Canon Middle East launches 10-month activities celebrating 10th anniversary of its headquarters in the region

Canon Middle East, leader in imaging solutions, has yesterday (Tuesday, October 4, 2011) launched a series of activities to be held over the next 10 months celebrating its 10^th anniversary in the region, which also coincides with the decade-long presence of its headquarters in Dubai Internet City (DIC). The official launch ceremony was held during a gala dinner at “One and Only  Royal Mirage” attended by senior executives of Canon Middle East, media representatives from across the region, and Charlie Neyra from D-Seven Motion Pictures, representing Nayla Al Khaja, Canon Middle East Brand Ambassador, the first UAE woman film producer.

Canon also launched during the event a new photo competition that is open to all journalists and photojournalists in the region. The competition is the first of the series of monthly activities and one of the major highlights of the 10^th anniversary celebrations of Canon Middle East.

Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East, said: “Although Canon has been present in the region for the past four decades, the establishment of the Canon Middle East headquarters at Dubai Internet City 10 years ago allowed us to consolidate its market stronghold and bolster its reputation as the leading provider of imaging solutions in the region. It has always been Canon’s strategy to be closer to its customers as we are strongly committed to better understand the evolving needs of our clients and be able to satisfy their distinct requirements. In line with Canon’s corporate philosophy of ‘Kyosei’, which means to live and work together for the common good, we will continue to identify ways to serve our customers better and to contribute to the betterment of the environment and the community we live in.”

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director Business Development, Dubai Internet City, said: “In today’s scenario of vast diversity in technological reforms, Canon stands as a strong pillar in the Middle East’s digital imaging sector. Its establishment in DIC has undoubtedly been an asset to our portfolio as the region’s largest dedicated ICT cluster in the MENA region. I congratulate Canon Middle East on their 10 years in DIC and look forward to sustaining our long lasting strategic partnership.”

Commenting on her association with Canon, Nayla Al Khaja, whose company D-Seven is collaborating with Canon for the BLOOM! Cine startups initiative, said, “Our partnership with Canon has made it possible for us to create a fantastic playground for filmmakers to test their abilities and help them reach their true potential. In some cases careers have changed and dreams have been realized. The outcome of our partnership has been short films with cinematic appearance, and a forum that provides the tools for these films to be made. Now filmmakers can make a film with less financial stress, whereas in the past it was a very expensive option. With Canon showing their support to filmmakers, it proves they know how their input can impact people’s career paths and passion, and that is incredibly valuable for the development of a local film industry. Today as Canon celebrates its 10^th anniversary in the region, it is my pleasure to be part of this occasion and I wish them the very best.”

A corporate video presentation was organized during the launch event to highlight the key milestones of Canon in the region, as well as the company’s efforts to support the sustainable development initiatives of the communities it serves. There were also testimonials by successful filmmakers who have used Canon DSLR cameras in their film projects.

The series of monthly activities celebrating Canon’s anniversary are being organized based on various themes that constitute the Canon brand identity and reinforce Canon’s commitment to the community and the environment. The celebratory themes for the 10 months include: “Power of Image” (October and January) that aims to inspire people to recognise and be passionate about the power of Image; the “Power of Partnership” (November) that underlines Canon’s commitment of living and working together for the common good; the “Power of Environment” (December) that aims to involve the local community in environmental causes; the “Power of Family” (February and March) that emphasizes the importance of family values to the local community; the “Power of Friendship” (April and May) which reflects Canon’s focus on building genuine and lifelong bonds with other members of the community; and the “Power of Education” (June and July) that underlines Canon’s commitment to help empower each member of the society through education and proper training.

Canon Middle East’s 10^th anniversary activities are intended to reaffirm the company’s vision for the region. The monthly themes and activities have been specifically designed to give back to society and to express Canon’s gratitude to  customers, partners and other members of the society that have been integral to Canon Middle East’s success.

Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the Regional headquarters for Canon in the Middle East and North and East Africa and is based in Dubai, UAE. Canon has been doing business in the Middle East for more than 40 years through distributors and partners, gradually building a solid customer base and significant market share in the region. Following the opening of a representative office in Dubai in 1998 to help channel partners with additional on-the-ground support, Canon went on to establish a full subsidiary with extensive logistics facilities in 2001.