Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qassimi inking the $500m deal in Yemen.

SAHARA Communications was present in Yemeni capital Sana'a to cover Emirates Investment Group (EIG's) $500m property deal with the Yemen Investment Authority. Media interest in the event was sizeable, but was enhanced immeasurably by the involvement of PR heavyweights SAHARA Communications, which ensured coverage in 20 countries – media coverage which was valued at $3m and further proof – if any were needed – that SAHARA Communications’ PR acumen is making its own headlines.

EIG, a leading investment company, has announced ‘Sana’a Terraces’ and ‘Sana’a East’ as its maiden projects in Yemen, with the Yemeni Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Mujawar, attending the announcement ceremony.

The signing of the agreement between EIG and the Yemeni Authorities has, unusually, resulted in benefits for three separate parties – SAHARA Communications taking its place as the third party to benefit from the deal. How so? Dr. Ahmed Al Samerai, SAHARA Group’s President, who was accompanying His Excellency Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qassimi on his visit, said: “The deal which has taken place is almost as important to SAHARA Communications itself as it is to the two main protagonists. The reason? The fact that hard, diligent and well-crafted work on the part of SAHARA Communications has spread the word of the development to a massive 20 countries, media coverage which has been valued at $3m.

During his visit to Yemeni Capital Sana'a.

“This goes to show that in terms of real estate PR, SAHARA Communications can deliver on a local, regional and, increasingly, a global basis. Furthermore, we are confident that we offer our clients something else they value in addition to coverage: value for money.”

The $500m developments, which fall within a series of signature projects that EIG plans to launch in Yemen, will fall in prime locations. Strategically situated 10 kilometers away from the new airport expansion, 2.5 kilometers to the east of Old Sana’a City, the plush Sana’a Terraces overlooks the Movenpick Hotel Sana’a, one of the most exclusive hotels in the Yemeni capital. It covers an area of 140m square meters, comprising neatly designed residential and commercial units, while Sana’a East will consist of residential and commercial units as well as hotel apartments.

Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassimi, EIG’s Chairman, said: “Given the rich history of Yemen and its influential cultural heritage, it is a prime destination for this level of property development. These two projects will be new landmarks that reflect the great cultural stature of the country and its preeminent historical significance.”

SAHARA Stand at ITB 2008

SAHARA Communications has returned from triumphant involvement in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB 2008), the world’s largest tourism and travel trade show, held in Berlin in mid-March.

ITB is the world’s most prestigious meeting place for key travel and tourism players, and serves as a focal point for the world’s tourism and business sectors, attracting more than 10,000 exhibitors annually representing countries across the globe.

SAHARA Communications presented its achievements at the ‘Sharjah Stand’ to impressive effect and these did not go unnoticed. A successful show climaxed in SAHARA Communications receiving the independently-adjudicated award for the ‘Best Exhibitor’ of all the Arab delegations taking part in the event.

In taking its brand to central Europe, SAHARA Communications has once again made clear that its strategic goal is to achieve global recognition. The ITB event was the latest showcase to build on successes the group has achieved at local and regional levels.

Mariam Keblawi, General Manager for SAHARA Communications, said of the exhibition: “ITB 2008 is a preeminent gathering of decision makers in the travel and tourism industry across the region and also worldwide, making it one of the most significant events in the tourism sector.

“It represented a valuable opportunity for SAHARA Communications to communicate directly with the international tourism community, to exchange experiences and discuss ways for mutual co-operation, as well as to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the tourism sector.”

With the organization now encompassing a worldwide network of branches and agents, promoting SAHARA Communications’ achievements at the ITB is a huge step forward in endorsing the brand on a global level.  This included making important contacts with international trade visitors as well as enabling private visitors to find inspiration for their next holiday.

An international showing for SAHARA Communications and an award-winning one at that – at an event as prestigious as ITB 2008 goes a long way to establishing the brand and its services on the world stage. It shows ambition, a dedication to duty and diligence and further proves that the company is no longer just an Arab concern. SAHARA Communications is becoming a global brand and the success enjoyed by the company at such an important event reinforces this belief.

Dr. Ahmed Al Samerai, President of SAHARA Group, and Mrs. Marlin Anderson, Executive Manager of ALL FIX, at the office launch ceremony.

Dr. Ahmed Al Samerai, President of SAHARA Group during the city tour

SAHARA Communications has further raised its European profile by inking a strategic agreement with the Sweden-based ALL FIX (AFX) group to support its expansion into the Scandinavian region, and, by extension, SAHARA Communications’ global presence. Mrs. Marlin Anderson, Executive Manager of ALL FIX and Dr. Ahmed Al Samerai, President of SAHARA Group, attended the official signing ceremony.

The agreement stipulates that AFX will offer technical, technological and logistic support for SAHARA Communications in the Scandinavian region. Additionally, AFX will organise training courses for employees at one of its properties. Both parties have agreed to exchange expertise and to strengthen their alliance through long-term collaboration.

Commenting on this agreement, Anderson said: “We are thrilled to enter this partnership with an ambitious GCC organisation. We are impressed with the high level of management standards adopted in SAHARA Communications that has enabled the company to build a renowned brand across the region.

“We will utilise our experience in the Scandinavian countries and the Nordic region to provide the group and its affiliates with technical and technological services. This agreement will enable us to exchange experiences and fully-paid scholarships for six months,” she added.

Dr. Al Samerai said: “As part of our ambitious plan to build an international network to serve the needs of our regional clients we’re joining forces with AFX. This agreement will add a significant logistic dimension to our strategy.

“SAHARA Communications has been well known for its visionary strategy and exceptional ability to predict the movement of the markets based on researches and fact analysis. Our alliance with US-based Zogby International Research and PR last year has proved the importance of entering alliances with strategic partners. We have conducted several studies about the feasibility of such an alliance, and the results were positive. Therefore, we will also work on this strategy in Nordic region, followed by Asia by the end of 2008,” Dr. Al Samerai added.

SAHARA Communications has aggressively expanded its portfolio of quality clients who put their trust in the professional services provided by the region’s leading media and marketing services providers. SAHARA Communications’ clients are leaders in a board spectrum of sectors that include real estate development, energy, and financial services.

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SAHARA Stand at TUR 2008

As part of its international expansion strategy, SAHARA Communications participated in the Swedish International Travel and Tourism Fair (TUR 2008), the leading travel and tourism trade fair in Scandinavia, which attracted over 1,245 exhibitors from 100 countries, as well almost 2,000 industry decision makers.

This is SAHARA Communications’ second trade fair participation in the first quarter of 2008, following swiftly on the heels of the award-winning display at ITB 2008. The industry and logistical effort involved in organising back-to-back trade fairs so far from its ‘homeland’ is testament to the company’s determination to familiarise its superior and diverse products and services with a global audience. The intended continuation of this strategy – to go where the action is and return with great press and prizes will go a long way to achieving its aims.

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SAHARA Stand at KIPS 2008

SAHARA Communications participated in the five-day Kuwait International Property Show (KIPS), which was held at the Kuwait International Fairground from April 14 to 18, 2008. The gathering brought together a host of the region’s major property developers to ponder over the latest real estate market developments and exchange marketing and media co-operation ideas.

The KIPS exhibition – organised by the Top Expo Group and covering over 30,000 sq ft of exhibition space – dealt exclusively in property, finance and investment. Statistics show that there is a growth in the number of Kuwaiti’s involved in the regional and international real estate sector, demonstrating the nature of the Kuwaiti people and their interest to invest in these countries – hence the relevance of the KIPS exhibition – and also served to enhance recognition of the SAHARA Communications brand and to tap into new markets.

There were more than 100 local, GCC and international companies participating in the exhibition. These companies showcased more than 500 real estate projects across 20 countries. Approximately 60,000 delegates attended the event, with exhibitors including: Property Developers (residential, office, commercial), Property Financing Agencies, Theme Park Owners, Shopping Centres, Promotional Agencies, Financial Institutions, Real Estate Marketing Agencies and Master Planners and Designers.

On the importance of SAHARA Communications’ involvement in KIPS, its vice-president, Fahad Al Deeb, commented: “The plethora of major property developers we are dealing with in the Arab regions have enriched our experience in the real estate media field. Several business meetings were held during the exhibition period and before the end of this month we hope to witness the joining of new property and real estate firms to SAHARA’s client list.

“We are constantly working to boost the top-notch standing we have secured over the past few years and leaving no stone unturned to better our performance and keep our clientele’s trust. We participated in this important gathering as one of the world’s largest real estate public relations companies the world over in the real estate field,” he added.

Al Deeb also stressed the important developments now witnessed by the Kuwaiti property market coincide with the real estate boom in the Gulf and Arab region in its entirety.

Project by : Al Hanoo	Project by : Nakheel
Project by : Emirates Sunland Group	Project by : SNASCO
Project by : Tanmiyat	Project by : Tameer

SAHARA Communications, the world’s largest PR agency within the property sector, has added two new jewels to its crown with the signing of PR agreements; Nakheel, one of the world’s largest privately-held property developers and Al Hanoo Holding Group, the master developer of Nujoom Islands project in Sharjah.

Through adding two property heavyweights to its portfolio, SAHARA Communications is now in charge of PR campaigns and activities for real estate projects with a total value in excess of $150 billion.

Nakheel is a key player in realising the vision of Dubai for the 21st century: creating a world class destination for living, business and tourism. The conglomerate is developing an iconic portfolio of innovative landmark projects in Dubai across a range of sectors - residential, commercial, retail and leisure. Nakheel’s developments spread across more than two billion square feet of land, and its projects are projected to be worth US$60 billion. Completion of Nakheel’s waterfront projects will have added more than 1000km of shore to Dubai’s coastline.

Flagship properties in Nakheel’s impressive Dubai portfolio currently include; The Palm Trilogy (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira and Palm Jebel Ali), The World, Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Heights, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Furjan, International City, Dragon Mart Complex, Dubai Promenade, and Dubai Design Centre.

Al Hanoo Holding is another key player in the property market and from the days of its inception in 1972, has been committed to the development of the property sector in KSA and many other neighboring countries.

The company introduced the Nujoom Islands City that is to be built on the Hamriyah Coastline in Sharjah on an area of
more than 60 million square feet. This huge project consists of a group of islands that are interconnected by meticulously designed wide water canals.

The 10 islands have been developed in such a way that they maximize shore line potential and offer over 35 km of pure, white, sandy beaches.

Mr. Mohammed Adil, Client Service Manager, property PR section, said: “SAHARA Communications has maintained its leading position as the region’s largest property PR firm. There is no other single company able to handle the PR activities for real estate projects with a total value of $150 billion.

“SAHARA Communications has a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are able to distinguish and interact with the clients, and meet the requirements of the accelerating growth in the booming property industry. We are proud to add Nakheel and Hanoo Holding to our PR family that includes TAMEER Holding, Al Mazaya Holding, Tanmiyat Investment Group, Enshaa Holding, SNASCO, Fakhruddin Properties, Rakaa Properties, Palazzo Versace Dubai Hotel and Resorts, Emirates Financial Towers and other leading names in the property sector.”

With some of the most distinguished and important names in development as part of their client group, it appears that
SAHARA Communications are key to development in the region internally and are responsible for their reputation internationally. Their role is crucial in establishing these facilities and the region as a whole as synonymous with a world wide reputation for innovation, quality and good practice.

right to left: Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group while honoring Mr. Omar Ayesh, President of Tameer Holding.

SAHARA’s congratulatory message to TAMEER on winning the award as published in one of the major GCC newspaper; Al-Khaleej

Their aim is to encourage best business practice and to raise the bar of business excellence in the UAE. So when the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) initiated it’s prestigious award scheme the business world was watching. The winner of the sought after Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award 2007, in the Real Estate Development category is…TAMEER Holding.

The region’s leading property developer received this prominent award, considered one of the UAE’s finest awards fighting off all other entries on the strength of the ‘Business High Performance Model’. The judging panel felt that they had most innovatively and comprehensively covered issues related to the management and performance of firms, in addition to strategic initiatives, quality imperatives, corporate culture, Corporate Social Responsibility and the company’s contributions to the development of the national economy.

Commenting on the award, Omar Ayesh, President of TAMEER Holding said; “We are thrilled to be competing with the UAE’s top businesses, whose achievements are apparent throughout the country. We have adopted the international standards of management, high speed and flexibility to stay abreast with the requirements, latest trends, developments and changes in the markets.

Ayesh recognised the commitment from his associates and colleagues and the importance of collaboration and sharing skills to move towards a greater goal. “All TAMEER affiliates have contributed to this achievement, which is a testimony of the great ability of local companies to achieve global reach when they utilise determination and will.

“For investors, TAMEER Holding’s projects have become synonymous with trust and confidence, and with new icons and landmarks on the architectural scene throughout the UAE and beyond,” he said, demonstrating how a holistic business outlook has improved relations with clients.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Awards aim to improve the performance level and encourage innovation among UAE-based companies. The awards recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of companies in their personal successes and those they bring to the country as a whole and encourages them to boost their abilities in international competition.

Awards were presented to winners in five categories in total. These included: Real Estate Development; Manufacturing; Finance; Re-Export and Construction. Three of these categories, Manufacturing, Finance and Re-Export, included nominee companies operating in the free zones.

The launch of these awards cannot be understated as they mark an era of transformation in the UAE, from dependence on oil revenues into the development of a diverse, dynamic economy.

Awarded Best MENA Equity Fund

SHUAA Asset Management, a division of SHUAA Capital, the leading financial services institution in the region, was awarded Best MENA Fund 2007 for its Arab Islamic Gateway Fund – the Islamic version of its flagship Arab Gateway Fund - by Failaka Islamic Fund Awards during its third annual award ceremony. Established in 1996, Failaka Advisors were the first research organisation to monitor advances in the field of Islamic investment funds.

The Arab Islamic Gateway Fund was launched in October 2006 and has returned over 47% during 2007. The investment objective of the Arab Islamic Gateway Fund is to achieve capital appreciation primarily through investments in equities listed on Arab Stock Markets as per the Shariah principles interpreted by the Shariah Advisors of the fund: London-based Dar al Istithmar. The Arab Islamic Gateway Fund is open to all GCC, regional and international institutional investors.

Mr. Haissam Arabi, Managing Director of SHUAA Asset Management said: “We are honored that the Arab Islamic Gateway Fund was awarded Best MENA Equity Fund 2007. Our leadership and regional expertise in conventional funds such as the Arab, Emirates, and Saudi Gateway Funds have been underscored by this Islamic fund award. The recognition shows that our successful investment strategy has also been translated into exceptional performance with our Shariah compliant fund – the Arab Islamic Gateway Fund.”

SHUAA Asset Management manages both Conventional and Shariah compliant portfolios and investment funds using both active and passive management styles. SHUAA Asset Management’s unrivalled track record and expertise in managing regional assets enables it to offer tailor made solutions to regional and international investors. SHUAA Asset Management’s currently has more than AED4.4 billion (US$1.2 billion) in assets under management.

Mr. Arabi concluded: “The expertise of SHUAA Asset Management’s team, which consists of 35 professionals, our successful track record in the GCC and Arab World, and a steadfast investment process have been and will continue to be the key drivers of our fund’s performance as well as the discretionary portfolios where we act as advisors.”

SAHARA Communications’ acquisitive nature of new clients wishing to avail themselves of the company’s superior services continues and we are delighted to welcome Tech Group to the fold.

Headquartered in Ajman, Tech Group is developing groundbreaking projects across the UAE, taking a leading role in the development of the country’s construction sector. It is an umbrella organisation for several of the UAE’s top construction companies: Construction Tech, Remix Tech, Block Tech and Piling Tech, among many others. Construction Tech is a preconstruction and construction firm, currently developing projects countrywide. Remix Tech is one of the ready-mix industry’s most successful firms, boasting several plants in Ajman and having already supplied over 450,000 cubic metres of material. Block Tech has garnered a reputation as one the fastest growing concrete manufacturers in Ajman with the development of several of the UAE’s mega-projects and stand-alone towers, while Aluglass Glass and Wood Tech are two of Ajman’s leading Aluminum, Glass and Wood firms.

The Ajman-based mega project, Emirates City, is seeing significant progress in the development of its ground works with Tech Group playing a key role in the project. Umbrella group Tech Group, which is overseeing the progress of its various ‘Tech’ subsidiaries, has noted that over one billion Dirham worth of essential work has been completed so far.

Of Tech Group’s new status as a client of SAHARA Communications, Mr. Fahad Al Deeb, Vice-president of SAHARA Group, commented: “We welcome Tech Group and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship.”


Schön Properties was founded in 2007 to meet the growing needs of Dubai’s growing population. In a space of less than nine months, it has achieved over two billion dirham in sales, and is one of the fastest expanding developers in the UAE by far. Its signature projects include the Dubai Lagoon, Schön Business Park and Schön Residences, situated in prime locations in New Dubai.

SAHARA Communications has teamed up directly with Asher Schön, Vice President of Schön Properties to become his personal PR representatives. Naturally, SAHARA Communications has welcomed Mr. Schön’s choice, who has spoken of the company’s plans, saying: “This a very exciting time in the UAE real estate market, especially in Dubai. Our philosophy at Schön Properties is based on responding directly and quickly to what the market is seeking, and we are now looking ahead with new projects that will serve numerous market segments that were previously ignored." 

Asher Schön is a graduate in Sales Management and Organisational Leadership from Purdue University in Indiana, USA. Having experienced living in Asia, America and the Middle East, he brings a wealth of global insights to the company. Though just 26 years of age, Asher has been involved in the Schön family business in a hands-on capacity for the past eight years. His main role is focused on overseeing project development and construction work and has valuable experience in liaising with senior industry figures. Asher plans to complete a Masters in Business Administration in the near future and lives life by the dictum: ‘never say never’.

Fahad Al Deeb, Vice President of SAHARA Group, said on the occasion: “It is rare to see such unbridled passion and youthful drive combined with real-life experience, and Asher Schön is an embodiment of that. We welcome Mr. Schön to the SAHARA family, and hope to build a long-term relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation. From individuals to multinationals, we always strive to deliver the very best to our clients.”