Business Club

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) awarded Royal Jordanian (RJ) the“2018 Four-Star Major Regional Airline” accolade on Monday, during the APEX EXPO Awards Ceremony in Long Beach, California, US. The Official Airline Ratings, the industry’s first rating programme, is based on the airline’s passengers’ verified feedback, using the TripIt mobile app that is used by millions of air travelers worldwide.

RJ President/CEO Stefan Pichler said: “We are pleased to be awarded by one of the airline industry’s highly regarded rating programmes, carried out by APEX, with a view to enhancing the passenger experience through its influential community… The improvement in our services, along with our modern fleet of aircraft, wide international network and robust connectivity are great contributors to this recognition, which we are all proud of. Thank you, RJ guests, for your valuable, fair evaluation,” he concluded.  

Nokia and Orange Jordan are deploying a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network that will bring new ultra-broadband access and triple-play services to homes and businesses across Jordan.

Using a combination of Nokia’s GPON (gigabit passive optical network) technology, fixed network professional services, as well as Nokia Applications & Analytics advanced network and device management software, Orange Jordan will deliver over 200 Mbps services needed to meet surging demand for high-speed residential and commercial services.

At present, broadband penetration in Jordan is predominantly wireless-based. Only 5 per cent of the population accesses the internet via a fixed connection, a fraction of the 6 million total broadband subscribers, according to 2017 report concerning ICT in Jordan.

However, as demand for e-services is increasing, the Jordanian government has focused on enhancing its fixed access infrastructure to ensure higher speed Internet access.

Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) has renewed its partnership for the sixth consecutive year with Al Marji’ Publications, which produces Jordan’s only parenting magazines, Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh and Family Flavours.

Under the annual agreement, Al Marji’ Publications will promote JKB services, including credit cards, electronic services.

“We are proud of the trust JKB has in the strength and credibility of our brands, Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh and Family Flavours parenting magazines.

JKB content in the magazines informs mothers and fathers of up-to-date banking services to help meet their financial needs,” said Hind-Lara Mango, Al Marji’ Publications’ managing director and publisher, at the signing.

Jordanian golf and triathlon enthusiasts will turn their attention to Aqaba next month for what promises to be an eventful week, as Ayla will be hosting the Jordan Ayla Golf Championship and the Asia Triathlon.

The events will be held between October 5th and 7th and will feature the participation of numerous countries worldwide.

With the participation of over 120 local and international players, the Jordan Ayla Golf Championship will take place as part of the 7th round of the MENA Golf Tour — one of the pioneering initiatives launched by the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation.

At the same time, Ayla will also be hosting the Asia Triathlon, which will garner players from more than 19 countries. 

The managing director of Ayla, Sahl Dudin, expressed the company’s pride in hosting the two major sporting events, which he believes will help shine the spotlight on Jordan and Aqaba. 

Ayla Oasis Development Company, one of the largest tourism and real estate development companies in the Kingdom, garnered four awards during the Arabian Property Awards recently held in Dubai.

Two of the awards were received by international architect firms, currently working on components of the Ayla project. 

The awards received by Ayla spanned two categories: Development and Architecture. In the first category, Ayla received the Best Leisure Development Award for the Ayla Golf Academy, and the Best Residential Development Award for the Ayla Golf Residences.

In the Architecture category, the Ayla Golf Residences received the Best Architecture for Multiple Residence Award, while the Ayla Golf Academy& Clubhouse received the Best Leisure Architecture Award.

The awards were received by Ayla’s Director of Technical Services Hala Araj and the company’s Director of Marketing and Communications Ousama Ghannoum, representing the company’s Managing Director Sahl Dudin. 

AMMAN — Royal Jordanian will offer a new selection of snack meals to Economy Class passengers on all short- and medium-haul flights, starting from September 15. RJ President/CEO Stefan Pichler said the move is in keeping with the prevalent tendency in the global air transport industry regarding onboard food offerings.

“We have reworked and enhanced our onboard food concept,” he said, adding that Royal Jordanian would offer high-quality snack meals to its guests, in cooperation with dnata Catering Jordan, whose professional chefs are known for their proficiency in preparing food menus for international airlines operating at Queen Alia International Airport.

Snacks that will be offered on flights to and from all medium- and short- haul destinations will consist of a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, entrees and Arabic desserts, as well as mineral water and juices.

These food and beverage offerings will cater to the varied tastes and desires of RJ customers, which count multiple nationalities. Pichler pointed out that Royal Jordanian will continue offering a new selection of hot meals and special, high-end catering services for its guests in the Crown Class on all medium and long-haul flights, as well as to all Economy Class passengers flying to and from its destinations in the US, Canada, the Far East and London.

Pichler called on RJ customers to give the company their feedback — views and suggestions — regarding serving cold snack meals and stressed that the company is keen on hearing customers’ opinions and will follow them as much as possible, according to the global standards followed in this regard.

Estarta has given a number of Prince Hamza School students an opportunity to experience the real life in Estarta’s Technical Assistance Centre and learn about the IT sector.

Under Estarta Youth Empowerment (EYE) initiative, Estrata has worked to help the young students who have showed a great interest in exploring the world of IT.

Estrata thanked Prince Hamza School students and administration along with everyone who took part in making this initiative a great success. By the end of the day, all participating students were given certificates of participation from Estarta’s family. 

As the company concluded the week-long initiative with strong hopes that the students would be steadily able to make their life-turning decisions on the path they would like to pursue, the last day was remarkable.

It included a variety of interactive sessions and exercises, topped by a super Circassian breakfast; the students’ treat to EYE’s family members. 

Under Royal patronage, EY Jordan has announced the launch of the ‘Entrepreneur Of The Year Award ’programme for 2017.

For the seventh year, the programme seeks to honour exemplary business leaders and entrepreneurs, particularly those who have established distinguished startups that represent creativity at its best.

Starting, EY Jordan will be accepting nominations for this category until Tuesday October 10, 2017. EY Jordan stated that for candidates to be considered eligible for the Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year category they must have brought a new innovative idea to the market; be owners/founders of a business (not a subsidiary or division); be directly responsible for their company’s daily operations and success; have a significant equity shareholding in their business; and run a company that has been in operation for over two years and that employs a minimum of 10 employees.

The business should also either be based in Jordan, or have started from Jordan, or have headquarters or operations in the Kingdom. Nominees for the Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year category may enter free of charge and can obtain the nomination forms by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

RJ launches today a new sales promotion campaign in Jordan on its destinations in Saudi Arabia; Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina and Dammam, in addition to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

The new campaign offers fare discounts for passengers flying from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to Amman, or through Amman to most other RJ destinations.

The offer is valid to enable passengers buy return tickets between August 20 and 30  for travel from Jordan between September 15th to 30th November 2017 and from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Amman between  September 1st and  November 30th, including Eid Al Adha holiday.

The discounted fares ex Jordan to the six destinations for round trip ticket are as follows:  JD199 for Riyadh & Dubai, JD219 for Jeddah, Dammam & Medina, and JD269 for Abu Dhabi. Royal Jordanian President/CEO Stefan Pichler said: “We just had to do it again. We want all Jordanian people to travel, so we have to make their trips with their favourite airline more affordable!”

Quality dining options in the Dead Sea have significantly increased with the opening of seven new restaurants and other outlets at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa.

In line with the brand’s focus on innovation and quality, the recently opened Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa offers an exquisite variety of local and international restaurants. Guests can now enjoy exceptional experiences and inspired menus served by a dedicated team of service professionals in atmospheric bars and restaurants.

From vibrant settings to a casual and intimate ambience, the resort caters to all moods and tastes. A comfortable and refined setting that reflects Lebanese roots and culture awaits guests at “1312”.

Under the leadership of celebrity chef Joe Barza, host of “Top Chef” Middle East, “1312” introduces an innovative menu featuring authentic Lebanese savors crafted with a contemporary touch.

Featuring an oriental setting, guests can dine either indoors or on the overlooking terrace outdoors as they listen to timeless music provided by live entertainment. 

Commenting on the resort’s outlets, Executive Chef Austen Reid stated, “At Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, we are continuously keen to provide an unsurpassed culinary journey for our guests that exceeds expectations.” He further added, “Our team of talented chefs boast vast experience from all around the world, ensuring guests are treated to various cuisines that satisfy their indulgence.”