Basharacare Continues to Lead the Way by Extending E-Commerce Services across the GCC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, February 2nd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

BasharaCare, the leading online beauty store in the UAE, has now opened up to shoppers in the rest of the GCC. This expansion opens up BasharaCare’s unique shopping experience to customers across the gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.

Launched in 2013, BasharaCare is an authorized retailer for over 80 of the best international premium and niche beauty brands in the Middle East, including Shiseido, Elemis, Tria, REN, Filorga and Dermalogica. Shoppers can choose from over 3,000 products in skincare, cosmetics, hair care, body care and men’s grooming.

BasharaCare’s website is available in both English and Arabic, with a user friendly, easy-to-use layout that gives shoppers the opportunity to conveniently choose from an array of products without having to leave the comfort of their homes. The website also features useful filters to help shoppers find a product for specific concerns and/or skin type. In addition to this, the website offers responsive and friendly customer support online or via telephone (+97143751545). BasharaCare’s dedication to providing beauty solutions for men and women continues with expertly curated newsletters and a dedicated beauty blog.

After placing an order, shoppers can pay in their local currency and choose between a safe and secure credit card payment or cash on delivery payment. Trusted couriers UPS and Aramex will ensure that orders are quickly delivered straight to shoppers’ doors across the gulf within 1-3 days. Shoppers can choose up to three free samples with each order, and orders over 550 Saudi Riyals (or its equivalent in other currencies) will receive one free full-sized product. Customers across the GCC can also participate in BasharaCare’s loyalty program and receive points which can be redeemed on the website.

-End-

About BasharaCare
BasharaCare launched its operations in February 2013 in Dubai, UAE.  An online professional skincare store backed by reputable dermatologists offering a selection of high quality premium skincare and beauty products from across the world. For more information, visit www.basharacare.com & www.facebook.com/BasharaCare

Contacts

BasharaCare Marketing

Jad Haidamous; +971 4 375 1545

Marketing@basharacare.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/16909/en

Al Awadhi Al Menhali: Police Officers Training Institute Provides Police Entities with Highly Qualified Personnel

A Great Scientific Edifice in the Ministry of Interior

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, February 1st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Major General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary of Resources and Support Services, affirmed that the establishment of the Police Officers Training Institute at the Directorate General of Human Resources is the result of the development and advancement drive witnessed by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) over the past few years. He noted that this drive aims to train police officers throughout the different headquarters and general directorates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), develop their skills, refine their expertise and increase their knowledge in public and specialized fields.

He added that the institute is considered as a main source of support in providing different entities within the MoI with highly qualified and trained officers. These officers enable them to execute their duties while dealing with the changes and challenges of our world today, he said. He continued that this allows them to contribute alongside their colleagues in protecting national achievements and preserving the security and stability of the country.

A Training Plan Rich with Generosity and Creativity

Brigadier Mohammed Obeid Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, Director General of Human Resources at the Ministry of Interior, stressed that the 2016 training plan was set for a new year rich ingenerosity, achievements, creativity, innovation, development and close ties between training and the goals of the ministry’s strategy in all fields. He noted that the year will see endeavors to find solutions to all challenges by addressing issues related to performance methods, achieve higher levels of speed and efficiency in implementing work, provide security services, elevate the levels of performance for departments and their staff, and achieve the highest levels of administrative efficiency. He said that these steps have become a vital necessity to developing the human element and investing in it as per the objectives of theMoI’s security system.

An Active Training Entity

Additionally, Major General Al Menhali underlined that the MoI, by establishing the Police Officers Training Institute, aimed to havetechnically and administratively active staff in training. “In recent years, this institute managed to organize many specialized and general courses, targeting a large number of the ministry’s staff members in various disciplines. This motivates us to emphasize the need for organizing training courses to all authorities countrywide, according to their needs and requirements. Thus, the institute is one of the leading training entities in the UAE,” he noted. Moreover, he stressed that this goal is achievable by developing the capabilities and potential of trainers working in the ministry, enriching and deepening their knowledge and making them more professional in training and dealing with the trainees. “We are also working on developing the content of the training material to ensure that it keeps pace with scientific developments and that itcorresponds to the various aspects of police and security work,” said Major General Al Menhali.

On the same note, Major General Al Menhali indicated that the achievement accomplished by the ministry is undoubtedly due in large part to the training system and plan which we have committed ourselves to applying to all the ministry’s employees. “Training is no longer regarded as an option or a luxury we practice, it has become a strategic tool we adopt to develop the talents and abilities of all the MoI’s staff members and employees. This aims to achieve our professional goals, and to reach the desired objectives that we all seek in order to maintain the national gains that have been accomplished under our wise leadership,” emphasized Major General Al Menhali.

The Establishment of the Institute

For his part, Colonel Dr. Ahmed Al Khuzaimi, Director of the Police Officers Training Institute, explained that the institute was founded in 1992 under Ministerial Resolution No.44, and has been training officers ever since. It is affiliated with the Police College and includes two sections: the Courses Section and the Scientific Coordination Section. In 2015, the institute became affiliated with the Directorate General of Human Resources at the Ministry of Interior pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No.23. The organizational structure of the institute has been fully modified to comprise three sections and ten branches, in line with the reemergenceand development witnessed by the country in various fields.

Police Staff Development

Furthermore, Colonel Al Khuzaimi pointed out that the Police Officers Training Institute is implementing the MoI’s training plan, so as to develop police and security officers at the MoI by providing them with modern knowledge, developed skills and positive behaviors to strengthen their scientific and practical abilities. “This would help them to face unprecedented challenges, most notably new social and economic crimes, environmental crimes, money laundering, organized crime and human trafficking,” said Colonel Al Khuzaimi. Furthermore, he noted that the institute regularly organizes training courses for officers, which include junior, intermediate and senior leadership courses in addition to the constituent specialized courses in the fields of criminal investigation and traffic. “It also holds short courses in the field of management sciences, criminal science, and the development of policing skills. The courses take place in the institute building in Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Police School building,” he explained. Colonel Al Khuzaimi indicated that the institute also organizes courses for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab countries, in the fields of management/leadership development and police sciences.

Emirati Training Competencies

Colonel Al Khuzaimi stressed that the institute’s management employs the best Emirati qualified experts and lecturers for the implementation of the various training programs. It also attracts Arab and foreign experts either working inside or outside the country. “The ratio of Emirati lecturers working at the institute reached 85% of the total number of lecturers in 2015, which had a positive impact on the trainees,” underscored Colonel Al Khuzaimi.

A Virtual Training Hall

Colonel Al Khuzaimi explained that a virtual training hall was set up in 2015, hosting the first course in this area. “During this course, the recruits will be trained on realistic scenarios in the field of traffic and criminal science, which will later betransformed into applications through the 3D technology,” concluded Colonel Al Khuzaimi.

Cooperation with Partners

Colonel Al Khuzaimi highlighted the cooperation and coordination between the institute and the partners both inside and outside of the ministry in order to continuously develop the training programs for the benefit of all trainees. He cited cooperation between the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Institute, the police GHQs,the police academies andinstitutes in the UAE, and the Armed Forces General Command, along with several training authorities within the country.

Moreover, he noted that the institute is committed, during the next phase, to activating and strengthening cooperation with international institutions working in the police field such as INTERPOL, the International Association of Police Academies (INTERPA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in order to develop work at the institute. He also highlighted the institute’smanagement’s commitment to converting all of its operations and programs to an electronic system and developing the smart training system in line with the federal government’s policy.

Initiatives to Promote Reading

He said that the Police Officers Training Institute has adopted eight initiatives to promote reading among staff members and course participants at the institute, in line with the declaration of 2016 as the “Year of Reading” upon the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Leadership Training

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Omran Hamad Al Hameli, Chief of the Leadership Training Section at the institute, said, “The section is implementing special junior leadership course programs for the officers who will be promoted from the rank of Captain to the rank of Major, andintermediateleadership courses for officers who will be promoted from the rank of Major to the rank of LieutenantColonel.” He pointed out that the intermediate leadership courses include several basic components, such as programs for police leadership andsecurity crisis management; the internal security strategy; decision-making; the values of individual and organizational performance; and a number of items related to creativity, innovation, and quality.

Adding further, he said, “The senior leadership courses include programs and materials such as administrative and police operations, the basic concepts of internal security operations, security of population and demographics.” He explained that these programs aim to raise the level of the MoI’s officers and prepare them to fulfill the tasks and duties assigned to them in order to maintain the security and stability of the homeland.”He also explained that the number of courses carried out by the institute in the past five years amounted to 32, with the participation of 928 officers from various police GHQs and departments across the country. He added that the institute carried out one course for senior leadership attended by 24 officers from various police GHQs and departments in the country.

Specialized Training for Officers

For his part, Major Abdullah Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Chief of the Specialized Training Section in the institute said, “The section is responsible for organizing specialized courses and short courses (weekly) for officers in various areas of security and police work in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.”  He also pointed out that the specialized courses include the basic and advanced criminal investigation courses and the basic and advanced traffic courses. The short courses include courses in the field of law, criminal security, traffic, human resources and services, occupational health and safety, public relations, management, planning, and innovations.

Concluding, he indicated that the number of courses that have been carried out by the section in the past five years reached 390 courses with the participation of 6,813 officers from various police GHQs and departments across the country.



For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook, Google +, Instagram and Twitter        

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-666-4891

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/16905/en

Safer Internet Day to Kick Off in Abu Dhabi

Under the Auspices of H.H Saif Bin Zayed

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, February 1st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, “Aqdar”, will be launching the 13th edition of the ‘Safer Internet Day’ celebrations. The event, held under the theme “Let's Create a Better Internet Together,” for the second consecutive year, is organized in collaboration with more than 30 ministries, and federal, local authorities and private institutions.

In a press conference held on Monday by Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, “Aqdar”, at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi said that launching activities like this represents a step towards promoting the concepts of mutual institutional work between all ministries, local and federal entities, private institutions and civil society organizations. He said that this aims to find mechanisms to develop communications links and sustainable cooperation in line with the strategy of Khalifa Student Empowerment Program that seeks to unify efforts targeting students.

Major General Dr. Al Nuaimi also noted that the joint work team has endeavored to develop further activities and events for this year’s edition, commensurate with the developments of this time and age. He said: “47 events will be held at the countrywide level. The ‘Safer Internet Day’ poster well be posted at several locations, and the campaign’s slogan will be added to Google search engine. Three short films and awareness bulletins will also be broadcast on the different TVs and radios.” He also noted that the initiative will be launched across a number of shopping centers across the country, along with an extensive awareness competition via social media networks, such as Twitter, Instagram and other.

Major General Al Nuaimi emphasized the valuable role of the media in ensuring the success of such valuable event, and the vital role of parents in educating their children on the safe internet use and to protect them against abuse.

He said: “As a part of the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, more than 33 thousand students in approximately 300 schools have been trained; while more than 600 lectures have been organized for school students and more than 5,000 teachers received training and electronic awareness to protect the children from the dangers of the Internet.

 For his part, Marwan Ahmed Al Sawaleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the attention and support of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the “Aqdar” initiatives and his unrelenting follow-up to ensure the education of young people and future generations. He underlined the keenness of the higher leadership to extend this event for one full month in the United Arab Emirates; to provide intensive awareness tips about online risks. He also stressed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to carry out many activities and initiatives for the benefit of school students and to prepare curricula related to security and safety, so as to enhance awareness and reach out to parents and Children's Service Centers.

Yumna Hamad Budwa, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education and Scientific Research, expressed her heartfelt thanks to HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and to the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, for adopting purposeful activities and programs. She noted that the participation of higher education institutions in this event,  reflect an unrelenting keenness to educate university students about the objectives and messages involved in these events.

She explained that a media plan has been prepared to promote the Internet Smart Education project, via text messages and social networking sites throughout the school year, in coordination and cooperation with the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program. Awareness videos will also be distributed periodically to universities and higher education institutions, in collaboration with students themselves, and  the distribution of touch screens to universities and service centers at higher education institutions in  coordination with of the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, to organize months-long awareness workshops across universities and colleges, and to  prepare  posters and brochures  to be distributed to existing libraries.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook, Google +, Instagram and Twitter                                                   

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

                                                                           

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-666-4891

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/16906/en

Aqua Data Studio 17 Released With Advanced Analytics and Charting for In-Memory and Cloud Databases

AUSTIN, Texas - Monday, February 1st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AquaFold, Inc. has released Aqua Data Studio 17, a major upgrade to its universal database management and analytics software, allowing users to design and administer the newest class of Big Data and cloud-based databases. The latest version increases productivity for business analysts, expands database integration for database administrators, and offers richer data insights for business intelligence users. Along with enhanced Excel capabilities, a new MongoDB JavaScript editor, expanded DBA Tools and Explain Plans, and new charts and analytics, version 17 is the most functional release to date.

“We have an increasing demand from users to perform advanced analytics on their adhoc queries,” says AquaFold’s CEO, Niels Gron. “We’ve added R language integration to bridge the gap between adhoc query tasks and on-the-fly analysis.”

Improvements to Aqua Data Studio’s visual analytics tool include nine new chart types, which provide richer visualizations and R language integration for data analysis. Filled Maps can now be used to plot geographic data and Horizon charts can be used to visualize large volumes of time series data. Dashboards have also been enhanced to support text and image objects to more effectively convey your analysis.

“Cloud and Hadoop databases continue to gain greater mindshare with our customers,” explains Gron. “By adding Google BigQuery, SAP HANA and Apache Spark support, customers can continue testing and migrating to new systems within a seamless interface.”

AquaFold has delivered support for Google BigQuery, SAP HANA and Apache Spark. Version 17 also delivers a new MongoDB JavaScript editor to execute MongoDB commands and display results in a tree hierarchy, grid, and as text. This new editor provides easy-to-use functionality such as syntax coloring and auto-completion.

The new release includes an SQL In-memory database for querying Excel files with full SQL syntax that gives users the ability to connect, query and generate results from Excel files. In addition, a new Excel import wizard has been added which imports Excel data into existing or new database tables.

Version 17 offers expanded DBA tools coverage to effortlessly manage more databases and expanded Explain Plan support to quickly identify performance bottlenecks in your SQL queries. Supported databases include Amazon Redshift, Greenplum, Teradata Aster, Netezza, PostgreSQL and others.

Database support has been upgraded to include Teradata Aster 6.1, IBM DB2 z/OS 11, Vertica 7.1.2, Cloudera 5.4, Hortonworks 2.3, MapR 5.0, PostgreSQL 9.4, VoltDB 5.5, SQLite 3.8.10.1 and an updated Amazon Redshift driver.

Aqua Data Studio Availability and Pricing

Aqua Data Studio 17.0 is localized in 9 languages and works with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris, and the Java Platform. It is available for immediate download at http://www.aquafold.com/aquadatastudio_downloads.html. You can view the complete list of new features and enhancements athttp://www.aquaclusters.com/app/home/project/public/aquadatastudio/wikibook/New-Features-17.0/page/0/What-s-New-in-Version-17-0.

The cost of a single-user commercial license for Aqua Data Studio 17 remains $499.00 USD. Current license holders with expired subscriptions can renew their subscriptions for $174.65 USD, which is just 35% of the new license price.

About AquaFold, Inc.

AquaFold, Inc. is a provider of database software tools for relational databases. More than 300,000 users from over 98 different countries use AquaFold's products to design, develop, model, and administer their relational databases. AquaFold is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visithttp://www.aquafold.com.

Contacts

AquaFold, Inc.

Guillermo Gron, +1 512-457-9814

guillermogron@aquafold.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/16908/en

The Coca-Cola Company and TGI Group Announce Strategic Investment in Nigeria’s Chi Limited

Coca-Cola acquires initial minority shareholding in Nigeria’s leading value-added dairy, juices and snacks business to expand its African stills beverage portfolio

LAGOS, Nigeria - Monday, February 1st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) and Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group) – the holding company of Chi Ltd, Nigeria’s leading dairy and juice company – today announced a binding agreement for The Coca-Cola Company to acquire an initial minority equity shareholding in Chi Ltd. The agreement creates a strategic relationship between two beverage industry leaders within Africa’s largest economy that together serve Nigeria’s most popular sparkling soft drinks, juices, value-added dairy and water beverage brands.

Within the agreement, The Coca-Cola Company has made an initial 40 percent equity investment in Chi Ltd and intends to increase ownership to 100 percent within three years, subject to regulatory approvals, while working on other long-term commercial structures. Additionally, the parties have agreed to jointly discuss and explore other opportunities in the region to further develop this relationship.

The investment in Nigeria’s leading value-added dairy and juice beverage brands – which include Hollandia and Chivita – further expands The Coca-Cola Company’s West African portfolio of still beverages while establishing Coca-Cola’s presence in Africa’s high-growth value-added dairy category. The agreement will allow both companies to leverage their respective investments and expertise to further drive innovation, optimize efficiency and strengthen route-to-market to accelerate growth and increase consumer availability and choice.

TGI Group’s relationship with The Coca-Cola Company will also help Chi Ltd achieve its ambitious growth plans through access to Coca-Cola’s broad product portfolio and integration into global best practices in production, distribution and brand-building.

“For more than 30 years Chi’s leadership has built a greatly admired business that has quickly grown to become Nigeria’s leading producer and distributor of value-added dairy and juice products and we are delighted to enter the next phase of our growth journey together,” said Nathan Kalumbu, President, Coca-Cola Eurasia and Africa. “Coca-Cola and Chi share the same commitment to Africa, to investing in our operations and to continuous innovation, and our relationship will allow us to continue to provide Nigerian consumers the No. 1 beverage in each of the categories we serve.”

“We strongly believe in this journey we are starting with The Coca-Cola Company. The relationship will allow us to expand our regional footprint and product portfolio. We stay firmly committed to growing our investments in the Nigerian economy, increasing employment and local content while supporting the communities we operate in. Chi will continue to provide its consumers with innovative products in the dairy, juices and snacks categories,” said Cornelis Vink, Chairman of TGI Group and Chi Ltd.

“We are immensely proud of the success that Chi has achieved in building the much-loved Hollandia and Chivita brands. We recognize the unique opportunity that the relationship with The Coca-Cola Company brings to further develop Chi as a strong regional company, building on the tremendous progress achieved to date,” said Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group.

“Coca-Cola has been investing in Nigeria for more than 60 years and today’s announcement represents the latest significant step in our commitment to growing our business and providing trusted beverage brands for Nigerian consumers and communities,” said Kelvin Balogun, President of Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa. “We are extremely optimistic about Africa’s continued economic and social growth and recognize the importance of ensuring we stay one step ahead of evolving consumer tastes by broadening our portfolio and introducing new products. Today’s announcement positions both Coca-Cola and Chi well for future growth in what is an exciting time in the beverage industry in Africa.”

In 2014, the Coca-Cola system announced an increased investment in Africa to a total of $17 billion from 2010 to 2020. This investment, which is roughly three times the amount invested in the last decade, is funding new manufacturing lines, distribution capabilities and cold drink equipment while creating additional jobs and opportunities on the continent.

Coca-Cola was first served in Johannesburg in 1928 and the Company’s products are now present in every country in Africa with its system employing more than 70,000 people in 145 bottling and canning facilities.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo or visit our blog at www.coca-colablog.com.

About Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group)

Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group) is the majority shareholder of Chi Ltd. TGI Group invests in emerging economies, adding value to locally available resources targeting an end product both for local consumption and the global market. TGI has over three decades of experience building local and regional sustainable businesses in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), agriculture, agro-allied, healthcare, chemicals, etc. The Group's global presence in manufacturing, farming and agro-processing, distribution etc. spans 12 countries, with a staff of over 9,000. For more information, please visit www.clicktgi.net

About Chi Limited

Incorporated in 1980, Chi Limited is one of the most admired companies in the domain of Food & Beverages in Nigeria and has market leadership positions in fruit juices, ice tea, value-added dairy products and snacks in Nigeria. Chi operates in these categories with several mega brands including CHIVITA 100%, CHIVITA Active, CHI Exotic, CHI Happy Hour, CHI Ice Tea, Capri-Sonne, Hollandia, Chi Super Bite, Beefie. Chi Limited has successfully built its business through innovative product introductions, a significant product portfolio, robust route to market structure and a state of the art manufacturing facility.

The company has something to offer to almost everyone. Chi's products help to cater to the diverse needs & palates of every segment of this dynamic population, thus making Chi's brands most admired and providing a range of choices to each socio-economic and demographic consumer segment.

For more information please visit www.houseofchi.com, follow us on Twitter at @Chivita100juice or @HollandiaYogh or Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ChivitaPremium)

Contacts

The Coca-Cola Company

Dan Baxter, +971 565 017 110

danbaxter@coca-cola.com



or

Clement Ugorji, +234 803 978 0391

cugorji@coca-cola.com



or

TGI Group

Dr. Johannes Flosbach, +234 903 885 6831

Johannes.flosbach@clicktgi.net





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/16900/en

Related Companies and Hilton Hotels & Resorts Introduce Hilton West Palm Beach

Lifestyle Hotel Adds Contemporary Twist to Downtown West Palm Beach And Features Cuisine by Renowned Chefs, Dynamic Pool Scene, Immersive Experiences and Ample Meeting Spaces

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Monday, February 1st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The highly anticipated Hilton West Palm Beach opened its doors today to welcome local patrons and visitors alike. Related Companies, Palm Beach County, the City of West Palm Beach and Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) collaborated to conceptualize and deliver an innovative, contemporary and forward-thinking hotel experience.

With its high-profile position within the gateway to both Palm Beach and downtown West Palm Beach, the new 12-story convention hotel adds unparalleled ambience, service and a farm-to-fork culinary experience that will make it a coveted destination among locals and visitors. Featuring 400 guest rooms and 43 suites, Hilton West Palm Beach was designed by Miami-based architectural firm Nicholas Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates and Dallas-based interior design firm Looney and Associates. Design inspiration draws from the peaceful fluidity of the lush Florida oceanside landscape and utilizes natural woods and contrasted neutrals with bright blue, gold and teal hues that reflect the physical characteristics of the Palm Beaches and indigenous artistic flair.

The striking new architectural icon features a double-height grand lobby with views of the hotel’s exquisitely landscaped Palm Deck. Accentuated by a zero-entry expansive pool, private cabanas, Restoration Hardware furnishings and a poolside bar and fire pit, the action-packed, three quarter-acre outdoor lanai delivers a relaxed island-style ambience with popular Palm Beach DJ talent Adam Lipson who will curate the sound experience.

“With Related Companies' vision, we have programmed a world-class hotel by celebrating the incredible local talent to foster a true sense of place for the community and represent the South Florida lifestyle,” said John L. Parkinson, general manager, Hilton West Palm Beach. “Hilton West Palm Beach is a melting pot of people and this ‘unconventional’ convention center will be the place to socialize, enjoy astonishing food and attend business meetings for locals, convention goers and guests alike.”

A focal point of the unconventional hotel is the strong commitment to fresh, quality food to create unique, top-notch cuisine for hotel guests and locals by an exceptionally talented team of celebrated chefs. Hilton West Palm Beach offers an immersive culinary experience including:

    Manor, the hotel’s signature farm-to-fork style restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, is led by celebrated Palm Beach Chef Matthew Byrne, former chef to Tiger Woods and Owner/Executive Chef of the popular West Palm Beach restaurant, Kitchen. Collaborating with Chef Byrne is award winning Executive Chef Miguel Santiago, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the hotel having cooked for presidents and dignitaries during his time in Washington, D.C. Manor is located directly off the lobby and flows onto the poolside terrace.
    Galley, the hotel’s lobby bar with a nautical design theme, will inspire guests to indulge in Prohibition-style handcrafted cocktails and shared tapas, while overlooking the outdoor oasis. Guests can choose from custom wine blends and bourbon as well as on-tap local craft beers from South Florida’s fast budding beer scene.
    For those looking for food on the go, Provisions marketplace provides locally sourced goods such as Rabbit Coffee Roasting Company, freshly prepared bites, cold-pressed juices and gifts from Palm Beach shops and artists.

“We are creating an unforgettable culinary experience using our core principles of sourcing the best local ingredients, keeping dishes simple, full of flavor and delivering outstanding product to our guests in a spectacular environment,” said Chef Matthew Byrne.

Hilton West Palm Beach also features a curated art program that embodies the artistic energy of South Florida. Collaborations with artists include Zammy Migdal, who created a wall sculpture with more than 140 hand-forged iron sculptural elements, and life-sized photography by Chris Leidy, grandson of Lilly Pulitzer, who draws inspiration from within the depths of the world’s oceans.

Connected to The Palm Beach County Convention Center via an enclosed walkway, Hilton West Palm Beach earns distinction as the only hotel in South Florida to be directly connected to a convention center. The property offers more than 24,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the 13,350-sq. ft. Oceana Ballroom and the 5,800-sq. ft. Coral Ballroom as well as two 2,400-sq. ft. expansive lawn spaces for weddings, special events and fitness programming. With an in-house panel of experts to provide programs for team building, including glow-in-the-dark lawn games, scavenger hunts and outdoor boot camp fitness classes, the hotel goes the extra mile to enrich the group experience. Guests also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and specialty classes, floatation menu featuring inflatable toys and rafts for relaxing in-pool, oversized chessboard, outdoor fire pit and more.

The new Hilton West Palm beach was the vision of Related Companies, who developed the CityPlace directly across the street. CityPlace is a 72-acre mixed-use development created in public/private partnership with Related Companies and the City of West Palm Beach. It has served as the primary catalyst for billions of investments in the city since it opened in 2000. Hilton guests can enjoy access to more than 60 specialty retail shops, a distinguished collection of restaurants and bars and an open-air plaza with a distinctive water feature with dancing fountains.

“Today’s opening of the Hilton West Palm Beach represents the culmination of nearly 20 years of focus and dedication. With every development we seek to innovate and shift the paradigm and here in West Palm Beach we have reimagined the very definition of a convention center hotel and created a unique destination experience that has exceeded even our own expectations. With best-in-class creative design, top finishes and furnishings, a pool setting that rivals the best resorts, and culinary offerings that will surprise and delight visitors, we are proud to open the Hilton West Palm Beach and welcome our first customers to experience the property,” said Stephen M. Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies. “But we could not have done it alone, and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering partnership of the County and the City. Without their support we would not be here today.”

“We created a hotel with the kind of originality and distinctive personalized service that will offer an unmatched experience in this market,” said Kenneth Himmel, President and CEO of Related Urban, the mixed-use division of Related Companies. “In collaboration with the County, City and Hilton, it’s an honor to see our flagship hotel come to fruition at a time when there is tremendous excitement in West Palm Beach.”

Hilton West Palm Beach is located in the heart of the city’s cultural triangle anchored by the nearby Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Norton Museum of Art, Clematis Street and Downtown’s Art & Entertainment District. All are within a short walk of the hotel, along with Worth Avenue and Palm Beach, which is a short three miles away.

“We are honored to present Hilton West Palm Beach, which represents our strong collaboration with Related Companies,” said Joe Berger, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton Worldwide. “The Palm Beaches have a long history of welcoming visitors from around the world and being home to coveted lifestyle brands. Now, we look forward to offering travelers a getaway to this immersive city through exceptional service and amenities for which the Hilton brand is known around the globe.”

Hilton West Palm Beach participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get the lowest price with its Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free Wi-Fi, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

The hotel is located at 600 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401. Rates start at $199 per night for the hotel’s opening week through Friday, February 5, and then move to $259 per night. In addition, guests can book the Leisure Package and stay for two nights, receiving a $50 hotel credit to be used on any charges except the room rate. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com or call +1 561 231 6000.

Media may learn more about the hotel and download high-res images at news.hilton.com/westpalmbeach. View more news about Hilton Hotels & Resorts openings and a development map at news.hilton.com/openings.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 97 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of thirteen world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, flickr.com/hiltonworldwide, and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world's travelers. With more than 560 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for memorable travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. As the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a part of the award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. Access the latest news at news.hilton.com and begin your journey at www.hilton.com or www.hilton.com/offers for the latest hotel specials.

About Related Companies

Related Companies is the most prominent privately owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed over 40 years ago, Related is a fully integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi, London, São Paulo and Shanghai and boasts a team of approximately 3,000 professionals. The Company’s existing portfolio of real estate assets, valued at over $20 billion, is made up of best-in-class mixed-use, residential, retail, office and affordable properties in premier high-barrier-to-entry markets. Related has developed preeminent mixed-use projects such as Time Warner Center in New York and CityPlace in West Palm Beach and is currently developing the 28-acre Hudson Yards project on Manhattan’s West Side. Related also manages approximately $3 billion of equity capital on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, public pension plans, multi-managers, endowments, and family offices. Related also owns Equinox® Fitness Clubs, further expanding the company's capabilities into the health and fitness arena and enhancing the value of its properties through an exclusive, branded amenity and lifestyle offering. Related is a partner in Union Square Events, the catering, culture, sports, and events business of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and CORE, a boutique residential brokerage. For more information about Related Companies please visit www.related.com.

Contacts

GiAnna Wyatt

Quinn PR (For Hilton West Palm Beach)

+1 212 868 1900 x278

gwyatt@quinn.pr



Jacqueline Toppings

Hilton Worldwide

+1 703 883 5381

jacqueline.toppings@hilton.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/16899/en

Abu Dhabi Police… Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Disabilities is a Main Priority

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, January 31st 2016 [ME NewsWire]

The number of people with special needs hired at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters has reached 160 employees, of different disability levels. The employment of these people falls within the framework of the “Hand in Hand to Habilitate People with Special Needs” initiative that was launched to support employee indicators of this category. This statement was made by Colonel Mohamed Saeed Al Kaabi, Deputy Director of the Selection and Recruitment Department at the Human Resources Directorate General who asserted the commitment of the Abu Dhabi Police to support people with special needs.

Colonel Al Kaabi highlighted the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police in caring for this community element that has all the support of the police leadership in order to integrate them within their society. He also noted that the “Hand in Hand to Habilitate People with Special Needs” initiative aims to support the indicator of employment for people with special needs in order to find suitable solutions for their issues and provide them with healthy work environment. The initiative also focuses on encouraging female members with special needs to maintain their work and provide them with suitable work environment.

He also said: “attracting and enabling people with special needs to take part in the police work started in 2011 when the Selection and Recruitment Department adopted this strategy. In 2015, “Hand in Hand to Habilitate People with Special Needs” initiative was launched with the aim of habilitating best police members with special needs and engaging them in events and activities available for them. This aims to realize equality in providing work opportunities among all staff members at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters.”

Colonel Al Kaabi also noted that this initiative enhances the confidence of the public and people with special needs in the work at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, as it also utilizes capabilities and skills among workers of this vital category in society.

Exploratory Study

Colonel Mohamed Saeed Al Kaabi announced conducting an exploratory study to assess satisfaction of the employees with special needs at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters about the services and facilities provided for them, and regarding the training programs. The study also measures their satisfaction with their superiors’ encouragement and support in suggesting their innovative ideas, as well as introducing occupational satisfaction via positive interaction with their job and team spirit with their teams, sections, or departments. The study also focused on the proximity of the work location to their houses, and the suitability of their work environment.

The study focused on both genders with the aim of overcoming future mistakes in order to enhance services and develop work opportunities for people with special needs by providing suitable work environment that develop their capabilities and skills.

Major Dr. Khaled Khalfan Al Ameri, Director of the Ministry of Interior's Centers for Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Disabilities, hailed the initiative and said: “the police leadership is interested in answering all community issues, and serving people with special needs specifically. The police leadership is committed to hiring a great number of its graduates and providing training and work opportunities that suit their capabilities and skills. This aims to enable them build independent and stable life economically, socially, and psychologically to engage them in building their country.”

Textbox

Sheikha Talib Al Bloushi, a special needs graduate of the Emirates University, currently works as a psychiatrist at the Ministry of Interior Centers for Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Disabilities in Abu Dhabi Police. She expressed her gratitude for the Abu Dhabi Police for their efforts in integrating people with special needs within their societies by hiring them at its departments. This policy falls within the framework of the strategic plan for winning the public trust. She also suggested designating an annual award for distinguished employees of people with special needs in order to honor their achievements and encourage them to become role models for their colleagues. She also suggested designating another award for families that support their children with special needs.



For more information about:

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Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-666-4891

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/16901/en