News

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS	YEAR 2008

Surf the internet for free while you smell the roses in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality, a senior official told Gulf News on Sunday.

Product review: LG KF510

The geniuses who name products at LG have not exercised their creativity on the KF510. Therefore, it does not carry silly monikers such as a rather contrived fusion of the words view and beauty, as a stable mate does. Neither is it named after a planet, nor is it a secret.

Digital homes to be a reality in the region

Digital homes have been around as a concept in the region for a long time but will soon become reality.

MS offers peek through Windows 7

Microsoft has unveiled the latest version of its Windows operating system. It promised that it will deliver a better experience for users when it arrives sometime late next year.

Capital Gate aims to enter Guinness Book

As construction of Capital Gate tower in Abu Dhabi is progressing the developers of the leaning tower have decided to approach the Guinness Book of World Records to recognise the structure as being the "most inclined in the world".

A Change Is In Store

Legal music download sites have finally received the licences to bring tunes to mobile devices the UAE “There are only two record stores left in the US,” proclaimed will.i.am, founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, at London’s Koko club earlier this month. “A Virgin Megastore in New York and a Virgin Megastore in Los Angeles.”

Five things to remember when buying a printer

1. Be environmental friendly. You too can make a contribution when buying a new printer. There are devices which use new innovative technologies such as inks that produce up to 90 per cent less waste than laser printing. Instead of buying a separate unit for different uses, purchase multi-function devices that use up to 50 per cent less energy.

Abu Dhabi plans a second city centre

Abu Dhabi plans to create a second city centre to accommodate a projected threefold growth in population. "We are creating the Capital City District, with a population of 350,000 to 380,000 residents," Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council told Bloomberg. "It will form a second centre for Abu Dhabi, located on the mainland in the area that has been known up to now as Khalifa C."

Traffic up 33% at Abu Dhabi airport

Abu Dhabi International airport handled more than 6.67 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, recording a 33 per cent increase in its traveler numbers over the same period last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC).

Going green

The green initiative is gaining ground as more and more manufacturers realise the benefits.
The colour green has never been so relevant as it is today because our natural environment is under tremendous pressure as a result of over-population and abuse by mankind. Thankfully people around the world are waking up to save planet Earth from losing its cool and clean environment before it's too late.

Latest tech gadgets

With Gitex around the corner, e+ takes a look at some more options in the tech world.

GETMO bundles up with Samsung

One of the first deals bundling a mobile phone with media downloads was launched by Samsung and GETMO Arabia at the opening day of the Gitex Technology Week conference yesterday.

Retail sales look very healthy

Expatriate residents – who make up more than 80 per cent of the population – are the major source of success, a study by the Delhi-based RNCOS found..

HP Middle East posts 50% growth in imaging, printing

HP in the region has seen a growth of 50 per cent in imaging and printing, according to Amr Hassan, Middle East Regional Manager of the company.

Convergence devices to power mobile market

Convergence of data, voice and video services will be the key drivers of handheld communication devices, primarily mobile phones, in the coming years, an official from a phone manufacturer said yesterday.

Electronic goods trade up 15% in H1 of 2008

The value of electronic goods traded in Dubai soared by 15 per cent to Dh18.8 billion in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2007, a new report reveals.

Middle East retail market gaining ground on increasing availability of space

INTERNATIONAL. A new research report from RNCOS 'Middle East Retail Sector Analysis (2007-2010)' has anticipated that retail sales in the Middle East region will surge at a CAGR of 11.40% until 2010.

Capital gains from pole position

All eyes will be on the UAE capital on November 15, 2009 for the F1 Grand Prix.

Latest images of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit revealed

The latest artists impression of the Yas Marina Circuit which will extend over 5.532km with nine right turns and 11 left turns which are driven anticlockwise.

Introducing the all-new MacBook and MacBook Pro.

Introducing the all-new MacBook and MacBook Pro. New design. New features. New technologies. All engineered to standards that don?t even exist yet.

Is this phone music to your ears?

It might have taken more than a year since the release of the hugely successful iPhone, but Nokia believes the imminent launch of its new touch-screen phone has come at the right place and the right time.

Shoot for the stars

Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure take all the guess work out of lighting and focusing, meaning your simply point-and-shoot snap comes out clear and brilliant.

Makers of BlackBerry launch new model to take on rival iPhone

Research in Motion Ltd.'s new touch-screen phone, the Storm. With the new model announced on Wednesday, RIM is for the first time giving up the keypad in favour of a large screen, just like that on Apple's iPhone.

Etihad flies 4.4 million passengers in nine-month period

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways continues to set new records in 2008 with its latest passenger figures for the first nine months showing a 35 per cent rise on the same period last year.

Abu Dhabi's real estate projects to hit US$500 billion

UAE. Abu Dhabi, the richest city in the world, has seen its gross domestic product (GDP) soar from US$40.6 billion in 2002 to US$108.9 billion in 2007 (more than 8% per annum). The booming real estate and tourism sectors are playing a significant part in this success story as the total value of announced projects in the capital inches towards the US$500 billion mark (AED 1.83 trillion).

UAE PC market goes... Supernovo

Fresh from a triumphant showing at the Beijing Olympics, Lenovo, the world's fourth largest computer manufacturer, has set its sights on conquering the Middle East

A Bold launch by etisalat

Etisalat and Research In Motion (RIM) have announced availability of the new BlackBerry Bold smartphone in the Middle East.

Google, T-Mobile unveil new pPhone

T-Mobile USA and Google Inc. unveiled the first smart-phone powered by Google's Android operating system, as the Internet giant hopes to shake up the wireless industry.

Etihad to carry 25m passengers by 2020

Etihad Airways has unveiled a 12-year plan that sets a target of carrying 25 million passengers a year by 2020 aboard a fleet of 150 aircraft. The strategic plan was announced by CEO James Hogan during a visit to New York. He told the American media the airline planned to double the number of cities it served from 50 to 100.

Television shows head to internet and mobiles

Popular television shows are heading for the smaller screen, with the Middle East’s largest broadcaster taking its content to the internet and mobile phones.

Product review: Samsung SC-HMX20

The last time I picked up a video camera it was the size of a suitcase, took VHS tapes, and I struggled to bear its weight as one of my parents fought to replace its car battery-sized powerpack.

Pix-shell perfect portraits

This tiny little photo frame brings the kids (or the dog) into the office without upsetting your co-workers. Japanese online store Princeton is retailing an egg-shaped digital photo frame that both personalises your desk but doesn't take up too much room.

Product review: Nokia E71

When Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone last year, he criticised the current generation of qwerty-buttoned smartphones beloved by countless millions of business users.

Latest tech gadgets

ViewSonic introduces its latest creation: the ultimate feature rich LCD monitor. ViewSonic new LCD offers a large workspace for multi-taskers and an excellent view whether you wish to watch movies or play console games. Its multiple inputs make it easy for users to shift from work to play. Options include 2.5 dual stereo speakers for a realistic audio experience.

Aldar sets up techology venture with Textura

Aldar Properties, the Abu Dhabi based developer, yesterday announced a joint venture with Textura Corporation, a US-based technology provider.

A perfect sound system

Steinway Lyngdorf, made headlines last year when it set new standards in the global audio industry by launching the world's first integrated, fully digital music system called Model D.

Abu Dhabi GDP per capita hits US$71,200 second highest in the world

UAE. The current policy of diversification will help Abu Dhabi reduce the share of the oil and gas sector of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to under 20% by 2050 despite the all the developments taking place in that sector, a local economic analyst predicts.

UAE rapidly gaining foothold in Western real estate markets

There can be few bolder statements of the UAE's global reach than it snapping up iconic buildings in the heart of New York City.

Home entertainment at its best

Home entertainment systems come with a number of components, but the heart of a good sounding system is the central media console, which influences the systems' performance the most.

Du to close Dh3bn loan

Du, the second telecom operator in the UAE, is to borrow Dh3 billion ($817 million) in syndicated loans to finance its infrastructure expansion, said a top company official.

Mideast ICT spend to reach $73bn this year

Total Information and Communications Technology spend in the Middle East this year is predicted to be $73 billion (Dh268bn), and is expected to cross the level of $95bn in the next three years, on the back of an increased demand in the region and the cooling of demand for ICT products in the traditionally strong heartlands of America, according to a recent report.

Software giant eyes 65% rise in regional revenue

The direct presence of business software giant SAP in the region – a result of SAP AG buying out SAP Arabia's exclusive distribution rights for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) – is expected to boost its footprint significantly.

Mubadala forms $8b GE venture

Abu Dhabi: Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi government's investment arm,on Tuesday said it has entered into a partnership with US conglomerate General Electric (GE), that will lead to the establishment of a commercial finance business worth $8 billion. Mubadala will also buy a stake in GE.

etisalat leads global mobile operators posting fastest first-quarter growth

Dubai: etisalat was recently ranked as the world's fastest-growing mobile operator, in a study conducted by Informa Telecoms and Media.

Abu Dhabi passenger traffic surges 38.6% in first half

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the owner-operator of Abu Dhabi International Airport, announced a 38.6 per cent growth in passenger traffic in the first half of 2008.

Island projects taking shape in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI // Local developers have been altering many of Abu Dhabi’s 200 islands – some natural, some man-made – to make way for high-rise buildings, marinas and luxury villa developments.

Etihad signs for 205 new planes

FARNBOROUGH // Bucking the gloomy mood of the global airline industry, Etihad Airways placed one of the largest aircraft orders in the history of civil aviation yesterday – up to 205 aircraft in the next two decades for a list price of US$43 billion (Dh157.94bn).

LG expects 40% jump in Middle East and Africa revenues

Dubai: LG Electronics expects to record $4.5 billion (Dh16.52 billion) in revenues from Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations in 2008, an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to $3.2 billion (Dh11.74 billion) last year, company's CEO said....

Population growth to push UAE telecom expansion

Dubai: A steady growth in population of nationals and expatriates in the UAE will bring Dh35.27 billion revenue to the the telecom industry by 2012, report says.

Siemens eyes 50% market share in region

This autumn, Siemens will unveil its latest weapon in the battle against a sluggish global economy, where spending on luxury items is typically the first casualty.

Consumers prefer low energy electronics

These days when customers walk into electronics outlets, the first question they ask from helpdesk is how much electricity the refrigerator, washing machine or laptop computer they are contemplating buying consumes.

Product review: LG KF600

Fans of the ridiculously popular LG Chocolate phone will have something to celebrate when they get their hands on the LG KF600, which comes with a host of trendy features that could probably give the competition some sleepless nights.

Turn green, save more

Across the world, consumers are having a change of heart when shopping for electrical appliances. Where once features, design and pricing took precedence, more and more customers are now asking how much electricity the machine they are contemplating to buy consumes.

Setting the bar for luxury TVs

When a television company based in Kronach, Germany, first decided to go premium, it was taking a huge risk. Already a good 60 years into the business by then, the radical strategy shift, its movers and shakers believed, would place the company in a better position in an ever-crowding market place.

Circuit construction surges ahead

ABU DHABI // Work on the new Formula 1 circuit is due to be completed “well before” the city hosts its first Grand Prix next year, says the developer.

The new track, which will host its first race on Nov 15 2009, will be complemented by a host of attractions on Yas Island, putting it at the forefront of the city’s tourist attractions.

Hydra Properties in talks with Trump

Hydra Properties, a developer based in Abu Dhabi, is in talks with the New York-based property behemoth Trump Organisation to build a mixed-use residential and hotel tower on Reem Island, says Hydra’s chief executive.

Negotiations are ongoing but a memorandum of understanding or a letter of intent may be signed and announced next week.

No dip in mobiles market

In spite of soaring rents, weakening currencies and rising inflation, Gulf shoppers are spending more than ever on mobile phones.

Abdul Hameed al Sunaid, the chairman of the mobile distributor and retailer i2, said his company was yet to experience anything resembling a slowdown in consumer spending.

Lights, camera, investment

Sulaiman al Fahim sits upright in a high-backed black leather chair tucked into an expansive wooden desk piled with paperwork. To his right, the national flag hangs limply from a short pole. On the wall to his left, official portraits of the country’s leaders stare out from behind gilded frames.

Touch screens lowering demand for buttons

It's been a good year for touch screens. The launch of the first iPhone model a year ago boosted interest in the technology tremendously, and the updated model made available last Friday likely will stoke enthusiasm further. Now touch-screen manufacturers are going flat out, and more devices will soon be controlled by the tip of your finger.

Abu Dhabi trade climbs 28%

Bouyed by a strong economic climate, Abu Dhabi's trade has soared to Dh46.64 billion in the first six months of 2008 as compared to Dh36.33bn for the same period in 2007, a rise of 28.4 per cent, customs figures show.

Etihad boosts emirate’s future with $43bn deal

FARNBOROUGH // Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a major global capital by 2030 took a major step forward yesterday with a US$43 billion (Dh157.94bn) fleet expansion plan announced by Etihad Airways.

Legend falls in love with Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI // Gary Player drives the ball straight down the fairway of the new golf course he designed on Saadiyat Island, turns and says: “Do you know what? I’ve fallen in love with this place.”

Home Smart Home

Your Jetsons-esque, technologically advanced home could be closer than you think. Living spaces in the not-so-distant future will feature all-encompassing devices that not only control electrical equipment but actually think for themselves – and for you.

Etihad Airways to increase fleet to 42

Etihad Airways is continuing to take delivery of aircraft with five new Airbus planes due by the year-end.
"Etihad is expanding its global flying programme and adding aircraft to a fleet, which will grow from the current 37 to 42 by the end of 2008," spokesman Thomas Clarke told Emirates Business. "The new aircraft will consist of three A320s and two A340s."

Sanyo to invest $2bn in clean technologies

After the Chuetsu earthquake severely damaged Sanyo's semiconductor plant in 2004, the company recorded a huge financial loss for that year. Even in the fiscal year 2005, Sanyo's financial results saw a $2 billion (Dh7.34bn) net loss. Today, the company is back on its feet thanks to its new business strategy, which largely banks on green technologies. As of March 31, 2008, the company has recorded an operating profit of $761m, driven mainly by the increased sale of digital cameras, rechargeable batteries and electronic devices. The world's number one producer of rechargeable batteries aims to increase its operating profit to $1bn by 2010.

The Hummer of laptops

When it comes to computers, laptops are generally the pick of the man about town – the executive who needs to have an information reservoir at his fingertips and wants to look hip to the max when he accesses it.
Most home enthusiasts, however, prefer desktop models, since punch-for-punch they have historically left their portable cousins standing when it comes to editing movies or running the latest first-person shooter.