News
Jan
2017
Ndigitec Delivers Magic For IMG Wor...
Ndigitec Delivers Magic For IMG Worlds Of Adventure
Jan 2017What do zombies and dinosaurs have to do with Nesma? A project completed by NDigitec for IMG Worlds of Adventure announces the arrival to Dubai of the world’s largest indoor theme park. The action-packed commercial brought to life by NDigitec showcases the strength of its premedia division, which incorporated a range of global brands and animated characters such as the Hulk, Iron Man, and the Powerpuff Girls for this ambitious project.
“The film is by far the most VFX heavy and advanced CGI-based piece of filmmaking to come from this region. I hear from people all over the world who have seen the commercial and love it,” says producer Daniel Sheridan.
The campaign was far-reaching, broadcasting on regional television outlets such as MBC and Cartoon Network (CN), running for 20 weeks in all major UAE cinemas, and entertaining passengers around the globe on Emirates Airline’s ICE network.
“When we first pitched our treatment, the client was blown away at our creativity, attention to brand, and ability to deliver such high-quality content,” says Executive Producer Nathan Ornick. “In this region, there are talented agencies, film production companies and specialized post-production companies, but when it comes to a single, integrated solutions provider for content from concept to color-correction, NDigitec is by far the best.”
The 82-second spot required a turnaround of less than nine weeks. NDigitec developed the script with its internal creative team which required four weeks of preproduction. The film was shot over two days in Dubai on both physical sets and green screen. NDigitec’s postproduction and CGI team then dedicated over 40 artists to create the spot in just five weeks of post, including 3D animation of dinosaurs and Marvel superheroes, 2D animation, 3D set replacements and physical effects.
“Every shot is a VFX shot,” says VFX Supervisor Eyad Arabi. “This production really pushed things to the limit. Working with global brands such as Marvel and CN was a great privilege, and collaborating with their creative departments was inspiring. We got to create the story where many of these epic characters come to Dubai for the very first time.”
Developing the film to appeal to the diverse concerns of each major brand required extreme attention to detail. For example, although the Marvel characters of Iron Man and the Hulk are all from one art guideline set with detailed references, all the assets had to be developed, built and animated from scratch by NDigitec.
“These kinds of projects are the reason many of us got into creating animation and VFX in the first place,” says Arabi.
Jan
2017
NW&E Awarded the Industrial Valley...
NW&E Awarded the Industrial Valley Phase 3
Jan 2017Nesma Water and Energy have been awarded the Industrial Valley Phase 3 Parcel C Infrastructure Works project, one of the largest infrastructure contracts offered to date by King Abdullah Economic City.
As the main engineering, procurement and construction contractor, NW&E’s scope of work covers the construction of infrastructure for potable water, sewage, treated sewage effluent, stormwater drainage, electrical and telecommunications in addition to nearly eight kilometers of road works.
The company plans to complete the project within 500 days.
Dec
2016
Koncar Wins the Gold Medal for its...
Koncar Wins the Gold Medal for its Solar Power-Plant
Dec 2016Koncar Electrical Equipment won the gold medal in the 2016 International Exhibition of Inventions held in Zagreb, Croatia.
Koncar developed a standardized solar power-plant that is accessible to both households and industrial users. The products are known as “Koncar Green Home Energy (GHE)” and “Koncar Green Business Energy (GBE)”.
The annual International Exhibition of Inventions presents innovations, new products and technologies from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, IT, physics, mechatronics, chemistry, biology and medicine in addition to other natural and technical fields.
Koncar’s solar power plants project is considered to be a relevant new innovation both in Croatia and Europe due to the number of governmental incentives for renewable energy.
Dec
2016
Nesma Holding Group Companies Parti...
Nesma Holding Group Companies Participate in Deco Fair 2016
Dec 2016Nesma Concrete Solutions, Nesma Chocolate, Nesma Art Gallery and Nesma Embroidery participated in the 8th International Design trade show “Decofair” at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah. These Nesma companies had the opportunity to network and do business with buyers, interior designers, architects, and investors from 12 different countries.
In total, seventy-five exhibitors and over 8,000 visitors participated in the 2016 Decofair. The products and services were divided into nine sectors: furniture, lighting, materials design, home accessories, textiles, home automation systems, kitchen and bathroom products, flooring, and design & architectural services.
Dec
2016
Nesma Airlines Adds New Domestic Ro...
Nesma Airlines Adds New Domestic Routes
Dec 2016Nesma Airlines celebrated this month the inauguration of its new domestic round-trip flights from Jeddah to Riyadh, Dammam and Hail.
Director General of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Engineer Abdullah Al-Rimi, celebrated with Nesma Airlines and commented, “King Abdulaziz International Airport is witnessing an increase in demand from both domestic and international airline companies; Nesma is supporting domestic destinations like Riyadh and Dammam in addition to connecting Jeddah Airport to Hail Airport according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation plan.”
The new Jeddah routes are based on a partnership with Nesma Airlines and Al-Tayyar Group, using leased aircraft from Small Planet Airlines. On flights originating from Jeddah, Nesma Airlines offers a new experience with aircraft which are equipped with hot and cold beverages, meals and snacks, in addition to a wireless in-flight entertainment system available on smart devices.
Nesma Airlines has six round-trip flights daily from Jeddah to Riyadh, two round-trip flights daily from Jeddah to Dammam and one round-trip from Jeddah to Hail.
During the launch campaign, Nesma Airlines provided free seminars for travel agencies and agents to introduce the new Jeddah routes. The events took place in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam and focused on the ease of ticket sales and availability of seating for the new flights.
In October this year Nesma Airlines launched domestic flight services with a central hub at Hail Regional Airport to various locations in the Kingdom which currently include Tabuk, Qaisumah, Turaif and Medina with future flights from Hail to include Rafha, Arar, Qurayyat, Al Jouf, Riyadh, Dammam and Qassim. All flights are flying with the airline’s ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Regarding the airlines’ fleet, CEO of Nesma Airlines, Faisal Al-Turki, said, “Nesma Airlines is planning to increase its fleet during the next three years to include six ATR72-600 aircraft for flights operating in the northern cities, and one Airbus A319 and one Airbus A320 for flights operating from Hail Airport to major cities. Another A320 aircraft along with two Airbus A321s will operate commercial flights between Jeddah-Riyadh and Jeddah-Dammam.”
Nov
2016
Nesma Airlines Begins Operating Dom...
Nesma Airlines Begins Operating Domestic Flights from Hail Regional Airport
Nov 2016On Thursday 25 Muharram 1438, corresponding to October 27, 2016, Hail Regional Airport witnessed the launch of Nesma Airline's first flight after receiving the National Commercial Air Operator License from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Mr. Hamad bin Rashid Alkhemaish, the Director General of Northern Airports, stated that Nesma Airlines will make the city of Hail the center of its operations, after it was chosen to operate Hail's hub airport, which is the first step towards the National Project for Hub Airports. This project aims to facilitate the travel of citizens and residents cities across the Kingdom and nearby countries, without the total reliance on international airports.
According to Khemaish, Nesma Airlines flights through Hail Airport will start with an average of two round trips a day with the destination of (Qaishumah – Tabuk). Other destinations will be gradually added on a weekly basis, which will help connect Hail Hub Airport to all Kingdom wide airports.
He added: "During the upcoming period, Nesma Airlines will gradually increase its flights operating frequencies." Stressing the continuation of other airliners' scheduled flights operation through Hail airport, such as (Saudia Airlines, Flynas, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia and Egyptian Nesma Airlines), aiming to reach a total of 200 weekly flights through Hail Airport.
For his part, CEO of Nesma Airlines, Mr. Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki said that the Airline will operate one flight Hail-Turaif, two flights Hail-Qaisumah, two flights Hail-Arar, two flights Hail-Rafha, in addition to three flights Hail-Aljouf, three flights Hail-Tabuk, three flights Hail-Qaseem, and four flights Hail-Madinah. In November, scheduled flight to other major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam will also be included and announced.
Regarding the Airlines' fleet, Al-Turki said: Nesma Airlines is planning to increase its fleet during the next three years, to reach six aircrafts type ATR72-600 for flights operating in the northern cities, one aircraft type Airbus A319 and another Airbus A320 for flights operating from Hail Hub Airport to major cities. Another A320 aircraft along with two Airbus A321 will operate commercial flights between Jeddah-Riyadh and Jeddah-Dammam.
Al-Turki explained that the Airlines began selling tickets through its website and the company's outlets and travel agents. He stated that Hail Airport administration handed Nesma Airlines all necessary locations within the airport boundaries in order to start preparing the locations for aircraft maintenance, air catering, and commercial flight operations.
Al-Turki thanked the General Authority of Civil Aviation for its efforts to complete all Nesma Airlines' procedures within one year, which is the fastest launch for a commercial aviation company, hoping to achieve the positive shift aspired by the General Authority in terms of air transport services in Saudi Arabia.
It is worth mentioning that Hail Airport is currently studying the expansion of the existing airport terminals in the near future, as well as expanding the aircraft parking area to keep up with the flights to be added as per the airport's capacity. Recently, the car parking project has been awarded on a global company specialized in parking lots management, in terms of improving, shading and operating. These projects come as part of the General Authority of Civil Aviation's pursuit to provide better services and improve operating levels through Hail Airport.
About Hail Hub Airport
Work on Hail Airport project began in 1394H (1974) and ended with the airport's opening back in 1399H (1979). Its strategic location grants it special importance in respect to aviation traffic in the Middle East, as it lies on the navigation routs convergence point that links Europe, Asia and Africa. This made Hail Airport a strategic location point for adjacent regional countries, facilitating the launch of operating international flights from/to Hail Airport. The General Authority of Civil Aviation is the official operator of Hail Airport, which includes a single runway equipped to receive the majority of medium-sized and large-size aircrafts, in addition to three Helipads and a landing strip allocated for Air Ambulance, and seven airport aprons for medium-sized and large-size aircrafts parking. The airport currently runs 83 weekly between local and international flights. The latest 2015 stats put the number of passengers at 801,000 annually; in 2016 that number is expected to reach 850,000 passengers, an increase of 7 percent.
Hail Airport also includes local and international departure and arrival lounges with all the necessary equipment and basic facilities for passengers' comfort during his departure or arrival to Hail City. In addition, there is a lounge allocated for executive offices to serve the VIPs and Notables. Currently, The General Authority of Civil Aviation is seeking to expand the hub airport to serve all citizens in the north of Saudi Arabia, and link it to all other provinces, in alignment with the expectations of the future Saudi vision 2030.
Hail Airport saw a number of development stages as follows:
- 2009 – 2010: Development of the airport runway to accommodate medium-sized and large-sized Boeing 747-777 and Airbus 320-321-330 aircrafts.
- 2012: Commencement of the expansion and improvement of the airport terminal lounges and facilities to keep pace with the launch of international operation.
- 2013: Completion of the international lounges, plus the launch of international flights to/from Hail Airport operated by different airlines.
- 2015: Hail Airport was chosen to be a Hub Airport to gradually link all Kingdom's airports through Hail Airport due to its strategic location.
- Early 2016: the General Authority of Civil Aviation, in cooperation with Nesma Airlines, completed several preparations to take the Hub Airport to its operating phase. The Hub Airport is an initiative by the General Authority aiming to provide air transport services linking all cities in the Kingdom, north to south.
Nov
2016
Nesma & Partners Fadhili Bachelor C...
Nesma & Partners Fadhili Bachelor Camp and Integrated Buildings
Nov 2016Nesma & Partners was awarded the Fadhili Bachelor Camp and Integrated Buildings project for its client, MASIC company. The project will include the development and construction of residential buildings and support facilities which cover 687,900 square meters, to accommodate 2,500 employees and other supporting organizations. The bachelors camp will include two and three residential buildings, dining and kitchen, a mosque, a clinic, fire station, residential trash enclosures, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
The Fadhili Bachelor Camp will also include industrial support facilities such as a camp maintenance shop, a furniture store, an industrial trash enclosure station, laundry, roads and parking, electrical power, non-electrical utilities systems, site preparation and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
Nov
2016
Nesma at the International Forum fo...
Nesma at the International Forum for Religious Tourism
Nov 2016Four Nesma companies participated in the International Forum for Religious Tourism in Cairo during October 10-11. The participants were Mawaddah, Namma Tours, Nesma Airlines and Namma Shipping.
Nov
2016
NT&T: Ministry of Interior Fiber Op...
NT&T: Ministry of Interior Fiber Optic Network Project
Nov 2016Nesma Telecom & Technology is working on a project for the Ministry of Interior to build a fiber optic network that links Riyadh region with Makkah (MIFON 3). NT&T is working on the third phase of the seven-phase project where each phase is connected between two regions to form an accumulative network.
The distance at which the third stage serves, which is more than 1,200 km, will help to link 160 locations for the Ministry of Interior, in addition to serving different sites on the highways.
One of the priorities during implementation was to keep all existing networks in the area intact, including water, electricity, and web networks. Therefore, NT&T followed special drilling methods in addition to the instructions of the project management team.
Azzam Wali, Manager of NT&T’s OSP Division explains, “MIFON 3 is very different from other Fiber Optic Networks projects. It includes connecting enormous number of sites and covering a long route passing different geographical ground forms including valleys and mountains. This project adds more value to Nesma experience especially through dealing with a VIP client with the aim to perform professionally with up to date equipment and methods of implementation.”
MIFON 3 started in 2014 and it is estimated to be completed by March, 2017.
Nov
2016
Nesma Holding Hosts Qaderoon Meetin...
Nesma Holding Hosts Qaderoon Meeting
Nov 2016Nesma Holding recently hosted Qadroon Network meeting, to share Nesma Embroidery’s successful experience in hiring female employees with disabilities. The meeting included discussing sharing best practices and lessons learned by Nesma Embroidery in providing a work environment that welcomes and engages employees with disabilities.
The Qaderoon meeting also included an open discussion session with Qaderoon Network General Manager, Khalid Sendi, Nesma Embroidery General Manager, Rana Zumai and Dr. Mirvat Tashkandi, Advisor to the Minister of Labor in people with disabilities program “Tawafuq”.
Qaderoon is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to help companies become better employers of people with disabilities.
Oct
2016
NTC Hosts Training Courses for Nesm...
NTC Hosts Training Courses for Nesma Accountants
Oct 2016The first training courses for Nesma’s accountants in Jeddah, designed by Naim Shah, were held at Nesma Training Center with the aim of reinforcing their understanding of business English and accounting through a series of courses lasting up to 16 months, that will take students from pre-intermediate through upper intermediate levels.
Participants have undergone screening tests in English and have been divided into two groups based on the results. Each group began at the appropriate level of language instruction.
A welcome meeting was held at NTC auditorium before the start of the courses to introduce the employees to the program.
Oct
2016
Mawaddah Welcomes Sudanese Pilgrims
Mawaddah Welcomes Sudanese Pilgrims
Oct 2016Recently, Jeddah Islamic Port welcomed the arrival of the first batch of Sudanese pilgrims on the Mawaddah ferry, which was carrying around 1,300 pilgrims. The Sudanese group was welcomed by the General Director of Jeddah Islamic Port, the Consul of the Republic of Sudan in Jeddah and the Ministry of Hajj’s representative in Jeddah. This year, Namma International Marine Services ferries, Mawaddah and Mahabbah, will carry around 12,500 pilgrims round-trip.
Aug
2016
NDIGITEC: 1st Premium Print Lounge
NDIGITEC: 1st Premium Print Lounge
Aug 2016Dubaiprint.com, a product of NDIGITEC, has opened a new print service lounge in the Dubai Design District (d3). This lounge is the first of its kind in the entire Middle East region.
Dubaiprint.com, headquartered in Dubai Production City, offers round-the-clock service to customers all across the region and aims to take its customized service to a new level with the new premium lounge at d3. The new outlet is part of the company’s strategy to become the region’s most preferred web-to-print partner for conducting business, with a customized unique interface for professional and personal users in the Middle East.
Aug
2016
Nesma Airlines: Celebratory Flight...
Nesma Airlines: Celebratory Flight to Hail
Aug 2016Nesma Airlines’ first aircraft landed at Hail Airport in August 2016. The flight included Chief Executive Officer of Nesma Airlines, Faisal Al-Turki, Deputy CEO, Anwar Basha Sheik, Nesma Airlines employees, directors and strategic partners, in addition to journalists and guests.
During an award ceremony in Hail, Nesma Airlines received an air operator license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) which allows Nesma Airlines to run domestic and international flights, starting with Hail Regional Airport. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad, Deputy Governor of Hail, and Capt. Abdulhakim Albader, Assistant to GACA President for Safety, Security and Air Transport.
Nesma Airlines Saudi Arabia is planning to develop the northwestern town of Hail into a central hub in partnership with the Al-Anan Tours and Travel Company. Nesma will use its incoming fleet of four ATR72-600s, leased from Hail, to serve Madinah, Tabuk, Gurayat, Jouf, Arar, Turaif, and Rafha. A pair of A320-200s will also be used to operate flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam by the end of the year.
Aug
2016
Nesma-Havatek Awarded Fadhili Gas P...
Nesma-Havatek Awarded Fadhili Gas Project
Aug 2016Nesma-Havatek has been awarded a contract by Tecnicas Reunidas to construct storage tanks as part of their Fadhili gas program. Nesma-Havatek competed against 16 bidders to win this offer and it considers this project as a milestone for the company.
Nesma-Havatek’s scope of work includes engineering design, material procurement, fabrication and erection of 12 Nos. API 650 storage tanks. Engineering design will be supported by a team from Turkey and complete fabrication and erection will be undertaken by a team in Saudi Arabia. Tank fabrication will start in December 2016 and projected completion date is October 2017.
The Fadhili gas program is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019. The project will become a key component of the Kingdom’s master gas system, processing gas from both onshore and offshore fields.
Aug
2016
Mawaddah Among Top Ten Companies in...
Mawaddah Among Top Ten Companies in 1437A.H
Aug 2016Mawaddah International Group was ranked by the Ministry of Hajj as one of the top ten companies operating pilgrims services, due to its excellent performance during the year 1437 A.H.
Also, for the second year in a row, the Ministry of Hajj honored Mawaddah for its participation in the Pilgrims Welcoming Program during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mawaddah Int’l Group for Hotel & Umrah Services (Mawaddah) is a hotel operator that specializes in the provision of Hajj and Umrah services. The company has several hotels under management in both Makkah and Madinah, and works through an extensive network of travel agents and tour operators across the world. Among the services offered are issuing of Umrah travel visas, arranging air and sea travel to/from Saudi Arabia and providing in-Kingdom ground transportation.
Aug
2016
Nesma Trading Awarded Petro Rabigh...
Nesma Trading Awarded Petro Rabigh Project
Aug 2016Nesma Trading’s Technical System Division was awarded a project worth SAR 134 million; Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical started the Petro Rabigh project with the aim of building integrated oil refining and petrochemical operations by way of upgrading Saudi Aramco’s oil refinery and constructing a new petrochemical complex.
The project scope includes Intrusion Detection and Assessment System (IDAS) for 23 km of fence consisting of CCTV monitoring, Microwave Intrusion Detection System (MIDS), and Fiber Optic Fence Security System (FOFSS).The project also includes Long Range Detection and Assessment System (LRDAS) consisting of long range cameras (up to 10km detection and recognition) and radars, Security Access Control System (SACS) on the gates and inside the buildings including access control and IP CCTV monitoring; License Plate Recognition System (LPRS) on the gates, installation of new crash rated barrier for almost 21 km, security control center systems consisting of video wall and operators console, demolition and construction of new gates, construction of new UPS buildings, and upgrading fence lighting.
Nesma Trading was chosen after becoming an approved security systems integrator by the High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS).
Jun
2016
NT&T Provides Innovative GSM Soluti...
NT&T Provides Innovative GSM Solutions
Jun 2016Nesma Telecom & Technology (NT&T) has earned a reputation as the exclusive trusted brand for camouflaged structures. These unique solutions include the Mosaic Tower, the Light Pole and the TV Hybrid solution, to name a few.
The Mosaic Tower idea came in response to the needs of a growing population with growing telecom requirements. Modern urban areas in the Kingdom needed an aesthetic solution to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) towers for the three main providers, STC, Zain and Mobily that fit with the urban landscape and provided functionality along with superior service. The engineers at NT&T presented the client with the solution of a single tower to be used by all three providers.
The Mosaic Tower camouflages what would normally be industrial steel and wires with an environmentally friendly, artistic monument. The tower is covered with mosaic panels that can be customized to any design, and are specially manufactured of shatterproof vitroplex polycarbonate to minimize any transmission loss. The company has installed over 40 towers to date in Riyadh and Dammam and will soon begin installing its towers in Jeddah. Future towers will have varied designs such as an hourglass shape and a traditional look with Islamic patterns and writings.
Similar to the Mosaic Tower, but designed for a single carrier, is NT&T’s visually customizable Light Pole. This structure can house various types of transmission antenna (RF/MW/RRU) in order to provide better coverage and doubles as a light pole with a beautiful aesthetic design.
Another innovation that NT&T brought to the Saudi market is a hybrid fibre/analog solution provided to the Royal Commission in Jubail. This product for TV Hybrid Cable provides 100 channels going to nearly 20,000 customers and replaces the traditional dish system. The project is expected to be accomplished by the end of 2016.
Jun
2016
Nesma Renewables Group
Nesma Renewables Group
Jun 2016Nesma Renewables Group is a new addition to the Nesma family and will be developing independent power projects (IPPs) in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa region. These are projects usually developed for the country’s main electricity producer such as the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) in Saudi Arabia. Renewable energy is an energy produced using a natural resource that is rapidly replaced such as solar power, wind power and biomass. Nesma will be designing, constructing and operating renewable energy power plants.
Amaan Lafayette, the CEO of Nesma Renewables Group, holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin and studied Mechanical Engineering at De Montfort University in Leicester in England. He is an energy industry professional with over 17 years of experience including 15 years with the German utility EON holding roles within the UK in the Networks business, EON New Build and Technology, EON Conventional Power Generation and EON Climate and Renewables. In the Renewables field he worked in project development, research and development, infrastructure asset management and operations, innovation, new market assessment, new market entry and strategy.
Jun
2016
Nesma Security Gains ISO 9001:2015...
Nesma Security Gains ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Jun 2016Nesma Security has passed the final external audit from SGS for ISO 9001:2015 and is now officially ISO 9001:2015 certified.
SGS is a multinational company headquartered in Switzerland which provides inspection, verification, testing and certification services. ISO 9001:2015 is a global Quality Management System that provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to organizational management to consistently satisfy their customers and other stakeholders. The ISO standards will benefit Nesma Security by improving their security systems through standardized processes, increasing customer satisfaction by improving safety and quality, and allowing access to new markets through the compatibility of their products and services.
Romel Jeries, Nesma Security General Manager, commented, “I am very proud that our team made it, and I am sure this achievement will have a positive impact on our reputation and our share in the market.”
Nesma Security started the ISO 9001 certification process in December 2015, and the final audit by SGS was in May 2016.
