For the benefit of UAE consumers, two leaders join forces with innovative interactive objectives pushing the standard to a new unprecedented level
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 10 September 2007: Telecommunications giant Etisalat and Virgin Megastore, the global entertainment leader, have just announced a strategic alliance covering joint retail and promotional activities. "Reach Entertainment" is the selected slogan of the first joint campaign of its kind in the region, bringing together the best in entertainment and communications, and serving UAE residents in a unique approach.
Through this three-year partnership, Etisalat will have presence inside all Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE, putting its wide range of innovative communication solutions at the fingertips of every consumer while enjoying the shopping experience inside Virgin Megastore.
"The partnership between Virgin Megastore and Etisalat is a great opportunity to add to our consumers' diversified experience. All the services they need are within their reach to get and enjoy, this time within the telecommunications field," said Nisreen Shocair, President of Virgin Megastore Middle East. "Now they will get the best in entertainment and telecommunication in the same place at the same time."
"Virgin Megastore is pushing the standard of entertainment to a new level and preparing the region for a new unique experience keeping us on top of the business we know and love best; entertainment. The partnership with Etisalat is also within Virgin Megastore's strategy of incorporating its international standards with local expertise, ensuring the highest quality of services to our local and regional clientele, and keeping us closer to them. This strategic campaign is the first step in this entertainment venture that will reach all UAE residents, offering them the latest products and services in an unprecedented way, the Virgin Way," Nisreen Shocair added.
Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat, said: "We are delighted to announce this partnership with Virgin Megastore. It will further our goal of reaching our customers where they are, and Virgin is an ideal partner as they are an acknowledged leader in the field of entertainment and retailing with major presence in the UAE. We look forward to bringing our customers more convenience, interesting service offerings, exciting promotions and activities in collaboration with our partners at Virgin Megastore."
Thanks to this unique initiative, Virgin Megastore visitors will stay constantly updated on Etisalat's innovative new products and services and reward schemes, in addition to its existing offerings. The two leaders are also planning many exciting joint promotions and special activities, which increase the value of their highly efficient partnership for customers.
Noteworthy, Virgin Megastore is the leading and largest entertainment retailer in the region, employing more than 700 people in 11 stores, catering to more than 5.5 million consumers across the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan. It currently enjoys more that 60% market share.
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About Virgin Megastore:
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in retail entertainment with stores in 50 countries throughout the globe, including the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies and the latest in technology. Virgin Megastore offers an innovative entertainment destination for the young and young at heart with its unique shopping experience. Catering to local cultures through events, activities and support of local artists in each market it enters, Virgin Megastore is truly a global brand with local flavor.
About Etisalat:
Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the United Arab Emirates since 1976. Since then, it has built up state-of-the-art telecom infrastructure and taken a leadership position of innovation and reliability among regional and international operators.
Penetration of Etisalat's mobile phone service in the UAE has crossed 140 per cent of the population. Internet and broadband penetration in the UAE has reached 60 per cent, a significant achievement by Etisalat compared to regional average.
In addition to being the UAE's telecom provider, Etisalat has now expanded to manage and operate telecom companies in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, Tanzania, Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, Togo, Republic of Central Africa, Ivory Coast, and Afghanistan. With shares in Sudan's 'Sudatel', Qatar's Q-Tel and Thuraya, the satellite telephone service provider, Etisalat is a key regional player that lends its expertise and resources towards the betterment of information and communication technology.
Visit Etisalat at www.etisalat.ae
For media enquiries related to Virgin Megastore, contact:
Emilie Loivet
Buchanan Middle East
Mob: +971 50 881 9313
Fax: +971 4 369 8556
emilie.loivet@buchananme.com
For media enquiries related to Etisalat, contact:
Ahmed Bin Ali,
Vice President Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 2 6182173
Fax: +971 2 6334448
PRD@etisalat.ae
www.etisalat.ae
© Press Release 2007
