Dr Mussaad Al-Razouki , CEO at Kleos Healthcare Corporation in Kuwait, will take part in a plenary session to discuss how higher healthcare costs in the Middle East will affect patient visits to clinics at the upcoming Leaders in Health Conference in Dubai. This topic will be discussed as part of a wider conference programme taking place during the 4th Hospital Build & Infrastructure Middle East Exhibition & Congress from 4-6 June 2012.

According to Dr. Al-Razouki, “As Middle East governments pursue ways in which to increase the welfare and citizen’s access to enhanced quality of life measures, increased spending on healthcare is a top priority. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health recently announced a record budget of US$4 bn for FY 2012-13, which represents a 100% increase from the US$2 bn budget of FY 2007-8 five years ago; this spending accounts for over 80% of the healthcare spending in the country. In Saudi Arabia, the GCC’s largest health care market, the total Saudi healthcare budget (including government and private investment) comes to about US$21.3 bn for the FY 2012-13. In 2007, McKinsey and Co. calculated the GCC’s expenditure on healthcare to reach a total of $60 billion by 2025; this, however, seems a great underestimation looking at how both the Kuwaiti and Saudi healthcare budgets are increasing.”

Indeed, GCC governments continue to build costly cathedrals of care such as the island hospital of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Sidra Medical Research Center in Qatar. While tertiary centers of excellence with a focus on research are greatly needed in the Middle East, a strong focus also needs to be placed on prevention that reduces the need for hefty investments in healthcare infrastructure. Another large proponent of these exponential MoH budget increases is the increasing dependency on overseas healthcare spending by GCC governments.

“In fact, the generosity of most GCC government’s extends beyond the healthcare of their citizens. Using Kuwait again as example, expatriates are only required to pay a very low yearly assurance premium of US$70 to 180 which pales in comparison to the US$1000-1200 annual cost of their care to the Government of Kuwait. Similar examples can be seen across the GCC, where both nationals and expatriates enjoy significantly subsidised specialty care,” says Dr. Al-Razouki.

Dr. Al-Razouki attributed the underlying issue behind these increase in healthcare costs to the unhealthy lifestyle most people in the Middle East choose to live. He also emphasises the link between obesity and diabetes type II as it is estimated that these chronically ill diabetes type II patients are four times more likely to be hospitalised, a further cost burden on GCC health budgets.

However, there are reassuring programs across the GCC to help reduce healthcare costs. Certain clinical centers of excellence in Saudi Arabia are piloting an interesting initiative whereby physicians are actually made aware of the costs of procedures and prescriptions before prescribing their treatment to their patients through a computerised physician order entry (CPOE) system that prints out the associated cost of the procedure or prescription.

“This has a dual effect,” explains Dr. Al-Razouki. “Firstly, physicians are less likely to prescribe useless tests and psychological placebo medications, thereby reducing the cost burden on their respective department and secondly, patients who do not even pay a simple co-payment and are used to receiving both the treatment and prescription for free, are made aware of the ‘value’ of the service the Saudi government is providing them. This is an important segue to more accountable care models; other GCC governments should take note.”

Hospital Build & Infrastructure Middle East is the fastest-growing, global business-to-business platform dedicated to bringing together investors, commissioners, backers and managers of healthcare-related building projects with key players in planning, design, construction, operations, management, supply and refurbishment. As investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure continues to rise, the 2012 event is set to be bigger than ever with more than 130 exhibitors covering 5,000sqm of exhibition floor space, an estimated 4,500 visitors, as well as more than 600 conference delegates.

For more information about the Leaders in Healthcare Conference at Hospital Build 2012, please call +971 (0)4 4072 743 or visit www.hospitalbuild-me.com.

-END-

Note to Editors

About Informa Life Sciences:
For more information, please visit www.informalifesciences.com.

About Kleos Healthcare Corporation:
For more information, please visit www.kleoshealth.com.

For media enquiries please contact:
Inga Stevens
PR & Social Media Manager
Informa Life Sciences
T: +971 4 407 2743
F: +971 4 336 4021
inga.stevens@informa.com

Dubai, 12 July 2011 – Recent statistics issued by Düsseldorf Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (DMT) revealed that overnight stays by visitors coming to Düsseldorf from the Arabian Gulf countries have doubled since 2003, indicating a remarkable increase of 115.7%. To draw a comparision, all markets have recorded an increase of 56.2% since 2003. According to the statistics, the Arabian market is among the 10 most important foreign markets.

Many factors have contributed to making Düsseldorf, the capital of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, an attractive destination for Arab travellers. The Arabian region has become a developing market for Düsseldorf’s International Airport, the third largest airport in Germany, and the largest airport in North Rhine-Westphalia. Approximately 70 airlines connect Düsseldorf with around 180 destinations – including the Gulf States. Emirates Airlines, for example, connects Düsseldorf and Dubai twice a day. There are other flight options such as Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines with change-over connections via Frankfurt or Munich, and with Swiss Air via Zurich.

Düsseldorf’s high-end hotels have also contributed to enhancing the city’s image as an important tourism hub. The grand opening of the luxury Hyatt Hotel at the city’s harbour this year has formed a new addition to the city’s hotel industry.

As a well-known medical tourism destination, Düsseldorf also attracts an increasing number of patients from Arab countries, Russia and the EU neighbouring states, receiving treatment at the city’s specialist facilities and clinics.

The city is also famous for being the capital of international fashion and a hub for the latest fashion designs. It is home to an infinite number of fashion stores and catwalks, showcasing the creativity of various unique designers. Düsseldorf also attracts a large number of shopping lovers, including many visitors from the GCC region, who find offers that meet their desires and tastes.

Amongst the world’s most elegant shopping destinations is the Königsallee boulevard (literally “King’s Avenue”). Nicknamed “Kö” by the locals, it is cosidered one of the few internationally renowned shopping streets. The “Kö” is characterised by its impressive looks, a row of 120 chestnut trees as well as the Kö-Graben, a landscaped canal runing along the Kö’s centre. The canal is some 31 metres wide and fed by water from the Düssel, the small river from which the city got its name. This water canal splits the Königsallee into an Eastern and a Western side, whereas the two parts are connected with various bridges, giving each side a touch of uniqueness. The Western side primarily represents the headquarter of banks and hotels, while the Eastern side is mainly commercial, consisting of large local as well as international shops and boutiques. In order to meet every fashion lovers taste, Düsseldorf offers personal shoppers, taking individuals and couples on a shopping tour through selected fashion shops.

Düsseldorf’s MedienHafen (media harbour) contains Düsseldorf’s most creative architecture. This harbour, which has witnessed a lot of spectacular changes, consists of towers which were built by internationally recognised architects. These architectural masterpieces do not only impress Düsseldorf’s visitors, but also international experts within the field of architecture.

However, the MedienHafen has more to offer than its impressive architecture. Visitors can find a variety of coffee shops and restaurants that create a special atmosphere. In addition, many nightlife facilities can be found in this lively area.

It is worth mentioning that about one fifth of Düsseldorf’s total area consists of recreation areas, green spaces and forests. Moreover, one third of the city’s area is officially declared a nature reserve. The above characteristic guarantees a high quality of life and increases the attractiveness of Düsseldorf, which is considered a city with good living conditions, enhancing environment and nature protection in the light of urban development.

- Ends -

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Issued on behalf of Düsseldorf Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (DMT) by bridge:media FZ-LLC, Dubai Media City. For further information, please contact Hiba Moussa on:

Tel: (+9714) 375 43 35
Fax: (+9714) 375 45 00

Email: hm@bridge-media.com
Web: http://www.bridge-media.com

To celebrate Bosch’s double anniversary in 2011: the company’s 125th anniversary as well as the 150th anniversary of its founder, Bosch organised on Wednesday, 8 June 2011 an evening gala event at The Address Hotel in Dubai. On 15 November 1886, Bosch established its “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart, laying the foundations for what has since become a leading global supplier of technology and services. Born on 23 September 1861 in Albeck near Ulm, Robert Bosch was a technology pioneer, and propelled his company to international success during his own lifetime. Robert Bosch died at the age of 80 on 12 March 1942 in Stuttgart.

Bosch operates through more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries with a workforce of over 285,000 associates worldwide. Moreover, its international network comprising sales companies and partners in 150 countries ensures that the company’s products and services will continue to enter further growth markets in the near future. Bosch has also been present in the GCC region for more than 50 years through its agents and representatives. Already ten years ago, the company established its first Gulf branch in Dubai, which had been responsible for the whole GCC region. In 2008, Bosch expanded its Dubai office and transformed it into an integrated regional office for the Middle East and North Africa region with a team of more than 70 employees.

Commenting on Bosch’s anniversary, Gürcan Karakas, Senior Vice President, Corporate Department Marketing and Sales at Bosch, said: “Bosch’s 125-year success story encourages the company to constantly maintain its focus on creativity and investment in the field of research and development, especially in the development of green products. Bosch’s global activities in leading technical fields ensure the company’s competitiveness in the upcoming years.”

Meanwhile, Frank Schlehuber, Vice President, Sales Independent Aftermarket, Automotive Aftermarket Division, indicated that “the company has gained a leading position worldwide because of its highly developed products, services as well as creativity and due to the fact that Bosch was transformed into a successful global player by a pioneer in the field of technology. He stressed that “Bosch’s achievements and spirit of innovation characterising the company since its inception, always pushes the company to explore new business fields, markets and technologies, which eventually bring even bigger success for the company.”

Guido Gring, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket, Middle East and Africa, said: “The presence of Bosch through its office in Dubai for a whole decade and the fact that it was responsible for the Middle East and North Africa region in recent years, show the company’s interest in this region and its aspiration to strengthen its activities in it.” He pointed out that “Bosch’s anniversary activities reflect the company’s past, present, and future as well as its goal to enhance relationships with customers, trade partners and employees around the world”.

For the Bosch Group, the double anniversary will be the dominant event in 2011. With 700 activities around the world, including more than 200 events for associates, the company will be celebrating its two anniversaries over the course of this year. The first of these activities is the interactive anniversary website, which went online in January 2011. At www.125.bosch.com, everything revolves around the “BoschGlobe”, which encourages visitors to explore and take part in. In this multimedia Bosch world, visitors can go on a journey through time, where they will experience not only the company’s history, but also the new technologies of the present day. When turning the globe towards the future, they can leave their own mark on the map in the form of ideas and wishes.

With over 3,800 patent applications filed each year and approximately 3.8 billion euros invested in research and development annually, Bosch aims to maintain its focus on future innovations and in this way to lay the foundations for further sustainable growth. In accordance with its strategic guiding principle, all products supplied by the three Bosch business sectors automotive technology, industrial technology, as well as consumer goods and building technology are fully in line with the company motto “invented for life”. Thus, Bosch has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of diesel and gasoline injection systems as well as vehicle safety systems such as the ABS antilock braking system and the ESP® electronic stability programme. Bosch is also one of the largest suppliers of power tools, heating technology, household appliances, and security systems. The Bosch industrial technology business sector is a recognised specialist in drive and control technologies. Moreover, Bosch’s business sector includes the packaging technology and solar energy divisions.

With targeted long-term plans, Bosch is investing in promising markets such as renewable energy and electromobility. Accordingly, some 45 percent of the annual research and development budget is devoted exclusively to products that conserve energy and resources. At the same time, the company has been developing innovative products for decades, whose everyday use save considerable amounts of energy worldwide – in automotive powertrains, in household appliances, and in heating, cooling, as well as air conditioning systems.

It is worthwhile mentioning that credibility, efficiency, and reliability – the fundamental values of the company founder Robert Bosch – are still core elements of the corporate culture and the company’s business strategy. In the spirit of its founder, the Bosch Group continues to place great emphasis on its social and environmental responsibility.

- ENDS -

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Bosch:

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 285,000 associates generated sales of 47.3 billion euros in fiscal 2010. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent 3.8 billion euros for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as a “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and www.125bosch.com

Reader contact:
Robert Bosch Middle East FZE
Automotive Aftermarket
Phone: +97142123310
E-Mail: mazen.ghanem@ae.bosch.com

Issued on behalf of Robert Bosch Middle East FZE – Automotive Aftermarket in Dubai by bridge:media FZ-LLC, Dubai Media City. For further information, please contact Hunadah Al Hariri on:

Tel: (+9714) 375 43 35
Fax:(+9714) 375 45 00

Email: hh@bridge-media.com
Web: http://www.bridge-media.com

This year’s Automechanika Middle East 2011, which is being held in the Dubai World Trade Center from 7 – 9 June 2011, will see Bosch’s participation in Hall 2, where it will position itself as “The Partner for the Future of the Workshop.”

As the only single-source supplier of diagnostic expertise and spare parts, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket is more than able to live up to this claim. The company will demonstrate a total of 15 new and existing products as well as topics from the fields of diagnostics, spare parts and services.

Bosch sees the Automechanika Middle East 2011 as an opportunity to introduce its new maintenance and repair program for commercial vehicles. The spotlight will be on the new Bosch KTS Truck and KTS Truck 800 testers for commercial vehicle diagnostics. The control unit diagnostic tool KTS Truck and the associated Esitronic Truck software package have been developed specifically to address the needs of commercial vehicle workshops and complete the comprehensive Bosch portfolio of spare parts and testing technology for vans, heavy-duty trucks, buses and trailers. Bosch produces two different versions of the new control unit diagnostic tester for commercial vehicles: A KTS module for use with a PC or laptop already present in the workshop, and the KTS 800 Truck complete solution with Diagnostic Control Unit (DCU) – a powerful tablet PC also recently developed by Bosch.

The new EPS 200 diesel test bench for testing common-rail injection pumps and injectors produced by Bosch and other manufacturers will be demonstrated for the first time at the trade fair. A warranty rating is also possible for Bosch components. An integrated cooling system, electronic injection quantity measurement and a comprehensive self-diagnostic system help workshops to work with convenience and professionalism and are a simple way to get started with testing common-rail injectors using piezo technology.

These are the new products, which will be showcased during the exhibition:
• Air conditioning service device
• Batteries with EFB/AGM technology for vehicles with start/stop functionality
• Battery chargers BAT 490 and battery testers BAT 131
• Diagnostic testers KTS Truck and KTS 800 Truck
• Diesel test bench EPS 200
• Esitronic: Esitronic, Esitronic Truck
• Repair concept for common-rail injectors (CRI/CRIN stage 3)
• Repair of electronic components, including control units
• Truck parts program, e.g. new Aerotwin wiper blade for commercial vehicles
• Tire changer TCE 4425 and wheel balancer WBE

The focus for 2011 is on workshop customers. Bosch will be bringing its automotive expertise to bear in this sector so that customers can learn how to repair even the most state-of-the-art vehicles. Visitors can expect a series of live demos on diagnostic equipment, spare parts and service offerings. Among the items on the agenda is how to use a Bosch KTS tester to perform vehicle diagnostics.

In terms of interactive shows, visitors can experience how the right hardware and software can make troubleshooting, servicing and repair efficient processes – all backed up by Bosch’s cross-brand expertise. The extensive range of workshop equipment will also be demonstrated at the event, including tools for vehicle alignment and the full spectrum of wheel servicing.

Another rollout of Bosch’s new products is the presentation of a number of workshop concepts, such as Bosch Car Service for passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle, noting that some new requirements are introduced to suit the needs of the Middle East region. As part of the new product range will be the Beissbarth’s new axles, wheel alignment and tire changers. All the new features can be seen in hall 2 at stand 2AM506.

- ENDS -

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Bosch:

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 285,000 associates generated sales of 47.3 billion euros in fiscal 2010. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent 3.8 billion euros for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as a “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and www.125bosch.com

Reader contact:
Robert Bosch Middle East FZE
Automotive Aftermarket
Phone: +97142123310
E-Mail: mazen.ghanem@ae.bosch.com

Issued on behalf of Robert Bosch Middle East FZE – Automotive Aftermarket in Dubai by bridge:media FZ-LLC, Dubai Media City. For further information, please contact Hunadah Al Hariri on:

Tel: (+9714) 375 43 35
Fax:(+9714) 375 45 00

Email: hh@bridge-media.com
Web: http://www.bridge-media.com

Dubai, 1 June 2011 – With travellers from this country representing 50% of the whole overnight stays from the GCC region, Saudi Arabia affirms itself as a key-market for German tourism. For this reason, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the local affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) in Dubai, will continuously strive to strengthen the excellent results regarding tourists from Saudi and the Arabian Gulf, which in 2010 recorded an impressive increase of 26.4% of overnight stays as compared to the figures of the previous year. As part of these growing efforts aimed at the Saudi and GCC market, the GNTO is participating to the Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) where it will promote the two key-marketing themes for 2011, health and wellness tourism to Germany as well as the 125th anniversary of the motor car.

Kicking off today, the four-day travel and tourism exhibition is scheduled to take place at Riyadh International Exhibition Centre until 26 May 2011. The annually recurring RTF, which will launch its third edition under this year’s theme “Destination 2011 for everyone at anytime”, not only represents a global forum for the international travel industry, but also gives the open public the opportunity to learn about world-wide tourist destinations and its amenities.

“We are well-aware of the importance that the GCC countries and Saudi Arabia in particular have for German tourism and therefore, we always put consistent efforts in promoting topics of particular appeal to visitors from this region. I am sure that the marketing themes 2011 and especially the medical and wellness tourism will draw the attention of the regional audience and travel industry, marking a successful participation for Germany at the RTF,” said Antje Roeding-Boudier, Director of the Marketing and Sales Office for the Gulf Countries at the GNTO in Dubai. “The German medical sector enjoys a great reputation abroad. Every year, tens of thousands international patients come to Germany, in order to receive treatment in hospitals as well as ambulatory care. In addition to a great offer in diagnostics and an excellent medical infrastructure, patients benefit from highly trained and specialised doctors and nurses,” she added.

Medical tourism is a holiday segment that is experiencing strong demand in the Arabian Gulf countries. Germany is particularly well prepared for tourists from the GCC region seeking medical treatment. Many medical facilities provide Arab guests with tailored packages, including both patients and accompanying family members. Mrs. Roeding-Boudier stressed that these offers are met with great interest, because they allow many tourists from the Gulf to come to Germany and receive medical treatment, while their families are being entertained on visits to the beautiful landscapes and culturally rich cities of the country.

In addition to the promotion of medical tourism, the marketing campaign this year focuses on the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile. Given the great popularity that German car brands enjoy in the region, Gulf visitors already showed great interest in this field. On this occasion, many events, such as car museums with pioneering architecture and innovative technologies have been planned, in order to expand the automotive-themed tourist attractions.

GNTO is continuously working closely with travel trade representatives and agents throughout the year and is always interested in further strengthening its collaboration with the touristic industry. For this reason, GNTO’s staff will be present at Germany’s stand at the RTF to inform the travel trade industry as well as the general public about Germany as a tourist destination. In addition, various special offers matching the promotional topics will be available, and brochures as well as information material in both English and Arabic will be displayed at the RTF.

Over the past years, Germany has observed a constant increase in the number of visitors from abroad. In 2010 for the first time, overnight stays by international travellers passed the record-breaking 60-million mark. With the number of overnight stays reaching 968,336 in 2010 by visitors from the GCC, this region is one of the biggest source markets for Germany.

- ENDS -

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Germany:
Germany is located in the centre of Europe and the territory covers 357,021 sq km with elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps in the south to the shores of the North Sea in the north-west and the Baltic Sea in the north-east. It has some of Europe’s major rivers like the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. Germany shares borders with more European countries than any other country on the continent. Its neighbours include France, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark and Poland.

About the German National Tourist Board (GNTB):
GNTB is a provider of marketing services for the German tourism industry. Headquartered in Frankfurt, it has 30 representative offices around the world. GNTB aims to enhance the positive image of Germany as a travel destination and increase the volume of tourist traffic to and within Germany. The German National Tourist Board works in close cooperation and economic partnership with all levels of the tourism industry in Germany.

For further information about Germany and GNTB: www.germany.travel

Email: hh@bridge-media.com
Web: http://www.bridge-media.com

Media Contact: Susan Furness at Strategic Solutions for ArabianMoney.net
Email: susan@strategicsolutionsonline.com Tel: +97150 6556126
Editor’s Notes:
ArabianMoney is the only independently written investment newsletter published in the Gulf, and sent out monthly to subscribers all over the world who pay an annual fee.

Editor and publisher Peter Cooper was the founding editor of Gulf Business magazine in 1996 and one of the founders of the AME Info news service in 2000.

ArabianMoney also has a free-to-view website, www.arabianmoney.net whose readership grew by 76% in August.

Peter Cooper’s property columns formerly appeared in Freehold Monthly and Property Monthly but are now only available to readers of the ArabianMoney newsletter.
For more information: Please visit www.arabianmoney.net

Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Middle East states “Diesel engines are not as common in the Middle East, but have great potential for efficiency, higher torque and lower CO2 emissions. Customers increasingly ask for this option, so we have decided to start releasing them for the GCC.”

Diesel engines combine great propulsive power and exemplary fuel efficiency, and demonstrate that this technology also holds great potential for the future. The TDI from Audi had put an end once and for all to the old diesel image as “lame, loud, and dirty” and turned it into the opposite. Today nearly every automaker includes this technology in its program.

Audi has been building diesel engines for over 30 years and since pioneering TDI in 1989, Audi has produced over five million TDI engines and more recently claimed fame as the first manufacturer to win the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race with a diesel driven race car.

The abbreviation TDI combines turbocharging, direct injection and totally electronic engine management. In addition to the engines, further engineering features, from recuperation systems over lightweight aluminum body design, LED lights and highly efficient air conditioning systems to economical route guidance in the navigation systems, contribute to the high efficiency of the vehicles.

To start with, Etisalat will be extending its UAE local MPLS network upto US, UK & to Egypt, KSA, and Kuwait on its own backbone, whereas the connectivity at the distant end will be provided by local partners.

With the setting up of these new nodes, Etisalat will offer secure IP/MPLS links to carry data traffic on its own network. This will also translate into pricing advantages which will be passed on to customers since Etisalat will manage its own network from end-to-end in a seamless manner.

According to Abdulla Hashim, Sr.VP, Business Solutions, Etisalat, “This initiative is a major milestone for Etisalat and is part of a comprehensive strategy to follow our customers and offer them a secure network for connectivity solutions with advantages like single point of contact and price guarantees. Having our own nodes is a major differentiator in UAE and in the Middle East and we remain committed to offering our customers a truly world class connectivity solution with advantages like reliable quality of service & network manageability for customers.”

He added, “We will continue to expand our own network and we will follow this up with the launch of further new nodes globally as part of a phased approach. “

UAE based companies who want to communicate with their partners and offices abroad will now have a single point of contact for all their operational and customer service needs thereby making it very convenient for them to deal directly with Etisalat. Etisalat is also offering Managed services for International connectivity so that customers can outsource all their network operational & management activities thereby reducing their operational costs.

Global IPVPN offers customers the flexibility to communicate across multiple offices on their private network with an ability to run applications with guaranteed performance for each type of application. Customers can also take advantage of scalable bandwidth so that they can quickly add new sites on the network.

-ends-

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC, said: “The remarkable interest in TDIC’s sukuk programme clearly demonstrates the confidence and trust of the international capital markets in the position of Abu Dhabi. We are pleased that we have achieved this great success during the sukuk issuance as this comes shortly after we issued our inaugural bond earlier this year. In line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic plan, TDIC has a long-term strategic vision to support developing Abu Dhabi into a world-class tourism destination.”

With TDIC’s Aa2/AA/AA credit ratings from Moodys, S&P and Fitch, highly experienced management and a unique role within the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, the TDIC sukuk transaction was extremely well received globally and generated the largest order book for a global sukuk issuance in 2009, with 210 investors placing orders in excess of US$6.7bn.

Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC, also commented: “TDIC has made a significant impression among global investors. This further reinforces TDIC’s role as a key player in the evolution of Abu Dhabi as it becomes a leading tourism and cultural destination.”

TDIC was able to price the fixed rate sukuk to yield 4.949%, representing a spread of 230bps over 5 year mid-swaps and 20bps tighter than initial price guidance during the roadshow process. In line with TDIC’s strategy of tapping Islamic investors as part of its overall funding base, 60% of the sukuk were allocated to investors in the Middle East, 20% to investors in Asia and 20% to investors in Europe. The investors comprised of banks (48%), asset managers and funds (21%), central banks and agencies (15%), private banks (14%) and 2% to other investors.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank were mandated as Joint Lead Managers/Bookrunners of the transaction and were joined by Co Managers Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Energy Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank. Allied Investment Partners acted as the General Financial Adviser to TDIC.

The seminar programme, organised by the Trade Commission of Chile (ProChile) with the support of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, will be part of the ‘Chilean Week 2009’, a display of the unique economic and cultural landscape in Chile, being held in Dubai from 17th to 24th October.

The ‘Chilean Week 2009’ will also mark the opening of the embassy of Chile in the UAE, the first diplomatic mission of the Latin American republic in the GCC.

Designed to introduce the vast opportunities for trade and investment in Chile, the two-day seminar programme will have three different sessions focusing on investment, logistics and engineering services. Each of the sessions will highlight key areas where businesses and entrepreneurs in the UAE can take advantage of Chile’s position as a thriving export market and investment destination.

Critical sectors in which Chile has been successfully pursuing foreign investment are its agri-business and infrastructure. Speakers at the seminar will also present the world-class construction, engineering and architectural expertise in Chile, renowned for its emphasis on lower costs and renewable energy.

Commenting on the seminar programme, Mr. Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner of Chile in the UAE, said that Chile can provide the right solutions and opportunities for expanding economies like the UAE and other Gulf nations.

“Political and economic stability, along with a highly skilled workforce, have helped Chile to develop a sustainable economic model. The country has productive partnerships with all major trading blocs and consumer markets, accounting for 90% of world’s GDP. It also has the most competitive business environment in South America,” said Mr. Salas.

Latest rankings from organisations such as the IMF, World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recognise Chile as the most stable, safest country in South America and a good business partner. Chile also ranked first in Latin America in the most recent Global Competitiveness Index published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

“Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Chile exceeded US$12 billion in 2008. Currently there are over 4,000 foreign companies, from at least 60 countries, operating in Chile. The government has succeeded in promoting investor confidence through risk minimisation and ensuring legal guarantees on investment,” Mr. Salas concluded.

-ENDS-