To this day, the three-point safety belt remains the car’s single most important safety feature. It is the most widely used and most significant safety innovation in the automobile’s history.

The early days:

It is the belt that links together man and car. It is the belt that restrains the car’s occupants in an impact. At the same time, the occupants are held in place in the car and do not risk being thrown around inside the passenger compartment or hurled out of the vehicle in more complex accident scenarios.

It was only towards the end of the 1950s that the car safety belt evolved into its current design, thanks to Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin.

There were different types of belt before that. Back in the 1930s, US doctors were beginning to impose demands that cars should be equipped with safety belts.

The two-point lap belt was the most common solution, but there were also different variants of the three-point safety belt. The problem was that they did not protect their users sufficiently, especially not at high speeds.

Former aviation engineer Nils Bohlin -who before moving to Volvo worked on the development of catapult seats, among other things – understood early on the forces generated in a collision.

An innovation for the world to use freely:

The most important properties of Nils Bohlin’s design were that the system consisted of a lap belt and a diagonal body belt, that the belt straps were anchored at a low attachment point beside the seat, that the belt geometry formed a “V” shape with the point directed toward the floor, and that the belt stayed in position and did not move under load.

The very same principles apply to this day – every time you use the safety seat belt.

In the Nordic market, the Volvo PV544 and Volvo Amazon (120) were the first cars to feature this world innovation. Volvo was thus the first car maker to equip its cars as standard with three-point safety belts. The invention was patented with what is known as an open patent that is to say anyone who wanted was granted free use of the design.

A giant step towards increased safety had now been taken, but the three-point safety belt still did not achieve an immediate breakthrough. It would take another few years before the vast majority of customers and the rest of the automobile industry realized the safety belt’s effectiveness as a lifesaver.

Roula Beiruty, marketing Manager of Volvo Cars Middle East said: “Use of the safety belt is the most significant factor for boosting traffic safety. The three-point safety belt has been saving lives for 50 years. There are no exact figures for how many lives the safety belt has saved as there are no traffic safety statistics globally coordinated. However, it is estimated that more than a million people were saved by [i] the safety belt, and it has saved many times that number of people from serious injuries.”

As one of the leading car manufacturers in the field of road safety, Volvo gave to the world one of the most important safety innovations which is the 3 point seatbelt. Volvo will pursue its research in the world of road and car safety in order to create a safer road environment for all motorists and passengers.

The Volvo XC60 is a car that has already carved out a solid market share in the premium sport cross-over segment. With its muscular curves and sharply contoured tail lamps, it attracts attention wherever it goes. The new R-Design option pack that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 gives the car an even more purposeful and bold appearance.

“The R-Design model boosts the XC60’s already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design. These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars,” says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.

Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager of Volvo Cars Middle East said: “R-Design was launched in 2007 to satisfy the enormous interest among younger car buyers, who want to provide their cars with sporty, personalized options. With R-Design, they got access to stylishly composed options packages featuring exclusive design details and thrilling sport chassis.

Today R-Design is found across almost the entire Volvo product range in the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, XC60 and XC90 models. R-Design is extremely popular in the Middle East especially amongst young car buyers who are looking for stirring sporty options and athletic looks.”

R-Design has been a great success for Volvo Cars. This sporty, exclusive sales version has helped us attract new customer groups who would perhaps not otherwise have chosen Volvo. The introduction of the XC60 R-Design shows clearly how strongly Volvo believes in this concept.

For a long time, IWC was the preferred address for women who wanted jewellery watches that satisfied their every desire for artistic expression in a variety of materials. That was some decades ago though. Now, the strikingly beautiful tonneau case of the fine Da Vinci Automatic has inspired us to offer the elegant woman of today an exciting gift. As useful as it is tasteful, this everyday watch with its easily readable dial and practical, large date display immediately reveals its good lineage.

The sparkling diamond frame puts the Da Vinci Automatic into the realm of highest aesthetic form, and the new fresh colours of the dial and hour numbers at “12.00” and “6.00”, in place of the stroke indices, add to the impression. For those who like to adorn themselves in a noble manner, the Da Vinci Automatic is practically irresistible.

More powerful, and also more extravagant, the colour combination of the Ref. 452308, also in the rose gold case but with a tobacco-hued dial, shows off the rose gold Da Vinci hands and indices. The colour of the dial is augmented by the brown crocodile leather strap.

IWC opens the door once again to the exclusive jewellery watch. The fireworks, set by a master hand, can begin. The Da Vinci Automatic not only shows a totally new side, it also proves to be the ideal setting for a variety of precious stones.

The Da Vinci Automatic Precious Stones comes in four rose gold models set differently with different dials: The Ref. 452323, with its fine arc-ground silvered dial has rose gold hands and numerals. The glass mount is set with about 56 brilliants. This model has a bordeaux satin strap.

The Business Super Plan streamlines SMEs’ mobile communications spending and offers excellent value to diverse SME categories. du is offering two Business Super Plan options tailored to varied levels of mobile usage:

Business Super 150: Customers pay AED 150 per month and receive AED 150 in international minutes and AED 150 in national minutes, every month, thereby getting double the value of what they pay on a monthly basis.

Business Super 300: Customers pay AED 300 every month and receive AED 300 in international minutes and AED 300 in national minutes, every month, thereby getting double the value of what they pay on a monthly basis.

“We have an in-depth understanding of the telecom requirements of SMEs in the UAE, and our pioneering Business Super Plan brings a wide array of benefits to SME owners looking for a flexible, affordable mobility package that simplifies and reduces their mobile spend,” said Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du. “SMEs are a rapidly-growing market segment in the UAE with big aspirations, and du is proud to offer a mobile plan tailored to their needs. From included bundles of minutes every month to no-hassle flat rates for international calling, plus the best BlackBerry deal in the market, we have designed a plan as value-conscious and business savvy as SMEs themselves.”

The elegance of the ww.tc collection is expressed in a watch that is confident to leave rivals in the shade. The ww.tc Shadow’s imposing 43 mm black ceramic case is the fruit of a long and meticulous manufacturing process, the only way to achieve an exceptional result. Its perfectly homogeneous texture gives it some appealing assets: extreme hardness (much higher than steel) i.e. good wear resistance, while also being particularly light and wearable. Indeed,

Like the watchmaking professionals, the electronics and aeronautics industries in particular have also taken full advantage of it.

Advanced technologies are essential to achieve the ww.tc Shadow’s case. Ceramic powder, consisting of over 90 % zirconium oxide, is first mixed with a polymer to give it the characteristics required for injection moulding of the middle. This moulding is followed by several stages, including firing in a furnace heated to over 1500°C, to eliminate any porosity in the ceramic and obtain its hardness. These actions are performed with great precautions and infinite patience, since the material is highly delicate to handle prior to its final state. The machining operations, used in particular for opening up the positions for the push-buttons and crowns, are performed just as painstakingly using diamond tools, the only kind that can work ceramic. Attesting to the care taken with every detail, the case has a meticulous satin-finish to eliminate any flaw and accentuate its shadowy look. Its architecture is superbly structured by graded shadows. The sophistication of this structure is boosted via the use of an internal titanium container and special screws for securing the case-back, with these screws also used for structural assembly of racing car engines. Shortened lugs, rubber coated crowns and push-buttons supplement its sporty characteristics.

True to the Brand’s principles, the ww.tc Shadow also stands out for its mechanism. Designed especially for this model, the Girard-Perregaux self-winding movement GP3387 simultaneously displays the date, the small seconds, the time in twenty-four different time zones, and a fly-back chronograph. These various functions stand out clearly against the black dial: the chronograph seconds hand is easily distinguished by its red colour, while the divisions of the three counters opt for white. A world times day/night indicator, a date at 1:30, luminescent hands and hour numerals help readability. The ww.tc Shadow’s unique style also extends to the back of the watch, which houses a tinted sapphire glass showing off the mechanism.

The 2009 programme is inspired by The Enlightenment, an unprecedented era of cultural advancement in the 18^th century which witnessed an outpouring of intellectual and scientific accomplishments. Gulf-based holidaymakers are expected to visit this unique festival in great numbers this summer, their traditional time for travelling to the United Kingdom.

“Gulf-based expats and Arabs alike feel a strong connection to Scotland, its people, and its culture.  Thus, the annual Edinburgh Festival welcomes them home in style and entertains them richly for days. It has become, for many, the ultimate alternative UK holiday,” says Carol Maddison, VisitBritain Marketing Manager, UAE.

The Edinburgh International Festival is regarded as the premier festival destination in the world. The rich variety of the Edinburgh International Festival programme encompasses the vibrancy of Edinburgh’s festivals which place Scotland at the forefront of cultural creativity and innovation.

This international festival has something to please everyone, from artists to philosophers, scientists and academics.

Some of the highlights of the 63^rd Edinburgh International Festival are listed below:

• -       The Enlightenment, A Festival of ideas. A series of talks and discussions with artist, philosophers, academics in partnership with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Nature – the international weekly journal of science and the Wellcome Trust.
• -       The biennial visual arts programme under curator Juliana Engberg sees nine international artists respond to ideas behind the Festival programme in The Enlightenments, including seven new commissions.
• -       The British Council’s biennial Edinburgh Showcase with more than 30  productions ranging from young unknowns to established artists from the UK, and encompassing new writing, physical and visual theatre, live art and mixed-media installations
• -       World premiere of Scottish playwright Rona Munro’s The Last Witch, a Festival Commission co-produced with Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre and directed by Dominic Hill.
• -       World premiere of Italian composer Giorgio Battistelli’s Fair is foul, foul is fair, commissioned by the Festival for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and made possible by Donald and Louise McDonald.

“The Edinburgh International Festival is indeed ideal for Cultural Exchange. For 12 years on from its inception, the British Council’s biennial Edinburgh Showcase has also been a great venue for intercultural dialogue. This year, the Showcase will stage more than 30 productions, and up to 250 international programmers, venue and festival directors from more than 50 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, will attend the Showcase in the middle of the world’s biggest Festival of performing arts,” commented Michel Bechara, Director of Projects, British Council, UAE.

“The Festival and the Showcase provide the best opportunity for Gulf-based Theatre and Culture promoters as well as for all travellers, to explore the rich diversity of the Scottish culture and heritage,” added Bechara.

Visitors can also make the most of all the cultural events taking place this year in Scotland. In celebration of Homecoming Scotland 2009, the country will thrive with cultural celebrations that focus on the 250^th anniversary of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet and an international cultural icon.

The closing celebrations will take place over St Andrew’s Day weekend in November and promise to be every bit as special as the launch.

What looks like a fairytale house from distance is far more than a feast for the eyes and senses. At the Choco Villa, you can also try Nestlé chocolate, and get some insight into the world of chocolate making.

Once in, you will be ushered into a chocolate decorated library, where you can watch a short documentary about the art of making chocolate among artistic pieces of books, and a table made out of NESTLÉ GOLD. There you can also check out historical photographs of NESTLÉ factories throughout the years.

After your visit to the library, you will be directed to the kitchen, where Chef Charbel Akiki will be demonstrating ways you can use NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk with NESTLÉ GOLD chocolate in delicious recipes you can try and brag about!

Afterwards you will be invited to a fun break in the living room which is accessorized with mouthwatering KIT KAT lamps and cushions, SMARTIES paintings and vases, among other delights.

Chocolate in bed? How about a whole bed designed with NESQUIK cereals, a dresser decorated with colorful SMARTIES and sculpted chocolate jewellery boxes? A painter also demonstrates a live show on how to create beautiful paintings on canvas using MILO liquid chocolate.

After the magical experience in Choco Villa, you get a final treat at the backyard by tasting melted NESTLÉ GOLD chocolate from fountains where you can dip marshmallows and share mini treats from nearby trees of MACKINTOSH’S QUALITY STREET with your family and friends, with a sip of MILO chocolate drink… all under lights of GOLD.

The Choco Villa is receiving chocolate lovers at Dubai Festival City until August 14^th. Treat yourself to Nestlé’s chocolate goodies while they last!

Gavin Dickinson, Executive Director – Publishing, ADMC, said “ADMC is one of the fastest growing, multi platform media organizations in this region and Stephen’s valuable understanding of the international media market and diverse expertise across the marketing and publishing mix renders him an ideal fit to front our sales operations. We are committed to raising the media standards and practices for this region and will continue to offer our customers a strong local presence backed by global knowledge and expertise.”

Commenting on his appointment, Lee said, “Joining an exciting and forward thinking company as ADMC was one of the easiest career decisions I have made. The National is one of the most significant media products that this region has seen in many years and has set the benchmark for the industry.”

The Montblanc pen features red, green and black – representing the colors of the UAE flag to mark the occasion.

“As the country celebrates the 43^rd anniversary of HH Sheikh Zayed’s accession on August 6, we join the nation in the celebrations by paying tribute in our own way to the many remarkable strides that have been made over the past three decades by the UAE under HH Sheikh Zayed’s leadership,” said Montblanc Regional Brand Director, Joe Nahhas.

He noted that the UAE under the guidance of its visionary leaders has created an impressive legacy that speaks of itself in various fields of human development. “Today, the UAE has gained a prominent place among the nations worldwide, thanks to its socio-economic achievements,” Mr. Nahhas remarked.

HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the principal architect of the seven United Arab Emirates, was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years (1971-2004).

“The aspirations of the UAE people are sky high and this writing instrument is designed to appeal to the senses of the country’s top achievers who celebrate the spirit of patriotism,” observed Mr. Nahhas.

The pen is available in four units are currently available in the UAE. The exclusive writing instrument is on display at select Montblanc outlet and the boutique flagship in Dubai Mall.

UAE’s Al Husam General Contracting Establishment and ETA Ascon, and Oman’s Al Turki Construction have chosen industry best practices from SAP to provide integrated solutions and streamline business processes.

“The Middle East’s construction industry needs to adapt quickly to risks, challenges and especially opportunities.  To stay ahead, companies require sound IT-enabled systems to ensure proficient cost control, as well as high levels of efficiency in project resource management to remain competitive. SAP solutions have the proven ability to help companies adapt to current and future business needs,” said Sergio Maccotta, Managing Director, SAP Middle East and Africa.

Construction companies increasingly need IT-enabled performance practices to cope with new challenges, and SAP for Engineering, Construction & Operations (SAP for EC&O) has comprehensive solutions that provide powerful software to manage engineering, construction, and operations, including plant contracting, home building, and shipbuilding. SAP understands that success today is determined by ‘what you know about your project and when you know it.’

SAP for EC&O gives companies and integrated business tool to better control all projects and corporate finances, and forge stronger relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. New ways to attract, retain, and manage employees is key in today’s environment as is improved project management and a platform for enhanced project execution with greater ability to seize aftermarket opportunities.

“The Middle East construction industry is reeling under global and regional financial challenges,” said Mr.Gulabsi Ratansi Khimji, Managing Director, Al Turki Enterprise Oman “We need industry best practices to remain competitive and guarantee return-on-investments. SAP is a proven industry leader and SAP’s solutions will help us achieve our short and long term business goals.”

SAP for EC&O provides the most complete set of integrated construction-specific applications available for a single vendor.  Combining proven best practices with unsurpassed functional depth, the solution portfolio helps customers keep projects on track and within budget.

“Even in difficult times the competition within the industry remains fierce. We need to have robust IT infrastructure if we want to remain ahead,” said Hanna Abdul Ahad, CEO of Al Husam Group. “Al Husam is involved in many construction projects across the region. SAP is providing us the visibility to manage these projects, at lower costs and with greater ease than previously possible.”

Built from the ground up in close cooperation with SAP customers around the world, the SAP for EC&O solution portfolio is highly configurable, ensuring a close fit to an organization’s specific needs.

According to Arif B. Rahman, Member of the Board and Group Director of Finance ETA ASCON & Star Group: “We saw significant business benefits in deploying a suitable ERP solution in the Group, particularly in the areas of working capital management, treasury management, HR management, project management in the EC&O industry and manufacturing.”

Efficient, effective communication is one of the keys to success in a dispersed project-orientated work environment.  SAP for EC&O helps companies collaborate and share information across project teams, including joint venture partners, subcontractors, vendors, engineering partners, and owners.

SAP brings thirty years of active involvement in the construction industry – supporting thousands of construction industries across the globe – into the SAP for EC&O solution portfolio.  Providing a tightly integrated set of applications that capture every aspect of the construction business, SAP for EC&O helps the customer complete more projects on time and within budget with fewer resources.  The end result: maximum profits and business growth over the long term.