MTC ATHEER, IRAQNA DEAL

On Jan. 6, two Iraqi mobile telecommunications networks — MTC Atheer and Iraqna — merged to start operations as Zain (www.iq.zain.com). Both the operators adopted the new corporate master brand of the Zain Group (formerly MTC), the leading mobile telecommunications operator in 22 countries serving 42.5 million customers across the Middle East and Africa. Ali Al Dahwi, general manager of Zain in Iraq, said by adopting the new corporate brand name of Zain, the company will be able to enhance its performance. This re-branding follows MTC Atheer’s recent attainment of a 15-year nationwide license in August 2007, for $1.25 billion and its parent company Zain acquiring Iraqna on Dec. 1, 2007, for an amount of $1.2 billion. The implementation of the new brand will have no impact on the functionality of MTC Atheer’s or Iraqna’s current pre and post-paid products and services, and customers are not required to re-set their mobile devices or change sim cards. Serving over seven million customers, Zain becomes the 5th group operation in Iraq to be re-branded joining the group’s other operations in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Sudan that were successfully renamed Zain on Sept. 8, 2007.

CHARRIOL BOUTIQUE

Al-Hussaini Trading Co. inaugurated its exclusive Charriol Boutique in Tahlia Mall, Jeddah. Owner of the exquisite boutique, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Hussaini, Ambassador Mohammed Al-Tayeb, director general — assistant to the foreign ministers’ office in Makkah region, Philippe Charriol and Adriane Avico the Swiss consul in Saudi Arabia were present at the inaugural function which was witnessed by large number of guests, clients and journalists. The opening of new Charriol Boutique is another milestone in the company’s pledge to offer its clientele a wide array of top-quality Swiss made watches, luxury leather goods and accessories all under one roof. Sheikh Mohammad mentioned that big surprises await Al-Hussaini clients in the coming year. The new boutique displays a superb collection of fine jewelry sets, a limited edition of timepieces, leather goods, pens and cufflinks carrying the Charriol signature and touch.

ALBAIK’s SAFETY DRIVE

Taking a step further in its support for initiatives that protect consumers and maintain product quality and safety, ALBAIK Food Systems Ltd. sponsored a workshop on food safety management organized by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) in collaboration with the International Standards Organization (ISO) held on Dec. 9-10. The CEO of ALBAIK said, “We are proud to participate in this important Gulf event and pleased to be the pioneers in supporting the (GSO) workshop that aims to lay the foundations for food standards.” He added, “In addition to our sponsorship, we aim to share our experience in the food sector and publicize the “Because Safety Comes First” campaign outside Saudi Arabia. We also wish to outline the public’s incredible interaction with the campaign that focuses on food safety.”

RED SEA HOUSING

Red Sea Housing Services, the region’s leading supplier of temporary facilities for the oil, gas and construction industries, announced yesterday that they got a contract of SR 88 million from Kellogg Brown & Root for the construction of a 450-man camp complete with offices, warehouse and workshop facilities. The contract is for building facilities at the Skikda Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Plant — Algeria, and is an addition to the company’s portfolio of projects in the country, spanning over the past 15 years.

THEEB’S NEW BRANCH

Theeb Rent-a-Car is opening its new branch in Malaz to meet Saudi market’s requirement in a modern and innovative style. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Theeb, the company’s general manager, said that the new corporate branch will be manned by specialized administrative cadre under Abdullah Al-Hummar’s supervision, as branch manager. In addition, it will have a technically qualified staff trained to provide quality services. The new branch will have a large number of drivers always ready to cover events, conferences as well as receiving and seeing off public and private sector delegates. The new branch will provide travel and movement permits for GCC and Arab countries. In addition, the branch will have a 24-hour service without additional fee on daily, monthly and yearly rental basis.