Carbonate plant opens at Rusayl

The Rima Carbonate Factory at Oman's Rusayl Industrial Estate has opened.

The promoters of the RO850,000 ($2.2 million) factory aim to export about 80 per cent of the production. The project was financed through a soft government loan, a loan from the Commercial Bank and the contribution of partners. Forty per cent of the staff is Omani.

Jeddah to have undergarments factory

A SR12 million ($3.2 million) undergarments factory is expected to open in Jeddah soon. It will be the first of its kind in the city. The facility will provide employment for more than 100 Saudis, 85 per cent of them women, a report said. The plant will supply the local and regional markets with men's and women's underwear.

New alliance formed

Jebel Ali Free Zone International and The Services Group of Arlington in the US have formed an "alliance of strengths", said Sultan bin Sulayem, executive chairman of Dubai Ports, customs and Free Corp. The alliance will deliver a combination of technical management and consultancy services.

"We are often requested to assist other countries in developing their free zone programmes and, through this strategic alliance with TSG, we will be able to deliver these services even more effectively and efficiently while enjoying a greater bidding level for international projects," commented Bin Sulayem.

Vikat to take stake in Sinai Cement

French building materials supplier Vicat SA has said it will acquire a 28.57 per cent stake in Egyptian cement maker Sinai Cement Co through a capital increase reserved for Vicat. Vicat is to invest $26.3 million in Sinai, which has a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of cement per year.

Utility firm set up

A new utility firm with a capital of SR200 million has been set up in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh-based National Energy Company has received approval from the Commerce Ministry, reports said. The company will be involved in power generation and distribution works. It will also take part in desalination projects and related areas.

The company has four million shares, each valued at SR50. The founders have so far contributed SR100 million to the capital.

Red Bull eyes plant in Dubai

Austria-based energy drink maker Red Bull has said it plans to set up a plant in Dubai. Red Bull managing director Dietrich Mateschitz said the Middle East was a key market for the firm. The company opened its regional headquarters in Dubai last October, with the objective of expanding in this region.

At present, regional sales make up about three per cent of global sales. Red Bull, whose 2002 turnover crossed $1.4 billion, produces about 1.3 billion cans per year.

Mateschitz, who owns a 49 per cent stake in the firm, said the aim was to double its Middle East sales in two years.

HP reveals proposal for software firm

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has proposed to help set up a software firm in a Gulf Arab state. The firm, which will be related to the healthcare sector, will be part of that Gulf states' electronic government initiative, HP regional general manager Joseph Hanania said. He declined to disclose the country, and said a decision on the proposal was still pending. HP will provide the technology, staff and training for the estimated $60 million project. He said HP was open to taking a stake in such projects, and added that Gulf governments should look to strategies other than tendering for e-government programmes.

Nikai plans expansion

Dubai-based Nikai Group is committing over $10 million over the next 12 months for expansion into the white goods business. A major part of the investments is to be made in contracts with manufacturers in the Far East and in Europe for the supply of finished goods under the 'Nikai' brand. The group has been outsourcing since its setting up in 1995. It is claimed to be the first local business group to venture into the branded consumer electronics line through OEM (original equipment manufacturer) arrangements. The group's white goods product line comprises television sets and other electronic goods. Sixty per cent of these are sourced from plants in the Far East. However, there are plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Dubai, most likely by 2005, the managing director said. He added that the location could be Jebel Ali Free Zone.

Chaya to open showrooms in UAE

Indian textile firm Chaya Industries plans to open a chain of showrooms in the UAE.

The Kerala-based company, which has several non-resident Indian investors from the UAE as shareholders, is finalising plans for an expansion, press reports said.

The company is offering 12 per cent cumulative preference shares redeemable in five years to Indian expats in the Middle East. Managing director T Ranganathan says the company has already received a good response for the share offer from the region. Chaya also plans to launch its brand of knitwear for men, ladies and children in the retail markets in the Middle East.

Ajmal launches perfume

Ajmal Perfumes, manufacturer of oriental and western fragrances in Oman, has launched a new modern fragrance - Reflections - for 'young and confident' women. The unique concoction for women harmoniously unites the serenity of fresh, floral notes with the elements of woody, spicy notes, imparting a subtle scent, the company said.

"With its unique combination of fresh notes infused with a subtle flair of woody, spicy and musky notes, we are certain Reflections will appeal to women of all nationalities as every woman has a transparent and simplistic side to her," said Isam Asqul, the company's manager for business development and liaison.

The tall bottle, shaped like an elongated drop of water, is enriched with a ripple effect and is perfectly contrasted with a bold red square-shaped cap and golden collar.

Grundig opens showroom

Grundig, the market leader in Germany in the field of entertainment electronics, has opened its exclusive showroom in Muscat in cooperation with Meridian, a shipping, logistic and supply chain management company. Products sold by the old distributors would be accepted for service at its service facility in Muscat. The on-line service facility will also be available at the service centre.

The showroom has stacked 100 products. The company also plans to have a separate bargaining counter where customers can bargain and get the products at their own 'mindset' price. Only a few products will be made available at this counter. Some of the products available at the showroom, - low end to high end - are manufactured at facilities in Germany and China. The company is also a leading supplier in the field of satellite reception technology.