@Insurance_oman Oman Insurance introduces a comprehensive Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan for the first time in the UAE

For the first time in the UAE, Oman Insurance introduces a comprehensive Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan

On the occasion of Labour Day, May 1st, Oman Insurance Company (OIC) has launched the UAE’s first Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan which helps employees to secure their future.
This new plan encourages employees to save and invest a percentage of their salary for their future. The plan also allows employers flexibility in determining eligibility and vesting conditions as well as matching contributions which are helpful in attracting and retaining staff. The new offering enables forward-thinking companies to incorporate Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan into their employee benefits offering.
The OIC Workplace Savings and Retirement plan is a fully integrated solution for employers and their employees with contribution flexibility, online access to their investment portfolio, international fund investment options and much more. The plan also offers portability that addresses changes to employment and/or residence of plan members.
Mr. Robert Pereira, OIC’s Chief Operating Officer said, “In the GCC, expatriates do not have a state pension scheme to rely on and the maximum end of service benefit is very limited. Life expectancy and disposable income continues to increase while saving options are limited and often costly. The need for a comfortable and financially independent retirement is rising. Our Workplace Savings and Retirement plan helps the employees to meet these goals.”
Speaking about the new product Mr. Patrick Choffel, OIC Chief Executive Officer, said “A company that invests in its employees is a company that becomes an employer of choice. The Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan is a new solution in the region that provides employers and their employees’ flexible and tailor made savings and investment opportunities. In the crowded UAE job market, employee quality and loyalty is becoming a rare commodity. Access to an intelligent, flexible and easy to use Savings and Retirement Plan will help attract the best candidates and enhance corporate performance. A joint contribution plan will allow CEO’s to improve employee retention and most importantly build a company that thrives to its full potential.”

“What we're bringing to the market is not just a product. It's a long-awaited solution to the concerns of employees, companies and the overall economy." 

@kfcarabia Americana Kicks-off to the World with Cristiano Ronaldo @Cristiano

Americana Kicks-off to the World with Cristiano Ronaldo

Arabian creativity goes global

The huge success of a regional campaign created by KFC MENA - part of the renowned food and beverage company Americana Group – featuring the world’s number one soccer layer Cristiano Ronaldo, has resulted in the campaign going global. The KFC MENA team at Americana Group is taking the initiative to KFC’s international markets, where local franchise holders will launch it in their respective countries.

“The KFC-Ronaldo campaign was the brainchild of the KFC Arabia regional marketing team at Americana Group, which has extensive experience in dealing with celebrities to produce mega advertising initiatives that appeal to the Arabian consumer,” said Borhan El Kilany, Executive Vice President Marketing & Business Development, Americana Group.

“This particular campaign featured the world’s best football player endorsing the KFC ‘so good taste’ in Arabic – a strategy that proved to be the perfect recipe for success, as it resulted in increase in sales for KFC across the region. The KFC Arabia marketing team at Americana Group has proved itself distinctive in the KFC global market and this has resulted in the campaign being expanded worldwide. The international initiative will see Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the ambassador for KFC for six weeks of this year’s FIFA World Cup, which takes place in Brazil during the summer,” he added.

KFC Arabia’s ‘Kickin’ it with Ronaldo’ Facebook application gave KFC fans the chance to have a photo with the soccer star, an initiative that triggered a high level of social media activity. Brand engagement   was recorded as increasing by 137 percent, while overall brand sentiment went up by 20 percent. Such was the impact of the online activation that KFC MENA and Americana Group scooped an Effie at the Effie Mena Awards 2013, the region’s premium marketing awards programme.

“The KFC-Ronaldo campaign developed by KFC MENA marketing team at Americana group proved so successful that it was presented at KFC’s most recent global marketing planning meeting in Texas, USA. The decision was then taken to extend the campaign’s impact to KFC’s global markets by exporting it from the Middle East to the world,” said Adel Mounib, Chief Marketing Officer, Restaurants Division, Americana Group.

“The initial KFC-Ronaldo campaign promoted KFC’s ‘so good taste’ in 74 cities across 12 markets in the Middle East region, which is home to over 600 stores,” stated Hesham Tahssin, Regional Marketing Director, KFC MENA, Americana Group. “The global initiative will involve 4,000 KFC restaurants worldwide, operating in 23 markets across three continents. We believe that more than one billion people will be reached through the campaign as it is expected to generate a great deal of excitement in KFC’s core market demographic of 18-34 year old football fans. What is particularly significant is that marketing campaigns such as this are usually implemented in the Middle East after their global success. This is the first time that creative Arab minds have resulted in a local initiative that is to be launched globally,” he added.

The recent achievement of Cristiano Ronaldo having scooped the prestigious Ballon d'Or in January this year is expected to contribute to the KFC-Ronaldo campaign’s success in the Middle East and  globally.

IPIC Releases 2013 Financial Year Results

IPIC reports AED 7.9 billion of net profit for the year 2013
International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), the public joint stock company wholly owned by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, released today the highlights of its full-year, consolidated financial statements for 2013.
Key financial highlights include:

• Revenue of AED 194.0 billion, compared to AED 190.6 billion in 2012, which represents an increase of AED 3.4 billion

• Profit for year increased to AED 7.9 billion from AED 6.4 billion in 2012, up AED 1.5 billion

• Total assets of AED 251.2 billion at 31 December 2013 compared to AED 239.3 billion at 31 December 2012, as a result of a recovery in global equity markets, appreciation in the EUR/USD exchange rates, and business acquisitions made by the Group over the period

• Total equity of AED 64.4 billion at 31 December 2013, compared to AED 57.2 billion at 31 December 2012

“2013 was one of our most successful years to date,” said Khadem Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of IPIC.  “IPIC’s excellent results saw revenues rise to a record AED 194.0 billion (US$ 52.8 billion), a 23% increase in profit, and a 10% reduction of debt. These are befitting results to mark the beginning of IPIC’s 30th year of operations.”
“Over the past five years, IPIC’s consolidated assets have grown from AED 85.5 billion to AED 251.2 billion, showing a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 24%.  Consolidated revenue has grown from AED 36.2 billion to AED 194.0 billion, and consolidated operating profits have grown from AED 1.5 billion to AED 9.2 billion, representing compound annual growth rates of 40% and 44%, respectively.”
“I would like to thank our Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unwavering guidance and leadership; our Board of Directors for their invaluable expertise and support; and, our management team and employees for their dedication and hard work in delivering such excellent results.”

IPIC is rated Aa3/AA/AA by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, with a stable outlook. 

@CUDUAE MIDDLE EAST CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE 2

“DEVELOPING AND ENGAGING THE MILLENNIALS”

Canadian University of Dubai and Hult International Business School are co-hosting the second regional conference designed to share best practices and enhance learning of how HE institution Career Services professionals can better develop and engage with Millenials.
The 2ndMiddle East Career Development Conference (MECDC 2) will be held at Hult’s Dubai Campus on May 1st2014 and is expected to attract over 80 youth experts, career advisors and coaches from universities across the Middle East.
The conference was established in 2012 in order to provide career advising professionals from academic institutions throughout the region the opportunity to network and share best practices.
Mr. Michael Todd, Work Placement and Career Services Manager at the Canadian University of Dubai said: “Canadian University of Dubai is thrilled to be a part of this increasingly relevant and much needed event.  We are in a challenging time of high youth unemployment and it is vital that we as career advisors of this region are in tune with what is needed in industry and ensure that our practices are relevant and our graduates are ready for what awaits them.”
Ms. Stella Mandehou, Career Services Manager at Hult International Business School who is the Conference Host & Co-chair, comments: “We are very proud to continue last year’s initiative to create a networking and development platform for career advising and coaching professionals within MENA. I hope that MECDC can become an established industry event that will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, supporting the development of improved career programs for our respective institutions and students.”
MECDC 2 offers several professional development speeches by featured speakers from the MENA region, webinars from speakers of US HE institutions and an opportunity to network and share ideas through workshops and roundtable discussions!

During the conference, inspiring guest speakers will talk about current topics in the career development field which include: “Enabling Tomorrow's Talent in Today's World - Opportunities in the Region in Aligning Education to Employment” by David Jones, Labor Market Economist, Founder & Managing Director, The Talent Enterprise ; “Three Essential Skills for Every Career Counselor” by Bruncha Milaszewski, MA CMF, General Manager, Training and Consulting, Capita-Global ; “The Keys to A Successful Interview: Improving Student Skills” by Nigel D’Souza, Consultant, Shane Phillips Consultants; “Engaging Student Through Social Media” by Ayman Itani, Digital & Social Media Strategist; “Get Hired: Helping Your Clients Rise to the Top of Google Rankings Using Social Media” by Amanda Peters, Associate Director/Career Coach, Harvard Kennedy School, MA, USA & Sabrina Woods, Associate Director Career Services, Northeastern University, MA, USA; “How Do You Do That? Providing Comprehensive Career Services Online” by Sharon Balke, Career Center Supervisor & Melody Jennings Kruzic, Career Counselor, Capella University, MN, USA.

@ChopSueyUAE ‘Yum Cha’ Fridays at Chop Suey

Chop Suey, Jumeirah’s new favourite Chinese restaurant is launching their new ‘Yum Cha’ Fridays menu concept on 9th May 2014! Yum Cha is a Chinese style morning or afternoon tea where guests pick from a selection of sweet and savoury Dim Sum to enjoy with tea.
Chop Suey will introduce their own take on Yum Cha where guests can enjoy a variety of mouth-watering fried and steamed vegetable, seafood, chicken and meat Dim Sum, dessert, soup as well as teas and soft drinks. An alternative to the weekly, often expensive, Friday brunch, Yum Cha at Chop Suey is ideal for fun, delicious meal to have with family and friends.
‘Yum Cha’ Fridays at Chop Suey:
The Yum Cha menu will be available on Fridays from 12 to 3 pm for 80 AED per person and 35 AED for children aged five to twelve.
Chop Suey is located at Beach Park Plaza Mall, opposite Jumeirah Beach Park, and the cozy laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a quick bite with friends. It is open for dine-in, delivery and take-out everyday from 12pm till 11:30pm

For more information or delivery call 04 344 2212 or visit www.chopsuey.ae  

@BySymphony @TemperleyLondon Symphony and Temperley - Sample Sale - up to 95% off - THIS WEEKEND! @stayataddress

@TheCureBeauty TURN HEADS AGAIN AND AGAIN

TURN HEADS AGAIN AND AGAIN

** New Unlimited Hair Package at The Cure Launches May 2014 **

Stepping out of the hair salon is a wonderful feeling.  You look great, feel great and are ready to hit wherever you are heading next, with confidence! If finding a last minute appointment never works for you, or blow-drys are an occasional treat you yearn for, then read on…

From May 2014, The Cure is offering a new exciting unlimited hair package at its brand new branch in the Green Community. For just AED 6,000 per year, you can relax at the friendly hair and beauty salon as many times as you like for hair cuts, colour and blow drys. Plus you’ll get a wealth of other exclusive discounts and benefits too!

In addition to the exciting new Unlimited Blow-Dry package, The Cure also offers an Essential Elegance Package, where for just AED 4,200 you will receive UNLIMITED manicures, pedicures, and polish changes (non gel)... AND, UNLIMITED threading and tinting for a whole year.

For further information and to purchase an Unlimited Package call The Cure Media City (Building 10, BBC World) +971 4 391 6485 or The Cure Green Community (Park & Shop Plaza)  +971 04 883 0818 or visit www.thecure.ae.

@CUDUAE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY OF DUBAI CELEBRATES FOURTH GRADUATION CEREMONY

450 students honoured at glittering ceremony
Canadian University of Dubai celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony with 450 students receiving their degree certificates at a glittering event held in a packed Sheikh Rashid Hall at Dubai World Trade Centre.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and His Excellency Sheik Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development witnessed the ceremony, which was attended by over 2500 students, parents and faculty.
The ceremony was particularly poignant for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was amongst the many proud parents seeing their children graduate - his son, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Business Administration.
Praising the development of education at Canadian University of Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan said: “Our presence here clearly highlights the great reputation and achievements that Canadian University of Dubai has accomplished in its short life.
“These achievements are represented in its distinguished educational courses, addressing students’ and society’s needs, not to mention fulfilling the requirement for global excellence in its fruitful and valuable collaboration with distinguished international universities.
“Perhaps the most important thing we see is the excellence the Canadian University of Dubai graduates reflect, due to their strong and distinct contributions in the service of the overall development process in the nation and society.”            
Mr Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of the Canadian University of Dubai, added: “Canadian University of Dubai will not spare any effort in providing creative higher education that takes into account the abilities and goals of every student, while linking it to the job market.
“The faculty at Canadian University of Dubai constantly strives to achieve this goal to create a successful society full of expertise, a society that reacts creatively and peacefully to its surroundings, a society that does not produce armies and unemployed, an educated society that produces a suitable student for a suitable place. Machines and capital alone do not make prosperity, it is people, educated, progressive people. The result of the progressive educated experience in the UAE.”
Representing the students, Sheikh Rashid thanked the faculty for their hard work and had some stirring words for his fellow graduates:
“I would like to thank members of faculty and administration for all the efforts they put in to develop the university to serve the students and for keeping the name of Canadian University of Dubai a symbol for us and for future generations.
“While we receive our graduation degree and reap the fruits of our toil and effort, we prepare ourselves for a new phase of our lives. We are at the beginning of a journey. We should always remember that success in life requires more effort, more excellence, non-stop seeking of knowledge, keeping up with modern trends and ensuring to benefi­­t from evolution.”

For more information please visit www.cud.ac.ae

@ParkRegisDubai SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT WITH GREEN TIPS FROM PARK REGIS KRIS KIN HOTEL, DUBAI

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT WITH GREEN TIPS FROM PARK REGIS KRIS KIN HOTEL, DUBAI

Management from the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai will take the opportunity to spread the word about its green practices at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai between May 5 and 8.

 

A Green Tip brochure will be distributed to contacts in the travel trade and corporate businesses at the show, graphically displaying how everyone can make a contribution to saving the planet in their daily working and home lives. 

According to General Manager of the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Scott Butcher, going green for businesses is no longer a public relations exercise, but a serious commitment to sustainability that should be taken by both corporations and individuals.

“Hotels such as the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel can play an important role in transmitting this message – to guests, to staff, to corporate and sales contacts, and even to schools and youth groups, to stress the importance of changing habits to change the future of the world,” he said.

“With potentially 20,000 exhibitors, travel trade and media visitors at Arabian Travel Market, we aim to take time out from our sales and marketing to transmit this message to all our contacts, giving them our Green Tips brochure to take away and hopefully pass on.”

 

Among the best practice measures suggested in the brochure are reduction of energy and water, the re-use and re-cycling of resources and changing attitudes to consumption:

·         Visit parks and nature reserves

·         Sow a plant to celebrate a birthday

·         Sell old toys

·         Donate old clothes to charity

·         Cut down on buying bottled water

·         Promote indoor plants in offices and homes

·         Opt for online media

·         Use natural light where possible

·         Use b/w rather than colour printing

·         Use water wisely

·         Shower rather than bath

·         Fix water leaks

·         Wash without wasting water

·         Do not dispose of oils and hazardous liquids down the drain

·         Say no to plastic bags

·         Say no to disposable products

·         Turn down the a/c

·         Switch to LED lights

·         Unplug battery chargers

·         Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby

·         Look at eco tourism

·         Pay bills online

·         Drive smoothly to save fuel use

·         Walk or cycle and use public transport

·         Preserve nature where possible

·         Download music

·         Travel wisely

·         Look at your carbon footprint

·         Live environmentally and locally

·         Live green

@HMHDubai CEO Laurent A. Voivenel to Represent HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings at Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2014

CEO Laurent A. Voivenel to Represent HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings at Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2014

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO, HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings has confirmed his attendance at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) being held in Dubai on May 4 and 5, 2014.

He said, "I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to attend this superb gathering of the region's most senior hotel investors, developers, operators and advisors. We are witnessing unprecedented hotel development opportunities in the region and will be great to know where hotel investors are putting their money and what are the key industry trends emerging. AHIC presents an invaluable platform to promote our brands and connect with potential business partners as well as gain strategic market intelligence fromthese local and international leaders".

According to Laurent, "Of particular interest will be discussion on how GCC looks at demand generators and tourism infrastructure and how the whole region can benefit from the 2020 World EXPO and 2022 World Cup.As a regional operator we are eager to know what is driving the hotel investment landscape locally and globally, what are the key areas of growth in MEA and how the region needs to move forward".

AHIC attracts over 600 attendees from approximately 40 countries and this year marks the conference's 10th anniversary.