ConnectA Zain Magazine | November 2010 Issue 11

SOLIDARITY IN A MESSAGE ZAIN CHAMPIONS GROUND-BREAKING UNRWA FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN RAMADAN ACROSS ‘A WONDERFUL WORLD’ • SCREEN LEGEND OMAR SHARIF • APPLE APPS MANIA • BABYLON’S GLORY • LIFE’S AN OFFICE • ROLLS-ROYCE’S WHISPERING GHOSTS

CEO’S MESSAGE

Excelling on many fronts

t gives me great pleasure to welcome both perfectly reflecting the aspirations and thinking our Arabic and English readers to the 11th of our customers and the wider telecom Iissue of Connect, Zain’s corporate magazine. industry. It was also pleasing that Zain’s mobile As the name suggests, Connect allows us to operation in Jordan was also rewarded by create a tighter bond with our customers and taking the Best Arabic Application prize. our community. In this issue, we not only celebrate Zain’s outstanding results for the first Regarding our CSR activities, it gives me great nine months of 2010, but we will also be pleasure to tell you of the successful marketing covering the various Corporate Social campaign across the Middle East to promote Responsibility (CSR) and entertainment fundraising activities in support of the United initiatives the company has undertaken recently. Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to create First of all, I want to mention our activities awareness of the agency’s humanitarian work during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when we and raise money to improve the living showed how Zain could bring joy to the conditions of Palestinian refugees. We at Zain community across all operations, while at the talk of ‘A wonderful world’, but it would be same time observing the period with traditional nothing more than a slogan unless we backed- piety. The poor, the elderly and the up what we said with action. The campaign is disadvantaged all benefitted from our many one way of doing this, and it highlights Zain’s Ramadan projects, while we used the modern commitment to improving the lives of those technology at our disposal to educate, create less fortunate among us. awareness and ultimately help our customers observe this special and solemn occasion in the In keeping up with social media trends, Zain most fitting manner. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have joined Bahrain and Jordan operations in signing up with the Back to the boardroom and the results for the social networking site Twitter, which boasts 100 nine-month period ending September 30, 2010, million users worldwide. This compliments our have shown that that our bottom line is in other ongoing social media activities such as excellent health. The company recorded Facebook and YouTube, while our Wikipedia consolidated revenues for the period of KD 1.01 page is constantly being viewed and updated by billion ($3.5 billion), an increase of 8.4% many interested visitors. Zain is also monitoring compared to the same period of 2009, with the the latest social media trends that will allow us to number of customers served reaching 35.3 constantly engage with our online customers. million, an increase of 25%. These results are a constant reminder that our corporate trajectory is Zain is working on all fronts to build on what on track and that we are focused on our key has become an amazing brand, one that financial targets of increasing value. reflects the spirit of humanity while at the same time demonstrates our commitment to In October, Zain won, for the second year in a fostering solid corporate ideals. row, the the “Best Brand”award at the 4th Annual Telecoms World Awards, Middle East. Nabeel Bin Salamah Such a prestigious prize confirms that the Zain Chief Executive Officer brand has caught the imagination of the region, Zain Group

3 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 CONTENTS

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3 Message from the CEO 24 RAMADAN SPECIAL A month of reflection and giving ALERTS Zain played its part in bringing 6 Zain in the news Ramadan joy to the community Zain Group announces healthy nine-month financial results; GIVING BACK company wins best brand for 30 Zain’s contributions to the second year in a row at World social and economic devel- Telecom Awards; Bahrain opment of its communities honored by Ministry of Social Zain Group launches SMS fundrais- Development; Iraq expands its ing campaign for Palestinian network in Kurdistan; Jordan refugees; over 20,000 schoolbags are 34 celebrates 15 years; KSA shows distributed in Bahrain’s five gover- more growth; Kuwait enters norates; summer training program Smart code era, and Sudan signs for IT engineering students held in Murabaha agreement Iraq; Jordanian students rewarded for exam results; Shabab Tamouh GIANTS IN TIME give blood in KSA; Kuwait announces 14 The most leading of men a new campaign to combat breast Connect profiles Omar Sharif, cancer and Sudan provides funds for international heartthrob and over 15 schools the Arab world’s most famous movie star METROPOLIS 34 Zain’s entertainment activities JOURNEY across all its seven operations 18 A city of harmony Customers can download ringtones Amman has a rich and glorious past from Fairuz’s latest album on Zain Create; Bahrain staff and customers DISCOVERY enjoy summer fun and festivities at the 22 Roots of all things great Big Breakfast; Dr Al Jaber enters GTB The ancient city of Babylon is top 100; Kuwait joins Twitter; KSA soc- 40 sited in modern Iraq cer fans win BlackBerry phones in

4 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 COVER PHOTO: One of a series of ads created by Zain to support UNRWA’s SMS fundraising campaign (see page 30)

Contributors: Mona Alami, Maya Khourchid, Nicholas Lowry, Matt Nash, Norbert Schiller, Gareth Smyth

Photography: Norbert Schiller private collection, Focus Mideast, Zain Group, Reuters

Editing: Vinehouse Media

30 Color Separation and Printing: www.raidy.com

World Cup contest and Zain Sudan Produced by: hosts games in Kuala Lumpur Zain Group Communications MOBILE LIFE Department with 36 New frontiers of creativity Vinehouse Media From cooking curry to seeing how we look in 30 years, apps are the new rage

40 Life’s new office The revolution that makes us all reachable, but which can set us free

42 42 Express yourself The phone has joined the list of items we must think about if we want to project the right image GREEN AFFAIRS 46 The world is heating up Sweltering summer raises hopes for Head Office Bldg action on global warming Bldg 401, Road 2806 Block 428, Al Seef District RADIANCE P.O. Box 5808 48 Treading carefully Manama Walking can lead the way to better Kingdom of Bahrain health and increased mental strength Tel.: +973 1 3605551 www.zain.com ICONS OF DESIGN [email protected] 50 Whispering ghosts Rolls-Royce is more than a motoring icon. It has become a symbol of luxury 36 and craftsmanship

5 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 ALERTS

GROUP Best brand... Again n October 6, 2010, Zain won, for services in one or more branches of the Othe second year in a row, the media, but it has raised brand awareness award for the Best Brand at the 4th that has made a positive impact on the Annual Telecoms World Awards, company’s market share, valuation and Middle East, held in Dubai and bottom line. With our ‘wonderful world’ organized by Terrapinn. Zain’s mobile slogan and core values of Heart, operation in Jordan was also rewarded Radiance and Belonging, Zain is a brand by taking the Best Arabic Application that has caught the imagination of the prize. (See page 9) whole region and perfectly reflects the In presenting the Best Brand award to aspirations and thinking of its customers Zain Group Chief Commercial Officer, and the telecom industry at large.” Bashar Arafeh (right) and Zain Group The awards recognize outstanding Branding Manager, Bader Al Rayes performance in 12 key areas (left), the six member judging panel throughout the Middle East telecoms commented, “Within just three years of industry and the key players that have its launch, Zain has not only created a helped turn it into one of the most compelling brand for its products or dynamic and vibrant in the world. Robust 9-month financial results n October 13, Zain announced its Zain’s Saudi Arabia OGroup consolidated financial operation (see page 10), results for the first nine months, now the largest revenue ending September 30, 2010, a period earner in the Zain Group, in which the company recorded with $1.12 billion in consolidated revenues of KWD 1.01 revenues for the nine billion ($3.5 billion), an increase of months to date and 8.4% compared to the same period of which now serves 7.3 2009 with customers served reaching million customers. 35.3 million, an increase of 25%. Elsewhere, Iraq was cited The company’s consolidated EBITDA as Zain’s largest reached KWD 448 million ($1.55 operation by customers, billion), reflecting an impressive serving 11.8 million EBITDA margin of 44% with EBIT people, and turned in reaching KWD 323 million ($1.12 impressive revenue billion). Net Income soared 411% to figures of $1.1 billion for reach KWD 976 million ($3.37 billion) the nine-month period to and included the capital gain of KWD date. The Iraqi network is being great customer offerings. Zain Bahrain 770.3 million ($2.653 billion) from the extensively expanded to cover the faced similar aggressive competition. sale of Zain Africa assets on June 8, northern region of Kurdistan and will The operation continues to achieve 2010. The earnings per share reached be commercially operational by the satisfactory results and maintain its 252 fils ($0.87). first quarter of 2011. technological edge on many fronts. The first nine months of 2010 Also of note was the Sudan operation, Zain Jordan maintained its leading witnessed an increase in total which recently achieved a major position in the Kingdom, both in terms shareholders’ equity of approximately milestone by attaining its 10 millionth of customer market share and revenues. 9.3%, reaching $9.26 billion, compared customer. Despite the aggressive Inclusive of Lebanon, where the with $8.47 billion for the competition in Kuwait, the operation company manages the mtc touch corresponding period of 2009. continues to maintain dominant market network on behalf of the government, Highlights of the Group’s results share and record impressive financials Zain is the market leader by customers include the impressive performance of on many fronts, spurred on by its many in five of its seven Middle East operations.

6 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 BAHRAIN The ‘eeZee’ way to stay in touch his summer saw the bundle of 200 MB for 30 Tlaunch of Zain eeZee, days and additional low- tailor-made prepaid cost data usage. With packages for BlackBerry Internet browsing and smartphones that allows BlackBerry Messenger as customers to purchase well as instant messaging BlackBerry data bundles, and social networking track their data usage and applications – like Facebook top up by dialing a and MySpace – customers dedicated number. For just can stay in touch with BD 9 ($23.85), customers colleagues, family and can access a BlackBerry friends while on-the-go.

Setting the benchmark for success t a recent human resources conference in Bahrain organized Aby Etqan, the consultancy and training services company, and attended by senior managers from leading companies from across the GCC, the Zain case study, “Managing the Challenges of Low Productivity”, was presented. It emphasized how the company places great value on its employees, who are encouraged and inspired through an innovative and challenging work environment. The Zain mantra for its staff is that people come to work for four important reasons: to live, love, learn and leave a legacy. Being able to cover all these factors gives people the motivation to work and gets them to engage emotionally with the company. In addition, employees are encouraged to adopt the “Zain way,” which is the belief that productivity and profit come from promoting “smart work” over “hard work.”

SOCCER TEAM the treatment of autism Good deeds RAISES AWARENESS and interact more with Zain will sponsor the autistic children. are never lost Muharraq Club soccer team during the 2010/11 I-OFFERINGS he Ministry of Social Development recognized season and work with the After offering payment TZain for its constant and generous support of team and the club to raise facilities on the BlackBerry the ministry’s community welfare projects. The funds for children with Bold and the Samsung award was presented by Minister Dr. Fatima Al autism by wearing a Galaxy S, Zain has launched Balooshi, who cited the company’s many CSR distinctive red, blue and a monthly installment programs, including its support for the Al Rahma yellow Support Autism scheme for Apple’s iPod and Center, the annual Back to School campaign, the Awareness ribbon on their iPhone for BD18.3 ($48.50) Dreams Come True with Zain campaign and the jerseys to encourage the and BD19.8 ($52.48) per blood drive. Zain has also recently provided the public to donate money to month respectively. Ministry of Development with mobile handsets and a bus for the disabled.

7 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 A one-of-a-kind experience in Bahrain year-round gift spree for customers was recently of 2010. They include home theaters and laptops as well Alaunched at the Zain SKY Shop in Manama. With as a grand prize of a 2010 Toyota Yaris at the end of the every purchase of a Zain product or service – such as year. The Zain SKY Shop allows the company to offer Hewar, eeZee, Mobile Broadband or Zain @ home – from tailor-made services to Asian customers (the staff speak any of the eight outlets of SKY, including SKY Hindi, English and Arabic), and it is the only one of its International, customers can win fantastic gifts for the rest kind in the telecom retail sector. IRAQ Expanding across Message of the country appreciation ain is expanding its network in the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan, Zwith plans to extend coverage to the regions of Irbil, Dahuk and Suleimaniyya by the start of 2011. The company is also gearing up to set up network towers in those areas, and tremendous progress is expected because of the stable security situation. Zain has also inaugurated a service center in Mosul. Previously, Zain, like other operators, had to rely on official distributors that provide SIM cards and recharge cards to customers. Iraqis can now access postpaid telecom services for card replacements, compensation for lost cards and other services and data that require direct contact with the company. Zain intends to open other centers throughout the province in the future. he governor of the historic Iraqi Tcity of Babylon (see Discovery pages 22 and 23) awarded a certificate of thanks to Zain for the effort it has made to improve the sense of security within the city and for delivering a first- class service. The security situation in Iraq has meant that the mobile phone has become an essential tool that allows families to stay in touch.

JORDAN Joining forces to provide better connectivity n July, six of the region’s leading also provide greater diversity for each the mammoth 4,000 kilometer Ioperators signed a construction and of the operators and prevent service diversified cable system, which will maintenance agreement to build the disruption stemming from undersea provide reliable telecom and Internet RCN (Regional Cable Network), a multi- cable system damage. connectivity for all users in those terabit cable system stretching from the Etisalat (UAE), Mobily (Saudi Arabia), countries and the surrounding nations. UAE to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria Jordan Telecom (Jordan), Zain/ Mada RCN is the first terabit, terrestrial cable into Europe. RCN will provide robust coalition (Jordan) and Syrian Telecom that connects Europe with the region bandwidth connectivity to the region’s (Syria) together with other European and will provide extra capacity to help growing broadband community. It will partners have joined forces to build meet future needs.

8 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 15 happy years in Jordan n September 23, Zain Jordan Ocelebrated 15 years of operations. To mark the milestone, the company has launched “15 years between us,” a yearlong campaign during which Zain will honor those who have contributed to its achievements and customers will benefit from unprecedented offers and services. Also to mark the occasion, Rotana’s popular morning show “Bisaraha Ma’ Al Wakeel” hosted by the popular radio host Mohammad Al Wakeel (far right) was broadcast from Zain’s headquarters. Hundreds of customers turned up to join in the of indirect jobs are created in related and indirect taxes, revenues and fees for celebrations and hear Jordan’s most industries. The company has established frequencies and licenses, etc. Zain’s popular radio show which has a daily a strong tradition of corporate social contribution to the government in 2009 listenership of around 3 million. responsibility (CSR), donating over JD25 stood at around JD 120 million ($169 Zain is the market leader with 2.7 million million ($35 million) to training, health, million). The company’s investments in customers and has been the most youth, social development and the network and related spending to energetic in its introduction of innovative education. create jobs, improve services and services. Zain directly employs about Zain’s contribution to the treasury since stimulate the economy have exceeded 1,000 employees. At the same time, for its establishment is more than JD300 million ($420 million) over the each direct job created by Zain, dozens JD 1 billion ($1.4 billion) in both direct past five years.

FIFTEEN-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS the Middle East and the largest private vocational training in Jordan • 1995: Known then as Fastlink, it is the sector investment in Jordan at the time • 2009: Launches the first 4th generation first company to launch mobile • 2006: His Majesty King Abdullah II Internet wireless and high speed Internet telecom services in the Kingdom visits Zain headquarters to recognize service WiMax-E-Version • 2000: Introduces WAP services in its role in serving the community • 2010: Expands the cross border One the Middle East for the first time • 2007: Is the first to introduce postpaid Network to link with the Palestinian • 2002: Is the first to introduce MMS and prepaid Blackberry service in Telecom Group Paltel. Sixteen services in the Middle East and is Jordan. Fastlink rebrands to Zain. students graduate from the MMC. among the first operators in the • 2008: Is awarded the Al Hussein Zain receives Her Majesty Queen region to introduce GPRS technology Decoration for Distinguished Rania who visits the company’s HQ • 2003: Zain, then known as Mobile Contribution (First Class) by King • 2010: Wins Best Arabic Application Telecommunications Company (MTC), Abdullah for its CSR work. Opens prize at the 4th Annual Telecoms acquires a majority share in Fastlink. The the Mobile Maintenance Center World Awards, Middle East in Dubai, deal is the largest single acquisition in (MMC) to support by developing for its easy-to-use tourism directory.

Best Arabic Application prize n October 6, 2010, Zain Jordan won comprehensive directory on the most Othe Best Arabic Application prize important tourist sites, shopping areas (accepted by Zain Jordan’s Director of and restaurants in the kingdom and can Corporate Communications, Diala Muwlla) be downloaded for free. An easy-to- at the 4th Annual Telecoms World Awards, use search engine enables them to surf Middle East held in Dubai. The service a wide spectrum of images and maps allows customers to browse a as well as check weather forecasts.

9 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Mighty 3rd quarter growth ollowing an announcement in August Fthat Zain Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) plans to increase its capital by SAR 4.4 billion ($1.2 billion) through a rights issue to fund the company’s continued growth in the Kingdom, the company announced on October 13, its third quarter 2010 results. It reported significantly higher revenue for the period with an increase of 101% to SR1.66 billion ($443 million) compared to reported revenue of SR825 million ($214 million) for the third quarter of 2009. The third quarter revenue for 2010 is also up by over 14% compared to second quarter revenue of SR1,450 million ($377 million) for 2010. Gross profit increased by 193% to SR712 million ($185 million), compared to SR243 million ($63 million) during the same period in 2010. Operational losses for the period decreased significantly by 65% to SR235 million ($61 million) when compared to losses of SR668 million ($0.10) from SR0.59 ($0.15) year-on-year. compared to the 29% increase for the ($173 million) in the third quarter of The company succeeded in increasing same period in 2009. 2009. Net loss for the period saw an the volume of broadband usage and The company will soon achieve 93% improvement of 34% to SR544 million calls within its network which reduced national coverage as part of the ($141 million) compared to a net loss of the cost of on-net calls, a move that second phase of its expansion plan SR820 million ($213 million) for the same was reflected in the reduction of the and should reduce its operational period in 2009. This continues the net loss by more than 34% to SR544 costs further with less national roaming positive trend from the second quarter million ($141 million) compared to agreements. Zain is aiming to have 10 of 2009, which saw a reported net loss of SR820 million ($213 million) for the million customers, increase revenue to SR632 million ($164 million), a sequential same period in 2009. The reduction in SR8 billion ($2.1 billion) and increase quarterly improvement of 14%. The loss cost was also reflected in the year-on- EBITDA to SR1.5 billion ($390 million) per share improved by 34% to SR0.39 year increase of gross profit by 43% by the end of 2011.

MANY HAPPY RETURNS Enhancing the BlackBerry Zain recently celebrated the second anniversary of its experience commercial operations in Saudi Arabia by offering customers a ollowing the announcement by the which includes a comprehensive bundle of free services, FSaudi Arabian Communication and upgrade of service capacity and an including 200 minutes of call Information Technology Commission increase in connection speeds to RIM time, 200 SMS, 200 MMS and (CITC) that it would allow companies (the exclusive worldwide BlackBerry 200 minutes of Internet access to continue offering BlackBerry service provider) servers by via the Zain network that could Messenger services, Zain announced establishing new connection circuits. be used from August 28 to that it had completed the technical Zain also announced that it would August 30. development program of its continue to offer the BlackBerry BlackBerry service in the Kingdom, service with unlimited data.

10 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Boosting connections Faster data he King Fahd Stadium in TRiyadh is now covered by fter announcing a major breakthrough external and internal systems Ain the development of its 4G network, to boost its advanced high- which supports advanced LTE technology, speed Internet support Zain revealed that it has set a new regional network. Zain provided record in data transfer speed at over 145 wireless Internet to the MB/s. The service is fully operational in the stadium’s media center and Kingdom, and LTE technology will be conference hall as well as to all efficiently provided at top capacity once people present in those areas. regulatory authorities set aside the The boosting systems have an necessary frequencies. Zain customers will immense capacity, making then be able to enjoy voice and data them able to easily assimilate transfer services with top quality at high the high number of Zain speeds, making the company the first real- customers at the stadium and time service provider to do so in the country. in it parking lots at rush hours. At the speed of light ain has expanded its 3G network Zto cover more than 28 cities and now serves over 70% (up from an initial 55% when first launched in SIGNING TO BETTER August 2008) of KSA’s population. SERVICE The rolling out of the 3G network To achieve a greater level of has been a priority for the company, service, Zain Kuwait and achieving such vast coverage in announced it will teach its a short amount of time is a sales staff sign language to significant achievement. The project communicate with deaf and has not only seen the installation of mute customers. the latest technology, but also the delivery of more value-added A BROAD SCOPE services to customers. In July, Redknee, the business-critical billing and charging software for KUWAIT communications service provider, announced that it is enabling Zain Kuwait’s launch of mobile Smart code revolution broadband services. ain announced that it has entered to websites, services, SMS or cell phone LUCKY NUMBER 19 the era of smart codes – encrypted numbers. Instead of calling customer Z In July, Zain increased the images that herald a whole new era in services or sending an SMS to number of its branches in value-added services. The Scanner QR subscribe, customers only have to take Kuwait to 19 with the opening Code that is part of all modern a small, encrypted image in the code of an outlet in Al Bairaq. applications and technical solutions in corner of his/her cell phone. The phone Others to recently open were the telecom industry will usher in a then reads the encrypted image and in Al Quran, Al Subahiya and digital revolution in the Kuwaiti market then seconds later, the customer Al Mansher. due to ease of use. Encrypted symbols receives download instructions in the are saved as an image read by case of a song, prayers or videos, or a smartphones. These symbols may refer written text after it is decrypted.

11 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 LEBANON A signal of unity n July, mtc touch sponsored the given by internationally I6th RaMSiS (Radio and Mixed renowned experts in the fields Signal Integrated Systems) of wireless semiconductors and Summer School under the theme wireless communication of “Next Generation Mobile systems from Canada, Communications: Chipset Design Germany, Lebanon, Sweden and Applications.” The event, and the USA. The objective is which was held at the Notre to promote research in mobile Dame University (NDU) campus communications, infrastructure between July 12 and 14, was and applications by bringing jointly organized by NDU’s together industry insiders and Faculty of Engineering and the academia. Also integral is RaMSiS group at the ICT School addressing the challenges of Stockholm’s Royal Institute of facing the next generation of Technology. The two-day mobile technology – from summer school is held every year finding new applications for in a different country with a infrastructure to exploring high- different theme and different performance and cost-effective speakers. It includes lectures techniques to implement it.

DISCOUNT FEVER All about the numbers Following the Ministry of n August, mtc touch introduced a exhausted. The 76 series is Telecommunication’s decision to Iseries of new mobile numbers approved by the Ministry of reduce off-peak tariffs on August starting with the code 76 for both Telecommunications and the 25, mtc touch introduced a 20% “magic” prepaid and “touch” Telecommunications Regulatory discount on all local voice calls postpaid lines. The move comes Authority and are now available at and SMSes made between 10 after the supply of mobile numbers all mtc touch service centers and p.m. and midnight, with the with 03, 70 and 71 codes were points of sale. discount increasing to 40% between midnight and 8 a.m. SUDAN A reflection A bright future of success n late August, Zain Sudan National Bank of Kuwait, Gulf ain registered its 10 millionth customer and Isigned a Murabaha agreement Bank and Commercial Bank of Zhonored its top ten most loyal Postpaid, Prepaid with a number of Arab and local Kuwait in addition to leading and roaming customers at a banquet. Elsewhere, banks worth €270 million ($369 Arab banks – such as Arab Bank Zain commemorated 10/10/10 by becoming a million) to finance the current and (Bahrain), and Bank Audi and strategic partner of the Regional Forum that future growth projects to expand Byblos Bank (Lebanon). Zain also declared Khartoum the 2011 Social Responsibility the Sudanese market, one of the plans to invest more than $226 (CSR) Capital. The forum, attended by 30 CSR fastest growing in the field of million in network expansion in experts from 14 Arab countries, aimed to set proper mobile communications. Boubyan Sudan, particularly in the areas of and practical methods of managing this important Bank handled the management of capacity and information tool for community advancement within the fields the three-year funding plan, along development, in order to cover of health, education, skills development and with an alliance that included the more than 85% of the country. training, and the protection of the environment.

12 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Beauty everywhere You can see it with your mind, hear it with your heart and savor it with your soul. GIANTS IN TIME The most leading of men Connect profiles Omar Sharif, international heart throb and the Arab world’s most famous movie star

andsome, charming and talented, Omar Sharif’s Hcommanding screen presence has captivated the attention of audiences around the world for more than five decades. Indeed, the Egyptian actor, who rose to international stardom with his performance as Sherif Ali in the 1962 film “Lawrence of Arabia”, holds a unique place in cinematic history.

Sharif’s piercing gaze and hard-to- place appearance made him one of Hollywood’s most memorable leading men of the 1960s. Teaming up with some of the best directors of the day, his filmography includes, “Doctor Zhivago”, “Funny Girl”, and the aforementioned “Lawrence of Arabia”.

His time atop Hollywood was short-lived, limited for the most part to the 1960s, but his linguistic abilities—he speaks Arabic, English, French and Greek fluently—enabled him to find success in a variety of foreign productions. While his most well-known roles were in the iconic Hollywood films of the sixties, perhaps his finest performance came in the 2003 French film Monsieur Ibrahim. No longer acting with the same frequency he once did, he now chooses his roles with a lot more care, limiting A young Omar Sharif at the start of his glittering career himself to about one a year. Sharif attended Victoria College in developing an interest in acting early Born Michael Demitri Shalhoub in Alexandria, and then went on to study on, Sharif’s entrance to the stage was Alexandria in 1932, Sharif grew up in a mathematics and physics at Cairo not immediate. wealthy Catholic family. His father owned University. His time at Victoria College a profitable lumber company, while his greatly influenced his life. It instilled in Following his graduation from mother was an avid card player (a him a love of theatre, most importantly university, he returned home and passion she passed on to her son) and a a passion for acting, and left him worked briefly for his father. good friend of with King Farouk. fluent in several languages. Despite Unsatisfied with life in the lumber

14 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 With British acting legends, Peter O'Toole (right) and Alec Guiness (left), in David Lean's 1962 “Lawrence of Arabia” business, Sharif eventually moved back Egyptian public, the couple married. to Cairo in the hope of pursuing a Sharif converted to Islam in order to His first role came career in film. do so, an act that only increased his already significant fame. in the 1954 His first role came in the 1954 Egyptian Egyptian film film “Siraa fil Wadi” (“The Blazing Sun”) Sharif continued to land big roles at directed by Youssef Chahine. It was in home, and by the end of the decade “Siraa fil Wadi” the credits of this film that Sharif first had cemented himself as one of the assumed the name by which he would leading Egyptian actors of his (“The Blazing become famous. The first-time actor generation. But it was not until famed was fortunate enough to star across British director David Lean asked him Sun”). It was in the from Faten Hamama, an already well- to be in the epic “Lawrence of Arabia” credits of this film established Egyptian actress. that he became a household name around the world. that Sharif first The intense chemistry between the two young actors fueled the film’s Originally signed on to play a minor assumed the name success and led to several more films character, Lean eventually asked him featuring the couple. Their chemistry, to play Sharif Ali, Lawrence’s trusted by which he would however, was not limited to the screen, partner and friend. It was a great role become famous and in 1955, much to the delight of the for his first Western film.

15 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Western audiences first saw Sharif as most dashing and charismatic leading even wrote a syndicated newspaper a tiny black speck, bobbing in the men ever to grace the screen. column on the subject. distance. Slowly his figure takes shape, and his striking features soon But his professional success came at a Through the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Sharif become discernable. This image of cost. Constantly abroad working on acted only out of necessity, when his Sherif Ali slowly riding into focus films, Sharif’s marriage could not bear love for bridge and gambling remains one of the most iconic and the strains of distance. He and demanded he earn more money. dramatic in film history. Hamama separated in 1966 and divorced eight years later in 1974. But in the last decade, he has had an His performance in “Lawrence of Sharif never remarried and maintains artistic rebirth, brought on by his touching Arabia” earned him an Academy that Hamama is the only woman he performance as a Turkish-Muslim Award nomination and launched him has ever loved. shopkeeper in the French film “Monsieur into global stardom. In 1965, he again Ibrahim”. He won best actor at the 2003 teamed up with Lean for his most Despite his marital issues, Sharif’s success Venice Film Festival and a Cesar award for famous role, the title character, in the continued with the 1968 romantic his portrayal and reminded the world that romantic epic “Doctor Zhivago”. musical “Funny Girl”. He played Nicky he can still carry a film. Arnstein, the gambling, entrepreneur, Sharif put in a stirring performance as husband of famous Broadway star Fanny He followed up his performance in the famous but ultimately tragic Brice, played by Barbra Streisand. “Monsieur Ibrahim” with a role in the character of Doctor Zhivago, an Despite the film’s success, it was his last Hollywood film “Hidalgo”, with Viggo esteemed poet turned doctor, whose major Hollywood hit. Mortensen. Most recently he can be life is continuously thrown off course seen in the 2009 French film “J’ai Oublie by the Russian Revolution. The film co- Following a string of flops, Sharif de te Dire” (“I Forgot to Tell You”) and starred a the beautiful Julie Christie turned his attention to his other the Egyptian film “Al Mosafer” (“The and was listed as one of the top 100 passion, bridge. He created the Traveler”). Acting less and less, Sharif hundred films of all time by the “Omar Sharif Bridge Circus”, touring dedicates most of his time to his son American Film Institute in 1998. It also the world and becoming one of the and grandchildren and now lives mostly cemented Sharif’s status as one of the world’s top contract bridge players. He in Cairo.

Omar Sharif (second from right) with director Ahmed Maher and actors Cyrine Abdel Nour, Sherif Ramzy and Khaled Elnabawy promoting “Al Mosafer” (“The Traveler”) at the 2009 Venice Film Festival

16 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Some look for happiness. Others create it. JOURNEY

Amman, the capital of Jordan, with a population of just over 2 million is the largest city in the Hashemite Kingdom and lies on the western edge of the Arabian Desert A city of harmony Amman is a modern city with a glorious past

18 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 ancient world stand harmoniously intertwined. The sight of a Roman colonnade alongside a modern steel and glass structure merely indicates another chapter in the city’s long and ever changing tale.

Amman has had a very long and varied past. Considered one of the oldest continuously occupied cities of the world, its origins date back to 8500 BC and the Neolithic period. Recent excavations at Ain Ghazal, in eastern Amman, have turned up artifacts suggesting a well-developed civilization existed there. Other excavations around the citadel have turned up other early settlements dating back to the Bronze Age (3300 - 1200 BC). During the Bronze Age, the colony traded with Mesopotamia, Syria and countries as far away as Cyprus and Greece.

References in the Bible indicate that by the beginning of the Iron Age (1200 BC) Amman, then called Rabbath Ammon, was the capital city of the Ammonites. King David, who reigned in Jerusalem, accused the Ammonite King Nahash of insulting him and responded in force by sending his army into Rabbath, toppling the Ammonites. For a short period Rabbath remained under the control of King David and later his successor Solomon. Even though there is mention of Rabbat Ammon in the Old Testament, historical evidence becomes blurred for the next few centuries. We know that the city was conquered and destroyed several times at the hands of the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Persians and the Greeks under Alexander the Great. It is not until the 4th century BC that a clearer picture emerges.

Under the Hellenic ruler of Egypt, mman, the capital of Jordan, surrounding hills and valleys and has Pholemy Philadelphus (283 – 246 with a population of just over 2 been at the crossroads of civilization BC), Amman was rebuilt and renamed Amillion is the largest city in the for 9,000 years and continues to play Philadelphia, after its Hellenic Hashemite Kingdom and lies on the an important role in the region. conqueror. The Seleucids succeeded western edge of the Arabian Desert, It remains a refuge, a city drenched in the Ptolemy dynasty, and then the overlooking the fertile Jordan Valley. history, whose story can be seen Nabitataeans held it until roughly 30 Originally built on seven hills, the city carved in stone. It is a blend of old and BC. The Roman era transformed the has since expanded to cover all the new, a place where modernity and the entire region, and Philadelphia

19 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Today Amman is a flourishing metropolis with thriving banking, business and tourism sectors. It is the jumping off point for many businesses operating in Iraq and in a way has become the gateway to the Arabian Desert

railway linking Medina, in Saudi Arabia, with Damascus. The railroad was built in order to facilitate the annual Muslim pilgrimage and to set up a permanent trade link with the Almost half the population of Jordan today, lives in and around the capital eastern part of Arabia. In 1921 Emir Abdullah I made Amman the seat of became the center for Rome’s By the end of the 7th century the face government over the newly created expansion into Arabia. The Romans of Amman changed yet again with the emirate of Trans-Jordan. In 1950, two built grandiose temples, theaters, spread of Islam throughout the years after throngs of Palestinians fled public buildings, gardens and Arabian Peninsula. Initially the city the west bank of the Jordan River and colonnaded streets. Philadelphia flourished under the rule of the settled in and around Amman, the became part of the Decapolis League, Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus and Young King Hussein declared Amman an alliance of ten Roman-ruled cities the Abbasids in Baghdad, but slowly it the capital of the Hashemite kingdom. that included such well-known and fell off the radar as trading routes preserved sites as Jerash, Gadara shifted. After a series of earthquakes Since the 19th century Amman has (Umm Qais), Pella and Arbila (Irbid). that destroyed the city, Amman fell become a place of refuge for those This alliance of cities became part of into disrepair. During Ottoman rule fleeing persecution. Beginning with the larger network of Rome’s trading the town of Salt, 30 kilometers to the Circassions who fled the Caucuses to hubs that stretched as far away north, replaced Amman as the regional the more recent Palestinians, Amman as China. capital. It wasn’t until the end of the has been at the forefront of harboring 19th century, when the Ottomans those in need. By 326 AD, Amman was predominately resettled a colony of Circassians Christian and became the official seat fleeing Russian persecution, that During the 1990/91 Gulf war Jordan, for early Christian bishops of the Amman began to look up once again. and in particular Amman, was once Byzantine period. At around 250 AD a again a haven for those fleeing Iraq and Christian tribe called Ghassanians In the early 20th century Amman saw a since the 2003 hostilities in the same migrated from Yemen to Philadelphia temporary revival when the Ottoman country, over a million Iraqis have either and gave the city back its original Sultan decided to make the town a settled in Amman or used it as a transit Semitic name Ammon, or Amman. stopover on the newly created Hejaz hub. It is a city where different cultures

20 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 and religions abound and where there becoming overpopulated, and, in is still a feeling of harmony. order to preserve the city’s appearance, the law requires local Today Amman is a flourishing stone be used to cover the front of all metropolis with thriving banking, houses and buildings, giving Amman business and tourism sectors. a feeling of architectural unity. Hardships and conflict in the rest of There are also strict laws against the region have only helped Amman littering and police are out in force to become a regional leader. It is the make sure motorist obey the driving jumping off point for many businesses rules. This sense of organization operating in Iraq. In fact many translates to all facets of society. businesses with representation in Iraq Foreigners visiting Amman, usually find keep their headquarters in Amman. In getting around and doing business a way it has become the gateway to similar to what they encounter in most the Arabian Desert. Western countries. Go into any neighborhood, no matter how modest, Modern Amman is bustling with and most people will speak a second shopping malls, restaurants and language, most commonly English. nightspots. The streets are crawling Education is a priority; and with the latest cars, and the young are everywhere you go, you see signs wearing the latest in designer wear. advertising trade schools, private Everywhere you go neon lights are schools and universities. Indeed, advertising products, and the streets Jordanians are among the most are crowded with throngs of people. educated in the region.

Today, almost half the population of The new face of Amman has become Jordan lives in and around the capital. far more international, but at the same Because Amman is growing at such a time the city has not lost its traditional rapid pace, the municipality has taken welcoming side that make all who visit Amman remains a city drenched in history, action to prevent the city from feel at home. whose story can be seen carved in stone

Modern Amman is bustling with shopping malls, restaurants and night spots

21 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 DISCOVERY

Eleven kings ruled in the first Babylonian dynasty over a period of 300 years, building magnificent temples and palaces Roots of all things great The ancient city of Babylon is sited in modern Iraq

inety kilometers south of the Iraqi Euphrates River. It grew over a period empire’s capital when he gained capital, Baghdad, remain the ruins of an estimated six centuries to control of south Mesopotamia. Eleven Nof one of the most important become the prosperous capital of ten kings ruled in the first dynasty over a cities of the ancient world. Nestled in the Mesopotamian dynasties. From the period of 300 years, building plain between the Tigris and Euphrates time of the old Babylonian period, magnificent temples and palaces. Rivers, the site can be reached by a four- medicine, chemistry, zoology and The area’s high water table, however, lane road that leads just north of the astronomy were practiced. Records of allowed only a few architectural modern-day town Al-Hillah. highly developed religion and science achievements to remain intact. have been found, and an advanced The ruins are from the ancient, famed number system was used. These early One of these is Hammurabi’s Code, city of Babylon, the once-bustling institutions contributed to intellectual 3,000 lines of cuneiform writing capital where civilization and its early thought of the later Middle East as inscribed on clay tablets and steles scientific, intellectual and architectural well as Western Europe. more than two meters high. The advancements have their roots. inscriptions outline the common law The city initially rose to prominence used to manage the empire and are Babylon began as a small town in the with the first Babylonian dynasty under considered to have greatly influenced beginning of the third millennium BC King Hammurabi who ruled from 1792 legal thought around the world. After on the left and right banks of the to 1750 BC. He made Babylon the French archaeologists discovered the

22 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 monument in 1901, parts of it were transported to the Louvre in Paris, where they can still be found today.

After prospering for several centuries, the capital experienced a millennium of waned prominence, beginning with the Kassite dynasty’s 400-year rule after the city was sacked. Babylon later fell under Assyrian rule and was eventually completely destroyed. The city’s inhabitants were forced to rebel. Babylon broke from Assyrian rule in 612 BC, and the city regained its glory. It became the capital of the Neo- Babylonian Chaldean Empire.

The most notable ruler during this period of independence was King Nebuchadnezzar II. Under his 43-year rule, the capital blossomed into one of the grandest cities of its time. Nebuchadnezzar rebuilt the regal grounds, constructed the Ishtar Gate From the time of the old Babylonian period, medicine, chemistry, zoology and astronomy were practiced and created the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which legend says were built Following the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, Rich. British, French and German for his homesick wife who moved to Babylon once again faced plight. On an archaeological teams continued to the city from the forested mountains. evening in 539 BC, as Babylon’s uncover the lost city until the 1980s, While no detailed accounts of the inhabitants enjoyed a national feast, interrupted by events such as World gardens have been discovered from Persian soldiers diverted the Euphrates War I, and later, the first Gulf War. Much ancient Babylonia, Greek historians upstream to lower the water level. of the preserved findings are dispersed believed the gardens were made of Cyrus the Great and his troops in museums around the world, while the arched vaults built on stone marched under the city walls in thigh- rest has been simply ransacked. foundations. Accounts also say there high water and greeted the merry- was an irrigation system that pumped making Babylonians who offered little What is left of the city and its long-lost water down sloped channels to reach resistance in their moment of grandeur continues to be threatened. plants cultivated above ground level. merriment. Under Cyrus, the city Over the years, the site was extensively With little actual evidence of their became a center of scientific damaged damaged by factors ranging existence, however, some scholars advancement to the extent that from hasty excavation to military vehicles. wonder if the gardens are a myth. mathematics flourished and astronomy A German team of archaeologists scholars completed constellation maps. tainted the site’s archaeological context But Babylon’s architectural ostentation is in the 1880s with industrial-scale digs. evident elsewhere. The Ishtar Gate is one Babylon fell to Alexander the Great in After 2003, the site turned into a military of the most dramatic relics discovered 331 BC. With his death, however, the base for the First Marine Expeditionary amongst the ruins. Nebuchadnezzar built city’s order turned to turmoil, and its Force, and later for Polish forces. A 2005 the blue-tiled, massive structure in inhabitants fled. Babylon remained part report released by the British Museum dedication to the goddess Ishtar. It was of the Persian Empire for another nine said that 2,600-year-old pavements had the eighth and most spectacular gate to centuries, witnessed the rise of been damaged by earth-moving the inner city through which the city’s Christianity in the first century AD, and maneuvers and bricks had been most important road, the Processional eventually fell to the Islamic conquest in removed from age-old structures. Way, passed. It is currently housed at the the 7th century AD. The capital is Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. mentioned in the Bible more than 260 But while remnants of the sun-dried A replica of the gate was rebuilt at the times, and is considered one of the most city may be at risk, the contributions site, where other achievements including important cities in Biblical scripture. Babylon’s inhabitants made to the the Lion of Babylon and development of civilization will forever Nebuchadnezzar’s Southern Palace can The first recorded excavation of exist. They are rooted in the pre- also be found today. Babylon was in 1811 by Claudius James Biblical era soil of humanity’s past.

23 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 RAMADAN SPECIAL A month of reflection and giving Zain played its part in bringing Ramadan joy to the community

BAHRAIN TIME FOR CARING Staff members visited the UCO CELEBRATING SUCCESS Parent Care Home in Hidd as part Ramadan Ghabga, or social draws and valuable prizes, while of their outreach program to distribute gift packs to the elderly Agathering, for corporate clients popular television personality, and the media was hosted by Zain Abdullah Malik, emceed the event. at the long-term care facility. at the Ritz-Carlton. A Ghabga is a Zain also hosted its annual staff celebration of peace and friendship, Ghabga at the Sheraton Hotel. The KORANIC VERSES two of the characteristics that make event was an opportunity for the Zain launched the first Koran up the spirit of the Holy Month. company to show its dedication to Khatma mobile service, which There were plenty of activities for the people that have worked hard featured a daily MMS containing the guests, including contests, raffle throughout the year. readings from the Holy Koran. Read by Mishari Al Affasy, verses from the Koran were accompanied by visuals of the page being read. Aimed at highlighting the importance of fasting, the service was tailored to help the youth have a better understanding of Islam. LUCKY NUMBERS Zain customers had to guess a six-digit number for a weekly lottery. Winners received an all- expenses paid Omra for two. A series of other fun daily quiz contests via SMS also allowed ALL IN THE FAMILY participants to win cash prizes.

o highlight the family aspect of a simple SMS to a five-digit number IN THE SPIRIT Zain’s Ramadan bundle of offers TRamadan, Zain offered eeZee (Hewar). As part of its Ramadan and Hewar customers unlimited pledge to give back to its valued included spiritual guidance, calls to any Zain number from 12 customers, Zain also gave away charitable donations and interactive p.m. to 6 p.m. everyday during the shopping vouchers worth BD 40 fun with a hook-up to a popular TV holy month for only 300 fils ($0.08) a ($108) to new customers of its home serial. Also available were a series day, a considerable discount. The broadband and telephone services. of five customized Ramadan and company also made it easier than Besides the vouchers, customers Eid Al Fitr inspired greeting cards ever to subscribe to the services – also enjoyed a free WiFi device, a in SMS and MMS format as well as customers only had to dial a simple free wireless phone and unlimited themes, wall paper and ring tones. three-digit number (eeZee) or send free calls.

24 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 IRAQ

ANNUAL STAFF PARTY DONATING TO THE NEEDY A few days before the end of Ramadan, as is the custom AND THE LESS FORTUNATE every year, the company held an iftar for the whole staff at upporting Iraq’s orphans each year a couple of days before Eid Al Fitr and the Hunting Club with Shas become a tradition for Zain, handed out gifts of toys, clothes and activities such as arm helping ensure that the kids get a basic other goodies. Elsewhere in Iraq, dry wrestling, squash drinking education and receive adequate foodstuff distribution continued, and this games and riddle telling. It healthcare. Zain also takes care of them year, in collaboration with AMAR was a great way to end a during the holy month of Ramadan and International Charitable Foundation, vast month of reflection and giving. this year CEO Emad Makiya attended a quantities were delivered to the needy massive gathering with the children just in rural and deprived areas.

JORDAN A ROYAL OCCASION

ain launched an initiative Zto give 25 annual school grants to orphans benefiting from the Al Aman Fund, one of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdallah’s institutions. The announcement followed Queen Rania’s visit to Zain headquarters on the first day of Ramadan, where she met one of the successful young men benefiting from the fund, describing him as a role model and an example of why the private sector should provide job opportunities for graduates of the Al Aman Fund.

FOCUS ON THE HOLY LAND START SPREADING THE NEWS n September 8, Zain and the Al Father Ibrahim Faltas, the On August 29, Zain hosted OHilal Club concluded their joint, Representative of the Custodian of the an iftar in honor of the month-long Ramadan activities in Holy Land. Zain’s sponsorship also media, which was attended Jerusalem. Among the attendees were included distributing 1,000 food by about 200 Adnan Husseini, the Governor of parcels to disadvantaged families in representatives from Jerusalem; Mohammad Hussein, Mufti the old city and organizing activities selected local print and of Jerusalem; Mehmet Shekerji, the for orphans and other organizations. audiovisual organizations. Turkish Deputy Consul General and

25 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 KUWAIT THE JOY OF GIVING

taff members intensified their social Sactivities during the Holy Month with visits to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s care facilities, including the Family Care Center, nursing homes and orphanages. Volunteers brought the spirit of Ramadan to the elderly, those with special needs and orphans, distributing gifts donated by the company.

HAPPY TRAILS WE ARE FAMILY All Zain family members were ver 2,400 food packages were as mosques around Kuwait. With invited to a traditional Ramadan meal during which Group CEO Odistributed throughout the the aim of reaching as many country to those in need as part of people observing the fast as Nabeel Bin Salamah the “Zain Trails” campaign. The possible, Zain set up three tents in encouraged employees to continue preserving the special packages were donated to Khaitan, Amghara and, for the first company’s inspirational several organizations, including the time, Fahaheel, distributing a total ‘wonderful world’ slogan. The Patient Help Fund, the Help Your of 60,000 breakfast meals during dinner was also an occasion to Muslim Brother Committee, as well the Holy Month. honor those who have been with the company for 25, 15 TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE and 10 years.

new and exclusive series of numbers packages – starting at KD 2.5 ($8.90) – great deals on Easy lines. With every Astarting with a ‘909’ area code in during the Holy Month. Subscriptions to recharge of KD 3 or more, customers addition to free platinum lines with Zain’s various BlackBerry packages also received a prize and were automatically “Wayana 49” packages were launched included free gifts, such as BlackBerry entered in a lottery worth KD 1,000 in by Zain. New free Gold, Silver and handsets as well as E-go and MiFi recharges, free minutes within the Zain Bronze lines were offered at all Zain devices. Holders of prepaid lines were network, free local text messages and branches after subscribing to Wayana not left out, with the company offering free local and international minutes. CELEBRATING GOOD TIMES

ain celebrated Qarqiaan, the The Qarqiaan festivities were also Ztraditional mid-Ramadan trick- shared with over 100 children with or-treat festival that is popular cancer and their families at the among children, at the Avenues Women’s Cultural Association, Mall with hundreds of customers organized in cooperation with the and visitors. Hosted by TV star Amal Club. Presents were given out presenters Sally Al-Qadi, Omar Al- and fun-filled competitions with Othman and Jassem Al-Obwa, the prizes kept the children entertained. event included many surprises for Zain celebrated the four-day Eid Al the children, such as an appearance Fitr holiday by treating its customers by Barney the dinosaur and and the public to a giant carnival at competitions with many prizes. the 360 Mall.

26 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 HELPING HANDS CHARITY BEGINS WITH Buses were provided by Zain at the Grand Mosque area to shuttle worshipers to and A CALL from parking lots during the last ten days ain launched a new service allowing customers to pay of Ramadan. Zain employees distributed Zthe zakat, or alms, during Ramadan. “Allo Zakati” was more than 4,000 prayer mats and 10,000 activated after the customer called a dedicated number. small fans to combat the heat at the Grand They then simply picked their chosen charity from a menu, Mosque and other mosques throughout the sum to be donated (either KD 1, KD 5, or KD 10), the country. Also handed out to confirmed it and agreed to have it added to their postpaid worshippers at different mosques across bill or subtracted from their prepaid package. The cost of Kuwait were copies of Al Sawm Li (Fasting the call was 40 fils per minute, and all proceeds were is for me). donated to the Hamel Al Misk charitable institution.

LEBANON BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

n September 6, Omtc touch donated school bags and other supplies to needy children through several charitable associations across Lebanon to mark both thye end of Ramadan and the start of the 2010-2011 academic year. mtc has long supported the education sector and has made the issue a priority on the company’s CSR platform.

A THOUSAND AND ONE REASONS TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC

o coincide with the start of made, the more chances TRamadan, mtc touch customers had of winning. The launched Alf Layleh wa Layleh, to draw was held in October, with promote its prepaid magic the lucky winner, Nasser Fayez service. The campaign allowed Hakim, receiving one hour of free magic customers to enter a draw local calls every day for 1,001 simply by making a 10-minute call days. A further 21 winners were at any time during the holy awarded 1,001 free SMS month. The more 10-minute calls messages each.

27 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA A SPIRITUAL “BOUQUET”

bundle of 13 Islamic channels, with Al Aqsa and Al Azhar Al Sharif mosques. customers to watch full episodes of Aeach one focusing on a specific For those interested in scientific studies, “Khawater 6” on a daily basis, which was religious topic to offer customers customers could surf channels dedicated presented by Ahmad Al Choucairy on spiritual guidance were launched during to the late Sheikh Mohammed Metwali the MBC cable channel. The bundle also Ramadan. The bouquet included special Al Chaarawi, Sheikh Nabil Al Awadi, and included Ramadan calendars and channels featuring the Imams of Mecca the late Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud. A special recipes, the Mussaharati, tips, wise and Medina as well as prayers from the channel was also designated for sayings and Islamic blessings.

COMFORT FOOD

undreds of thousands of iftar meals Hwere offered by Zain to those fasting in Mecca and Medina, where there was the highest concentration of pilgrims and visitors. In addition to the two holy mosques in the cities, the company extended its annual Iftar Saem (Iftar for those fasting) program to dozens of other key locations in the country, including the pilgrims’ hall in Jeddah’s King Abdel Aziz Airport and several Mecca mosques and pilgrimage stops. In Medina, iftar meals were provided at the city squares, gates and mosques as well as at checkpoints along the Mecca- Medina road, while members of the company’s Shabab Tamouh (Ambitious Youth) program took part in the food drive by serving and distributing the meals. SUDAN A STRONG LINK

ain joined the Sudanese Union of ZJournalists at the annual iftar, which was attended by more than 1,000 journalists and media representatives. With the country heading towards an economic boom, Zain recognizes the need for responsible and credible economic reporting, which is why the company extended its support for the local media, providing an extensive training course for business journalists. Zain also offered to link all media outlets in the country with an Internet connection at a 50% discount.

28 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010

GIVING BACK Making a difference Zain’s contributions to the social and economic development of its communities GROUP OPENING THE WORLD’S EYES An SMS fundraising campaign with UNRWA is launched to benefit Palestinian refugees in the Levant

n August 22, Zain launched a Syria, Gaza and the Omarketing campaign across the West Bank. Middle East to promote fundraising The highlight of the activities in support of the United campaign was a Nations Relief and Works Agency for “reality” TV ad shot in Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). A six- Lebanon’s Bourj Al- week SMS fundraising and advertising Barajneh refugee push consisted of specially made TV, camp, capturing the print, billboard and online advertising real lives of across the region. The initiative, which is Palestinians living in funded by Zain Group, aims to raise the area. Through the awareness about the agency’s short film, Zain hopes humanitarian work and to raise money to open the world’s to improve the living conditions for eyes to the poor Palestinian refugees. conditions in the By sending an SMS to an assigned camps and encourage country, Zain customers in Bahrain, viewers to contribute to a better funded health and educational projects Jordan, Kuwait, KSA and Sudan had future for all Palestinian refugees. for the roughly 5 million Palestinian the opportunity to support UNWRA’s The move came two months after the refugees across the Middle East. This humanitarian mission by donating Zain Group and Zain Jordan signed two partnership was the first between the UN money directly to the agency’s cooperative agreements with UNRWA to humanitarian organization and a private- various programs in Jordan, Lebanon, finance the agency’s largely under- sector company in the Middle East.

BAHRAIN EMPOWERING THE YOUNG Youth City 2030 receives telecom support

ver the summer holidays, Zain innovation. Using its modern around 43 summer programs in Arabic. Olived up to its promise to technology, the company provided The project was made possible empower and enable young people in Internet connectivity and over 30 through the successful synergy the Kingdom by supporting an laptops to the media center of Youth between key players, including the innovative youth-centric program that City 2030, the 6,000 sqm area, to be General Organization for Youth and leveraged their creativity and helped set up at the Bahrain International Sports, Tamkeen and the Economic develop independent thinking and Exhibition Centre in Sanabis that runs Development Board (EDB).

30 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 A NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE Over 20,000 schoolbags are distributed to children in the five governorates

or the seventh Royal Charity Organization. Fconsecutive year, Zain Zain oversaw the operation distributed school bags and to hand out 20,000 supplies to needy children – schoolbags in ceremonies in this year, in all five of each governorate. The bags Bahrain’s governorates. come with all the necessary Once again, the project was stationery a student will conducted under the need for the school year, patronage of His Highness while the company made Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al every effort to ensure that Khalifa, President of the they reached the students Council of Trustees to the most in need.

IRAQ CLASS OF THEIR OWN IT engineers are mentored over the summer recess

ain launched a summer training University College (below). The extensive field studies and application Zprogram for IT engineering month-long program included demonstrations on the latest students in cooperation with the rotations at Zain’s technical and IT equipment. Zain plans to cooperate faculty of IT engineering at the Al departments, among others, where with other faculties in the future. Its Nahrain University and the Al Rafidain engineers gave detailed tutorials, plans this year include the establishment of Internet cafés at the faculties of letters and information engineering at Al Kufah University and Al Rafidain University College to spread technological innovations in the country and link it to the world. The company is also determined to attract top students as part of an ambitious orientation plan.

LEBANON CHARITY GALA DINNER

his summer, mtc touch sponsored the annual gala Tdinner of the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped, that was organized to raise funds for the completion of the in-patient facility at Nabih Berri Rehabilitation Compound (NBRC) in Sarafand, South Lebanon. The NBRC treats the victims of conflicts, especially those who have lost limbs.

31 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 JORDAN CELEBRATING THE 2ND DIPLOMATIC BAZAAR Top students are rewarded for their efforts

n October, Zain celebrated its annual company for the school’s students under who achieved a grade of over 90% in IDiplomatic Bazaar for the second the umbrella of the nationwide Madrasati their Tawjihi exams were Malak Mansour year running at the Amman Exhibition initiative, launched by her Majesty Al Smadia, who was awarded a university Park. The event was organized by the Queen Rania Al Abdallah in 2008 and grant, and Mai Al Qdah and Shatha Al diplomatic community in Jordan to supported by Zain. The three students Qdah, both of whom received laptops. support the children of Mabarrat Um Al Hussein, a home for disadvantaged, orphaned boys that was established in 1951 by the late Queen Zein Al Sharaf, the mother of Princess Basma, the current patron. At an iftar for the Children of Um Al Hussein orphanage in Ramadan, Zain announced the launch of a number of initiatives for the benefit of the orphanage. They included 10 employment opportunities in the company’s call center for university students from the orphanage. In the same month, Zain rewarded three outstanding students at the Ein Janna Secondary School for girls, located in Ajloun (right). The initiative is part of a number of activities launched by the

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Company employees visit dialysis patients to offer moral support and comfort

ain representatives visited several treatment centers for Zkidney patients in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar in GIVING TO SAVE cooperation with the Prince Fahd bin Salman Association n June 14, Zain’s Shabab Tamouh (ambitious for Patients Suffering from Kidney Failure or Kilana. Oyouth) organized a three-day blood drive in Company employees comforted patients, offered gifts and cooperation with the labs department and blood bank took the time to learn about kidney failure, methods of at the Aasir Central Hospital in Abha to mark World treatment as well as the various means of looking after Blood Donor Day. Blood Donor Day is held on June 14 one’s kidneys. To further support Kilana, Zain has dedicated every year to promote everyone’s right to safe blood the hotline, 5060, which is used for direct SMS and encourage regular, voluntary blood donation. contributions as well as awareness messages to urge people to donate to the cause.

32 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 KUWAIT CHAMPIONING A CAUSE BAHRAIN Initiative to create breast ALSO PLAYS cancer awareness ITS PART n October, Zain announced the determination to put Ilaunch of a new awareness its weight behind ain Bahrain has launched Think campaign to combat breast cancer the fight against ZPink, a BD1 ($2.65) SMS and stress the importance of regular breast cancer donation campaign to raise funds checkups and early detection. In and its resolve for breast cancer awareness and collaboration with Laki Sayedati (for to defeat it in a digital MRI screening you my lady), the campaign targeted its early stages. machine for Manama’s the largest catchment of women Zain had Salmaniya Hospital. The through audiovisual and print media previously lent money raised from the Zain as well as SMS messaging. The support to the SMS campaign will be doubled in company adopted the traditional “CAN” campaign, the the bid to purchase this vital “Pink Strip” to raise awareness that St Jude’s Cancer Hospital for Children equipment to help in the early was available at all its branches across in Lebanon and the Al Hussain detection of the disease. Kuwait. The logo reflects Zain’s Hospital in Jordan.

SUDAN FOSTERING YOUNG MINDS PREPARING ain recently extended its support sponsored the construction of six Zto the education sector, providing schools, funded the renovation of nine FUTURE funds for more than 14 schools. The others and distributed 180,000 initiative included the complete textbooks and 20,000 pencils as well GENERATIONS construction of campuses as well as as school uniforms to 61,802 pupils in the building of additional classrooms, 373 schools. ast year, Zain led an supplying uniforms, textbooks and As part of its education support Lunprecedented initiative to equip pencils, and donating 300 fully project, a number of national fresh graduates with the necessary equipped laboratories to several universities also received aid from tools to succeed in the workforce. universities. In total, Zain has Zain, with Al Zaeem Al Azhari, Al Zain implemented an annual training earmarked SDG 4 million ($1.68 Gazira and Al Gedaref Universities program to improve the employment million) for its latest education each receiving a computer lab. The opportunities for 300 graduates in campaign. So far this year, Zain has University of Dongola received a new the field of customer relations. The lecture hall, the Islamic first batch of recruits completed the University of Umdurman’s year with flying colors, exceeding Nursing College was given a expectations with average end-of- new laboratory and Al year test results exceeding 89%. The Nileen University benefitted program focuses on training for from 1,000 laboratory coats customer care centers, where and 300 classroom seats. students learn how to deal with the Zain has also signed an public. The opportunity to join the agreement to supply the program is extended to all graduates National University of from various parts of the country, Umdurman and the irrespective of gender, and is also International University of available to those with special needs. Africa with several high- capacity computer servers.

33 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 METROPOLIS A wonderful world Zain’s entertainment activities across all its operations

GROUP A DIVA’S VOICE ON YOUR PHONE Customers are treated to the beautiful songs on Fairuz’s latest album

n September 19, Zain attained Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Opre-launch digital rights to the Sudan as downloadable ring tones. ring tones of Fairuz’s latest album, As of October, customers can also ‘Ehh fi Amal” (Yes, There is Hope). download individual tracks in their This is the Lebanese diva’s first entirety from Zain’s music portal, album in four years, and now all the http://create.zain.com, to be used songs are available to Zain as ringtones with interactive customers in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, voice response.

SUDAN

GOING LOCAL IN KUALA LUMPUR Zain sponsors the Sudanese sports tournament in Malaysia’s capital

ain sponsored a first-of-its- August 8 and honored those who Zkind sports tournament contributed to the tournament’s organized by the Sudanese success. The event inspired diaspora in Kuala Lumpur held interaction among Sudanese under the supervision of the students in Malaysian universities, Sudanese Embassy in Malaysia. student leagues, the Sudanese The closing ceremony of the diaspora and the embassy, while tournament, which took place all the time creating a good under the slogan “One Nation... image of Sudanese nationals in One People”, was held on the country.

34 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 JORDAN

KUWAIT DR AL-JABER JOINS GTB TOP 100 ain Jordan CEO Dr. Abdul-Malek ZAl-Jaber (seen here with Jordan's ALL A-TWITTER Queen Rania) has become the first Jordanian to make it into the Global ain Kuwait recently joined Bahrain, Telecoms Power 100 list for 2010. The ZJordan and Saudi Arabia by signing an ranking, issued by Global Telecoms agreement with the popular social Business (GTB) magazine, placed networking site, Twitter, allowing its Dr. Al-Jaber in 62nd position amongst customers to obtain instant updates via the top 100 most powerful people in SMS. Zain is providing the Twitter SMS the telecoms business as voted by its service without any subscription fees; readers. The magazine said the customers just have to send the word Power 100 list is “made up of “start” to 89887 to get connected. Twitter representatives of the over-the-top boasts 100 million members worldwide, content providers that are challenging with roughly 300,000 residing in Kuwait. the industry’s business plans, and of the associations that service providers are using to regain market share.”

BAHRAIN THE BREAKFAST CLUB Staff and customers enjoy the Big Breakfast

uly got off to a grand start with the which led the guests through a range of were given goodie bags full of valuable JBig Breakfast hosted by Zain for its enjoyable activities that emphasized the giveaways. Participating customers were staff and customers. Taking place at Zain company’s team spirit with games, selected from a list of those who had Bahrain’s Seef headquarters, the event raffles, a talent competition and a host taken part in Zain’s Facebook social was hosted by the Human Resources of exciting prizes. After an introduction networking activities as well as different department with the help of the Zain to the company, customers were treated online contests and competitions FUN (Future University Network) team, to a tour of the offices, after which they hosted by the company.

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SCORING WITH SAUDI SOCCER FANS

rom June to July, Zain hosted Fthe 40 lucky BlackBerry winners of the Kooora.com sports website contest, held during the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa in which over 20,000 people participated. Zain already sponsors the Saudi national soccer team and the professional soccer league.

35 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 MOBILE LIFE New frontiers of creativity From cooking curry to seeing what we will look like in 30 years, Apple apps are the new – and profitable – rage

hree years since its release, the an app for every one of those tasks, and Those figures, respectively, represent iPhone has become the most a billion more. the number of applications that have Ticonic device of the digital era. been released, the number of That unique status is, in part, due to The cost of applications that aren’t for applications downloaded from the Apple’s trend-setting design ethos, free begins at $0.99, with the average App Store, and the revenue generated and the resulting super-sleek price, as of August 2010, hovering by apps in 2009. According to analysts minimalism of their hard products, but around $2.91. Apple takes 30% of the interviewed by the Philadelphia external design alone could never revenue, and the rest goes to the Inquirer that final number is supposed catapult a gadget into the inventor or seller of the application. to reach $29.5 billion by the year 2013. unparalleled position the iPhone But if you want to understand the currently occupies. For that, Apple had phenomenon, the salient data are Those numbers put into perspective to marshal what was initially a much 300,000, 6 billion and $4.2 billion. the almost hyperventilating excitement more unwieldy beast, the App Store.

The store, as its name suggests, offers applications, both free and for sale, created by third-party designers that you can download onto your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

The first popular applications were novelty products and many of the most popular ones still are. But don’t let that word fool you: An app that allows you to see what you’ll look like in 30 years might be frivolous, but everyone and their mother is still going to download it, as indeed they already have.

Moreover, as the App Store has grown, the apps themselves have quickly progressed from novelty to necessities of modern life. Want to learn a language, write a screenplay, operate a strobe light, organize your stock portfolio or just find the closest Indian restaurant and order a Chicken Tikka Masala? Yup, there is now Whether you want to learn a new language

36 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Organize your stock portfolio the App Store has generated, not just and now the App Store, have allowed among users of Apple products, but Apple to reclaim the mantle of coolest The cost of with economists as well. Amidst a company in Silicon Valley. And not just global financial crisis that is still yet to that – even as the rest of the economy applications that fully dissipate, Apple has only has been reeling, Apple has managed increased the speed of the remarkable to surpass it’s old rival Microsoft, to aren’t free run that began with the release of the become the world’s most valuable begins at $0.99, iPod way back in October 2001. technology company, and, after the petroleum giant Exxon, America’s with the average The portable MP3 player kick-started most valuable company in any industry. as stunning a turn-around as a price, as of technology company, and perhaps any Just a year-and-a-half old, the App company, has achieved. When Steve Store constitutes but a tiny fraction of August 2010, Jobs returned to the helm of Apple in that empire. hovering around the late 90s, the company, though still famous as the seminal pioneer of the With 81% of apps downloaded to date $2.91. Apple personal computer, seemed a fast- free of charge, and the 50 most fading has-been, having suffered popular paid applications having an takes 30% of the comprehensive defeat at the hands of average selling price of just $1.49, its long-term rival Microsoft. Apple, according to industry experts, revenue, and receives about 29 cents for every the rest goes to However, the release of three lines of application downloaded. hard products, the iPod, followed by the inventor the iPhone and most recently the iPad, But most of those 29 cents go to the all bolstered by Apple’s own in-house downloader’s credit card company, operating systems, along with the leaving Apple with less than $200 Store opened. Nearly 200 million company’s two digital stores, iTunes million in gross profit since the App dollars is nothing to sneeze at, of

37 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 course, but we’re talking about a company that made more than $33 billion in the same period.

But while Apple has made relatively little from the App Store, the third- party developers who have designed the actual products sold at the store have made more than $1 billion since it opened in 2008.

And it is those third-party developers, in large part, who are responsible for the feverish enthusiasm that currently surrounds the App Store. While many gripe about the control exercised by Apple over the store – Apple individually approves every app the store releases, rejecting those deemed offensive or otherwise unworthy, and generating frequent complaints from developers about the opacity of the process – there are already some 30,000 developers who Or simply want to know what you will look like in 30 years time, Apple's apps can help you do it have made money thanks to the App Store, a figure that is rapidly increasing. sleek and wildly successful tablet to be sold. For application developers, And despite the complaints, entering the computer, the iPad, are generally the iPhone 4’s innovations – a stainless app development business is far less several dollars more expensive than steel frame that serves as its antenna, difficult than is normally the case with those sold to iPhone users. Not that double the processing power of its software development. A developer iPad users have shown any signs of predecessors, a new LED backlit liquid can theoretically design an app in a noticing. Within a week of the tablet’s crystal display with a resolution that day, send it to Apple for approval, and release, around three and half million reaches the maximum amount of detail within a week’s time start generating apps for it had been sold. that the human retina can process, and money from it. dual cameras on the front and back of And with Apple’s latest phenomenon, the phone that allows iPhone 4 users to And the opportunities offered by the the redesigned iPhone 4, which hit video chat with each other – should only store are becoming more lucrative. stores in the Middle East in late increase the opportunities offered by Apps on Apple’s latest product line, its September, expect many more millions the App Store.

WHAT’S NEW: THE IPHONE4 FACETIME DESIGN In terms of futurism, this feature is perhaps the coolest. In appearance, the iPhone 4 marks a radical departure from The new iPhone comes with ready-to-use video calling. its three predecessors. Thinner, and less curvy than previous Thanks to the camera on the front of the phone, iPhone models, the new iPhone is ringed by a metal band that owners can, with just a WiFi connection and a tap, chat serves as a “mounting point for all the [device’s] with each other, face to face, using Apple’s new components.” The band uses Apple’s own alloy, which the appropriately named program, Facetime. company claims is five times stronger than standard steel, and, along with bringing increased durability to the new A NEW SCREEN model, also serves as the phone’s antenna. Bragging about the 326dpi resolution of the iPhone’s screen, Apple’s founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, said, CAMERAS “there's a magic number around 300dpi. If you hold The new iPhone comes with two of them, one on the something about 10-12 inches away from your eye, it's the front and one on the back. Both, however, bring a new limit of the human retina to distinguish pixels.” The new level of detail to the iPhone 4, with 5 megapixel quality, screen has four times the pixel count of previous models, a 5x digital zoom and a built-in LED flash for pictures which makes it, in terms of color and clarity, pretty much taken in low light. the most vibrant-looking phone ever released.

38 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 This may be just another humanitarian ad. But are you just another reader?

4.7 million people in Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon cannot survive without your help. Their needs are as basic as shelter, hospitalization, and primary education. With 668 primary schools, 134 health centers, and its special Microfinance Programme, UNRWA has changed the lives of thousands of refugees across 58 camps. Your donations matter. Don’t be indifferent; help us make a difference in showing them a more wonderful world.

To donate via sms, send the word “woman”, “food”, or “education” to your country’s corresponding short code. Jordan 90008 - Kuwait 99888 - Sudan 1155 - Bahrain 1111. MOBILE LIFE

The rise of mobile telephony and the Internet have ushered in a new era of worker freedom and mobility Life’s new office The revolution that makes us all reachable but which can also set us free

he rise of mobile telephony and modern professionals, the only sense in Indeed, according to a work-life study by the Internet, the twinned which they feel they’ve been unchained Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, 81% of US Tphenomenons that have defined is physical. In every other respect, such professionals say they work harder now our era, were hailed as ushering in a workers are on call more than ever than they did five years ago, and 85% new era of worker freedom and before. As global network coverage has percent say that because of modern mobility. No longer would workers be inexorably expanded across the world technology, they feel compelled to be physically chained to their offices, but, over the last two decades, places connected to work 24/7. instead, empowered by wireless without service reception have grown Internet and smartphones that meant ever rarer. Whether on a ski slope or on Still, it is not like such professionals they could hold their office in the palm the beach, chances are your BlackBerry would turn back the clock if they of their hands, their only limitations or iPhone can still connect to the could. According to the same study would be whether they were in an area Internet, which means you can check nearly 90% bring their PDAs into the with network coverage. that new report, or download your bedroom with them, and more than a latest returns, or do any of the other third say if forced to choose between In fact, on that front the revolution has billion and one things that constitute spouses and smartphone, they’d go been remarkably successful, but for many working for the modern employee. with their smartphone. At the same

40 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 time, some 84% say technology has be affected by such problems had been won, but the age of leisure, allowed them to spend more quality college or postgraduate degrees Keynes predicted never quite arrived. time with family and friends. according to the survey, which also While thanks to strong labor laws, blue found that “authority, skill level, collar workers find themselves working The degree to which smartphones decision-making latitude and personal fewer hours than they did a century have blurred the boundary between earnings... predicted trouble outside ago, for the rest of those employed in work and leisure time is further of the office.” the information economy the work load highlighted by a Robert Half often feels higher than ever before. International study of the work-life Eighty years ago, the 20th century’s balance of chief financial officers in preeminent economist wrote an essay Be that as it may, you’d be hard Canada. According to the survey a called “Economic Possibilities for our pressed to find a significant number of quarter of those polled say they check Grandchildren,” in which he predicted modern professionals who would in with their offices once or twice a that advances in technology and “unplug”, even if they could. From day while on vacation, while 15% say economic output would solve once and mobiles to smartphones and the they do so several times a week, and for all humanity’s primary problem: “the Internet, the telecom industry has 23% say they call the office once or struggle for subsistence.” produced the most vital tools of the twice a week. global economy, tools that are by no “Thus for the first time since his means only available to modern Those kind of figures hold true creation man will be faced with his professionals in developed countries. throughout the developed world. real, his permanent problem,” John Indeed the numbers speak for Given the new work dynamic, the Maynard Keynes wrote in 1930, “how themselves: In 2009, even in the midst majority of working Australians, for to use his freedom from pressing of a global economic crisis, the instance, don’t take regular holidays. economic cares, how to occupy the number of cell lines rose to 67 for In Australia some 60% of women and leisure, which science and compound every 100 inhabitants of the earth, and half of all men feel “consistently time- interest will have won for him, to live penetration for the developing world pressured,” although only 30% of wisely and agreeably and well.” exceeded 50% for the first time ever. workers would like to reduce their In the meantime, moderation in all working hours. For the time being, at least, the things should be the watchword. struggle for subsistence has indeed Happy productivity. While advances in telecommunications over the last two decades have brought innumerable benefits to mankind, some fear the resultant blurring of business and leisure is contributing to an already rising divorce rate, as spouses find themselves burdened with more work- related stress and less shared time. Another potential consequence is dietary. Modern professionals are finding less and less time to spend preparing their own meals and are instead increasingly opting for diets built around takeout and delivery which is in turn helping to push up obesity levels, and not just for the breadwinner, but the entire family he or she feeds as well.

The odds of work negatively affecting your private life seem to increase the higher up you are on the ladder. According to a survey of 1,800 American workers, half reported bringing their work home with them and having their personal relationships suffer as a result. Those most likely to Whether on a ski slope or on the beach, chances are your Smart phone can still connect to the Internet

41 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 MOBILE LIFE

What phone we carry says a lot about who were are Express yourself The phone has joined the list of items we must think about if we want to project the right image

obile phones have always importantly, your style. Like the watch they were used for emergencies, but been a status symbol. Ten is to the man’s wrist, the mobile phone gradually, the devices, which cost over Myears ago, just owning one has now become a functional item $1,000 and had short battery lives, was enough. Now that most of the turned individual statement. became indispensable items for developing world has mobile phones executives on the go. (the International Telecommunication Remember, if you can, to the early Union expects worldwide subscriptions days of mobile phones. The originals Remember the iconic scene in the to hit 5 billion this year), having a were car phones; those big, bulky 1987 film “Wall Street” in which broker phone is not sufficient; you must have suitcase-like items that rested in the Gordon Gekko, played by Michael the right one; one that speaks of your car's console and were the same size Douglas, wanders the beach with a taste, your wealth and most as their fixed line counterparts. At first, phone so big it nearly eclipses his

42 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 face. Fourteen years later, Hollywood The Finnish were on the cutting edge of brought us “Zoolander”, a film about a mobile technology, and thus many will The iPhone lends male model named Derek Zoolander, remember their first cellular phone who has a phone so small he can being a Nokia, the world’s largest itself to the more barely grip it. The gimmick was manufacturer of mobile phones. When creative types. It popular enough for fans to start a the company introduced multicolored Facebook page called “Derek faceplates for their cell phones in the says, “I’m hip, Zoolander’s Phone.” When calling on- 1990s, it started a trend of phone the-go lost its novelty, around 1993, fashion accessories which by 2006 were technologically IBM introduced a phone that had PDA raking in over $1 billion a year, in the features as well, such as a calculator, U.S. alone. Bluetooth made having a savvy, and I address book and fax machine. It blinking object in your ear not only cool, definitely have a retailed for $900 and gave people but useful. The open wireless even more opportunities to show off technology, created by Ericsson in 1994, Mac at home” their devices as they pulled them out allowed for exchanging data over short to make calculations, or to lookup distances using radio transmissions. someone's number. Bluetooth headsets are still proliferating call even while eating dinner.” Today, it and can cost up to $65. Users of these is not only about what your phone and Function really started to give way to bug-sized ear devices can be seen its accessories look like, but about fashion in the mid-90s. In 1996, wearing them while walking around the what they can do. Along with email, Motorola released the StarTAC phone, mall or sitting in cafes. web browsing, text messaging, a whose flip cover gave owners that camera, Bluetooth technology, stock satisfactory, and also notably audible, Bluetooth says, “I’m important, so tickers, GPS locators and breaking “I have a cool cell phone” sound. much so that I might have to take a news are what no professional should

Today's phones can set us apart from the faceless crowds

43 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 the iPhone is better technology-wise techies. It says, “I’m hip, technologically Among the suit- because of its various applications and savvy, and I definitely have a Mac data storage capabilities, the at home.” wearing crowd, a BlackBerry is practical, and has the serious phone popular Blackberry Messenger For the really tech-savvy, Android, an program (BBM), which is widely used operating system for smartphones like should be gray or in the Middle East, especially by the Google’s “Android OS”, is a must. It younger generation, to communicate. allows users to multi-task while on the black and must not BBM, a free internal instant messaging phone, making it simple and cheap to system for BlackBerry customers, is synchronize contacts, calendars and have specialized fast becoming a primary means of even documents across different ring tones, stickers, correspondence for those on the run devices. With Android, users can read and for those who prefer to avoid the news, check Facebook and browse charms or duct tape conversations. BlackBerry has more photos at the same time, much like a than 45 million customers, while the miniature version of a PC. Android is iPhone has upwards of 30 million. for the user who wants to say “I’m be without. In the world of RIM’s device says “I’m corporate, I get nerdy, I have a lot of bandwidth, and I smartphones, the two most common a lot of emails, and I need to check can out-download your iPhone any devices are Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s them and respond ASAP.” day.” Not surprisingly, two-thirds of BlackBerry, each of which have enough Android users are men. For traveling functions to make an assistant The iPhone lends itself to the more professionals, roaming phones also obsolete. While industry experts say creative types: actors, filmmakers and have caché. Being reachable at any

44 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 Moving into the future, the phone, if it hasn’t already, will become an important accessory of style expression

time, in any place, is not a nuisance, Now, having a vintage 212 area code is but the sign of a modern individual. as desirable as having an iPad. As One may be for landlines become phased out, serious business, the other Numbers, too, are part of the package. professionals often carry not just one Being at the other end of an easy-to- phone, but two. One may be for for personal use. A remember number is a conversation business, the other for personal use. A piece as well as a business tool, and double-fisted phone owner says “I’m double-fisted phone people will pay up to four times the an entrepreneur, I have a hand in many regular amount just to be the business ventures.” Or simply, “I don't owner says “I’m an proprietor of such sleek digits, which mix business with pleasure.” entrepreneur, I have say, “I have a number that looks like it could direct you to the headquarters Among the suit-wearing crowd, a serious a hand in many of a major company, but it’s all mine.” phone should be gray or black and must In a nod to the growing import placed not have specialized ring tones, stickers, business ventures.” on cell phone numbers, in New York charms or duct tape. Unfortunately, a City, a movement towards old area serious phone does not always beget a Or simply, “I don't codes is gaining steam. Years ago, serious user, as even the sleekest phones mix business with Manhattan had just one area code: will often be used at inappropriate times; 212. But with the rise of cell phones, in a restaurant, in a library or in a pleasure” companies had to add other area crowded cinema. When this happens, codes to accommodate users. even the priciest handset is a nuisance.

45 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 GREEN AFFAIRS

The world is heating up Sweltering summer raises hopes for action on global warming

ntense, record-breaking heat gripped the world this summer. In Russia, hundreds died, crops failed and forest- Iand peat-fires raged during two months of soaring temperatures the country has not seen in 130 years of record keeping. The heat in China unleashed waves of locusts that decimated crops and grasslands in Inner Mongolia.

Around 20 countries around the world experienced their hottest days on record, uncluding several in the Middle East, though as well as places with traditionally cooler climes like Russia (44) and Finland (37.2). For some, this is yet more evidence that humans are warming the planet, prompting increasing climactic catastrophes – the dark smear of humanity’s carbon footprint.

While most scientists are currently still pouring over data to determine if this year’s wrathful weather is directly related to global warming, activists are already hopeful that, regardless of the evidence, this summer will help convince skeptics that people are altering the earth’s climate.

Several years ago, the scientific community generally agreed that human activity significantly contributed to a drastic rise in certain gases – particularly carbon dioxide – that in turn trap We all need to make an effort to re duce our personal carbon footprint more heat in the atmosphere, raising both land and ocean temperatures. There are a number of factors linked to A bulk of the increase in carbon dioxide comes from warming land and seas, but the culprit that has certainly burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, and garnered the most attention has been carbon dioxide. decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (now popularly called a carbon footprint) has become the Along with water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone, most well-know way to try slowing – or, ideally, reversing – carbon dioxide is a primary “greenhouse” gas that humans the process of global warming. have been producing in enormous amounts since the Industrial Revolution. Despite the broad scientific consensus that humans are not only heating up the earth, but that the result will be more Studying ice cores – samples from accumulated formations of deadly heat waves, flooding, raising sea levels and other snow and ice such as glaciers – lets scientists analyze samples weather-related disasters – even if troubles this summer of air trapped as far back as 800,000 years ago and gives a prove unrelated to global warming – the world’s response picture of how the composition of the air has changed. A has, at best, been mixed. landmark 2007 study conducted by a UN panel with researchers from around the world found that since 1750, The global community failed to reach an agreement on an there is around 38% more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere international treaty to fight global warming last year in today, a staggering increase compared to smaller fluctuations Copenhagen, and the only existing global accord on the issue seen in hundreds of years of ice core records. – the Kyoto Protocol – is not being implemented by some of

46 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 1. TURN IT OFF 7. DRIVE LESS Turn off lights, televisions, videos, stereos and computers Do your weekly errands in a single trip or pay your bills when not in use - they can use 10 to 40% of the power online. Walk, bike, ride the bus or carpool. when on standby. Also, unplug chargers as soon as they 8. OPTIMIZE YOUR SPEED have finished charging. You will consume up to 25% less fuel if you drive no more 2. BE EXACT than 90 km/hr. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need. 9. DRIVE HYBRID 3. CLOSE IT A hybrid or other fuel-efficient car emits less carbon dioxide. Don’t leave refridgerator doors open. 10. REPLACE THEM 4. CHECK YOUR TIRES Replace your incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent Properly inflated tires can improve your car’s fuel efficiency. light bulb (CFL). CFLs cost three to five times as much, but 5. USE NO PLASTIC use less than a third of the power. Replace old appliances Use cloth bags when going shopping, and avoid buying with energy-efficient ones. products which use too much plastic. 11. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT 6. FAN UP Choose food produced close to your home. Instead of using air conditioners in the summer, wear cool 12. RECYCLE clothes, and use a fan. Consume less, and re-use old products. Source: www.12simplethings.org the world’s largest polluters. The European Union, collectively eco-conscious consumers. Local government initiatives, the third-largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, is taking particularly in the US, are regulating greenhouse gas positive steps to address the problem as are some emissions in the absence of a nation-wide policy. corporations, local governments and, increasingly, individuals. On the individual level, the idea of pitching in is catching Going green, particularly for industry, is often very on, albeit slowly. Around the world, people are aiming to expensive, and even though most scientists agree on the reduce their carbon footprint – the amount of carbon need to act, global warming skeptics remain, and the issue dioxide they are responsible for producing by driving a car, is often politicized. Green energy – like solar and wind leaving lights on, or using energy-intensive products instead power – is also still expensive, and the technology is young, of more energy-efficient ones, for example. meaning traditional power generation that emits tones of carbon dioxide offers more bang for the buck. While piecemeal solutions are certainly better than nothing, scientists argue serious global action is needed fast or The consensus global solution to the problem – laid out in disastrous summers like the one that’s just passed will be the Kyoto Protocol and being pursued in the EU and other the wave of the future. countries like Japan and New Zealand – is known as “cap- and-trade.” The model envisions setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions and allows companies to purchase and sell credits depending on if they are above or below the limits.

Ideally, the money created by trading will be invested to further decrease greenhouse gas production by companies under the limits, and more of the largest producers will begin going green if the cost of credits gets too high. The Kyoto version of the system calls for rich, industrialized countries to invest in reducing emissions in developing countries.

Critics, however, note the rules of a “cap-and-trade” system – not to mention enforcement – can be manipulated and may ultimately not even reduce emissions. However, as states cajole to reach a global system to tackle global warming, local and even non-state initiatives are growing.

Corporations are increasingly either self-regulating or going greener than the law says they must, at the same time positioning themselves as environmentally friendly to attract Leave the car in the parking lot whenever possible, and carpool at other times

47 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 RADIANCE

Treading carefully Walking can lead the way to better health and increased mental strength

Wa lking is one of the most beneficial of exercises that can be embraced by people of all ages

t is no secret to travelers that walking is one of the best cholesterol while raising the good-for-you high density ways to discover a new city. Walking tours exist in nearly lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Ievery destination in the world as a healthy and hands-on – or perhaps more appropriate, feet-on – way to learn the ins Walking regularly also comes with marked psychological and outs of a new destination. benefits, such as improved memory skills, learning ability and abstract reasoning. Stress reduction, boosted confidence, But even for those deprived of the lure of an exciting new energy and a better mood, are also welcome side effects. location to explore, the benefits of walking around your own city is quite underestimated, and as modern life has the tendency to come equipped with sleek gyms and even sleeker cars, the merits of walking should not be overlooked. Walking for thirty minutes to an Indeed, not only is walking perhaps the most environmentally- friendly way by which to get around, it is also an astoundingly hour, five days a week, simple but effective way to get fit. Walking for thirty minutes dramatically reduces health to an hour, five days a week, dramatically reduces health risks such as various types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, coronary risks such as various types of heart disease, strokes, anxiety and depression. It also increases life expectancy as well as bone health, particularly cancer, type 2 diabetes, strengthening the hip bone and staving off osteoporosis. coronary heart disease, strokes, For those with, or at risk from cholesterol problems, walking anxiety and depression can help in this department as well. Studies have shown that the exercise lowers harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

48 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 As with any exercise, walking burns calories – making it a good choice for weight watchers who prefer a low-impact Walking regularly also comes work out. A half hour of moderate walking burns between 90 to 190 calories, whereas vigorous walking for the same with marked psychological amount of time will burn between 120 to 260 calories. benefits, such as improved Walking up and down a hill raises the metabolism even higher and burns between 100 and 290 calories over 30 memory skills, learning minutes, depending on speed and intensity. ability and abstract With these health benefits in mind, walking appears an ideal, straightforward and cost effective manner to get in reasoning. Stress reduction, shape or stay healthy. But before you set off on this path to boosted confidence, energy better well-being, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. Regardless of how naturally walking may come, given that and mood, are also welcome most have been refining the art since they were toddlers, there are, in fact, right and wrong ways to engage in the side effects exercise. Walking correctly leads to better physical and psychological health, but walking wrongly is a sure way to a wasted effort and possibly even injury. Indeed, while walking does not necessarily involve the purchase of hi-tech equipment, investing in good walking First off all, before you set out to explore your area and test shoes is a must. Unsuitable shoes will instead increase your stamina, do some warm-up stretches. This will improve susceptibility to muscle pulls, knee problems and plantar your stride and pace as well as lower the risk of muscle fasciitis – painful inflammation of the connective tissue under tears, particularly if you have not worked out in a while. the heel bone, across the sole of the foot and the toes. Be careful not to over-stride, which is when walkers lengthen their stride in an attempt to gain speed by Avoid heavy shoes that will slow you down and stiff soles reaching out further with their forward foot. Besides not that hinder the ability of your foot to roll easily through each making you go significantly faster, this will cause the feet to step. Throw out shoes that are over a year old or that have strike down harder and cause pain to the shins. walked over 800 kilometers, as the essential cushioning and support is likely to have worn away. For added speed, it is best to instead take shorter, quicker steps with a focus on rolling through your step with your Also make sure that your shoes are the right size. Walking shoes back foot to give a powerful push off. Rolling your foot should be slightly larger than your normal dress shoe size, but through, heel to toe, instead of slapping it down flat is quite shoes that are too big will inhibit you, and likely cause some essential to walking well. If this proves difficult, you may hilarity, whereas those too small will make the feet swell. If need more flexible shoes. choosing the right size is likely to particularly stress you, fret not as most athletic stores will offer free sizing advice to customers.

While walking, assume a straight posture with the shoulders down and the back straight, and breathe steadily and deeply. It goes without saying that comfortable clothing and adequate hydration are equally essential. It is also best to walk facing oncoming traffic for your own and other’s safety.

With this in mind, you should be all set to walk toward better health – creating no added carbon emissions as you get from place to place is just the added bonus.

And when you have gotten all you can out of straight-laced walking, why not push your boundaries further with different variants of this ancient form of exercise. For the more adventurous there are a whole array of walking sports, such as Nordic walking, which evolved from an off-season ski-training activity and involves walking together with specially designed poles, and works more than 90% of the body’s muscle mass.

Even walking to work instead of driving or taking public transport can make a difference What’s not to enjoy?

49 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 ICONS OF DESIGN Whispering ghosts Rolls-Royce is more than a motoring icon. It has become a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship

ueen Elizabeth opted long ago for a Phantom IV, who can afford to spend (at today’s prices) a minimum of one of 18 models to have been ever produced (and, $500,000 without blinking. Over the years, the Rolls has Qincidentally, only sold to royalty); John Lennon become a legend in itself, one built on the stuff of dreams: chose to customize his shiny white Rolls by painting it matt romance, glamour and wealth. black and decorating it with psychedelic motifs. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Brunei owns over 350 Rolls-Royces, all of which At the height of the British Empire, Rolls were driven around are safely tucked away in his gigantic car lot. Mayfair and Pall Mall and raced through remote and exotic colonies, from Africa to India. Rajas copied the British Since their creation in 1904, Rolls-Royce cars have always aristocracy’s enthusiasm for the opulent car, and a 1911 been the privilege of the ultra rich, owned by the lucky few model was designed specially for the Maharajah of Mysore.

Models such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom, seen here at a regional motor show in 2009, have always had allure and mystique to attract the rich and famous

50 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 The Spirit of Ecstasy is the embodiment of the marque’s passion and flair

51 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 A 1934 Rolls Royce: The brand’s models are famous for their longevity

In fact, in less than a year, Royce had designed not one but The Spirit of Ecstasy is three cars, all of which were called the Royce 10. A friend, who was employed at C.S. Rolls, a local car dealership understood to have been showed one of the cars to the owner, Charles Rolls and in May of 1904, the entrepreneur and the car dealer agreed to inspired by the real life produce the Rolls-Royce. Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Four different models of the Royce 10 went on show for the the secretary of Lord John first time at the Paris Salon of 1904. In 1907, Rolls-Royce released its legendary Silver Ghost (named on account of Montagu, editor of The Car the quietness of its engine). The car positioned the company as a maker of luxury vehicles and became the magazine who was to meet most famous car of its time. a tragic end The fame of the Rolls-Royce has been built around many stories and legends. The Spirit of Ecstasy, the famous These luxury rides were originally the product of Frederick mascot of a woman leaning forwards adorning Rolls- Royce’s vivid imagination. In 1903, he bought his first car, a Royces to this day, is understood to have been inspired by French Deauville. It didn’t meet Royce’s high standards and the real life Eleanor Velasco Thornton, secretary of Lord inspired him to do better, even if he did use the French John Walter Edward Scott-Montagu, the editor of The auto as the basis for his own designs. Car magazine.

52 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010 In 1915, Eleanor tragically drowned with hundreds of other passengers when the SS Persia on which she and Lord John Lennon chose to Montagu were travelling to India, was sunk by the Germans customize his shiny white in the Mediterranean. Rolls by painting it matt Lord Montagu commissioned his friend Charles Robinson Sykes to sculpt a personal mascot, based on Eleanor black and decorating it with Thornton, for his Rolls-Royce. The original mascot was later modified by Sykes to be closer to today’s Spirit of Ecstasy psychedelic motifs. that is used as the mascot for Rolls-Royce cars. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Rolls-Royce cars were also engaged in military service. The Brunei owns over 350 Rolls- six-cylinder Ghost was used during World War I as part of an armored squadron created by Britain's Royal Naval Air Royces, all of which are service. The Rolls-Royce was such an effective vehicle on battle fields that all available Silver Ghost chassis were safely tucked away in his requisitioned; civilian production of the car stopped, and all gigantic car lot models slowly disappeared from the streets of London, deploying, like the Duke of Westminster’s car, to the French and African front lines. service - to the German Volkswagen car company in the late eighties. Volkswagen then kept the Bentley line and Nearly two decades later, Rolls-Royce saw an interesting sold Rolls-Royce to its compatriot BMW. opportunity in the Bentley car company, which went bankrupt in the wake of the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce purchased Today, Rolls-Royce are still icons of luxury and can be seen Bentley in 1931, and from that point onwards models parked under the glittering towers in Dubai, Bahrain, produced by the two companies were nearly identical. Jeddah or Abu Dhabi. In the Middle East, Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Program lets customers personalize their car. The During World War II, Rolls-Royce began producing jet Bayunah Phantom is said to be inspired by the deserts of engines and it carried on doing so for another four Abu Dhabi in a livery of beiges and browns and equipped decades until a crisis in the jet engine market brought with a tan ever-flex roof and a gold Spirit of Ecstasy. The Rolls-Royce to its knees. The car division was purchased by Arabian Shaheen falcon inspired another model, the Vickers in 1980, and in less than ten years the famous Shaheen Phantom Coupe. It has similar predatory lines British marque was sold - ironically, given its wartime and comes in orchid Pearl paint, contrasting with shades of red. The upholstery is in seashell leather upholstery with falcon- embroidered headrests.

Rolls-Royce’s success might be attributed to the fact that more than 60% of Rolls-Royce cars ever made are still roadworthy, one of the oldest being a 1904 10 horsepower model, owned by a man in Scotland. A Silver Ghost which was produced in 1907 and is owned by the company is also still in working condition.

In 2009, Rolls Royce manufactured 1,212 Phantoms. Most have been bought by the rich and famous such as P. Diddy, David Beckham and Eddy Murphy. Even Lady Gaga jumped on the bandwagon by buying one for her parents, delivered with the message: “A car to last like a love like yours”.

The world's oldest surviving Rolls-Royce. Built in 1904, car 20154 is a small, 10 horsepower, open-topped two-seater She certainly chose the right marque.

53 CONNECT NOVEMBER 2010