Christie, a global leader in the manufacture of visual solutions, has confirmed the setting up of a new Middle East operation, to take advantage of expanding business opportunities in the Gulf.
Based at the Dubai Airport Free Zone, which was set up to to encourage and facilitate investment in the region, the initiative is the result of a joint venture between Christie and Emirate Support Services, which sees the AV specialists providing a complete command/monitoring facility for Emirate’s Security Control Centre.
Simon Smith, who will manage Christie’s office, confirms that his company has installed a state-of-the-art 4 x 1 Display Wall, incorporating four CSP 70’s and a FRC controller to allow 24/7 surveillance. In return Emirates will allocate office and warehousing space for an initial two-year term.
Situated at the new FreightGate 5 — a rebranding of Dnata Cargo’s terminal operation — the Control Centre will be operated by the Transguard Solutions Group under a separate agreement. Transguard will then be given the option to purchase the monitoring system at the end of the two year term.
Commented Simon Smith, “We are delighted with this new arrangement which gives Christie a positive foothold in this strategic market. Not only does this allow access to the Control Room for customer demonstrations but is perfectly timed to leverage opportunities offered by the PALME Middle East trade expo in May. We look forward to developing a close working relationship with the Emirates Group for the benefit of both parties.”
To cement the new relationship Christie provided two 3-chip DLP Roadster projectors for the official unveiling of Emirates Support Group’s new facility — a high-profile event attended by HRH Sheikh Maktoum, Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, (head of Emirates Group security), and other high ranking officials within the Group. The Roadsters were used during the opening ceremony to beam a giant 23-metre wide image above the main stage, showing Emirate corporate footage and various live links. The projectors were then left in place for a staff awards ceremony which took place the following day.
The Christie office officially opens in April 2007.
Christie Middle East
After establishing branch offices throughout Western and Eastern Europe, the new base in the Dubai Airport Free Zone will service Middle Eastern markets, operating as a branch office of Christie Canada via a two-year agreement with Emirates Group.
The company’s primary objective is to facilitate and support sales for the region, developing new business and supporting existing partner networks in the Middle East; the facility will also offer technical support, sales administration and spares.
Christie Middle East will be managed by Simon Smith, a 14-year Christie veteran, who as sales director has played a key role in developing the European Partner network strategy. Simon will continue to report to Dale Miller, VP Christie EMEA.