2007
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Timberlake hits Abu Dhabi
US pop star Justin Timberlake performed to around 13,000 fans at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace on Thursday evening, reported Gulf News. Timberlake was on stage for around two hours and treated the crowd to all his major hits as well as a number of covers. The gig marked the end of the former boy band member's 18 month long FutureSex/LoveShow tour.
Dubai diamond trade hits $1.08bn
The total trade in rough diamonds in Dubai reached $1.08bn in the third quarter of 2007, according to the Dubai Diamond Exchange. The figure represents a 31% increase from the $828m traded in 2006. DDE is a unit of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
Edible Arrangements to debut in Dubai
Edible Arrangements, which claims to be America's fourth fastest growing private company, will launch their new concept store of hand sculpted fresh fruit bouquets in Dubai at the Healthcare City on 10th December. The store will offer fresh fruit arrangements which can be personalized with a variety of plush teddy bears, special Mylar balloons and chocolate sauce. The company plans to open stores throughout the Middle East.
Retailers urged to care for the environment
Tomio Isogai, Managing Director of Sharp Middle East said that environmental issues should become more important to supermarkets. To help them in doing so Sharp has launched "e-Signage" in the UAE which is a new software program controlling the content of digital advertising displays, Isogai said its commitment to being socially responsible would be extended to point-of-impact advertising. Moreover e-Signage will not demand supplies to be replaced and printing materials are not necessary as messages to be delivered to a series of displays through a single-point control.
Giant eyes Dubai market
Giant Bicycle, the world's largest bicycle company, views the Middle East as a key market and plans to use Dubai as the launching point for its cycling products in the region, reported Khaleej Times. Bonnie Tu, Executive Vice- President and CFO of the Taiwanese company, said the firm is upbeat about its prospects in the region, even though it has fewer cyclists than in other parts of the world and the climate is not conducive to an activity like cycling. She said the company plans more research on demand in the Middle East market and the different regulations that have been established by each country.
LG unveils new plasma TVs
LG Electronics has unveiled its new 'G Platform' plasma TV panels that feature the world's highest contrast ratio. LG's new HD and Full HD plasma TV panels have a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, which is twice the highest current existing ratio of 15,000:1. G Platform panels will be available in LG's plasma TVs in the Middle East in April 2008.
Bird flu hits Saudi egg farms
Dr Ziad Al Julaifi, the DG of the Animal Resource Department at Saudi Arabia's Agriculture Ministry, has said the current outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has mostly hit only egg-producing farms, reported the Saudi Gazette. The disease was first detected on November 12 and since then almost 4.3m birds have been culled.
Malls to be bowled over
John Walker, President and CEO of QubicaAMF, a bowling centre operator, has predicted a major increase in the number of alleys in the Middle East over the next five years. Walker said around 150 new bowling centres, offering some 3,000 lanes, will be built at a cost of $1bn. He pointed to the spate of malls and leisure complexes being built in the region as the main reason for the spike.
i2, CompuMe deal
Mobile phone retailer i2 has launched a promotion in Dubai alongside CompuMe which will run until the end of December. Customers who spend Dhs500 or more in either CompuMe's store at the Mall of the Emirates or at i2's outlet at the BurJuman Centre will receive a scratch card and entry into a draw to win a year's salary. Customers who spend significantly more than Dhs500 will receive additional entries.
Harrington to Abu Dhabi
Ireland's Padraig Harrington, the 2007 Open Champion and winner of the European Order of Merit the year before, has confirmed his presence at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship taking place from January 17-20, reported Gulf News. Last year's title went to England's Paul Casey. Etihad Airways and Aldar Properties are the event's diamond sponsors.
Luxury brands on show in Dubai
Leading luxury brands and a vast array of exclusive designer labels will compete for attention at the 5th Middle East Exclusive (MEE) Exhibition. Over 120 companies from around the globe are expected to participate in the exhibition, to be held between December 4 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will showcase among other things a vast selection of high fashion jewellery and accessories to premium cigars, watches, and electronic gadgets.
Thinnest LCD TV hits UAE
Eros Group has launched a new line of Ultra thin LCD televisions by Hitachi in the UAE. Hitachi claims that its ultra thin series is the slimmest LCD with the thickness of 35mm. The new range of Hitachi LCDs and complete range of Hitachi HDTVs will be available in the UAE in March 2008.
Consumers seek eco-friendly products
Almost three-quarters of consumers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah believe stronger legislation should be enacted to combat eco-degradation, according to a study by Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices. When asked if it's important for manufacturers to create green products, 44% of the residents responded that it's 'critical' to do so, while 31% said it's 'very important,' reported Gulf News.
Private sector grants National Day off
Private sector companies have given their employees an extra day off this weekend after the government announced a public holiday to mark the UAE National Day.
Giordano in tie up with NPTCO
Giordano, the Middle East's leading casual wear retailer, recently partnered up with Niles Projects & Trading Company (NPTCO) to make them the distributor for Giordano in Egypt. NPTCO, which plans to increase Giordano's exposure throughout Egypt, opened the first ever Giordano store in Cairo at the City Stars mall in May this year and a second store in the Dandy Mall in October.
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