For the first time in Jordan and in sync with the growing demand for cold drinks and ice cream at the beginning of summer, Livorno Ice Cream and Cake introduced the new idea of turning ordinary ice cream scoops into “fried” ice cream desserts which were added to its menu.

Attempting to further expand the list of oriental dessert recipes and provide diners with a chance to try out its exceptional sweet dishes newly-introduced to the Middle East, Livorno offers different flavors of its Chinese deep-fried ice cream balls which are locally prepared in a unique manner using authentic Italian ingredients.

In his comment, the General Manager at Livorno Ice Cream and Cake, Murad Sisan, pointed out that the idea of serving deep-fried ice cream to customers materialized at the beginning of this year, highlighting that the recipe found favor with a large number of customers who constantly look out for unusual and strange desserts.

Sisan added that more branches of Livorno will soon be launched in different areas across the kingdom to offer their diners a wide range of options available in our internationally-themed dessert menu including the diversely-flavored deep-fried ice cream.

“This move which falls in line with our endeavors to acquaint the Jordanian society with international food preparation customs and traditions would contribute in boosting cultural exchange between countries, given the fact that Jordan has an attractive environment for developing the travel and tourism industry,” Sisan said.

Livorno has recently expanded the scope of its business activities to serve customers at hotel parties, party venues, schools, and universities through well-equipped dessert and ice cream carts.

Remarkably, Livorno Ice Cream and Cake plans to launch further production lines across the kingdom to meet the growing demand on deep-fried ice cream and other dishes of desserts.

Optimus Technology and Telecommunications, a leading regional Value Added Distributor (VAD) of IT and telecommunications products, today announced that they have signed a distribution agreement with Bitdefender for the Middle East and North Africa region including Pakistan and Afghanistan. As per the agreement, Optimus will promote and distribute Bitdefender’s range of end point, gateway and servers security products and will create and establish Bitdefender’s value channel network by conducting channel development activities for its value added resellers, systems integrators and distributors.

“As a value added distributor whose focus is on ensuring that our partners have access to the latest solutions from the best global vendors, Optimus is always on the lookout for reputed vendors whose products complement our existing product portfolio and can assist our partners to create long lasting relationships with their end customers. Bitdefender’s products, including their new virtual and cloud products, are unique and are ranked amongst the leading security solutions globally. Bitdefender’s products are a value addition to our existing security solutions portfolio and enhance our overall offering, which will enable us to provide a comprehensive and complete solution to our partners and customers. We look forward to working closely with the Bitdefender team to grow their business and market share in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the MENA region,” says Ms. Meera Kaul, Managing Director of Optimus Technology & Telecommunications.

Optimus will distribute Bitdefender’s suite of anti-virus and information security software solutions for small and medium businesses, which detect and prevent known and zero-day threats that target an organization’s most critical business assets from the gateway to the network core. Bitdefender combines advanced antimalware technology to provide security against e-threats, viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, and phishing attacks, along with ease of deployment, automatic updates, and near zero management for the small business. Optimus will also offer Bitdefender’s Security for Virtualized Environments , which is the company’s first comprehensive security solution for virtualized datacenters. The solution protects virtualized Windows, Linux, and Solaris systems, both servers and desktops. While integrated with VMware vShield, the unique architecture of the solution allows it to be leveraged when using any system virtualization offering. Bitdefender is one of the only two vendors globally to offer security for virtualized environments.

“Over the last few years, Bitdefender has established its position as one of the leading security vendors in the MENA region. In order to ensure that we continue this growth momentum and increase our market share further, we signed Optimus to help us with our ambitious plan for this region, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Optimus, being a recognized and trusted value added distributor, was a perfect choice given their expertise in selling and delivering superior customer service. Optimus also has the required market knowledge, experience and a solid channel network to help our growth strategy for this region,” says Mr. Khalid Muasher, Business Development Manager for Bitdefender.
Optimus plans to conduct focused channel development activities such as training and consultancy to partners to enable them to sell Bitdefender’s solutions. Through its Value Added Services portfolio called Optims 360, Bitdefender resellers will be offered training, certifications, skill development, consultancy services to help them sell solutions; marketing as a service through Optimus Primero; and an entire host of capacity building services to enable them to position and sell the product efficiently and effectively. The company will also train partners to enhance their service capabilities and address customer requirements appropriately through their training arm,  Optimus Academy.

-Ends-

About Optimus Technology & Telecommunications:

Optimus is a channel development and distribution company that helps leading technology and telecom vendors to develop and create business revenue streams in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Regions.

Headquartered in Dubai & with on ground stocking and presence in Qatar, KSA, Egypt & Kuwait, Optimus has been able to provide its vendors and channel partners the most efficient presales, sales, marketing, channel acquisition, channel management, implementation services and support services bundled with its core operation of supply chain and inventory management of technology and telecommunication products.

For further information, please visit http://www.optimusdistribution.com

About Bitdefender:

Bitdefender consistently creates number-one-ranked and award-winning security solutions. Since 2001, Bitdefender has continuously raised the bar in security. From individuals to the largest enterprises, Bitdefender innovations foster confidence, and the freedom to conduct business, by defending data and brand integrity. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe. Bitdefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in countries across the world.  For more information, visit, www.bitdefender.com.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Meenu Raje

Marketing Coordinator

Optimus Technology & Telecommunications

Tel: +97143252557

Email: marketing@optimusdistribution.com

The parties have agreed to maintain and develop the existing cooperation between Bank Audi sal – Audi Saradar Group and LIA Insurance sal, in the field of bancassurance.

LIA Insurance sal is one of the leading insurance companies in Lebanon. Saham Finances sa intends to rely on the skills of the Management team of LIA Insurance sal which will remain in place.

Saham Finances sa is currently present in 15 African countries (including Morocco) through its ownership of 20 insurance companies, 1 reinsurance company and 2 support companies.

Saham Finances sa recently admitted into its shareholding the International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank Group) and ABRAAJ Capital, and intends to use Lebanon as its main hub to support its expansion strategy in the Middle East.

Bank Audi sal – Audi Saradar Group and Saham Finances sa are confident that their cooperation will be very productive and will benefit customers in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Casino du Liban came alive on May 5 as Heartbeat held its annual fundraising event, which included a fashion show, concert, dinner, auction and raffle, to support the charity’s worthy cause. Heartbeat is the Lebanese NGO that plays a pivotal role in raising money to help children born with congenital heart disease.

This year’s “Back to the ‘80s” themed event kicked off with an outdoor fashion show organized by Aïshti, showcasing the latest spring/summer 2012 collections from the world’s top designers.

International models cascaded down a specially set up runway overlooking the Mediterranean as guests sipped champagne in full view of Jounieh Bay.

The evening continued inside, in the Salle des Ambassadeurs, which was decorated with iconic photographs of casinos in the ‘50s. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner, followed by a lively concert of ‘80s hits like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Like a Prayer” performed by the talented members of the organization.

An exciting Christie’s auction took place after the show ended. Lock Kresler and James Lees from Christie’s flew in especially for the event. Guests were able to bid on a selection of valuable items like a pair of 18-karat gold earrings by Viviane Debbas, a limited edition Balenciaga crocodile Giant Brief handbag, a Fendi crocodile Peekaboo handbag, an 18-karat white gold Jaeger watch and a Ford Mustang. American artist Aaron Young, who came from New York to attend the event, donated his red diptych painting, which was the last item to be auctioned off for $130,000.

The event ended with exciting raffle draws for fashion items from Aïshti (from the same brands on view during the fashion show), including a Burberry trench coat, Marni jacket, Canali jacket, Stella McCartney cocktail dress, Roberto Cavalli dress, Corneliani suit, Stella McCartney gown, Tumi luggage, Ermenegildo Zegna briefcase, Agent Provocateur lingerie, and bags from Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Pucci, Céline, Dior, YSL, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Etro and Nancy Gonzalez. Other prizes included four rings from Sylvie Saliba, HP and Toshiba laptops, a Canon camera, an iPad and iPhone, as well as an Elie Bekhazi painting and a ring from Christian Bonja.

Alongside legendary names like Coca Cola, Barbie, Chanel, and Oscar Niemeyer, the newly published book by Assouline New   YorkOnce Weddings by Ziad Raphael Nassar would make a Lebanese truly proud; yet again, another Lebanese accomplishment, worthy of international praise and recognition.

Part of the exclusive Ultimate Collection, Once Weddings by Ziad Raphael Nassar illustrates Nassar’s most lavish, inspiring fetes from the past decade. This luxurious oversized limited edition reveals once-in-a-lifetime moments created by Nassar’s artistic talent, driven by passion, insight, and design.

It is worth mentioning that Once Weddings is Assouline’s first book about wedding designs and the first compilation of Nassar’s oeuvres in a coffee table book. Nassar is also the first Middle Eastern and the first Lebanese to have an Assouline book published in homage to his work; thus joining other Lebanese achievers in harvesting international admiration with their avant-garde creations and distinguished taste.

The book is presented in a linen clamshell case with impressive dimensions (27.5 x 34 cm) and 144 pages of pure artistic delight.

Highly anticipated in Lebanon, Once Weddings by Ziad Raphael Nassar will be available in select bookstores and concept stores as of June 2012, further to a special launching event scheduled for elite luxury design professionals and amateurs

In light of the large number of fires breaking out across residential towers and villas in the UAE, Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company (AMAN), an Islamic Insurance provider in the UAE, is calling on UAE residents to strengthen their home protection efforts with the acquisition of a strategic and fully reliable fire insurance policy. The possession of a fire insurance policy gives homeowners the confidence of full coverage on all homely possessions in the occurrence of a fire or any natural disaster. AMAN Insurance’s call to action follows after alarming reports showing that a total of 3,274 building fires were recorded last year along with 33 casualties and 237 individuals injured.

According to a report released by the UAE Department of Civil Defence, fires in the household were the most frequent in 2011, with a majority occurring in kitchens and due to resident’s non-compliance with set safety regulations. The report also shows that a major cause of fires breaking out in the Northern Emirates were caused by the non-compliant storage of gas cylinders, which can cause them to explode. The report also cites the risk presented by the use of highly inflammable insulation material used in the construction of these buildings.  Despite the large number of cases recorded, the Department of Civil Defense noted that fires in UAE buildings dropped by more than a third last year compared with 2010.

“It is very alarming to note that the country has recorded a total of over 3, 274 building fires last year—not only leaving a large casualty figure but also many people homeless and lose of all the possessions they worked hard for,” said Hussein Al Meeza, CEO and Managing Director, AMAN Insurance. “Sensing the urgency of this matter, we are urging home owners in the UAE to invest in a reliable and comprehensive household policy. Doing so will give them the confidence and security that all of the possessions they own and even the home itself will get full protection in case of fire and the occurrence of any natural disaster.”

AMAN Insurance offers a diverse range of fire protection policies for both individuals and commercial or industrial entities. For Home Insurance, AMAN specifically offers a ‘Home Multi Cover’ plan that covers property against all risks, which includes burglary, water damage, explosion of gas cylinders, additional expenses for alternative accommodation and loss of rent, compensation for death of the Insured, public liability, tenant’s liability and liability to domestic servants.

“The insurance policies we offer can be purchased at a very small price and can also be tailor made according to the requirements of the customer. The importance of having a comprehensive fire insurance policy can be exemplified in the recent fire incident in Sharjah where a lot of people were affected. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve the community through our many branches across the UAE,” concluded Al Meeza.

In his comment, SHASTECH’s General Manager, Eng. Mohammad Ali Mohammad, pointed out that Samsung Galaxy SIII smartphone is only one of the different state-of-the-art technical devices that the Saudi company plans to showcase in its exhibit space, noting that the new smartphone will be introduced to the Saudi market in early June in sync with its launch in the global markets.

“We are pleased to cooperate with our partner, Samsung, to provide performance enthusiast users with the opportunity to get their hands on Galaxy SIII smartphone, one of Samsung products that have gained unprecedented popularity throughout the world. During our participation in GITEX Saudi Arabia, we will pay special heed to acquaint visitors with the latest applications and unique technical features with which Samsung’s newest smartphone is replete,” Eng. Mohammad said.

For his part, Samsung Country Director in KSA, Hatem Al-Saei, said: “It is a great pleasure that we will present our new product at one of the biggest and best known ICT platforms. Our new Galaxy SIII smartphone contains a bevy of new exciting features and applications which have been quite responsible for the buzz about the phone this year.”

“In addition to its super-fast Quad Core processor which guarantees the delivery of the fastest and most power-efficient performance, the Galaxy SIII smartphone has a high-resolution screen that is smart enough to detect and adapt to the user’s face. Besides, this device can be charged wirelessly,” Al-Saei added.

Expecting the new Galaxy phone to get a favorable reception from customers, Al-Saei reported that Samsung sold more than 50 million of the previous versions of its smart devices, securing the first position among its global competitors for achieving the highest smart device sales value in 2011.

It is worth mentioning that the 2012 edition of GITEX Saudi Arabia, to be held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, is an attractive environment for the region’s ICT businesses as well as technical and smart device dealers.

Every year, a large number of decision-makers, global corporate representatives, and high-profile officials from ministries and government agencies gather at GITEX where they find out about the latest innovations through a broad range of technological solutions for optimizing business processes and companies’ performance.

Established in 1988, COMPAGNIE DU PONANT, the only French cruise line, is an integral part of France’s great maritime tradition.

It’s for the first time, that a ship of COMPAGNIE DU PONANT calls Beirut: L’AUSTRAL, 5 star yacht of 132 cabins and suites.

ELEGANCE, EMOTION AND AUTHENTICITY

We offer legendary destinations and secret harbors only accessible to small capacity ships; refined dining where haute cuisine is served in an intimate environment and no attention to detail is spared; together with unforgettable moments of relaxation, discovery and emotion aboard elegant cruise yachts.

This ambiance is COMPAGNIE DU PONANT’s hallmark and promise to all those who love cruising.

FIVE-STAR COMFORT- INTIMATE AND REFINED

A well thought-out design, attentive service and gourmet cuisine enhanced by state-of-the-art equipment and comfort reflect COMPAGNIE DU PONANT’s “Yacht Cruises” philosophy: an idea of cruising allying intimacy, authenticity and elegance as only the French know how.

Restaurants, lounges, a library, theatre and Spa also offer passengers the full range of five-star comforts and mod-cons.

OUR DESTINATIONS: BEST OF 2012-2013

ANTARCTICA WINTER 12/13 & ARCTIC SUMMER 12/13: enjoy an exceptional voyage accompanied by a passionate crew of naturalists. Taste the flavor if adventure on the Zodiac excursions when approaching the copious and exceptional fauna in the midst of a majestic landscape aboard Le BOREAL, L’AUSTRAL and Le SOLEAL, yachts of 132 cabins and suites.

ADRIATIC: on the tranquil clear waters of the Dalmatian coast and the French Riviera you will be travelling aboard L’AUSTRAL and Le PONANT, sailing yacht with 32 cabins.

NORTHERN EUROPE & BALTIC: discover the Baltic capitals with an extraordinary architectural patrimony aboard LE BOREAL.

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: live the unforgettable experience of the great Canadian north aboard LE BOREAL.

CARRIBEAN: islands with golden beaches, bordered with turquoise sea, coral reefs, mountainous reliefs, exceptional terrestrial and marine ecosystem aboard LE PONANT.

Advice & Reservations:

+961 1 959 332 – www.ponant-me.com or from travel agencies and specialist tour operators

Dubai eGovernment has announced new features and updates that it has recently added to its mPay mobile payment gateway using SMS. These features and updates will bring more ease and convenience to users by sending an SMS to 4488 to inquire or pay government transaction fees or due charges.

A number of government entities are currently using this service, which covers Salik recharge from RTA, payment of traffic fines from Dubai Police and payment of electricity bills from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

The new updates introduced by Dubai eGovernment to users allow activation of the auto-payment/auto recharge of the government services provided by mPay regularly (daily, weekly, monthly or at a specific date for payment or recharge). They also allow control over the minimum balance and the maximum payment/recharge.

Moreover, the new updates allow users to optimize the “multiple accounts” feature, which allow them to configure mPay to support multiple accounts for one government service. For example, a customer can recharge the Salik account of his/her car and that of another car he/she owns from his/her mPay account.

Wesam Lootah, Assistant Director General of Dubai eGovernment, said: “This gateway is part of our initiative to provide government services through innovative channels with the aim of facilitating government transactions of the public and businesses in Dubai. All departments need a set of electronic components and infrastructure to provide their service online under high quality and security stipulations. We, in Dubai eGovernment, work on the provision of these components in the form of common eServices and infrastructure with the departments, enabling them to provide their eServices to the public, thereby offering them a platform for innovation and excellence in their specialized fields.”

Lootah added: “Dubai eGovernment provides online payment services through the Internet and mobile phones for instant payment of government fees, using effective and convenient means to save their time and spare them the trouble of visiting the concerned banks or departments. As mPay does not need a computer with access to the Internet, the service can be done instantly anywhere.”

Lootah pointed out that Dubai eGovernment is currently considering the expansion of individual and corporate beneficiaries of this service, either by introducing new departments and entities or adding new services of interest to customers.

To use mPay service, a customer has first to register on the website of mPay, http://mpay.dubai.ae, for one time and give his/her credit card details. A customer can also inquire about the service and its updates by calling Dubai eGovernment’s AskDubai on 7000 40000.

The event will take place on Monday 21^st of May 2012,  from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Beirut Waterfront corniche

The inaugural event of “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” proclaimed by UNESCO will be celebrated on Monday 21^st of May 2012 and shall be manifested in an International Flag Art Exhibition displaying the artworks of 40 international renowned artists who were the recipients of the 2008 Olympic Gold medal and the Olympic Torch at the Beijing Olympic Fine Arts competition in 2008 and shall be representing 40 countries respectively.

The innovative concept aims in achieving the goals of the UNESCO proclamation through an artistic event that reverses the process of dialogue through the arts by displaying the artworks on a prominent public venue at the Beirut Waterfront corniche, in the form of large banners.

The Lebanese Olympian Fine Arts Gold medalist, winner of the Olympic torch artist Lena Kelekian who is the president of OFAA “The Olympia Fine Arts Association”- Finland and MEADOWS NGO “Mediterranean Endeavors Advancing Development Of Widespread Sustainability” conceived together with UNESCO-Beirut Office, the idea of merging the two major themes of “Cultural Diversity and dialogue” and the “Olympian spirit” represented by artworks of Olympian Artists where cultural diversity of different nations becomes a source of enrichment, transcending differences and opening a portal for cultural dialogue.