Following a successful year of growth and regional expansion, Sukar.com, the first private online shopping club in the Middle East, is celebrating its first birthday and announces the expansion of its senior management team. In order to follow its vision to become the eCommerce brand for lifestyle products at privileged prices in the Middle East, the core strategy aims at utmost customer satisfaction.

Muhammad Chbib will be co-leading Sukar.com as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) together with company founder Saygin Yalcin (Founder & President). “After an overwhelming growth in our first year we felt the need to enhance our management capacity. With Muhammad, we have managed to welcome another experienced manager to help achieving operational excellence.” said Saygin Yalcin.

Chbib’s priorities for the coming months are to further improve customer satisfaction. These improvements can already be measured. Since December 2010, Sukar.com’s delivery speed has increased substantially. “We strive to get the most competitive prices for our valued customers. Therefore, we source globally, from the most reputed suppliers. Our steadily growing customer base is proof that our members are willing to wait in order to enjoy these privileged prices” said Chbib.

Being based on values such as honesty and integrity, as well as developing a culture of respect for the environment in which Sukar.com operates, Sukar.com’s team is relentlessly learning from its experiences in the first year. Chbib and Yalcin put customer interests above Sukar.com’s own interests. This has been rooted in the company’s values. “As the most successful eCommerce startup company in the Middle East, we are delighted to observe how customer feedback about our services is improving steadily. 95% of our customers keep coming back for best brands and prices.” said Yalcin.

“We want to deliver an excellent online lifestyle shopping experience at privileged prices,” said Chbib. “Our growing and loyal customer base is our biggest asset. It is essential for us to listen to our customers and use the insights to achieve operational excellence.”

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About Sukar.com
Launched in April 2010, Sukar.com is the most successful eCommerce startup in the Middle East approaching 500,000 members. With a focus on fashion and lifestyle products, Sukar.com gives its members access to top brands at privileged prices at up to 90% off retail. Membership is by invitation only. Top brands, state-of-the-art logistics and payment partners, have teamed up with Sukar.com to ensure a secure, easy and exciting online shopping experience.

The MENA motorcyclists’ positive reaction to new motorcycles such as the Ultra Limited, Sportster Forty-Eight, Sportster 883 Iron and Dyna Wideglide is evidence of the growing relevance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in this region. The Harley-Davidson experience is such a special and unique one, and the method is to use this to frame the superb product offering with the likes of the Sportster Forty-Eight.

‘I am excited to be a part of the strategy to strengthen the position of our iconic brand in the MENA region and to continue building on the success that started between two friends in 1903 in a wooden shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. I will never forget the first time my dad allowed me to ride with him on the back of his motorcycle and immediately it became an instant dream of mine to own the best motorcycle in the world! For many of our customers it starts with a dream and a key reason for the success of Harley-Davidson in MENA is our outstanding dealer network’s ability to turn those dreams into a reality’ – said Paul De Jongh Country Manager Middle East and North Africa.

There are few iconic brands that epitomize freedom, self expression and a sense of belonging more than Harley-Davidson. The brand appeals to people because it offers a chance for them to demonstrate their individuality. The culture is as much about its unique style as the motorcycles themselves. It’s a brand that offers a lifestyle that brings together passion, power and an iconic style.

In the last decade, Harley-Davidson has been embraced by more and more people in the MENA region as more people discover a relevant lifestyle that sets free and individual. It’s great to be involved with a business where the objective is to fulfill dreams. I am always amazed with the ability this brand has to cross the boundaries of diversity, and how it provides people the platform for self expression and true freedom.

When you see a group of riders the motorcycles all look different because they are an artistic self expression of the rider. We always like to leave people with the question: ‘what does your dream Harley look like?’ Our investment in the MENA region also includes a stronger focus on HOG (Harley Owners Group). The group loves riding and having fun together while at the same time involving the whole family in the experience.

The team always work hard to make sure we do this in a safe and controlled environment and that’s why rider safety is a critical part of our focus in the region – and will continue to invest in safety programs through HOG to assist our dealer network and their respective HOG chapters to deliver industry leading safety standards through the ongoing training and development of HOG road captains, safety officers and rider training to new and existing riders.

Throughout the dealer network the customers in MENA are passionate people who share our love for the brand, freedom and self expression. There can be few places better to enjoy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and our experience point to it being the right place to focus our business strategy on.

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Boiler Plate:
Paul started his career with Harley-Davidson in 2008 as Regional Manager and played an instrumental role in the setup of the MEA (Middle East & Africa) subsidiary office in Cape Town, South Africa. During his time with the MEA subsidiary, Paul helped to significantly grow the business in size while maintaining the same number of dealers and improving customer service levels. In 2009 he was appointed as the Country Manager for the MEA region. The region continued to outperform the market throughout the difficult economic climate and due to this the opportunity came along to split the region into MENA and SSA (Sub Saharan Africa). Paul accepted the role in late 2010 to establish a new subsidiary office and team in the MENA region. He personally led the recruitment of the new team, which is responsible for sales, after sales, marketing and dealer development throughout the MENA region. ‘Dubai was the logic choice for us due to its geographic location and focus on business development’. We decided to focus on establishing a local team and I believe we have found incredible talent to help drive our strategy forward’.

The MENA subsidiary forms part of the Strategic Growth Markets which enjoys an ever growing focus and support from Harley-Davidson Europe and Harley-Davidson Motor Company as the region encapsulates all the emerging market countries with above average potential for future growth.

The new regional offices will be located in Jumeirah Lake Towers in Dubai.

What is your favourite French Dish? Decide with Lafayette Gourmet’s special French menu, live cooking shows and French Market

Starting on the January 27, Lafayette Gourmet is set to tantalise the taste buds by ringing in the delightfully divine French Week, featuring the very best in French products, live cooking shows, French cooking classes and a special French menu at its restaurant in Dubai Mall. Alongside all of this will also be a French-style market, with five different stations offering tastes of the most delectable delicacies.

What is your favourite French Dish?
Is it something rustic, the savoury wild game terrines and the sausages of the countryside? The chickpea fritters and tomato sauces of the South? Do you prefer the nouvelle cuisine of more recent years, or the elegant, rich sauces of traditional French cooking?

Whatever the answer, you are sure to find it on Lafayette Gourmet’s bespoke menu, specially prepared for French Week. With offerings that range from the perfect poached eggs florentine of the Mediterranean to the luxurious lobster thermidor, the selection of wonderful French foods will have the mouths of every French food fan watering. Why not try the classic croque monsieur, or the faultless fillet of wagyu beef Périgourdine? Every dish is made with the kind of joie de vive that has made French food a favourite the world over.

Lafayette Gourmet’s French Week will also feature live evening cooking shows, hosted by some of Dubai’s top French chefs. Discover the secrets behind the finest fish and chips on January 27 and February 3; marvel at the mouth-watering moules marinières shows on January 28 and February 4; and soak up the sweetness of the pear tatin with cinnamon ice cream shows on January 29 and February 5. All shows take place at 6pm, making for the perfect pre-dinner entertainment.

And for those who want to try their hands at becoming the world’s next best French chef, Lafayette Gourmet will host a number of French cooking classes during its fabulous French Week.

As for the ingredients, Lafayette Gourmet’s French Market will feature all that is needed to prepare the perfect cuisine, with five stations offering tastes of the finest French foods. For breakfast, why not visit the Petit Déjeuner station, where you can taste the flavours of a morning in France? There will be French baguettes, croissants, butters, honeys and jams, made by the best French brands, including Honey Mas Des Abeilles, L’Epicurien Jam and Spread, Bicuiterie De Chambord and Tregor Eggs.

For the sweet-toothed French food fan, the Chocolate Fountain and Crêpes & Biscuits station will be a must-see. Featuring a chocolate fondue with fruit or cookie dips, chocolates to melt or eat, and the famous French crêpe, this station will turn even the best-kept New Year’s diets on their heads. With brands like Aux Anysetiers Du Roy Fondue and Maxim’s Gourmet Chocolate, who will be able to resist?

For a more relaxing sensation, the best destination has to be the Salon De Thé, the tea station. Customers are invited to drink tea, coffee and consume everything that goes well with hot drinks, from coloured sugar to cookies and biscuits. Once again, only the very best in French brands will be featured, such as Eric Bur Tea, Le Temps Des Cerises and Biscuterie De L’Abbaye Sables Au Beurre.

Afterwards, why not stop in at the Olive and Condiments station, for the best insight into those little extras that make French food so fabulous? All of the country’s amazing olive oils, vinegars, mustards, salts, peppers and truffles will be there, including examples from brands such as Mt. De Turenne Flagelot XT Fin, Sel de Guerande and Moutarde Fallot.
And, of course, a French Market would not be French without its cheese station, which why French Week’s Cheese Station is designed for the most serious of serious cheese lovers. There is a full French cheese selection to taste, including Rouzaire Brie De Meaux AOC, Beillevaire St. Paulin Fermier and Goat Cheese Cabri Parthenay.

Known to be one of the most influential Western cuisines, who hasn’t been affected by French cooking somehow? The sauces, the techniques, the mindsets of classic French cooking have influenced Western cuisine for most of the modern age. So come and be a part of Lafayette Gourmet’s fabulous French Week.

Brand managers from Paris along with Lingerie advisors educated women that evening on the history of the brand and how it evolved to suit every woman’s need when it comes to choosing her lingerie along with tips based on the season, skin complexions and body sizes.

Additionally, the event showcase the best vintage collections of Chantelle, Simone Perelles and Princess Tam Tam that where exclusively displayed to communicate the heritage of the brand.

The assortment by Chantelle communicated “Innovation and French Allure” – “Elegance and Confidence” by Simon Perelle and “Mix and Match” by Princess Tam Tam.

“The event was supported by the Lingerie Francaise and we are proud to be in Dubai to showcase and add knowledge about French brands to sophisticated Arab Women”; says Anne-Laure Linget – LA FEDERATION EXPERTISE

The event was attended by women and prominent partners from Dubai at Galeries Lafeyette outlet and Cashback voucher of 50aed for every 250aed spent is running throughout the festive season and till 31st December.

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Brands Backgrounder:

Simone Perèle

History:
Everything started in 1948, when Madame Pérèle, a young corset maker, set up a small workshop in Paris. «In order to reveal women’s beauty, we must liberate women’s bodies», she declared. Simone Pérèle’s personality and wonderful sense of adventure made a lasting impression, and played a major role in creating a strong brand identity. Her independent spirit and her own feminine side naturally led her towards an idea that was revolutionary for the time: the idea that women should not have to choose between

being attractive and being comfortable. Backed up by sixty years of experience in corset-making, Simone Pérèle’s manufacturing secrets are passed on with enduring passion and precision, collection after collection, to guarantee perfect lingerie.

Collections:
Couture Legends: Once upon a time, there was a collection inspired by fantasies and fairytales. In a world searching for something magical, designers were inspired to create majestic, baroque and heavily decorated lingerie. Eternité, Magie, Merveille, Illusion and Trésor carry us away in a dream to the enchanted world of couture.
ILLUSION -The ultimate illusion…..magnificent geometric dark lace is layered on top of bold colours for a dramatic effect. Each style plays with different lace and colour combinations for a collection that gives different looks and is full of surprises. “So French” detail: Trimming-inspired embellishments, guipure motif on the straps and a tassle decorates the centre.

Princess tam.tam

History
In 1972, Loumia Hiridjee and her sister, originally from Madagascar, come to Paris. In 1985, they created a printed colourful lingerie: a revolution. Today, their collections feature a range of delicate products which still retain touches of the original concept: «Princesse» which reflects elegance and «tam-tam» playfulness. The success keeps on growing and brand is spreading all round the world.

Collections:
OH, MY MUSE – She moves forward, runs and disappears. I can see her from my window. In a lace bandeau, she’s elegant and always subtle. In prints, she’s facetious and always mysterious. In colours and oh so pretty frills, she’s expressive and always dazzling. Often sensual. Thoughts rush through my mind. My eyes are waiting for her. She can be furiously haute couture or delightfully haughty in high-waist briefs and chic bra. She’s my heroine.

BUBBLE-GUM STORY – Caesar Blue, Sweet Orange, Marcello Blue, Villa Green, Capri Pink and Spicy Brown. A swirl of acid-drop colours. Good enough to eat. They may be pale or deep, bright or bleached. Vintage-style prints, florals, stripes or cherries. Her own little treat and very pretty.

PALE BLUE EYES – She reflects new femininity. She customises what she wears. It’s her lingerie. She’s a pretty revolutionary wearing a cockade. She slips on a bow and her strap becomes twisted and uneven. She wraps herself in oversized knitted cardigans and pretends to be Bardot, in polka dot pedal pushers. She’s a modern miss. She also loves jumpsuits made of soft, delicate cotton. In a transparent chemise, she takes up a languorous pose then falls asleep.

Chantelle

History
Behind every major brand, there is first a small brand with a long history. The unique knowledge, intimate understanding of women and expertise possessed by successive generations of Chantelle’s employees have required 14 decades to take form. In the image of Haute Couture labels, Chantelle draws upon this heritage and confirms its commitment to carefully adjusted undergarments made of the softest, most noble fabrics and luxurious laces. Featuring hand-sewn details, small stitch needlework and special embroidery techniques, each garment is
filled with the very particular atmosphere of couture workshops. False simplicity that conceals genuine gems of ingenuity and infinite patience in achieving perfect creation, ideal maintenance, dream-like comfort and the «je ne sais quoi» that embodies unique Parisian style.

This concoction of elegance and corset-making expertise, in a permanent quest for modernity, has become synonymous with internationally recognized «French Allure». For Chantelle, lingerie is designed like a beauty secret, capable of adapting to every woman to help express her personality the best she can, creating self-confidence and helping transcend her femininity. Chantelle underlines women’s natural charm in a fantastically chic and refined Couture spirit.

Collections:
While Haute Couture fashion shows have never before placed so much stress on the lingerie look, Chantelle reveals a Fall-Winter 2010 collection that pays tribute to the personality of the Parisian woman, her charm and her elegance. Chantelle lingerie uses a subtle color palette. Khaki, bronze, brown and ebony call to mind images of a chic safari, while the combination of midnight blue, fatal violet and black revisits the Couture inspiration that the House is so fond of. Metallic effects intermingle with red and black, which have become a must-have. Subtle and sensuous nudes, blush and other makeup tones work to enhance pale and tanned complexions alike.

Mouth-watering dishes and delicacies are being piled high for the festive season at Lafayette Gourmet where shoppers can pre-order or purchase culinary feasts to celebrate the holidays.

Juicy turkeys and decadent cakes are among the enormous range of luxury foodstuffs available at Lafayette’s Gourmet in Dubai Mall.

Shoppers, this season, will have the luxury to order a bespoke meal (ranging from cooked turkeys, to cakes or puddings) that will be cooked and delivered to their homes on any night they choose. The orders take place starting from December 10 carrying on to Dec 31st. This way, the stress of getting the turkey right and remembering to sieve the gravy is completely avoided and everyone, mothers included, can relax and enjoy their festive season and the delicious feasts that come with it.

Take full advantage of the wide array of cakes, pies and strudels on offer and celebrate Christmas and New Year at Lafayette Gourmet, where every seasonal treat will be to hand. Families can enjoy the merry atmosphere created by a flurry of seasonal decorations, mouth-watering feasts and festive entertainment, including a visit from Santa himself.

Celebrations are already in full swing at Galeries Lafayette’s popular Gourmet food store. Shoppers can stop by and enjoy a flavour of the festivities to come at one of the seven restaurants, which specialise in luxury foods imported from around the globe. It’s the season for treats, so no time could be more suited to go ahead and indulge in mussels from Scotland, oysters from France or Atlantic lobsters fresh from the ocean.

Don’t miss out on the perfect Christmas lunch or New Years Eve dinner at Lafayette Gourmet this season – book it from now!

This is Gourmet Lafayette’s season – a time to celebrate culinary decadence and enjoy the finest delicacies from around the world. Nowhere can such a spectacular array of international food finery be found and, this December, the shelves are groaning anew with the choicest seasonal selections from all corners of the globe.

Barbie, the toy that for generations every girl has craved, will jet into Dubai for the first time to feature in an exhibition at the UAE’s largest department store, Galeries Lafayette. The Barbie at Dubai exhibition will be the first of its kind in the Middle East and feature 48 different Barbie dolls ranging back half a century.

Since she first appeared in toy shops in 1959, Barbie has been a cult symbol of beauty and fashion for women of all ages. And every woman from 2 to 92 is invited to explore the history of Barbie through the decades in the fashion alley of Galeries Lafayette. Each doll will model a different item from the extensive wardrobe she has amassed over the last 50 years.

With a range of trend-setting Barbie outfits featured, from vintage frocks to modern gowns, the display will provide a fascinating insight into the couture of the last half-century for Galeries Lafayette’s fashionista shoppers. The perfect Barbie look will be available to all at complementary cosmetics stations where women can swap their nail polish in favour of their favourite Barbie pink and have their make-up done by professionals in the Barbie style.

Barbie’s timeless popularity grows year after year. Following the launch in 2007 of the BarbieGirls.com website, it has become the fastest growing virtual world ever and has now amassed almost 16 million registrations.

Kicking off on November 4 for three weeks, the exhibition will allow every girl and woman to enjoy a range of Barbie experiences, including tea like Barbie on Galeries Lafayette’s gourmet floor, with complementary cakes for the under 12s, and a Barbie photocall, where visitors can get free pictures to remember the day they got to be Barbie.

Whether a fun family weekend activity or a day out with the girls, Barbie at Dubai provides all women with the chance to be pampered as the emirate celebrates femininity, fashion and glamour with Galeries Lafayette. For little girls, the event is a dream come true as they discover the life of their favourite doll and explore the Barbie World shop, where customised children’s furniture, bags and other items are available.

This is the first of many interactive events planned by Galeries Lafayette, which will become an entertainment destination in addition to a shopping venue. For Barbie, there could be no better place than Galeries Lafayette, the home of beauty, fashion and style, to make her first Middle East appearance.

Following its wild success in the Gulf region, Sukar.com, the luxury online shopping club, is now available for Lebanese shoppers to buy high-end lifestyle goods at up to 90 per cent discount. Sukar.com naturally appeals to Lebanese buyers with their flair for fashion and fine design.

Already, more than 200,000 high-end shoppers have joined Sukar.com, which provides a member-only environment for fashion and lifestyle shopping online. Launched earlier this year by Jabbar Internet Group, Sukar.com is part of a global online shopping alliance with around 10 million members worldwide.

New top brands are coming available every day for a limited time period of 48 hours only. An alert is sent out before a new sale event begins and members have only a few hours to secure highly coveted designer pieces. The sense of urgency this timeframe generates contributes to the excitement of the Sukar.com experience.

A range of payment options, including Cash-On-Delivery and Credit Cards, and the home delivery service contributes to the slick simplicity of shopping at Sukar.com. To consumers who are accustomed to high-end boutiques, it is the ideal way to reach premier brands and emerging designer labels from the comfort of their own homes at very exclusive rates.

For the worldly Lebanese fashionista, Sukar.com unrolls the red carpet to fashionable online retail.

“As the premier fashion market of the Middle East, Lebanon is ideally placed to benefit from the enormous discounts available at Sukar.com,” said Saygin Yalcin, CEO of Sukar.com. “This exciting expansion will incorporate Lebanon’s fashionable set into Sukar.com’s exclusive club of designer shoppers and bring luxury online shopping to the fashion hub of the Levant at unbeatable prices.”

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About Sukar.com
Launched in May 2010, Sukar.com is one of the fastest growing websites in the region with over 200,000 members. With a heavy focus on fashion and lifestyle products, Sukar.com gives GCC customers exclusive access to top brands at members-only prices. Sukar.com sales normally take no longer than 2 to 3 days with a limited availability per item. This creates an exciting shopping experience with ever changing inventory. Membership is by invitation only. Members can invite their friends and even earn extra credit when their friends purchase items. Shopping on Sukar.com is safe, easy and always a good deal.

Managing Director of Harley-Davidson Strategic Growth Markets, Mr. Stuart Farrell says: “Harley-Davidson appeals to people in Lebanon and the region because it offers a chance for them to demonstrate their individuality. It’s a brand that offers a lifestyle bringing together passion, power and an iconic style. In the last decade, Harley-Davidson has been embraced by more and more people in the region and the new store in Lebanon is a reflection of that regional success”

Interest in Harley-Davidson has long thrived in the Levant. The company first opened a showroom in Lebanon more than 70 years ago to support the growing number of riders there; and with an investment of $2.5m for the new outlet the place will be offering the latest Harley-Davidson equipment, and bikers will have a revived opportunity to engage with the sport and fellow riders.

“There is no doubt that Harley-Davidson will thrive in Lebanon creating a successful business as more and more people discover a relevant lifestyle that sets free an individual. It’s great to operate a business where the objective is to fulfill dreams! For us, Lebanon represents a country that is renowned for its passionate people, the dramatic scenery and the wonderful climate. There can be few places better to enjoy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and our initial experiences point to it being a wonderful place to do business, and if we can stay and enjoy some leisure time on a Harley then so much the better!” says Paul de Jongh, Country Manager – Harley-Davidson MENA

Marwan Tarraf, the owner of the dealership, explained how the showroom will provide a number of services. He said: “The new showroom will offer bikers in Lebanon everything they need to maintain their bikes. Advice, parts, latest bikes, services and technical support will be available so that our riders in the region no longer have to go through the inconvenience of ordering in from abroad”.

“The showroom will also serve as a base to run tours and events. This will bring bikers together and help them to engage with the Harley-Davidson community, as well as learn new ways to make the most of their bikes on the open road.”

The Harley-Davidson Beirut Lebanon Showroom is located in Kantari, Michel Chiha Street.

Couture Fashion Week was a multi-day event showcasing couture and luxury fashion. It also included exhibits of luxury brands and fine art as well as world-class entertainment and receptions. The event is usually held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and occasionally in other selected cities and is attended by upscale consumers, invited VIPs, the press and high-end store buyers.

According to the fashion designer Ezra Santos: “Being part of this event for the 1st time surely opens a lot of new opportunities in my field; and I’m happy to have worked on building a vibrant environment; in this show; for fashionistas to enjoy a top-of-the-line runway show and have the chance to place orders and interact with myself”.

Ezra Santos held the show to showcase his success in the world of haute couture and finely tailored garments. The Manila-born designer comes full circle as he shares with his compatriots the qualities that make him one of the major proponents in the recognition and advancement of Filipino talents in the international fashion arena.

The fashion stalwart who is based in Dubai, UAE, is likewise considered one of the most influential figures in the Middle East/Gulf fashion industry. His creations along neo-classic lines with an edge are often anticipated as a barometer of what’s to come in the region’s ever-exciting fashion landscape. His clientele reads like a who’s who of international celebrities, true-blue Arab royals and equally affluent women of discerning taste and repute.

A product of Central Saint Martins in London, UK, Ezra’s impeccable designs reflects more than two decades of hands-on experience. He is a perennial invitee at major fashion exhibitions worldwide where he never fails to mesmerize his audience with his awe-inspiring collections. His designs reflect a variety of inspirations from Christian Lacroix and John Galliano, to iconic French designer Erte, to the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age of the 1940’s. A true haute couturier, each of Mr. Santos’s creations bears his trademark flawless symmetry, perfect cut and tasteful embellishments.

Herald as the biggest rolling road tour in the world, the 2nd Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour is now entering its final month of preparation. Taking place on October 1, 2, 3 2010, the official Harley Owners Group event will make the most of Lebanon’s stunning landscape and winding roads that are ideally suited for biking.

Now in its second year, the Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour expects a record-breaking turnout of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from across the Levant and the Gulf.

It is unique compared to most other H.O.G.® events in that it is a rolling road tour and not a single point of attraction rally. Bikers get to explore the beautiful Lebanese scenery, enjoy the summer weather, and sample some excellent cuisine within a fully organised event.

H.O.G.® was established in 1983 in response to a growing desire by Harley-Davidson riders for an organised mean to share their passion and show their pride. Today more than 1.2 million members make H.O.G.® the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organisation in the world.

In its first edition in 2008, the Lebanon Tour attracted over 140 Harley-Davidson riders from across the Arab world, even though at the time it was not an official H.O.G.® event. Due to the success of this first Lebanon Tour, H.O.G.® soon recognised it as an official event. In 2009, some 333 bikers signed up for the
1st Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour, making it the biggest event of its kind in the world.

This time round, the organisers hope to break this record with the 2nd Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour. Under the motto of “Ride Safe and Have Fun”, bikers will set off from Beirut and spend a day travelling through the north Lebanese coast and countryside. On reaching the Cedars of Lebanon, they will stay overnight at the Auberge & Cedrus Hotel.

The next day, the tour will take in the city of Baalbek, site of the greatest Roman temples of Bacchus and Jupiter, continue through the Bekaa Valley, then up through Mount Lebanon towards the Mzaar Resort. On the final day, riders will cover central Bekaa and South Lebanon before heading back towards Downtown Beirut.

As well as setting out to promote the beauty, warmth and hospitality of the country, the 2nd Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour aims to create a community of aficionados that transcends physical frontiers and cultural, political and social barriers.

The event also aims to promote safe motorcycle riding, an effort in conjunction with the Lebanese Ministry of the Interior.

“For the second official year, the Lebanon H.O.G.® Tour will unite even more people,” said Marwan Tarraf, owner of Harley-Davidson Lebanon. “For three days, businesspeople, doctors and teachers will join mechanics, construction workers and trades people in this festival of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This shows how the Tour brings all walks of life together through their love for our brand.

“Harley-Davidson has built a large community across the Middle East, and we expect to see a large number of riders from all the Gulf states as well as Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon setting out from Beirut on October 1. After our success last year, we are really hoping to break attendance records in 2010.”

The event is organised by the H.O.G.® Lebanon Chapter in co-operation with the Motorcycle and Tourism Club of Lebanon (MTCL), the only non-profit association of Lebanese bikers.