Microsoft Gulf today announced the appointment of Al-Futtaim Electronics as the additional new distributor of Xbox 360 hardware across the Gulf region excluding Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, Al-Futtaim Electronics will make the Xbox 360 gaming devices and accessories available to consumers across the GCC through an increased range of retail stores in the region. The appointment of the region's leading electronics distributor, retailer and customer care provider is also in line with the Microsoft's growth and expansion of its retail reach across the region.
As regional sales of Xbox 360 continue to soar, the Al-Futtaim group company plans to capitalise on the growing console video gaming industry in the Middle East by delivering a range of exciting products to avid gamers. Coupled with the much anticipated arrival of 'Kinect' and a line-up of new games, Al-Futtaim Electronics and Microsoft hope to create a new category of gaming and entertainment experiences that are more inclusive and relevant to a broader audience.
"The region has seen incredible growth in gaming and Microsoft Xbox 360 has captured a large share of it," said Vishesh Bhatia, Group Director Electronics, Engineering & Technologies, Al-Futtaim. "Through this partnership, we remain committed to offering wider coverage and stronger presence in emerging Gulf countries and working with Microsoft in bringing its market leading products and accessories range to gaming enthusiasts throughout the region."
"Xbox 360 continues to pull ahead of the competition when it comes to delivering on a complete home entertainment experience," said Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Gulf. "By working in conjunction with Al-Futtaim Electronics, we will be in a unique position to deliver the best connected entertainment experience to consumers across the Gulf. This also ensures that our products are readily available and accessible to consumers across the region. We are very pleased to have Al-Futtaim on board and look forward to a long and successful partnership with them."
The partnership will span the GCC region (excluding Saudi Arabia) where gaming products distributed by Al-Futtaim Electronics will reach stores by October.
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About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
About Al Futtaim
Al-Futtaim Electronics, part of the Al-Futtaim group is one of leading distributor, retailer and customer care provider for globally recognised brands like Panasonic, Sanyo, Toshiba and Aftron. The AFE portfolio also includes the customer friendly multi-brand electronics retailer Plug-ins - introduced to the Gulf region more than 10 years ago and Techserve, the renowned customer service provider.
For more information, please contact
Ayesha Karumbaya
Asda'a Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Fax: +971 4 3344556
a.karumbaya@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2010
