learning opportunities for the Kingdom’s youth. Dr. Al Dhaher explains, “Education creates opportunities and employment options for youth, and allows for the introduction of workplace skills to ensure the labor force is properly prepared for challenges and opportunities that the information society presents. With governments around the world, Microsoft’s partnering approach is to listen to and understand an organization’s environment and challenges, and then work alongside them to develop solutions.
SWATCH/ALZOUMAN
Alzouman General Trading of Saleh Mohammed Alzouman unveiled Swatch’s spring summer 2004 collection at a function held at Jeddah Hilton on Sunday night. “Swatch radiates the trends of the new collection,” Alzouman’s Sales Manager Omar M. Assaggaf said in his presentation. The collection delivers “pulsating proposals” in wrist design through an assortment of six leading trends derived from the portfolios of Paris, the fashion labs of New York and Milan, to the mod emporiums and high-streets of Tokyo and London. Swatch’s new models launched are in Irony, Skin, Olympics and Bijoux, aside from Original. The collection reflects six trends for six different senses, he said adding that Swatch’s cosmopolitan connection sets off a timeless atmosphere this season, with thoughts of ebony, smart, snazzy and chic moods into classic and comfortable casuals. Glamourama implies more sparkles, which mean more delights. They are gorgeous, glittery, surprising and ornamental with flashing brilliance and precious features. “We’ve three seasons in which we sell the best — Ramadan, winter and summer,” Assaggaf added.
