Business
Abu Dhabi: Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region has once again been honoured with the distinguished Nissan Excellence Award. Consistently delivering exemplary performance in sales, aftersales, and customer experience, the company is a three-time recipient of this respected accolade.
During a recognition ceremony that took place at Al Masaood Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the award was presented to Al Masaood Group Directors, H.E. Tariq Ahmed Al Masaood, Masaood Rahma Al Masaood, and Al Masaood Automobiles CEO, Irfan Tansel, by Thierry Sabbagh, President of Nissan and INFINITI in the Middle East, – in the presence of leadership executives from both Al Masaood Automobiles and Nissan Middle East.
Al Masaood Automobiles was commended for delivering exceptional aftersales performance and record-breaking sales numbers while consistently ensuring customer satisfaction.
The company was also awarded the Nissan Dealership Standards and Processes Award
– a regional award launched by Nissan Middle East - to provide a unified brand and customer experience across facilities in the region, empower key departments, and motivate team members to drive performance, and elevate customer experience and brand image. The award is also a recognition for dealerships who continue to go above and beyond at each customer touchpoint, and elevate overall customer experience.
Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer, Al Masaood Automobiles, expressed his pride and gratitude, stating, "The winning of the Nissan Excellence Award and the Nissan Dealership Standards and Processes Award is a proudful milestone for us at Al Masaood Automobiles. Each accolade that we receive is a direct reflection of our core focus on customer centricity and innovation, and testifies to our consistent efforts to offer the best across the board. Undoubtedly, successes such as these are truly attributable to the Al Masaood Automobiles team members who spend every day determined to embody our promise of operational and service excellence.”
Thierry Sabbagh, President, Nissan Saudi Arabia and INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director of Nissan Middle East said, “For over four decades, Al Masaood Automobiles have been our trusted partner in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region, consistently delivering outstanding results and exceeding expectations. These awards reflect our joint and unwavering commitment to customer service and excellence and serve as a symbol of our enduring partnership. Congratulations to the entire Al Masaood team and thank you for providing our customers the quality and attention they expect from Nissan.”
In an era of rapid technological advancement and digitalization of businesses, Al Masaood Automobiles is taking a future-forward approach by keeping the pace with innovation and technology ensuring digitized operations tailored to meet the changing needs of customers. By embracing these advancements in its operations, Al Masaood Automobiles is future-proofing its business and contributing to an advanced, responsive, and customer-focused automotive landscape.
About Al Masaood Automobiles
Al Masaood Automobiles is authorised distributor of Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region for over 38 years, and brings to its customers a complete range of the most reliable 4x4, luxury, passenger, and commercial vehicles, efficiently catering to a large and diverse number of individual, fleet, and government users.
Al Masaood Automobiles’ extensive network coverage includes 10 showrooms for new cars, and 3 showrooms for used cars in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region – including the flagship showroom complex at Musaffah with dedicated new vehicle delivery centre; 5 Service Centres and 6 Spare Parts outlets. In 2019, the company inaugurated its state-of-the-art 'R-Store' as an innovative one stop shop for Renault customers.
Recently, Al Masaood Automobiles successfully bagged the Global Nissan Aftersales Award for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 fiscal year after outperforming other Nissan dealers internationally within its segment. Al Masaood Automobiles had previously scooped the prestigious Nissan Global Dealer Award in 2013 and 2019 and has been the recipient of the ‘Exemplary Performance in Sales and Customer Experience Award’ by Nissan in the year 2017. Al Masaood Automobiles was also titled as the winner of the Renault Global Partners Award, “P.A.R.I.S. Challenge” for the year 2019, and granted the INFINITI Global Award for the year 2023. The company enhances its success through strong tie-ups with leading banks, offering to its customers easy finance solutions and facilitating the purchase process with insurance, finance and accessories under one roof. Visit our e-commerce portal to know more.
The third Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts, held in Saudi Arabia's Asir region, presented a stunning array of performances from both local and international troupes. Featuring participants from 45 local and international groups and showcasing 40 distinct types of Saudis, Arab, and international mountainous performance arts, the festival's goal was to foster international cultural exchange and celebrate the rich legacy of mountain performing arts.
The Chinese group left a lasting impression with their mesmerizing performances. The first, a traditional Yao dance called "Long Drum" from the Han dynasty, showcased the group's artistic prowess. Their second performance, "Bronze Drum," seamlessly combined traditional art, music, and skilled group performance, providing a unique and enchanting experience.
Japan contributed to the cultural tapestry with a performance group presenting three distinct arts: Kokiriko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Genroku Hanami Odori. The Spanish group, on the other hand, enraptured the audience with three performances set to Spanish music tunes, showcasing the authenticity and heritage of these arts.
Sudan brought forth the ancient art of Sudanese Ardah, while Jordan presented the vibrant 'Dabkah' with about twenty variations. Lebanon's performance group displayed the art of Dabkah at eight heritage sites, emphasizing its significance in the Levant. The Moroccan group exhibited the famous Ahidouss, Obidat Al-Rama, and captivating solo and group performances of Amazigh Mountains.
An Iraqi group presented the art of ‘Gobi’ at eight heritage sites, and the Yemeni performances depicted the rich legacy and heritage through 'Al-Samrah' from Yafi and Al-Awd Mountain performance arts.
Italy showcased three mountain arts – Mediterraneo Performance Arts, Old Ttarantella, and Ballad of SanCalogero. The Uzbekistani group delighted the audience with 'Lyasgi,' a performance that highlighted individual and group skills, adding an international flavor to the festival.
The Saudi performances at the festival were a testament to the country's cultural diversity. Twenty performance groups from different regions presented traditional dances reflecting age-old customs and traditions.
Notable performances included Al-Dammah Performance Arts, known for its excitement and strength, and ' Al-Le’ab Al-Shehri,' combining poetry and music, were highlighted, along with 'Al-Khatwa,' one of the most prominent southern performing arts from Aseer, Ardah from Al-Baha the famous performing art captivated the audience, it is a group art form with rhythmic tunes, along with ‘Msahabani,' relying on rhythm., Al-Majroor from Taif, a leading performing art in the western region and Al-Dahah from northern regions.
The Jazan region showcased several arts, including Al-Rabsh,' The Sword,' and performances of & Al-Azzawi,' forming a folk heritage that still narrates the cultural reality of a specific era, influencing the region's people to this day.
Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the festival aims to present Saudi heritage globally, attract international attention to local events, and emphasize the Kingdom's efforts in preserving cultural heritage. The third edition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's cultural strategy, reflecting the Commission's commitment to enhancing international cultural exchange.
The Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts continues to be a unique platform celebrating the diversity of mountain performing arts globally. With its annual showcase of traditional and contemporary performances, the festival plays a vital role in fostering cultural exchange and preserving the rich heritage of performing arts from around the world.
KUWAIT: Shure announced the launch of Microflex® Wireless neXt 2 (MXW neXt 2), the newest addition to its Microflex Ecosystem, expanding the success of the original Microflex Wireless platform. Designed with a unique combination of advanced features, the new Microflex Wireless neXt 2 is a versatile, two-channel wireless system designed to offer a cost-effective, intuitive, and all-in-one audio solution for diverse spaces and hybrid environments.
“MXW neXt 2 is an ideal new solution for those seeking enhanced meeting equity and clear sound reinforcement in videoconferencing and hybrid presentations, both in classrooms and business spaces,” said Doug Daube, Director of Conferencing, Global Product Management, at Shure. “AV/IT professionals in corporate and higher education environments now require more flexible solutions for teaching, conferencing spaces, and other hybrid scenarios. MXW neXt 2 will help address their current challenges by simplifying workflows and affordably delivering exceptional Microflex audio performance, all in a user-friendly and convenient form factor.”
INNOVATIVE. INTUITIVE. FLEXIBLE.
In today’s corporate and education environments, integrators and audio professionals demand user-friendly, consistent, high-quality audio solutions from small conference rooms to large auditoriums. To meet these requirements, Microflex Wireless neXt 2 features a unique combination of advanced DSP capabilities and comprehensive audio I/O connections, including USB, Dante networked audio, and analog audio. It pairs mics at touch-of-button, taking just a matter of minutes to set -up easily. All these features simplify complex installation workflows and offer outstanding audio out-of-the-box.
Microflex Wireless neXt 2 provides high-quality audio for spaces of all sizes that require only two microphones and connects seamlessly to video conferencing systems for situations with remote presenters. It also delivers a new microphone design with upgraded security and an increased dynamic range and longer battery life of up to 28 hours for all-day use.
ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION FOR YOUR COMPLETE ROOM AUDIO NEEDS
MXW neXt 2 enables quick and easy integration for different rooms with an all-in-one base unit that combines an APT/charger and advanced onboard DSP, reducing the amount of hardware required. It can be network-installed or used as a standalone system, with its comprehensive set of audio connections: Dante, Analog, and USB.
MXW neXt 2 offers a choice of three different redesigned wireless microphone form factors, each with an added LCD high-resolution matrix display for monitoring remaining battery life and connection quality. The MXW1X Bodypack, MXW2X Handheld, or MXW6X Boundary can be pre-configured to handle multiple applications with ease and can all be charged in the same base.
With an increased battery run time between 17 hours for bodypack and boundary microphones and 28 hours for handheld microphones, integrators can set up a room with confidence, knowing the space will be equipped with reliable, exceptional audio for use through long lectures and all-day workshops.
Thanks to its direct connectivity to video conferencing systems and seamless integration with MXA array microphones, the new Microflex Wireless neXt 2 is perfect for hybrid use cases that require audio capture of participants in the room, sound reinforcement of a presenter, and far end audio from remote presenters in a live setting or even for recording. This unique capability makes creating true meeting and learning equity more achievable.
SUPERIOR ENCRYPTION
Recognizing the importance of confidentiality in corporate spaces, MXW neXt 2 includes Shure Audio Encryption, based on the AES-256 algorithm that offers a robust and protected audio signal. The AES-265 encryption algorithm has been adopted as one of the safest forms of network protection and uses a user-configured passphrase on all devices. This built-in security ensures audio content is protected among all Microflex devices in the room, giving both end users and integrators peace of mind.
MXW neXt 2 will be on display at ISE 2024 (January 30 – February 2). Visit Shure on the show floor at Booth #3N300 in Hall 3.
The MXW neXt 2 will be available in spring 2024. For more information, visit https://www.shure.com/microflex-wireless-next-2
About Shure
Shure (www.shure.com) has been making people sound extraordinary for nearly a century. Founded in 1925, the Company is a leading global manufacturer of audio equipment known for quality, performance, and durability. We make microphones, wireless microphone systems, in-ear monitors, earphones and headphones, conferencing systems, and more. For critical listening or high-stakes moments on stage, in the studio, and from the meeting room, you can always rely on Shure.
Shure Incorporated is headquartered in Niles, Illinois, in the United States. We have nearly 40 manufacturing facilities and regional sales offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Front End Limited Company, a Saudi-owned enterprise that provides advanced products and solutions to the energy, mining, industrial, maritime and logistics sectors, has announced the signing of an exclusive partnership agreement with Crane+ at the Future Minerals Forum in the Kingdom’s capital. This partnership marks a significant shift in the energy and mining sectors in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, indicating a key moment for industry innovation and collaboration.
The agreement formalizes Front End's exclusive role as the primary collaborator for Crane+'s cutting-edge products and services within the dynamic landscape of Saudi Arabia, namely proposing the transformation of industrial and mining and oil & gas operations by incorporating the use autonomous high payload, long-range drones and trucks. Front End’s growing ecosystem of partner companies demonstrates their commitment to innovation, with this one in particular paving the way towards a promising logistics and critical operations future through the development of next-generation autonomous systems.
The partnership falls in line with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) under Saudi Vision 2030, to position the Kingdom as a leading industrial power and a central global logistics hub. This alignment signifies a significant leap forward in the progression of the mineral-mining industry. The agreement by Front End was one of two that were announced on the second day of the FMF 2024 in Riyadh.
Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company, commented, "In announcing our exclusive partnership with Crane+, Front End is not only reinforcing its key transformational role in the Kingdom but also pioneering the autonomy economy. This collaboration marks a significant step in revolutionizing mining and oil & gas and logistics sectors with autonomous drones and trucks, aligning with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) and Saudi Vision 2030. Our aim is to make autonomous technology the core of industrial operations, setting new standards in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. As we lead this transformative journey, we are not just introducing advanced technology; we are at the forefront of the global autonomy economy, driving innovation and excellence."
A spokesperson from Crane+ said, “Celebrating our exclusive partnership with Front End at the Future Minerals Forum 2024 marks a significant milestone for Crane+. This collaboration with Front End, a leader in providing advanced solutions in energy, mining, industrial and logistics, signifies our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformative advancements. Together, we aim to redefine the landscape of mining and oil & gas operations in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, leveraging cutting-edge autonomous technologies."
About Front End
Front End, a 100% Saudi-owned company, is a leading service provider of advanced products and solutions. Its divisions, subsidiaries and joint venture companies are focused on oil field services and renewable energy, information and communication technology services, building materials, infrastructure, industrial, maritime services, and manpower supply for the various economic sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. www.frontend.sa/
KARACHI: The rupee is expected to remain steady and hover around 280 against the dollar until the general elections, said the analysts, as Pakistan-Iran tensions ease and the country received external support from UAE and IMF, The News reported Sunday.
The local currency closed the week at 279.90 on Friday by gaining slightly against the greenback in the interbank market, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The currency has been supported by improved outlooks for Pakistan's external account, which saw a current account surplus of $397 million in December and received $705.6 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the second tranche of a $3 billion loan programme this week.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also announced that it had rolled over a $2 billion loan that was due this month for another year while foreign direct investment and information technology exports showed modest growth in the first half of the fiscal year 2023/24.
However, the rupee's stability was tested by the flare-up of tensions with Iran over the past two days, which disrupted the forward sale of dollars by exporters, a key source of forex inflows.
“The Iran-Pakistan conflict abruptly ended the slow and steady forward sale of dollars by exporters,” said Tresmark, a financial terminal in a weekly note on Saturday.
“Even though the conflict is on the trajectory of reconciliation, it seems unlikely that there will be any resumption any time soon. Having said this, USD/PKR seems to maintain its anchor at the 280 level, at least till there is a new elected government.”
Analysts are also keenly watching the calculated escalation of hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen, and are hoping it is not intended to expand geographically, Tresmark said.
"Till now, Pakistan has bravely faced whatever is thrown at it. The sense of stability has been created much due to improved economic optics. And the way forward will also be to strengthen the economy."
After completing the first review of Pakistan’s loan programme, the IMF stated in its country report that while there has been progress on the stand-by arrangement, sustained commitment to policy goals and reforms is essential for a sustainable economic recovery.
It also emphasised the necessity for ongoing focus on issues including exchange rate stability and power sector arrears. The economic picture is still precarious and carries a high chance of negative outcomes. Achieving debt sustainability and external stability requires a strong commitment to policy and adequate external support, according to the IMF’s report.
Reviving trading volumes and promoting interbank market activity is imperative.
The IMF also emphasised the exchange rate stability, saying that there should be no official or informal restrictions and that SBP interventions should only be used to establish forex buffers. It also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to stepping up efforts to eliminate existing restrictions and multiple currency practice by early 2024.
KUWAIT: Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), in collaboration with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, has successfully ensured a consistent, stable, and secure supply of low-sulfur fuel oil across all its northern and southern stations, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
This accomplishment aligns with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s broader efforts for a comprehensive shift towards cleaner energy sources. Abdullah Fahad Al-Ajmi, the official spokesperson for KIPIC, stated that this achievement is the result of collaborative endeavors between KIPIC, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, and the Ministry. The complete transition to low-sulfur fuel oil underscores the ministry’s effective contribution to environmental preservation, reduction of environmental impact, and the enhancement of air quality in Kuwait.
The adoption of low-sulfur fuel oil is a strategic move to diminish sulfur emissions, address air pollution concerns, and support global initiatives against climate change. This transition also reaffirms Kuwait’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices in its energy sector. Al-Ajmi emphasized that the cooperation between KIPIC and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation not only ensures a reliable supply of low-sulfur fuel oil but also marks a significant milestone in the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s pursuit of an environmentally friendly energy framework and national self-sufficiency.
Additionally, there is an increased demand for air freight due to the crisis in the Red Sea, with manufacturing companies seeking alternative routes after attacks on cargo ships. The international shipping reservation platform “Fretos” reported a 91% weekly increase in shipping prices from China to Europe. Despite the disruptions, the impact on the global economy is currently considered minimal, according to International Monetary Fund Director Kristalina Georgieva, who warned of potential negative consequences if the situation escalates further.
Dubai, UAE, 18 January 2024: Al Habtoor Motors (AHM), a leading name in the automotive industry in the United Arab Emirates, celebrated an outstanding success securing four prestigious awards at the JAC Global Partners Conference 2024 held in Hefei, China, on January 14, 2024.
During the yearly conference, JAC hosts its international dealers, bringing together participants worldwide to acknowledge excellence in various categories.
The partnership between AHM and JAC began in 2013. Since then, the collaboration has flourished, culminating in AHM's recent success at the conference, underscoring the company's global standing and commitment to excellence, and highlighting its dedication in promoting the JAC brand in the UAE.
The first accolade, ‘The Best Global Distributor Award’, was presented to Karim Maksoud, AHM Managing Director, in recognition of the company's outstanding global distribution efforts. The ‘Sales Star Award’ was given to C.V. Ravin, Director of Sales, for remarkable contributions to achieving outstanding sales results.
M.K Rajkumar, Director of After-Sales, received the ‘Excellent After-Sales Service Award’, which recognized AHM's dedication to providing exceptional after-sales service experiences. Rajkumar Mk, on behalf of K. Chandran, Group Parts Manager, collected the ‘Parts Star Award’, in appreciation of their exemplary contributions to the parts division.
These awards add to AHM's legacy of excellence, building upon previous acknowledgements such as the ‘Sales Star’ 2016 and Awards for Aftersales 2023.
Ahmed Al Habtoor, CEO of Al Habtoor Motors expressed immense pride, stating, "This accomplishment is a testament to our team's dedication and hard work. Beyond selling vehicles, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for our customers. Al Habtoor Motors remains steadfast in delivering unparalleled service and performance, and these awards validate our ongoing pursuit of excellence."
Karim Maksoud, Managing Director, reflected on the company's global achievements, saying, "Under the visionary leadership of our Founding Chairman and the strategic direction set by our CEO, Ahmed Al Habtoor, Al Habtoor Motors stands out as the sole global distributor recognised across all facets of our business – sales, after-sales service, and parts. This recognition, including the Best Global Distributor Award, exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation."
JAC, a cornerstone brand for Al Habtoor Motors, has witnessed significant milestones, including the recent launch of three standalone showrooms – two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi, strategically expanding options for customers to purchase their favourite vehicles closer to home.
The partnership between AHM and JAC continues to thrive, driven by a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
About Al Habtoor Motors:
Al Habtoor Motors (AHM) is the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi, FUSO, JAC, Bentley, Bugatti, Pagani and Rimac Automobili in the UAE. Established in 1983, AHM is a part of the Al Habtoor Group (AHG), a diversified multi-billion-dirham business conglomerate based in the UAE. AHG has extensive interests and substantial investments across various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, automotive, education, and publication.
www.habtoormotors.com