Audi Middle East (AME) says it is at the forefront of paving the way towards a more sustainable future for premium mobility in the region.
Audi combines an expansive product range and technological innovations with a deep understanding of the regional market.
AME managing director Rene Koneberg says Audi is “redefining progress through electrification”.
Having made a clear commitment to e-mobility, it is spearheading the transition in the Middle East, not least since introducing its original e-tron model in 2019.
“Now, with the launch of the fifth electric model, Q8 e-tron, Audi offers one of the most comprehensive BEV portfolios in the region, showcasing our unwavering dedication to electric mobility,” says Mr Koneberg.
AME recognises the need for “charging forward” with both EV-empowering infrastructure and key partnerships.
Mr Koneberg explains: “Recognising the critical role of infrastructure in EV adoption, Audi has taken the initiative in establishing charging collaborations across the region.”
He reveals that in 2023 alone, about 150 chargers, including 23 high-performance chargers, were installed together with Audi’s selected partners, namely Siemens, UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Museum of the Future, and local organisations such as Desert Technologies in KSA.
Together, they are actively shaping a convenient and accessible charging ecosystem for the future.
Simultaneously, Audi is also reimagining its activities in the sales and service space.
“Audi is redefining the retail brand experience in the Middle East by putting customers and their values at the centre of everything,” continues Mr Koneberg.
“Introducing new formats like Lean Service Centres and EV Charging Hubs allows Audi to connect with customers in a relevant and convenient manner, offering seamless journeys while catering to their evolving needs.”
As part of its mission, the brand continues to build bridges via local collaborations with forward-thinking entities.
A prime example is Audi’s collaboration with Dubai’s Museum of the Future; the iconic building and inspirational visitor attraction allow Audi to display concept cars such as the S1 Hoonitron, skysphere, urbansphere and the latest- concept car - activesphere will arrive at the Museum of the Future this February.
“This strategic collaboration with the Museum of the Future serves as a platform for us to showcase numerous concept cars. By putting these cars on display, we aim to provide the public with a glimpse into the future of mobility, highlighting our commitment to innovation and progressiveness,” says Mr Koneberg.
“In conjunction with this display of visionary concept cars, our strategic move to install 21 chargers at the Museum of the Future represents a tangible commitment to advancing EV infrastructure. This charging infrastructure aligns seamlessly with our vision, offering practical solutions to enhance the overall EV ownership experience for visitors.”
Mr Koneberg continues: “It’s more than just an installation; it’s a practical step towards supporting electric mobility and contributing to the sustainable future we envision for the region.
“With dedication to the Middle East extending beyond products and services, Audi embraces partnerships that showcase its progressive spirit and commitment to the region’s future.”
And that extends to providing tailored “offerings for discerning customers”.
By understanding the unique demands of the Middle East market, Audi says it provides adaptive product portfolios and caters to local preferences.
This means offering a wider range of SUVs and sedans through to launching exclusive editions like the limited RS Q8 models in Qatar, the Kingdom Edition in Saudi Arabia, and the Audi 40 Jahre Edition, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport.
Mr Koneberg says these vehicles fulfil the brand’s promise to deliver personalised luxury and to cater to the discerning aspirations of Middle Eastern drivers.
The executive also highlights Audi’s strong growth path, driven by innovation and customer-centricity.
“Audi’s success in the Middle East is directly linked to its strong product line-up, unwavering customer support, and a deep understanding of their preferences,” Mr Koneberg says, pointing to record-breaking sales figures achieved in the first 11 months of 2023.
“Having achieved a 5 per cent increase in new car sales, Audi has seen a 44 per cent increase in e-tron GT sales and a remarkable increase of 88 per cent in sales of the Audi Q5.
“This demonstrates Audi’s ability to consistently adapt through the line-up consisting of electric and ICE models,” says Mr Koneberg, who declares the “future is electric in the Middle East”.
With a clear electric roadmap and more than 20 new models - including their variants planned by 2025, nearly half of which will be EVs - Audi confirms it is committed to shaping the future of mobility in the Middle East.
"By investing in technology, infrastructure, and partnerships, Audi is driving progress not just through technological advancements but also through a forward-thinking attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to a more sustainable future for the region,” said Mr Koneberg
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The low down
Producers: Uniglobe Entertainment & Vision Films
Director: Namrata Singh Gujral
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Candy Clark
Rating: 2/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
The major Hashd factions linked to Iran:
Badr Organisation: Seen as the most militarily capable faction in the Hashd. Iraqi Shiite exiles opposed to Saddam Hussein set up the group in Tehran in the early 1980s as the Badr Corps under the supervision of the Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The militia exalts Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei but intermittently cooperated with the US military.
Saraya Al Salam (Peace Brigade): Comprised of former members of the officially defunct Mahdi Army, a militia that was commanded by Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and fought US and Iraqi government and other forces between 2004 and 2008. As part of a political overhaul aimed as casting Mr Al Sadr as a more nationalist and less sectarian figure, the cleric formed Saraya Al Salam in 2014. The group’s relations with Iran has been volatile.
Kataeb Hezbollah: The group, which is fighting on behalf of the Bashar Al Assad government in Syria, traces its origins to attacks on US forces in Iraq in 2004 and adopts a tough stance against Washington, calling the United States “the enemy of humanity”.
Asaeb Ahl Al Haq: An offshoot of the Mahdi Army active in Syria. Asaeb Ahl Al Haq’s leader Qais al Khazali was a student of Mr Al Moqtada’s late father Mohammed Sadeq Al Sadr, a prominent Shiite cleric who was killed during Saddam Hussein’s rule.
Harakat Hezbollah Al Nujaba: Formed in 2013 to fight alongside Mr Al Assad’s loyalists in Syria before joining the Hashd. The group is seen as among the most ideological and sectarian-driven Hashd militias in Syria and is the major recruiter of foreign fighters to Syria.
Saraya Al Khorasani: The ICRG formed Saraya Al Khorasani in the mid-1990s and the group is seen as the most ideologically attached to Iran among Tehran’s satellites in Iraq.
(Source: The Wilson Centre, the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Coming soon
Torno Subito by Massimo Bottura
When the W Dubai – The Palm hotel opens at the end of this year, one of the highlights will be Massimo Bottura’s new restaurant, Torno Subito, which promises “to take guests on a journey back to 1960s Italy”. It is the three Michelinstarred chef’s first venture in Dubai and should be every bit as ambitious as you would expect from the man whose restaurant in Italy, Osteria Francescana, was crowned number one in this year’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Akira Back Dubai
Another exciting opening at the W Dubai – The Palm hotel is South Korean chef Akira Back’s new restaurant, which will continue to showcase some of the finest Asian food in the world. Back, whose Seoul restaurant, Dosa, won a Michelin star last year, describes his menu as, “an innovative Japanese cuisine prepared with a Korean accent”.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The highly experimental chef, whose dishes are as much about spectacle as taste, opens his first restaurant in Dubai next year. Housed at The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will feature contemporary twists on recipes that date back to the 1300s, including goats’ milk cheesecake. Always remember with a Blumenthal dish: nothing is quite as it seems.
