ABA Holding Group Learning and Development launches new digital platform

Revolutionizing the way our team members gain access to training at Ali Bin Ali Holding, the Group Learning and Development Department has introduced a digital learning platform – The ABA Learning Hub.

The platform was ceremoniously launched on February 26, 2023, at a small gathering held at the ABA Head Office in the presence of Senior Managers, the Learning and Development team and the users. There was also a significant online participation by ABA staff members in Kuwait, K.S.A and also Qatar.

The ABA Learning Hub is a storehouse of a wide range of courses and study modules that ABA employees can avail of at their own pace and in their own time. The easily navigable portal is user friendly and allows the user to check the modules available, select courses that suits her/his business need and even form groups to discuss topics. The e-learning platform is accessible from different gadgets beyond a desktop and laptop and can be accessed via an app on tablets or the mobile phones, whether they are in the workplace or at home.

500 ABA staff members from different divisions and departments of the Holding have been selected by their Managers to pilot the new e-learning platform. All users are being added in the backend by the Learning and Development Team and can set up a profile with the ABA email address.

The ABA Learning Hub is a part of the Group Learning and Development Department’s vision strategy to achieve learning autonomy, learning agility and to repurpose talent. The platform encourages ABA staff to consistently be curious to gain new knowledge and skills. The new platform is a breakthrough for the whole organization as we step into the future with the digitally advanced Learning and Development Department, which allows our staff the flexibility to keep learning as per their availability.

Speaking at the launch, Guest speaker Mr. Sébastien Farhat, emphasized the importance of Learning and investing in one’s own growth, while Ms. Gizelle Lacson – ABA Learning and Development Lead said: “Digitization is the future and it’s a proud moment for all of us to be able to offer this platform to our teams. The core of all these is learning – as it facilitates the resilience of the workforce. It is essential that we keep learning to advance in our professional as well as our personal lives. Learning can happen anytime, anywhere and we want to make it flexible, convenient and fun. The ABA Learning Hub is all of that and I am sure it will be an asset for the employees and the Group.”

 

 

Turkish superstar Burak Özçivit becomes the face of Ali Bin Ali Luxury and Ali Bin Ai Fashion

Elevating the glamour level of the brands, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Luxury and Fashion have introduced famous Turkish model and actor Burak Özçivit as their brand ambassador. The big announcement was made by the Vice-Chairman & EVP of Ali Bin Ali Holding Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali on February 21 at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2023. Also present at the event was CEO of Swiss luxury watch brand Purnell, Mr. Maurizio Mazzocchi.

The flamboyant actor has signed the agreement with ABA Luxury and Fashion making him the face of the brands for the entire Gulf region, for the next four years. During this period, Purnell will be the official watch brand worn by Burak. The Swiss watchmaking maison is one of the most popular brands under ABA Luxury’s portfolio.

Burak Özçivit, who has a large fanbase across the region and even globally, is also a supermodel and the face of many European brands. He was chosen the ‘Top Model of Turkey’ and later picked as the second ‘Best Model of The World’. Since his debut in the acting industry in 2003, he has featured in multiple TV shows and films, gaining international fame.

The superstar will now be the brand ambassador of ABA Luxury and Fashion, exclusively participating in various campaign activities. This partnership will unfold a new burst of positive synergies for the ABA Brands who have always carved innovative ways of appealing to the heart of clients.

Speaking about the exclusive agreement, Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said: “We are happy and proud to welcome Burak Özçivit into the Ali Bin Ali family. Just like our brand, the actor has a strong sense of individuality, which is enough to make this collaboration exceptional. Wishing him all the best for the coming four years and looking forward to seeing him represent Ali Bin Ali Luxury and Fashion.”

Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Burak said: “I am very happy to become the ambassador for ABA Luxury and ABA Fashion. I hope our collaboration helps us reach the entire Middle East and the entire world.”

Dohatna Innovative Distribution partners with Samsung to showcase an immersive space at 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village

Further strengthening their long-standing partnership, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Dohatna Innovative Distribution and Samsung Gulf Electronics joined hands to inaugurate an immersive experiential store in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village. Dohatna is the official partner of Samsung Mobile in Qatar.

Located in 21 High st – the ultimate outdoor shopping destination in Qatar, the new store is strategically positioned right opposite the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha. It offers an exclusive space for visitors who wish to see all that is new and innovative in Mobiles, TVs, Home Appliances and Monitors.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Adel Ali Bin Ali, Chairman & President of Ali Bin Ali Holding, HE Lee Joon-Ho The ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar, Mr. Doohee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Business Head for Consumer Electronics Retail and Distribution Mr. Ganesh Mithra Parthajee and other top officials from Ali Bin Ali Holding and Samsung Qatar team.

The showroom brings a unique design element to tell Samsung’s product story across a highly immersive customer journey, which intuitively, brings visitors closer to the product depending on individual taste and preferences. The approach was one of seamlessness so that visitors may be guided by their personal needs and even explore opportunities of personalization, from the design to the very software display.

Across the store, customers get to see the latest innovations of Samsung Galaxy Mobiles & Wearables portfolio. Its highly ambitious products offering will exhibit the latest Galaxy S Series, including the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23, marking a new era of Samsung Galaxy’s ultimate premium phone.

Softened by wooden slats, greenery and elegant accessories, The Frame and The Serif, both part of Samsung’s Lifestyle TV line-up, are showcased on a separate wall to help customers re-imagine their living rooms.

A must-see for visitors is the dedicated SmartThings space, featuring multiple day-to-day scenarios of connected device experiences, such as Gaming and Work from Home.  In addition, customers can see up-close and personal Samsung’s latest home appliances, including The Air Dresser, Bespoke Jet, and Bespoke Refrigerators.

 

ABA Medical signs an exclusive distributor agreement with Zimmer Biomet

On February 05, 2023 Ali Bin Ali Medical signed an exclusive agreement with Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), one of the three largest orthopedic device companies in the world, as its new distributor in the State of Qatar.

The signing ceremony took place during Arab Health in Dubai, in the presence of various officials from Zimmer Biomet including: Mr. Wilfred Van Zuilen, the President of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Mr. Erik Antos, the Vice President of EMEA Emerging Markets; Ms. Farah Hamdan, the General Manager of Middle East, North Africa and Turkey; and Mr. Ayman Harb, the Sales Associate Director of EMEA. Other executives from Ali Bin Ali Medical who graced the event were: Mr. Monzer Abdel Samad, the General Manager; Ms. Rawia Amineddine, the Operations Manager; and Mr. Majid Haddadi, the Business Unit Manager. This agreement is set to transform patient experience in Qatar through access to Zimmer Biomet’s innovative cutting-edge solutions, products, digital and robotic technologies.

During the announcement of the new agreement, Ms. Hamdan was thrilled on the constant progress Zimmer Biomet has made. “It’s a transformative period in healthcare and the continued growth of Zimmer Biomet’s presence in the Middle East means we can help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for even more people – and that is our ultimate mission,” said Ms. Hamdan.

Mr. Abdel Samad expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership between the two companies and how it will elevate access to quality healthcare and products for the people of Qatar and the Middle East. “We are proud to reinforce our acumen in the Qatar market. This new partnership will strengthen our presence even further,” noted Abdel Samad.

The new agreement is part of ABA Medical’s holistic vision and milestone of growing its product portfolio, and being the lead and premier importer and distributor of world-class medical equipment. The Middle East and Africa region continues to be an important platform for both companies, in the field of healthcare.

Governance, Risk and Compliance practice set precedence for the future of Ali Bin Ali Holding

On January 17, 2022 Ali Bin Ali Legal Department announced the launch of its autonomous and reinvigorated Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) unit that will manage risks and ensure compliance of business requirements and government regulations. The evening event, held at W Hotel Doha, was attended by more than 100 ABA executives from across 18 business streams of the conglomerate.

In his maiden speech, ABA Vice President/General Counsel, Mr. Nabil Chamas, pointed to the fundamental significance of the GRC unit within ABA Holding as a support unit that would safeguard the company’s identity, its employees and consumers. Mr. Chamas noted that the world’s risk and compliance landscape is more complex than ever before, hence the need for the ABA Legal Department to introduce new policies and regulations, and modify existing ones so as to protect the company’s interest. “By implementing the GRC component, our company can make better decisions in a risk-aware environment. Our sustainable and yet effective approach towards GRC will help us and our stakeholders set guidelines and comply with requirements both at the national and international level,” Mr. Chamas stated.

It was noted in the meeting that the creation of the GRC unit came at an opportune moment when ABA Holding was rapidly expanding its functions and operations in the Middle East and across the globe. Key topics such as the importance of governance and cybersecurity; data protection; addressing risk and risk environments; and compliance practices were discussed by the notable staff and lawyers of the ABA Legal Department including: Mr. Benjamin Anafi, Ms. Janaina De Queiroz, Ms. Mahassen Al Taki, and Mr. Jean Michel.

The legal department, through Ms. Sarolta Kacso and Ms. Amina El Zein, proposed launching an App – App4Legal – that would help track and manage the entire life cycle of the company’s contracts, litigation, and corporate matters, thereby minimizing the company’s risk posture. The App is set to enhance efficiency in ABA’s workflow where every task can be organized, automated and streamlined.

To conclude the event, a plenary discussion was opened for participants to share their opinions, experiences and how to better implement the GRC program in their daily practices. As a follow-up to the conference, the GRC support unit will conduct trainings to enable employees better understand the GRC and App4Legal.

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens ELIE SAAB boutique in 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village

The ELIE SAAB universe continues its expansion with a new boutique opening in Qatar in collaboration with Ali Bin Ali Fashion. The store is located in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village at 21 High st – Qatar’s fashion hub –– facing the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha. This strategic move comes at a time when the region, and Qatar in particular, is becoming a major travel destination.

Elie Saab Jr, CEO of ELIE SAAB Group says: “Opening a Doha boutique cements our regional influence and our mission to personally cater to our diverse clientele. Qatar has quickly become a global terminus and an imperative fashion location, which is why we have strategically partnered with the country’s leading luxury fashion reference, Ali Bin Ali Fashion, with whom we have a very long-standing relationship, in order to optimize our reach as we continue to expand the ELIE SAAB universe.”

The sophisticated boutique is ready to welcome visitors and fashion aficionados to immerse in its modern and elegant atmosphere. Exquisitely designed, the store showcases the ELIE SAAB Maison line while also highlighting the brand’s signature aesthetic with soft femininity and enduring allure. Visitors are welcomed through proud Roman columns into an expansive 340sqm-interior elevated with warm wood and lavish marble. The new showroom features Ready-to-Wear collections, a dedicated kids’ area, a private bridal salon and VIP wing to cater to our varied clientele.

Regarding the new collaboration, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender, General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Fashion, said: “We are proud that ELIE SAAB is now a part of Ali Bin Ali Fashion. This collaboration yet again allows us to support our vision of bringing the best of international fashion to Qatar. I am sure that together, ELIE SAAB and Ali Bin Ali Fashion will offer enticing designs to satisfy the refined taste of our clients.” 

 ELIE SAAB Boutique in Doha is designed to expand the brand’s presence in the region and provide a more personalized shopping experience that meets the needs of loyal clientele. With flagship stores in Paris, Beirut, New York, London and the UAE, ELIE SAAB continues to expand a vision for more meaningful connections by launching additional global boutiques in the near future.

Qatar Cancer Society recognizes Monoprix Qatar for support to Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Recognizing Monoprix Qatar’s support to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Qatar Cancer Society presented the French Hypermarket with a special appreciation trophy. The trophy was officially handed over to Mr. Alice Kumpraewpan, Customer Service Manager of Monoprix Qatar, on October 26, 2022.

True to their vision of supporting the community, Monoprix stores all over Qatar honored October as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and made sure to pass the message on to their employees as well as customers.

Pink was the flavor of the month at Monoprix Qatar. Female staff in all Monoprix stores and the head office were seen in pink polo shirts along with pink ribbons to show support to the cause and raise awareness. The Monoprix paper shopping bag was also updated with a special design to reflect the campaign.

Monoprix Qatar also used its official social media platform to maximize the campaign’s reach and posted a video about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Monoprix outlets all over Qatar were branded with information about the campaign, including a QR code donation sticker for customers who would like to donate for the noble cause. Furthermore, a total of 1,000 gift boxes were given out to female customers who came to shop in the Monoprix stores.

Speaking about supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, General Manager of Monoprix Qatar Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “Monoprix is not just a Hypermarket, we are a community and we believe in supporting our people and society. While breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, it can also be treated if detected early. It is all about awareness and Monoprix wanted to support Qatar Cancer Society in this noble cause. We took every step possible to reach out to our staff and customers and make this campaign successful.”

 

MoPH Qatar, in association with ABATS, inaugurated electronic food safety system, ‘Watheq’

As one of the leading IT Systems Integrators in Qatar, Ali Bin Ali Technology Solutions (ABATS) joined hands with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to launch the electronic food safety system, ‘Watheq’. On September 25, 2022, HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari ceremonially inaugurated ‘Watheq’.

Apart from high-level officials and dignitaries from MoPH Qatar, present at the event were General Manager of ABATS Mr. Rami Majed Ammari, COO of Ali Bin Ali Holding ICT Mr. Mohamad A. Ebrik, General Manager – Ali Bin Ali Holding – Finance Mr. Adnan Suleiman, Head of Sales at ABATS Mr. Nasser Issa and Ali Bin Ali Holding – Group Corporate Communications Manager Mr. Imad Hashim.

The ABATS team has been at the helm of this project, coordinating between all parties to make sure the project was delivered flawlessly. They worked together with the MoPH to create the most effective and integrated electronic system, aiming to provide high-quality services to enhance the health and well-being of the community. ‘Watheq’ is a very strategic project for ABATS and is one of the most important national projects undertaken within the Qatar Public Health Strategy.

The electronic system involves a food control process based on standard operating procedures subject to international accreditation controls (ISO 17020), through three electronically linked systems: the system of control of imported and exported food, the system of control of food in the local market, and the electronic management of food analysis laboratories.

This comes under the strategic objective to “develop an integrated risk-based inspection service certified to relevant international standards such as ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for imported, locally produced and exported food products that are supported by modern electronic management systems, effective diagnostic services, and monitoring and surveillance systems”, the ministry said in a statement.

Speaking of the ‘Watheq’ solution, Mr. Ebrik said: “We are proud and happy to be part of such an important national project. ABATS, with all our knowledge and experience, made sure to deliver the best platform that will enhance Qatar’s food safety system manifold.”

Al Shaqab and Ali Bin Ali Holding sign agreement to open Al Shaqab Village

True to the Group’s vision of supporting Qatar’s developmental plans and preserving the cultural heritage, Ali Bin Ali Holding has signed a partnership agreement with Al Shaqab to build Al Shaqab Village.

On September 21, Ali Bin Ali Holding signed the agreement with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to build and manage the unique accommodation project. It is located next to the world-class equestrian center, Al Shaqab, Education City Golf Club, and Education City Stadium, one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The agreement was officially signed by Vice-Chairman & EVP of Ali Bin Ali Holding Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali and Executive Director of Al Shaqab Mr. Khalifa bin Mohamed Al Attiya in presence of other dignitaries and the local media.

Al Shaqab Village combines traditional elegance with modern comforts. The state-of-the-art amenities offered at the facility delivers unforgettable experience. With a design inspired by Qatar’s historic villages and districts, Al Shaqab Village includes more than 100 housing units to suit different needs and enhances the country’s prestige as a world sporting and tourist destination.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said: “The Al Shaqab Village project merges the traditional sport of Qatar with a luxury resort experience. We are glad to be part of this project that will place Qatar uniquely on the global sports tourism map.”

Mr. Khalifa bin Mohamed Al Attiya said: “Through this project, we aim to make Al Shaqab one of the best tourist and sporting destinations for local and international visitors, helping them enjoy sports and entertainment activities in Qatar.”

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens Berluti store in Qatar

Once again bringing the finest in international fashion to Qatar, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Fashion has inaugurated a new store for the Parisian men’s fashion house Berluti. The boutique at Place Vendome Mall was opened to the public on Friday, July 22, offering a 360-degree Berluti lifestyle experience.

Berluti, a name synonymous with style, elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship – and founded by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for their deep understanding of the mastery of footwear, consistently producing shoes for the well-shod gentleman since its birth in 1895.

Since then, Berluti has cultivated its own unique style by bringing together audacity and elegance. Expertise in shape, leather patinas, fabric selection and precision of cut are the signatures of the ideal male wardrobe. From head to toe.

Located in the luxury section of Place Vendome near Dior and Loro Piana boutiques, Berluti organically blends with the gorgeous architecture of the destination. Like all other Berluti stores around the globe, the boutique design focuses on luxurious simplicity through exceptional materials.

With a welcoming and pristine setting of white and warm browns, the décor is inspired by the depth and variety of Berluti’s leather patina. In a subdued salon-like atmosphere, Berluti’s Club chair and furniture offering are displayed, overlooking the patina-inspired ceiling, celebrating the Maison’s lifestyle heritage and innovations.

Curated for the Qatari taste, the collection at the Place Vendome boutique will display a complete range of men’s accessories, including shoes and leather goods. The French House makes no apologies for their exceptionally luxurious goods, making the Berluti man undeniably elegant with exquisite taste.

From shoes, bags, wallets to accessories, Berluti creations are hand-assembled and customizable from the wooden last to the choice of leather and patinas.

Speaking about the latest addition to ABA Fashion’s portfolio, General Manager of ABA Fashion Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “We are very proud to be associated with such a luxurious fashion House and present the only Berluti store in Qatar. With the common vision of offering premium experience for our esteemed clients, ABA Fashion and Berluti hope to please the refined taste in fashion of the people in Qatar.”