Jordan Travel & Tourism Guide Audience Preferences Voting Competition

Amman, Amman -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/13/2013 -- SADDA's Prominent 'Jordan Travel & Tourism Guide' launched a voting competition of best in Tourism business in 2013 via social media networking website –Facebook, for the ranking of Jordan's famous travel and tourism facilities and service outlets.

The competition adjourned on January 31st, 2013, listing the fans' favorite choices of restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, night-life venues, Spas, airlines, and other tourism industry related services.

This venture being distinctly the first of its kind, to hold an active people's choice competition for all sectors of the industry, stirred quite a fuss; as companies, hotels, rental outlets, and restaurants almost all worked head over heels pushing votes through social media communities to score rankings in the competition with somewhat interesting rivalry.

Both Dakkak Holidays and Holiday Travel shared first place in the Travel Agency category marking over 4000 votes each, Dakkak Tours held first place in Tour Operators competition scoring 947 counts, with Petra Travel & Tourism second with 351.

Interesting enough, local ventures endured quite a run in the competition; Habiba downtown –being arguably one of the most famous attraction sites in Amman, Ranked best in the restaurants' category. International trademarks on the other hand also ranked up various categories; The Movenpick Hotel Resort and Spa - Dead Sea for example, ranked first in the Spa competition with 412 votes, and came second with 908 votes to DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba in the hotels competition, who in turn scored 1218 counts. The Kimpinski Hotels in both Aqaba and Dead Sea won third and fourth places with scores mounting 460 and 313 votes in respect, while the Inter-Continental Hotel ranked fifth in the same category with 280 counts.

In another category which endured considerable rivalry, the Airlines' competition was also ranked by yet another Jordanian company –The Royal Jordanian Airlines. As for the rest of Runner-up mentions, the scoreboard finales came as follows: In the Spa category, the Warwick Spa - Dead Sea with 300 votes, and The Kimpinski Dead Sea Spa with 42 came second and third. In the Travel Agency Category, Petra Travel and Tourism Agency held second place with 649 votes, National tours –third, with 544 counts, View Point came in fourth with 392 counts, and Plaza Holidays closed fifth with 357 votes. In the Tour Operators' category, Pan East International came in third with 256 votes, Green Arrow Tours –fourth, with 199, and Travel One Agency ranked fifth with 136 counts.

On the other hand, local business solution company –SADDA, has so far led several daring ventures of the sort, as well as a number of other prestigious specialised guidebooks, periodically published, and designed to cater specificity; such as the Jordan Building & Construction Guide.

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The effervescent Rana Al Qubaj marches to the battle of the champions. The 2012 World Championship held in Abu Dhabi 12 – 14 April brings together over 45 countries competing for the Gold! Sponsored and supported by Arab Orient Insurance Company in Jordan, Rana Al Qubaj rides the way to stardom.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2012 -- "This is a man's world, but it would be nothing without a woman". True to James Brown's famous song Rana Al Qubaj shines again as she takes on the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu championship for 2012.

First Arab woman to win a medal in a major BJJ tournament and gold medal winner in the European Open IBJJF Championship for 2012 in Portugal, Rana Al Qubaj known as "Jiu Jitsu girl" carries her Jordanian martial art spirit around the world and paves her future into glory.

Rana, a dedicated rising athlete and student at "The Source MMAS (Mixed Martial Art School) in Al- Rabieh, Amman, spends an average of 15 hours of training a week between BJJ, Judo, fitness and functional training. "We at "The Source" want to spread awareness of healthy being and safe guarding amongst the youth through our accomplishments. We dedicate this step and initiative towards this global gathering for our beloved country; Jordan" Rana says with a promising spark in her eyes.

Arab Orient Insurance Company continues to support Al Qubaj in her endeavor towards stardom. February 2012, the Arab World witnessed a phenomenon as Al Qubaj put her feet onto the world championship mat and took a first bite of her gold medal at the European Open IBJJF Championship that was held in Portugal. "AOIC is proud to support Rana as she repeatedly achieves victories for Jordan and herself and builds a healthy role-model to the young generation" Mr. Ahmed Abdo – Director of Business Development & P.R. Departments.

"This step solidifies AOIC's commitment to our community and our people. We are here to support the youth, the will and the stride. I would like to take this moment to wish Ms. Al Qubaj and the Jordanian team all the very best" Concludes Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq, CEO of Arab Orient Insurance Company.

Arab Orient Insurance Company is one of the leading insurance companies in the region and its reputation in health insurance is synonymous with reliability and quality. Their leading status in the industry is the result of visionary leadership, professional competence and continued dedication to their clients.

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Bupa International one of the world’s leading companies in the medical insurance field held a conference for its distributors and partners at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. The conference started on Saturday 24 March 2012 and continued until 28 March 2012.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/09/2012 -- Bupa InternationalBupa International, one of the world leaders in health insurance carried out a special 4 day conference, in the presence of their partners and distributors at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in March 2012.

Arab Orient Insurance Company, Bupa International's partner in the Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan was present to welcome the guests and be a part of this fascinating journey through the famous sites of Jordan and the world of Health Insurance with Bupa International.

The four-day conference began with an enthralling reception dinner to connect all distributors and partners and provide them with one to one meetings with their representatives.

Mr. Mustafa Y. Melhem Deputy CEO /Medical Insurance & Customer Care

And Mr. Ahmad Abdo Director/Business Development & PR Departments represented Arab Orient Insurance Company.

Mr. Mostafa Melhem excitedly stated "I was pleased to participate in such a significant event, and to get to connect with Bupa International distributors and partners from all around the world. What added to my excitement was the opportunity to communicate and cooperate with current and potential business partners in the health insurance field. To witness their achievements and learn from their progress is now a personal goal and a corporate aim; to push and drive AOIC and strengthen its tactics in the market in order to fulfill customer needs and reach wider segments of potential ones"

The conference shed the light on the exponential growth the insurance industry is facing globally along with highlighted case studies the company has faced in the year 2011. Bupa team recognized the partners and distributors with the best achievements for the same year and offered innovative strategies to provide flexible health insurance for individuals and families.

Bupa International organized trips for all of the 100 representative who represented the middle east and the world such as Oman Insurance Company based in Dubai, Bupa Egypt, Bupa Arabia based in Saudi, , Swiss International and many others, to Jordan's touristic treasures Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.

Mr. Mustafa Melhem emphasized the importance of Bupa International in the health insurance market, he added: "Bupa International has absolutely proven excellence in the medical insurance services they provide their customers, and the fact that we have partnered with them will be a promising step ahead to bring solutions and future plans into action as we lead in the local market and compete internationally".

Awards were granted for the Best Distributor, Fastest Growing Distributor and others for the year of 2011 at the conference. Mr. Mustafa Melhem received an award on behalf of Arab Orient insurance company as a token of appreciation for their contribution in the conference.

AOIC celebrated signing the agreement with Bupa International at the British Embassy in September 2011 at which Bupa International acknowledged the progress and growth in medical insurance in the Jordanian Market with an n impressive performance and results by Arab Orient Insurance Company.

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Rana AlQubaj returns to Jordan Victoriously

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) --02/09/2012 -- Rana Al-Qubaj, a talented young Jordanian sweeps the gold medal in the European Open IBJJF Championship for 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal in the ancient martial art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Along with her teammates, Rana Al-Qubaj represented Jordan in the art of Jiu-Jitsu in the European Championship. Rana is a student at "The Source" MMAS (Mixed Martial Art School) in Al- Rabieh, Amman. After 4 years of vigorous training and practice, Rana courageously steps on the path of success, and is now reaping the fruit of the hard work, time and effort she has put in.

Arab Orient Insurance Company sponsored Rana Al-Qubaj in the European Open IBJJF Championship for 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal. "AOIC is proud to support Rana as she takes on championship after another to find her way into stardom. We take this opportunity to congratulate her on this fantastic achievement." Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq - CEO of AOIC.

The Source school, in Amman has over 250 students enrolled where they meet on a daily basis to teach their students to train harder and achieve better. Their students have moved to represent Jordan in many regional and international championships.

"Young athletes need our support. It is the role of leading local corporations to encourage young Jordanian talents. " Continued Mr. Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq.

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Growth in annual insurance premium for Arab Orient Insurance by 24.1%

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2012 -- Arab Orient Insurance Company (AOIC) annual premium cited growth by 24.1% according to the annual financial statements of the company, recognized unanimously to note the growing proportion of annual profits compared to 2010.

According to Khalid Hassan - Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive of Gulf Insurance Co., AOIC's major share holder -owning 89%) ; the annual results for the year 2011 are impressive, and have increased significantly in spite of the lingering economic threats of crises and sanctions.

The session for the year 2011 – chaired by Mr. Khalid Hasan, was attended by members of the Board of Directors, and was adjourned on January 31st, 2012, after citing growth in annual profit by 3%, given net profit of 3.16 million Dinars, in comparison to 3.05 million Dinars from the year 2010.

The minutes of the meeting, and the reports showed that the growth rate in written premiums increased by 24.10% to accumulate JD66,102,873 million dinars, compared to JD53,267,129 million for the year 2010. While on the other hand, last year's paid claims showed growth by 40.39%, reaching JD47, 036,129 million, against JD33,504,925 million paid back in 2010. In addition to that, the technical reserves ratio amounting to JD23,034,415 million, has been compared with the 19,886,749 million from the year 2010, and has shown an increase by 15.83%.

Chief Executive Officer of AOIC Isam Abdul-Khaliq said, "We affirm on our positive outlook on the growth of the insurance sector in the region. And although we've successfully overcome and overtaken the political and financial challenges that would've hindered our progress, Arab Orient Insurance company's story of outstanding achievement and success is far from over, and will reflect positively on the sector's development".

The Company's net profit before tax amounted to JD4,163,187 million, scaled a growth rate of 3.70%. And the annual financial statements showed an increase in the total assets of the company by 16.68%, reaching JD60,125,256 million. The company's shares in total equity have increased by 15.82%, amounting from JD19,957,697 million in 2010, to JD23,115,107 million by the end of 2011. The company has also achieved significant technical profit growth by 40%, accumulating JD 6,395,513 million.

2011 also marked a general increase in the number of employees, the number of participants registered in the Crown Medical programme, group medical insurance documents, and company accounts, reaching 240 employees, 193,294,000 benefiting clients, 945 registered group insurance documents, and 3204 companies.

Abdel-Khaliq added that, "The company's performance record over the past years is the result of cooperation and dedication of the highly qualified and skillful AOIC staff, committed to our proven strategy and goal specificities, to expand and better serve customers through an integrated market penetration strategy, of both domestic, and international new technologies to enhance and improve operations."

AOIC now has 9 branches scattered throughout the Kingdom, and even today, as the company has been working on setting up customer service offices and posts in all the major hospitals in Amman, the firm has also launched several innovated products aiming at the delivery of truly distinctive services.

Having also worked on the formation of strategic alliances with institutions of local and international insurance and reinsurance companies, AOIC has recently signed the largest portfolio of reinsurance in the Kingdom with a worldwide leading French-based company SCOR Global P&C.

The company also won the title "Best Insurance Company in Jordan 2011" by the Global Banking and Finance Review". Moreover, AM BEST –The global rating agency has raised the credit rating of the company to become BBB +, while maintaining the strength of the company's financial solvency.

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Arab Orient Insurance Company sponsors and supports Ms. Rana Al-Qubaj as she takes a brave step towards the European Open IBJJF Championship for 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal to represent Jordan in the Jiu-Jitsu Art of combat.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2012 -- "From the moment your feet tapped to the lyrics of "Kung Fu Fighting" to the time you secretly practiced the special kick that Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel-son in the enthralling Karate Kid movie; you know you were hooked. I know I was!" Ms. Rana Al-Qubaj excitedly remarked as she struck a Jiu-Jitsu pose for the cameras.

Ms. Rana Al-Qubaj, a rising athlete and student at "The Source" MMAS (Mixed Martial Art School) in Al- Rabieh, Amman has taken this form of Martial Art very seriously saying: "Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life. It has touched every aspect of my day. "Technique beats power" and that's what one learns in Jiu-jitsu – it is not about learning how to strike. It's about disengaging your opponent."

The Source school has over 250 students enrolled and everyday they stress and reiterate the message of healthy being and safe guarding oneself. Their students have moved to represent Jordan in many regional and international championships.

This year Arab Orient Insurance Company states, it proudly supports and sponsors Ms. Rana Al-Qubaj as she takes on the European Open IBJJF Championship for 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal. "We are proud of such Jordanian talent. AOIC instills the core philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu; efficiency, patience, and control which holds the key to success in all aspects of a balanced and healthy life." remarked Mr. Ahmed Abdo Director / Business Development & PR Department of Arab Orient Insurance Company.

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AOIC signed an agreement for the biggest medical re-insurance portfolio in Jordan with SCOR, one of the leading and largest medical re-insurance companies in the world. The signing took place at SCOR headquarters in the city of Cologne – Germany with the presence of each company’s president and top executives.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/18/2012 -- Keeping to its promise & philosophy to continually reward, present and provide their customers with quality service and top-of-the-notch standards, AOICsigned an agreement for the re-insurance of the biggest medical insurance portfolio in Jordan with SCOR, one of the largest companies for medical re-insurance in the world.

The agreement took place on the 28th of December 2011 in Cologne – Germany with the presence of Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq - CEO of AOIC and Mr. Mustafa Melhem – Deputy CEO for Medical Insurance & Customer Care. SCOR team was also available, represented by Mr. Jens Sonnenschein – SCOR – Head of Middle East Departmental Director and Britta Tausgraf – SCOR – Team Leader Middle East.

Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq remarked, "This agreement adds a new dimension in the medical insurance market in the region and is a record for the great achievements by Arab Orient Insurance Company."

In addition, the signing of this agreement solidifies the effort of the medical insurance staff, a collective of highly experienced administrators, doctors and nurses who work around the clock to provide renowned quality service to the 185000 customers providing the best coverage and the largest medical network in the Kingdom.

Mr. Jens Sonnenschein – SCOR – Head of Middle East Departmental Director has added that signing this agreement with one of the largest insurance companies in the Middle East region will enhance and strengthen the medical insurance business in the Jordanian insurance market.

In particular providing complete medical insurance is one of the top priorities for Arab Orient Insurance Company which is always seeking to provide unique services and medical programs to all of its agents through the best coverage and the broadest medical network.

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New customer care offices for AOIC in Arab Central Hospital and Ibn Al Haytham Hospital

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/08/2012 -- Arab Orient Insurance Company, the leader and pioneer in total insurance services & solutions continues to enthrall and reach beyond the normal standards of customer care service. Taking great effort to ensure the best for its clients, AOIC inaugurated fully functional service and care offices at the Arab Center Hospital and Ibn al-Haytham Hospital, with more branches to be operational at The Specialty Hospital and Jordan Hospital early this year.

By launching these new offices; AOIC aims to continue its distinction by transcending in its customer care services through facilitating hospital entry procedures by receiving all transaction entries, saving time and effort on its customers, thus eliminating any obstacles that may hinder the admission process for the patients.

AOIC also thrives in providing quick and direct solutions for any issues patients may face during the admission phase, by providing highly qualified personnel with a scientific degree (in pharmacy or nursing) who are in direct contact with the patients and will be present to follow up on all applications and duties.

Many customers of AOIC have already expressed their thrill regarding the company's new offices and to the company's continuous efforts in keeping up its bright and distinguished status amongst its clients.

This endeavor solidifies the relationship between the healthcare & medical providers and AOIC. The AOIC team facilitates easier admissions for company clients and is obligated to finding suitable alternatives in case rooms were not available or the suitable specialist for the relevant case was not available.

"Leading in insurance services presents a path of unprecedented excellence; driving us to present newer, fresher, more wholesome services and solutions for our clients. Raising the bar and overall standards of medical health care thus achieving our goal in best servicing and rewarding our clients." Commented Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq, CEO of Arab Orient Insurance.

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Winners announced at the 2nd Global Summit on Entrepreneurship

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2011 -- Jordan was named the first-ever Arabia Fast Growth 500 (Arabia500) ranking (http://www.allworldlive.com). SADDA achieved a growth rate of 300% between 2008 and 2010. Winners were announced during the 2nd Global Summit on Entrepreneurship in Istanbul, which was hosted by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and attended by United States Vice President Joseph Biden.

The entrepreneurs of the Arabia500, spanning from Morocco to Pakistan are succeeding against the odds, growing at 40 percent yearly in the toughest downturn in 80 years, and two-thirds reporting stronger profitability compared to a year ago.

"The Arabia500 companies, led by dynamic men and women, represent the leading edge to a new approach in competitiveness," said AllWorld co-founder Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter.

Commenting on this recognition, Eng. Emad A. Salameh, CEO and Founder of SADDA stated, "This honor marks the success story of a Jordanian startup company seeking access to globalization through the provision of innovative services, advanced business solutions, marketing consultation, public relations, development of corporate identity and web development".

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Business Leaders Campaign is an initiative by INJAZ, launched in 2008 to encourage youth to realize their dreams. Arab Orient Insurance Company participated in this remarkable workshop to inspire youth.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) --12/01/2011 -- The Business Leaders Campaign a pioneering program launched by INJAZin 2008 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The program aims to inspire and motivate youth to succeed and realize their dreams by giving them the opportunity to interact with successful stories and draw a closer image of their future.

Arab Orient Insurance Company, represented by their CEO, Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq who is also a member of INJAZ Board of Trustees, conducted an interactive and compelling session at Jamil Shaker high school in Swefieh.

Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq dedicated his time to educate and enlighten the students at Jamil Shaker School by sharing his own success story. He commented: "I am honored and pleased to be able to receive this opportunity to sit with the children of Jamil Shaker School. Thanks to INJAZ and their inspiring Business Leaders campaign that allows this 'real-time' experience for our youth"

This year, the Business Leaders campaign - sponsored by Credit Suisse for the third year in a row- commenced on November 20th, 2011 and will last for a period of four weeks, during which more than 130 CEOs will head to a public school across Jordan, to spend two hours of their time with ninth, tenth and eleventh graders.

The session held at Jamil Shaker School included stories from Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq as he reiterated the importance of education along with the power of dreams. "I thoroughly enjoyed the eagerness and responsiveness that drew up the children's faces. That moment is what our youth needs, the hope in any success story." Mr. Isam continued.

Following this enticing lecture, Mr. Isam wrapped up the session with an invigorating question & answer round. The tenth graders participated with queries about universities and various choices available for their education.

This initiative endorses the firm belief instilled in every member of the Arab Orient Insurance Company family. "To give is to receive. It is our role and our duty to ignite the beacon that lights our children's path. Every step towards this cause helps our youth get closer to finding that assuring, strong voice within!" Mr. Isam Abdelkhaliq concluded.

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SADDA launches Jordan Travel and Tourism Guide, fall/winter 2010 issue, for inbound and local tourism. Live, stay, eat, play with more than 1000 things to do in Jordan.

Amman, Jordan -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/06/2010 -- SADDA published on November 15th 2009 the most comprehensive guide to Jordan's travel and tourism industry "Jordan Travel and Tourism Guide", http://www.jordantravelandtourism.com, a listing of more than 1000 things to do in the Kingdom.

Last year SADDA launched Jordan Hotel and Hospitality Guide in cooperation with Jordan Hotel Association. "A precious document for all travel and tour operators in Jordan and abroad," said Dr. Ghassan Aidi, President of International Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Eng. Emad Amin, SADDA General Manager, said: "Jordan Travel and Tourism Guide" is designed to provide tourists, travelers, and Jordanians with information on what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and who's who in the travel and tourism in Jordan. In every city in the Kingdom there is a listing of what to do from fun and adventure, nightlife, history and culture, eco and nature, leisure and wellness, religion and faith, incentives and conferences."

The 208-page guide designed to serve as the country's premier platform for showcasing Jordan's Travel and Tourism industry to local, regional, and international audiences, containing sections on travel agencies, hospitality services and touristic sites, as well as various essential and useful information in the Kingdom.

Jordan Travel and Tourism Guide is a semiannual publication with a complete and up to date reference for anyone visiting Jordan, in a handy size and easy-to-use format.

Jordan Travel and Tourism Guide is been acknowledged by the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA) and supported by Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and Jordan Restaurant Association (JRA).

For more information on Jordan travel and Tourism Guide please go to http://www.jordantravelandtourism.com

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