Facebook launches new products to offer increased support to prevent suicide and self-harm

By Antigone Davis, Global Head of Safety and Jennifer Guadagno, Researcher at Facebook

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 15, 2016/ -- Today we're updating the resources we offer to people around the world who may be experiencing self-injury or suicidal thoughts, as well as the support we offer to their concerned friends and family members. Developed in collaboration with mental health organizations and with the input from people who have personal experience with self-injury and suicide, these tools first launched in the US with the help of Forefront, Lifeline, and Save.org (http://Save.org). Today, we are rolling them out around the world in collaboration with local partners and in all languages Facebook (www.Facebook.com) is available in. Now, with the help of these new tools, if someone posts something on Facebook that makes you concerned about their well-being, you can reach out to them directly — and you also can also report the post to us. We have teams working around the world, 24/7, who review reports that come in. They prioritize the most serious reports like self-injury. And, as of today, the resources we send to the person who posted something concerning will include an expanded set of options. People can now choose to reach out to a friend, contact a helpline, or see tips. If you or someone you know is in crisis, it is important to call local emergency services right away. You can also visit our Help Centre for information about how to support yourself or a friend: https://www.Facebook.com/help/594991777257121/. You can view this video, created by Save.org and Lifeline titled “From Reporting to Supporting: Using Facebook to Support Someone in Suicidal Crisis” - https://Vimeo.com/160565004. Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Facebook.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa Team Visits Shifaa-Orman Cancer Hospital in Luxor

Cairo, Egypt – (June 15, 2016) –Aiming to further foster its relation with the local community, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa team visited the Shifaa-Orman Hospital in Luxor. Serving six governorates, the recently-opened hospital will be dedicated to treating cancer patients for free, with the first phase of the project aiming to provide treatment for as many as 7,000 in the first year.

The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa delegation was headed by Michael Procher, General Manager of the hotel, and included team members from across the property. The team was welcomed by Mostafa Zamzam, the Media Advisor of Orman Organization and Eng. Mohamed Mahfouz the Executive Engineer of project. Concluding the visit, the hotel team donated much-needed water dispensers to help improve the surrounding environment for construction workers and hospital staff.

“We pride ourselves for being a key player in the local community where we operate”, said Michael Procher, General Manager of Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. “The hotel team is always keen to take part in valuable initiatives aiming to help the community. This comes in line with  Hilton Worldwide’s philosophy “Travel with Purpose”, our global corporate responsibility commitment that focuses on three main pillars, which are: Environment, Opportunities and Community”, he added.

The inauguration of the hospital’s first phase of construction has been successfully completed by the Presidential aide for national and strategic projects Ibrahim Mahlab. The foundation stone of the second phase of the project has also been led, and the second phase will include the establishment of a surgery department, research center and guest house.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa recently received TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the 8th consecutive year, and was also recognized by TripAdvisor as Middle East and Africa’s Top Hotel, Best Service Provider, and the region’s Best Luxury Hotel for 2016 for the 4th year in a row. Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa is an award winning luxury resort with 236 guest rooms and suites, two Nile-view infinity pools, eight food and beverage outlets featuring international, Asian and Arabic cuisine and fully equipped function rooms for weddings and conferences.

فريق العاملين في منتجع وسبا هيلتون الاقصر يزور مستشفى شفاء الأورمان

لعلاج السرطان بالأقصر

القاهرة، مصر-  15 يونيو، 2016: في خطوة تهدف لتعزيز علاقتهم مع المجتمع المحلي بالمدينة التاريخية، قام فريق العاملين في منتجع وسبا هيلتون الاقصر بزيارة مستشفى شفاء الأورمان لعلاج السرطان بالأقصر. تُعتبر مستشفى شفاء الأورمان لعلاج السرطان بمدينة الأقصر والتي تم افتتاحها مؤخراً، أول وأضخم مستشفى متكامل لعلاج مرضى السرطان بالمجان،حيث تخدم المستشفى 6 محافظات وتستهدف المرحلة الأولى علاج 7000 مريض على مدار العام الأول من الافتتاح.

ترأس الوفد الذي زار المستشفى السيد/ مايكل بروشر، مدير عام منتجع وسبا هيلتون الاقصر، وبصحبته عدد من العاملين بالفندق. وكان في استقبال الوفد السيد/ مصطفى زمزم، المستشار الإعلامي لجمعية الأورمان، والمهندس/ محمد محفوظ، المهندس التنفيذي للمشروع.  وفي نهاية الزيارة، قام فريق الفندق بالتبرع بعدد من مبردات المياه من أجل تحسين بيئة العمل ولمساعدة طاقم المستشفي والعمال.

وتعليقاً على هذه الزيارة، يقول السيد/ مايكل بروشر، مدير عام منتجع وسبا هيلتون الاقصر: "يفخر منتجع وسبا هيلتون الأقصر بالدور الفعال الذي يلعبه في مدينة الأقصر، حيث يحرص فريق العاملين في الفندق على المشاركة في هذه المبادرات الهامة من أجل تقديم الدعم اللازم للمجتمع. وتأتي هذه المبادرات في إطار برنامج Travel with Purposeوالذي يمثل المبادرة الرئيسية لمجموعة هيلتون العالمية في مجال المسئولية الاجتماعية والتي تعتمد على ثلاثة محاور أساسية وهي: البيئة، خلق الفرص، والمجتمع."

هذا وقد تم الانتهاء بالفعل من إنشاءات المرحلة الأولى للمستشفى بدعم من المهندس/ إبراهيم محلب، مساعد رئيس الجمهورية للمشروعات القومية والاستراتيجية. كما تم وضع حجر الأساس للمرحلة الثانية والتي ستتضمن قسما للجراحة،ودارا للضيافة، ومركز الأبحاث ودراسات للسرطان.

حصل منتجع وسبا هيلتون الأقصر مؤخراً على جائزتين من موقع TripAdvisor.com، أكبر المواقع المتخصصة في تصنيفات السياحة والسفر، وهما جائزة الفندق الأكثر اختياراً من المسافرين  للعام الثامن على التوالي، وشهادة التميز في تقديم تجربة ضيافة رائعة للنزلاء، بالإضافة إلى جائزة أفضل فندق في الشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا، وجائزة أفخم فندق في المنطقة لعام 2016 للعام الرابع على التوالي. يضم منتجع وسبا هيلتون الأقصر 236 غرفة وجناح، بالإضافة لحمام سباحة مطل على النيل وآخر ذي تصميم مميز، بالإضافة إلى 8 مطاعم متنوعة تقدم مجموعة متنوعة من الأطباق العالمية، والآسيوية، والسرقية، كما يمكن للفندق أيضاً استضافة حفلات الزفاف والمؤتمرات الكبيرة في قاعات الاجتماعات المجهزة طبقاً لأرقي المستويات العالمية.

ECity reinforces strategic expansion initiative with successful opening of 9th store in the UAE

• Leading retail store aiming to open 9th multi-branded electronics retail outlets across the UAE and the Middle East region
• UAE consumer electronics industry to grow by more than five per cent this year and is projected to reach AED 15.7 billion by 2020

June 16, 2016 - ECity, a leading operator of a chain of world-class multi-brand electronics retail stores across the UAE and a part of the ALBATHA Group of Sharjah, successfully opened today (16th June) its 9th store in the UAE. The newly opened outlet, which is located at Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, was inaugurated in the presence of ECity senior officials and representatives from various partners. The store features the company's rebranding initiative, including the new logo and identity, reflecting its unique concept of utilizing technology, fixtures, lay-outs and displays that have never been used in today's industry and the markets. The company's tagline, 'Experience the future of electronics,' throws the spotlight on today's leading innovative brands and the products and services they offer, some of which have never been experienced or witnessed in the UAE. The technology and fixtures used are one of a kind, utilizing European. In fact, every inch of the store has been designed to give customer's the benefit of convenience and a unique experience.

Jaouad Dakir, CEO, ECity, is at the helm of the company's move to strengthen its leading position in the consumer electronics retail segment. He has over 22 years of industry experience and is credited with A Large European Brand across the continent.

Dakir shared, “We are proud of the opening of this new store, which features our new redesigned logo and identity. Our rebranding initiatives reflect our one-of-a-kind specialty consumer electronic concept and ably complements our expansion strategy. All of our stores will be redesigned with a strategic lay-out that will improve the over-all customer experience--presenting them with a smart and friendly shopping environment that focuses heavily on convenience, online shopping and in-store and home repair services.”

ECity recently announced its rebranding efforts, which is focused on consolidating its position as the region's first 'Technology Convenience Store.' The company's new store and portfolio has been designed to uplift the brand's appeal by featuring vibrant new products, a new signage and an improved store plan crafted specifically to improve the customers’ shopping experience. ECity stores will be throwing the spotlight on tablets and smartphones, which have been seeing strong sales growth. However, the company will also be featuring other smart gadgets and accessories along with Small and Major Domestic Appliances, Personal Care, Audio Video, Gaming and Toys, Drones, Accessories, 3D printing, notebook, wearables and camera.

“Consumers today have demonstrated an increased preference for all things compact and multifunctional--a trend that has set the tone of experiencing the future of electronics and what it can offer. The trend also reflects our continued investment and commitment in the retail industry, as well as our dedication to provide only the best quality experience for our customers,” concluded Dakir.

توقعات بنمو قطاع الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية في الإمارات بأكثر من 5% خلال 2016 ليصل إلى 15,7 مليار درهم بحلول 2020

"إي سيتي" تفتتح تاسع فرع لها في الإمارات في خطوة توسعية طموحة

16 يونيو 2016 - إفتتحت "إي سيتي"، المشغل الرائد لسلسلة متاجر الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية التي تحتضن أبرز العلامات التجارية العالمية والشركة الفرعية التابعة لـ "مجموعة البطحاء"، اليوم الخميس حزيران/يونيو 2016 الفرع التاسع لها في دولة الإمارات، وذلك في "دلما مول" في أبوظبي خلال حفل إفتتاح رسمي أقيم بحضور عدد من كبار المسؤولين التنفيذيين وممثلين عن الشركاء الاستراتيجيين. ويمثل الفرع التاسع تجسيداً حقيقياً للعلامة التجارية والهوية المؤسسية الجديدة لـ "إي سيتي"، التي تتبنّى شعاراً مبتكراً يعكس المفهوم المتفرد في رفد السوق بأحدث التكنولوجيات والإلكترونيات والتجهيزات التقنية وأجهزة العرض المتطورة التي لم يتم استخدامها سابقاً.

وتتبنّى "إي سيتي" شعار "اختبر مستقبل الإلكترونيات"، والذي يدفعها قدماً لتكون السباقة في تقديم أفضل الخدمات وأحدث المنتجات المطورة من قبل نخبة العلامات التجارية الرائدة ضمن قطاع الإلكترونيات في العالم، مع التركيز على طرح كل ما هو جديد ومبتكر للمرة الأولى ضمن السوق الإماراتية. ويتسم الفرع الجديد بتصميم فريد يتميز بتجهيزات أوروبية وتقنيات متطورة هي الأولى من نوعها، في سبيل ضمان تزويد العملاء بتجربة تسوق غنية ومرضية ترقى إلى مستوى تطلعاتهم.

وتواصل "إي سيتي" مساعيها الجادة في السير قدماً لترسيخ مكانتها الريادية ضمن قطاع تجارة تجزئة الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية، وذلك بقيادة جواد دكير، المدير التنفيذي للشركة، الذي يتمتع بخبرة مهنية طويلة تمتد على أكثر من 22 عاماً، أهلته اليوم إدارة واحدة من أهم العلامات التجارية المعروفة.

وفي معرض تعليقه على الأمر، أعرب دكير عن سعادته بإفتتاح المتجر الجديد الذي يستعرض الشعار والهوية المؤسّسية الجديدة للشركة، مضيفاً: "يشكّل استحداث علامتنا التجارية ترجمةً واضحةً للنهج المتميّز الذي تتّبعه "إي سيتي" في إطار سعيها الطموح لتطوير سوق الإلكترونيات الإستهلاكية، كما ويمثّل إضافة نوعية إلى الخطة الإستراتيجية للتوسّع التي تنتهجها الشركة. ومن المقرّر أن يتم إعادة تصميم جميع الفروع التابعة للشركة على نحو استراتيجي من شأنه تعزيز تجربة العملاء وتزويدهم ببيئة ذكية وسهلة الإستخدام للتسوّق والتي تركّز بالدرجة الأولى على توفير أعلى درجات الراحة والكفاءة في التسوّق الإلكتروني وخدمات الصيانة في المتجر أو المنزل".

ويُذكر أن "إي سيتي" أعلنت مؤخّراً عن إعادة تصميم علامتها التجارية، في خطوة طموحة لترسيخ المكانة الريادية للشركة كأوّل متجر إلكترونيات متخصّص في المنطقة. وتم تصميم المتجر الجديد للشركة وفق أعلى المعايير والمواصفات التي من شأنها الإرتقاء بالعلامة التجارية للشركة، وذلك عبر إستعراض المحفظة الجديدة والمتطوّرة من المنتجات وعرض لافتة جديدة في المتاجر، فضلاً عن وضع خطة مصمّمة خصيصاً للإرتقاء بتجربة التسوّق لدى العملاء. وستسلّط متاجر "إي سيتي" الضوء على أحدث طرازات الأجهزة اللوحية والهواتف الذكية التي تحقّق معدّلات مبيعات عالية. هذا بالإضافة إلى التركيز على الأدوات والإكسّسوارات الذكية الأخرى، والأجهزة المنزلية الأساسية والثانوية، والإلكترونيات المتعلقة بالعناية الشخصية والأجهزة السمعية والبصرية وألعاب الفيديو والطائرات ذات التّحكّم عن بعد، والملحقات الخاصة بالتطبيقات، والطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد، وأجهزة الحاسوب المحمولة، والأجهزة الإلكترونية القابلة للإرتداء، والكاميرات.

وإختتم دكير: "نلحظ اليوم أن المستهلكين يفضّلون إستخدام الأجهزة المدمجة ومتعدّدة الوظائف، وهو ما يشكّل إتجاهاً جديداً له الدور الأكبر في توفير نظرة مرتقبة لسوق الإلكترونيات في المستقبل وما يحتضنه من إمكانات وفرص. لا بل ويأتي هذا الإتجاه تماشياً مع إلتزامنا المطرد بمواصلة الإستثمار في قطاع التجزئة وتقديم أعلى معايير الجودة والتميّز في خدمة العملاء".

Thailand named as host country for Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017

Dubai, 16 June, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) and QNA International today signed an agreement recognising that TAT’s bid for Thailand to host the 4th Annual Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017 (DWP Congress 2017) had been successful. This event is scheduled to be held in Thailand from 2-4 May, 2017, and is expected to attract 450 delegates from around the world.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT (left), and Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QNA International (right)

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT said, “We are delighted that Thailand has been chosen as the host country for the prestigious Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017. Thailand is a highly attractive country for couples looking to get married or enjoy honeymoons, and we can boast a wide range of wedding packages, romantic settings and luxurious, private accommodation. In addition, Thailand’s own wedding planners have great expertise in helping couples enjoy memorable and romantic nuptials.”

DWP Congress is an avant-garde initiative and the only one of its kind concept in the world. This spectacular congress has raised the bar of the destination wedding industry, as the crème de la crème across the globe from the wedding industry converges under one platform. The first DWP Congress took place in Greece in 2014, and has grown from strength to strength spreading its wings to Mauritius in 2015, and Florence, Italy, in 2016. And amidst a plethora of exclusive destinations from across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and Europe, Thailand’s bid for the 2017 edition emerged victorious.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn and Mr. Ackash Jain exchange a warn handshake after the agreement signing ceremony.

Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QNA International said, “Thailand has been a very strong contender; the country is already very popular among travellers and leisure seekers, and is also on the radar as a coveted destination for weddings and honeymoons. Given, the country’s reputation as a destination with deep-rooted cultural traditions, rich heritage and warm hospitality, we are extremely excited to get the ball rolling on the 4thedition.’’

According to a survey conducted by QNA International, results of which were released during the 3rd annual DWPC, Thailand was revealed as the top destination of choice in Asia for destination weddings and honeymoons. This is no surprise given Thailand’s cultural lure, natural beauty including scenic stretches of beaches, mountains, greenery, unique gastronomy, entertainment, and world renowned hospitality.

“The experience in destination weddings and honeymoons that Thailand has acquired through attracting couples in Asia include various wedding ceremonies whether it is by the beach, rock-climbing wedding, underwater wedding, traditional Thai wedding, and cooperation with luxury resorts and hotels, wedding planners, event organisers, and professional photographers, to offer competitive packages for the couples. Therefore, Thailand is well-poised to welcome couples who want a memorable and exclusive experience for their wedding and their guests,” according to the QNA International’s press statement.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn concluded, “Weddings can raise a great deal of revenue for Thailand. The average spend for a wedding is around 5-20 million Baht depending on how many guests attend. It is estimated that 400 couples come from India alone to get married in Thailand, with Europe and the US being strong markets. The hosting of the DWP Congress 2017 will certainly help raise the profile of Thailand even further as a preferred wedding destination for couples from around the world and boost the positive image of Thailand, positioning the country as a quality leisure destination.”

Orange launches Orange Money in France to allow money transfers to three countries in Africa and within mainland France

A flagship Orange offer that is already a success in Africa

PARIS, France, June 15, 2016/ -- Orange Money (www.OrangeMoney.Orange.fr) is available in Metropolitan France. This service is offered to Orange mobile subscribers(1) in France and enables them to transfer money via their mobile to other Orange Money customers in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and within Metropolitan France. An offer that improves contact between Orange customers in France and Africa “We are delighted to offer the Orange Money solution to our customers living in Metropolitan France and particularly to those with a link to Africa – this is a simple, secure and instant money transfer service between family and friends via mobile,” states Patrick Roussel, Orange France Consumer Sales Director. By launching the service in France, Orange is responding to strong demand from its customers with family or friends in Africa. Orange Money provides a money transfer service from France to Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal through a simple mobile transaction. Orange also makes it easier for recipients to withdraw money from over 30,000 Orange Money points in the three recipient countries, an unrivalled number of points of sale in these countries. This service will develop gradually and Orange intends to increase the number of points of sale in France. An Orange Money app will be available soon in France and Orange will look to expand the money transfer offer from France to other countries over time. For the launch of Orange Money in France, Orange is supported by its subsidiary W-HA, which has an EMI agreement(2) and is authorised to issue and manage electronic money. The technical and banking expertise of W-HA allows Orange to offer international money transfer services with an excellent standard of customer experience and user security. Orange Money, a simple, secure and instant service  You don’t need a bank account to use Orange Money. You just need a mobile plan and to register at a point of sale offering Orange Money with an ID card and proof of address.  It is free to open an Orange Money account. Amongst the stores offering the secure Orange Money service in Metropolitan France, Orange already has 41 points of sale: newsagents, call shops, local grocery stores and tobacconists across the country, as well as an Orange Money store in Paris. To carry out a money transfer, the customer credits their account with a bank card or cash at a point of sale. They then log onto their Orange Money account directly from their mobile by ringing #144#, entering the mobile number of the recipient as well as the amount to transfer and confirming the transaction with their Orange Money password. The transfer is then completed and the money is immediately available in the recipient’s account. #144# is a free and simple service which is compatible with all mobiles on the market. A flagship Orange offer that is already a success in Africa Orange Money is a mobile account linked to an Orange telephone number, and it is designed to meet the needs of customers in Africa, where most transactions are made in cash. The Orange Money service, launched in Côte d'Ivoire in 2008, has been a success for the Group. Over 18 million customers already use it in 14 countries in Africa to carry out transactions such as payments and money transfers. In 2013 Orange launched the first international money transfer service for its Orange Money customers between Senegal, Mali and Côte d'Ivoire. In March 2015, this service was expanded to transfers to and from Airtel Money customers in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal. More information on Orange Money and details on the rates applied to Orange Money France customers on the website:OrangeMoney.Orange.fr (http://OrangeMoney.Orange.fr/presentation). Rates for recipients in Africa are explained in the terms and conditions of Orange Money packages in the recipient country. (1) Person with an Orange mobile number (Sosh, Mobicarte, M6, Bic, business offers) (2) Electronic Money Institution Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange.