TAT has kicked off Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2015 at Hua Hin

Dubai , 16 August, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has organised the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2015 between 4-6 August , 2015, at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel. The Mart is designed to attract more golfers to Thailand and underscore the Kingdom’s rapidly growing popularity as a world-class golfing destination.

TAT will now be promoting the kingdom as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess.” Because it fits in perfectly with that objective, golfing has been identified as one of the priority niche markets. It is also in line with the TAT’s policy to promote travel and tourism to the provinces and disseminate tourism revenue nationwide.

For this event, TAT has invited 153 specialist golf-holiday buyers from 27 TAT overseas offices to meet with 95 sellers at the Mart including golf courses and service providers like golf schools, equipment retailers, Thai travel agents and tour operators, hotels, spa operators and other related businesses.        43 media are also invited to explore the event.

The Mart is an excellent opportunity for buyers and media to familiarise themselves with Thailand’s world-class golf courses, network with sellers and check out support facilities.

Thailand boasts more than 200 world-class golf courses, many of which are immaculately designed by internationally famous architects.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Acting Governor and Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “Golfers can enjoy their game and have a holiday at the same time. Challenging and exciting courses staffed by well-trained and courteous Thai caddies are the reasons why Thailand is such a popular choice of golf enthusiasts, especially from Japan, Korea, Europe and increasingly, India and China.

“We also have attractive green fees that offer great value for money, excellent clubhouse facilities serving delicious Thai cuisine, as well as good challenging holes in an exotic tropical environment. Courses can be played on all year round. Furthermore, we have facilities for post-game relaxation; such as, health spas and traditional massage.”

Many Thai golf courses and destinations are winning global awards. Pattaya and Hua Hin were voted as the Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australia by the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

In 2013, approximately 700,000 visitors came to Thailand either specifically to play golf or did so as part of a wider package of leisure activities generating an estimated 10 billion Baht in revenue.

Visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 12.4 million between January-May 2015, up 25% over the same period of 2014. They generated 592.9 billion Baht in tourism income, up 25.13%. In 2015, TAT is projecting 28.8 million international visitors, generating around 1.4 trillion Baht in tourism revenue

Leading European carpet and sport pitches company, has secured multi-million dollar project

 wins in 2015 to cover 54,300 square metres of educational floor space; continuing to tap into the growing demand for private school facilities across the GCC

Desso, a Tarkett company, a leading European carpet manufacturer with its Middle East & Africa regional headquarters in Dubai, is using the long summer school break to upgrade and replace carpets in educational establishments across the UAE following a number of key project wins.

Demand for new private school facilities across the GCC, spurred by population growth, rising numbers of inbound expatriates and increased importance being placed on high quality education, has resulted in an active pipeline of around 355 educational projects, the majority of which (92%) are being developed in Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE.

According to a July 2014 GCC Education Industry report from Alpen Capital, figures released at the Education 2020 Conference valued the UAE’s private education sector at US$1.9 billion in 2014. Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) says that the number of private schools in the emirate will reach 250 by 2020, up from the current tally of 169, adding more than 80 academic institutions in the next six years.

“In 2014/5, a total of 11 new schools opened in Dubai alone, and with strong demand for state-of-the-art facilities we are concentrating on opportunities in this sector as the combination of Desso’s reputation for creative and functional flooring solutions, such as DESSO AirMaster® and DESSO SoundMaster®, meet the stringent requirements of local authorities and deliver a superb scholastic environment,” said Andre Dulka, Regional Director, Middle East, Africa & India, Desso.

“Increasing numbers of both local and foreign private institutions are setting up in the UAE, and we plan to tap this growing demand as part of our ongoing strategic focus and based on our successful track record in the education sector”, he added.

The company has extensive experience in the education sector with a wide-portfolio of Middle East scholastic projects located throughout the region, and the summer has prompted increased demand from both local campuses and businesses for onsite refurbishments.

“While it is completely impractical to install new carpets in schools and universities during the busy term-time, we literally have them to ourselves over summer and this allows us to fast track projects and ensure that we deliver on Desso’s quality commitment for both existing and new clients,” he added.

Alpen Capital puts enrolment increases at GCC private schools at a 5.7% CAGR between 2013 and 2020. In 2012, enrolments at private institutions in the GCC accounted for 36% of total enrolments that year, up from 24% in 2000. On an average, the GCC region is expected to see a recurring spend of US$150 billion on the education sector in the next couple of years.

Desso’s expanding portfolio of high profile contract wins valued in excess of US$1.3 million and includes The Cranleigh School in Abu Dhabi which selected Desso to install 5,600-square metres of its carpet tiles, and the capital’s Khalifa University commissioning a 14,500-square metre new carpet installation.

Other projects include the GEMS Schools regional rollout with a total of 20,200 square metres of carpeted space, and a number of ADEC Schools in Abu Dhabi, totaling 9,000 square metres.

This year, Desso will deliver its award-winning patented flooring solutions to more than 25 schools and universities covering a total area of over 80,000 square metres.

تغطي مساحة 54,300 متر مربع

"ديسو" تفوز بعقود ب1.3 مليون دولار

لتحديث أرضيات مدارس خاصة في الإمارات

تقوم شركة ديسو، الشركة الأوروبية الرائدة في مجال تصنيع السجاد ومقرها الإقليمي في دبي، فترة الإجازة الصيفية الطويلة لتحديث واستبدال الأرضيات والحلول الخاصة بها في مؤسسات تعليمية في مختلف أنحاء دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة بموجب عقود فازت بها.

وقد أسهم الطلب على المرافق الجديدة للمدارس الخاصة في كافة دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي، مدعوما بنمو السكان وارتفاع عدد الوافدين وزيادة الاهتمام بنوعية وجودة التعليم، في الإعلان عن نحو 355 مشروعا تعليميا يجري تنفيذها منها 92 في يجري تطويرها في المملكة العربية السعودية، تليها قطر ثم الكويت وسلطنة عمان ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة.

وبحسب تقرير شركة ألبن كابيتال حول قطاع التعليم في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي الذي صدر في يوليو 2014، بلغ حجم قطاع التعليم الخاص في الإمارات، الذي تم الإعلان عنه في مؤتمر التعليم 2020، 1.9 مليار دولار أمريكي في 2014. وقالت هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية في دبي إن عدد المدارس الخاصة في الإمارة سوف يرتفع من 169 إلى 250 مدرسة بحلول 2020 ما يعني اضافة 80 مؤسسة اكاديمية في السنوات الست المقبلة.

وقال اندريه دولكا، المدير التنفيذي لديسو لمنطقة الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا والهند: "في دبي وحدها تم افتتاح 11 مدرسة جديدة في 2014/ 2015، ومع الطلب القوي على المستوى الراقي من المرافق فنحن نركز على الفرص المتاحة في هذا القطاع حيث أن الجمع بين ما تتمتع بع ديسو من سمعة جيدة في مجال جودة أغطية الأرضيات والحلول التقنية  المتقدمة المرتبطة بها بما في ذلك نظامي "ايرماستر" و"ساوند ماستر" اللذين يلبيان المتطلبات الصارمة للجهات المحلية المعنية ويوفران بيئة مدرسية رائعة.

وأضاف: "تتزايد أعداد المؤسسات الخاصة المحلية والأجنبية التي يجري تأسيسها في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، ونحن نخطط للاستفادة من هذا الطلب المتزايد كجزء من استراتيجيتنا المتواصلة واستنادا على سجلنا الحافل بالنجاحات في قطاع التعليم".

ولدى الشركة خبرة واسعة في قطاع التعليم من خلال مجموعة من المشاريع المدرسية في الشرق الأوسط بملايين الدولارات والتي تتوزع في جميع أنحاء المنطقة. وترى ديسو أن الجمع بين فترة الصيف وشهر رمضان المبارك قد أسهم في زيادة الطلب من كل من مختلف المؤسسات التعليمية والشركات على أعمال الترميم في مرافقها.

وقال دولكا: "أعتقد أن تزامن الإجازة الصيفية للمدارس وحلول شهر رمضان يعد وقتا مثاليا للمدارس والشركات من أجل القيام بأعمال التحديث التي تنوي القيام بها قبل انتهاء الإجازة والعودة إلى المدارس في سبتمبر المقبل".

وتابع: "على الرغم من أنه من غير العملي القيام بتثبيت سجاد جديد في المدارس والجامعات خلال وقت زحمة العمل، فنحن نترك ذلك لأنفسنا في فترة الصيف، حيث يتيح لنا القيام بمتابعة قريبة للمشاريع من أجل ضمان أن ننجزها وفقا لمعايير الجودة الخاصة بشركة ديسو سواء للعملاء القائمية أو الجدد".

وقالت ألبن كابيتال أن الالتحاق بالمدارس الخاصة في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي يشهد نموا سنويا بمعدل 5.7 في المائة  بين عامي 2013 و 2020. وفي عام 2012، ارتفع عدد الملتحقين في مؤسسات القطاع الخاص في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي بنسبة 36 في المائة من إجمالي عدد الملتحقين في تلك السنة، بارتفاع 24 في المائة عن 2000. وفي المتوسط، يتوقع أن يصل حجم الإنفاق على قطاع التعليم في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي إلى 150 مليار دولار أمريكي خلال السنوات المقبلة.

وبلغت قيمة العقود التي فازت بها ديسو 1.3 مليون دولار، و تشمل تحديث أرضيات مدرسة كرانليغ بمساحة 5,600 متر مربع، وعقد آخر لتثبيت أرضيات من السجاد في جامعة خليفة بمساحة 14,500 متربع في أبو ظبي.

وتشمل قائمة المشاريع التي فازت بها ديسو مشروع تثبيت سجاد أرضيات على مساحة 20 ألف متر مربع في عدد من مدارس "جي إم إي إس" في أبوظبي و9 الآف متر مربع في عدد من مدارس مجلس أبوظبي للتعليم في أبوظبي.

Total Floor Area of Projects Approved in Q2 Triples from Previous Quarter

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council announces the approval of 26 developments covering a GFA of 2.3 million m2  in the second quarter of 2015

ABU DHABI 16 August 2015: The total floor area of developments given the green light more than tripled in the second quarter of the year, according to figures released today by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

The UPC announced that 26 development projects spanning a total gross floor area (GFA) of 2,327,073 m2were approved during Q2, compared with 708,999 m2in the previous quarter. The number of projects given the go-ahead was up by just under 25% from the 21 approved in Q1.

On Abu Dhabi Island, a mixed-use tower development in a prime location facing the Abu Dhabi Corniche was approved.  The development has been designed with a distinct lower five-storey podium that has three 24-storey towers emerging over it. The irregular L-shaped profile of the plot has enabled the three towers to be positioned diagonally so as to achieve maximum views of the Abu Dhabi Corniche from the high-end residential apartments, which will be housed in three towers from levels 2 to 24.  Four basement levels and two podium levels will provide the overall parking required for the building, and the site is flanked by roads on two sides which provides valuable frontage for retail and commercial establishments.  

Also on Abu Dhabi Island, two residential tower building projects were given the go-ahead.  The first tower will have a GFA of 10,406 m2over 24 storeys on a plot of 1,098 m2, while the second tower, similar in design to the first, will have a GFA of 12,508 m2over 24 storeys on a plot size of 1,354 m2.  The project design is a tower block rising from the surrounding environmental deck located on the fifth podium roof, which will enable the apartment blocks to be elevated to have better surrounding views. Façade glazing has been reduced carefully to provide living and bedroom areas with plenty of natural light, and balconies projecting from the building also act as solar shading. Parking will be located in the basement and in the podiums.

Located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, close to the Corniche Hospital, the Saraya residential tower, comprising 49 storeys and three basement floors for underground parking, was also approved.  

On Abu Dhabi Mainland, the Burjeel Medical City project in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, a 300-bed specialty hospital covering a GFA of almost 82,000m2, was approved.  The development consists of a main hospital podium, with four towers, a basement floor and a rooftop with a helipad to provide helicopter access for urgent cases. 

Also on Abu Dhabi Mainland, the Abu Dhabi University will see an expansion of the existing female student accommodation building.  The ground floor will offer service rooms, a reading room, a gym, a TV room (attached to the multi-purpose hall), a central laundry and nine residential studio units.  Four typical floors will house 21 residential units in addition to a common kitchen, a discussion room, service rooms and a storeroom.  Once complete, the expansion will provide 93 additional residential units for female students to the university.

Also in Al Ain, the Remah Emirati Housing Stage 2 residential project, consisting of ten villas and including a mosque, was approved. The development has a total GFA of 5,350m2and a maximum height of ten metres (two storeys).  

In the Mirfa area of Al Gharbia, a mixed-use project comprising 186 residential units and commercial units was approved. The project includes 192 car park spaces and a well-designed courtyard for residents, and covers a total GFA of 15,252.86 m2.

In parallel, the UPC announced the number of Estidama Pearl Ratings that have been awarded in Q2 2015.  The figures show that 1,017 villas have been awarded 2 Pearls, 41 buildings have been awarded a 1 Pearl Rating, and 22 buildings 2 Pearls, making the total number of Pearl Ratings for Q2 1,080. In addition, nine Estidama training sessions have been held with 567 trainees in attendance.

To date, the UPC’s Urban Development has delivered 440 projects and master plans with a total GFA of 73.6 million m2. Since the Estidama Pearl Rating System was launched four years ago, the Estidama team has reviewed many projects – a total of 11,878 villas and 1,004 buildings have been awarded a Pearl Rating.

For the second consecutive year, Arab Bank wins “Best Trade Finance Provider in the Middle East” award

Arab Bank recently received the “Best Trade Finance Provider in the Middle East” award from the globally renowned EMEA Finance magazine. The Bank was awarded in recognition of its significant achievements in various fields including growth in market share, innovation, and business strategy.

Randa Sadik – Deputy CEO at Arab Bank said: “Receiving this award for the second consecutive year reflects the high level of trust and distinctive reputation Arab Bank enjoys locally, regionally and internationally. The recognition affirms the Bank’s position as a leading provider of trade finance in the region.” She added, “The Bank’s extensive geographical coverage through over 600 branches across the world allows it to provide efficient financial solutions for local importers and exporters, as well as multi-national companies that require cross-boarder trade finance facilities.”

Nadya Talhouni, Senior Vice President – Head of Cash Management and Trade Finance at Arab Bank said: “At Arab Bank, we work diligently to constantly meet our customers’ needs & expectations. This recognition is yet another testament to  our ongoing success in providing innovative and competitive financial solutions to our customers through our specialized teams across our global branch network.”

Arab Bank received many international awards and recognitions during this year from prestigious organizations including Best Trade Finance Provider in the Middle East for the second consecutive year from Global Finance in addition to Best Bank in Jordan from Euromoney, Global Finance and the Banker Middle East magazines.

Agility’s Earning Release for the Second Quarter 2015

Financial Highlights

	Q2 2015 (Million KD)	Q2 2014 (Million KD)	Variance (%)	H1 2015 (Million KD)	H1 2014 (Million KD)	Variance (%)
Revenue	328.4	341.7	-4%	646.5	655.9	-1%
Net Revenues	103.5	100.2	+3%	197.3	190.9	+3%
EBITDA	25.5	25.1	+1%	48.9	47.6	+3%
Net Profit	13.5	12.8	+5%	25.4	24.1	+5%
EPS (fils)	11.79	11.18	+5%	22.06	20.95	+5%

Figures in the table above have been rounded

Agility’s Financial Results for Q2 2015

Agility today announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2015, reporting a net profit of KD 13.5 million, an increase of 5% compared to the second quarter of 2014. Earnings-per-share stand at 11.79 fils. EBITDA stands at KD 25.5 million, a 1% increase compared to Q2 of 2014.

“The global logistics market is a mixed bag in terms of growth, with continued sluggishness in China and Europe; and ongoing pressure on rates. In this environment, we are pleased to report that Agility continues to post steady growth in profitability. Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics business continues to drive margin expansion through commercial transformation, financial discipline, and productivity improvements powered by technology,” said Tarek Sultan, Agility’s CEO. “Agility’s Infrastructure group of companies, which capture investment opportunities in niche logistics-related segments in emerging markets, each have their own strategy. Across the board, however, there is an emphasis on improving efficiency and growing potential through regional and customer expansion.”  

Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics

Revenue for Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) for the second quarter of 2015 was KD 259.0 million, a 4% decrease from Q2 of 2014; GIL’s revenues were negatively impacted by currency volatility. Adjusted at constant currency rates, GIL revenues have decreased by 1% compared to the same period last year. This slight revenue decline is a result of the general logistics market performance and also the planned end of some large contracts.

The freight forwarding market showed mixed performance in the second quarter of the year relative to the beginning of the year, with a softer air freight market and consistent ocean freight market. The contract logistics market, especially in emerging economies, continues to grow however. This growth in contract logistics demand, coupled with improved yields in Agility’s air freight business, and better commercial disciplines, has resulted in margin expansion within GIL. Net revenue has increased by 1% (adjusted at constant currency rates: +3%), with margins expanding from 24% in Q2 2014 to 25% in Q2 2015.

GIL’s road map remains consistent. First, continue to drive commercial improvement through a trade lane and sales force management approach. Second, continue transforming the underlying business through ongoing technology, process and management improvements. Third, maintain financial discipline and a lean and agile structure that is in-line with business needs. “We feel confident in both our strategy and in our investment in building the disciplines to execute the strategy,” said Tarek Sultan.

Agility’s Infrastructure Group

Agility’s Infrastructure companies contributed KD 71.1 million to second quarter 2015 revenues. Net revenues for this group of companies showed an 8% increase over the same period last year. Agility Real Estate, the largest contributor in the group, grew its revenues by 10% in Q2 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Other Infrastructure companies have also reported healthy growth in this quarter and are making progress in new customer acquisition and geographic expansion.  

“The infrastructure group will remain an important and growing contributor to the group’s profitability, with each entity pursuing its individual strategy to grow and expand. Most have a strong foundation in the Middle East, and are actively engaging with opportunities to grow in the region, Africa, and elsewhere,” said Sultan.  

Recap of Financial Performance for Q2 2015

• Agility’s net profit stands at KD 13.5 million, a 5% increase from KD 12.8 million in Q2 2014. EPS stands at 11.79 fils, compared to 11.18 fils a year earlier.
• EBITDA stands at KD 25.5 million, a 1% increase from the same period a year before.
• Agility’s revenues for Q2 2015 are KD 328.4 million, a decrease of 4% from KD 341.7 million in the same period in 2014. Agility’s net revenues have increased by 3% over the same period.
• GIL’s revenue stands at KD 259.0 million, adjusted at constant currency rates represents a decrease of 1% compared to the same period in 2014  (a 4% decrease on a reported basis).
• Infrastructure’s revenue was KD 71.1 million compared with KD 72.7 million in Q2 2014. The Infrastructure group’s NR has shown an 8% increase over the same period last year.
• Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet, with a net cash position of KD 17 million as of 30th June 2015.

Summary

“The external market environment will continue to be a challenge for the foreseeable future with economic growth slowing in some countries, but improving in others. While we cannot control these external factors, we will be strategic in our investment choices, focusing on countries, verticals, and products that have long-term potential. We will also continue to drive internal transformation efforts to operate more effectively and profitably, within individual businesses and as a company overall,” said Tarek Sultan. “As always, I would like to thank our team of 20,000+ employees for their commitment, our 60,000 customers in more than 100 countries for their patronage, and our partners for their ongoing engagement and support.”

About Agility

Agility brings efficiency to supply chains in some of the globe’s most challenging environments, offering unmatched personal service, a global footprint and customized capabilities in developed and developing economies alike.

Agility is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics. It is a publicly traded company with more than $4.8 billion in revenue and more than 20,000 employees in over 500 offices across 100 countries.

Agility’s core commercial business, Global Integrated Logistics (GIL), provides supply chain solutions to meet traditional and complex customer needs. GIL offers air, ocean and road freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and specialized services in project logistics, fairs and events, and chemicals.