ClassicArabia.com - Our Blog

''8 Ways to design like a professional''

2011-01-27T11:55:00.014+03:00

Whether its drawing art, designing a website, decorating your bedroom, or even designing a dress, you should now...nah...you must know a few things before you start:

1. Communicate, don't decorate
Have a concept before you start. The concept should be clear to YOU and to your audience.

Design with purpose, NOT with randomness.

2. Pick colors that go well together
Sometimes we think to ourselves ''Maybe I need to add more items''. It's not always the best solution, try using colors that match.

3. Don't shout at your audience
Make use of the term ''Negative Space''. You don't need to fill up every corner. Infact, have some space on purpose; space highlights the subject.

This is also known as ''Less is more''!

4. Focus on the subject
Batman is awesome.........
Ironman is awesome.......
Spiderman is awesome....

But having all of them in one movie will NOT make an awesome movie, why? Every time you add a subject to your design, all other subjects lose focus.

5. Align elements
Align your main elements properly.

6. Ignore temporary fashion
Fashion changes rapidly and won't last long.

7. Make sure your text is readable!
Common mistakes when using text:

Using many different fonts. Try using only two to three fonts.
Unreadable text: Either unsuitable background or unsuitable text color.

8. Measure overall design
Final step, measure the entire design, maybe you need to remove elements, or add some others, change some colors, or maybe even scribble the whole design and start over.

Thanks for reading,
Ahmad
Member of the ClassicArabia.com Team

60% of businesses will FAIL within the first 5 years!

2011-01-12T13:18:00.007+03:00

Really?......it's that risky to start your own business? Internationally recognised academic and award winning writer David Storey, says its fact and not theory.

The Entrepreneurship Forum
Let's go back a few steps. Monday morning at the 10th international entrepreneurship forum held in Manama, Bahrain. Sat in between the gulf's leading businessmen, anxiously waiting to hear the secrets of success in the business world.

David Storey, the first speaker of the day takes the floor. His bio speaks for itself, amongst many things he consults european governments on their business and economic policies. What does that even mean? still, sounds very cool.

So he starts with mentioning that the majority of businesses will fail within the first five years (after studying thousands of business across Europe and the US) and here's why:

Fast growth rates are very rare
The ever growing presence of financial constraints
Changes in sales and profits in new businesses are immense
Firms in the past has shown they're more likely to contract than expand
60% of firms started between the years 2000 to 2005 ceased to trade
Human capital and prior business experience failed to prove higher success rates

And the list goes on....by now im starting to think, I did not sign up to hear THIS!

Being Optimistic and lucky
David is a firm believer in the role of luck in business. He says ''Good businesses often don't survive''. Adding that you can do the right things and fail, and can do the wrong things and succeed.

He then goes on saying ''Business survival depends on chance and optimism.....surely it's not all luck? Clearly not but there's a big chance element in success''.

Getting rich isn't that easy after all
Looking at the bright side of things. It was probably worth being bombarded with his words. We need to be reminded of the risks involved in business, and continuously plan and strategise in advance.

Unlike economies in the western world, Bahrain's economy is still developing with lots of opportunity in different sectors of the market. Also, its probably less risky to start a business here, especially when you compare the competition in developed and mature markets.

Go for it!
So if you have a business idea, the right plan and resources, then go for it (check out Tenmou). They say a real entrepreneur takes the risk and doesn't let it get to him. I bet David isn't a risk taker after all.

Thank you for reading,

Hussain
Member of the ClassicArabia Team!

Second Season, Second Race, Second Podium!

2010-12-03T16:00:00.003+03:00

Sounds like a great start to the season for ClassicArabia Racing. Indeed it was, especially for our young driver Fahad, who set the world record for the youngest driver ever winning in the Porsche Cup Series last season.

It all started on the F1 weekend in Abu Dhabi last month. Argued as the best date on the formula one racing calendar, the Yas Marina Circuit was even more glamorous this year. How can you even start to explain it?

7.45 am, the drivers gather for their first briefing of the season, they can feel it, they're on their toes. They just want to get out there to start their very first practice session since march. Perhaps knowing they'll race on the same day as the biggest racing event on the planet got to them, but who wouldn't!

Two competitive races in Abu Dhabi saw Sheikh Salman take pole on the first race and defending champion Prince Abdul Aziz take pole on the second race of the weekend.

The drivers drivers return for the second racing weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit. The drivers look more relaxed and in tune, as they hop into their magnificent 2011 Porsche GT3's to start their practice and qualifying sessions.

You know it's close competition when timings are very tight, in fact they were so close that the first six drivers times were only a fraction of a second apart. ClassicArabia Racing driver Fahad comes in third place just after Sheikh Salman and Prince Abdulaziz.

Race starts with a roar of these car's engines, flying through the straight and onto the first turn. Fahad edges closer but can't find the gap through. Sheer persistence and excellent aggressive driving from both Sheikh Salman and Fahad saw them overtake the lead from Prince Abdulaziz after only a few laps from the start. Staying in the lead throughout the race Sheikh Salman takes pole position and Fahad comes in second.

Fantastic racing thus far, now we wait for rounds 5 and 6 in Riyadh on January 19-20 where the battle heats up all over again.

ClassicArabia.com is proud sponsor of the ClassicArabia Racing Porsche GT3 Cup Team.

Thank you for reading and help us share this article!

Common' buying property isn't a bad thing!

2010-11-01T12:00:00.001+03:00

We came across quite an interesting article by Brett Arends where she explains why owning a home is not all that bad.

Sure, maybe there's more gloom to come in the housing market. But when running covers everywhere declare that owning a home does no longer make economic sense, it's time to say: Enough is enough. This is what giving in looks like, everyone has given up.

After all, at the peak of the housing bubble three years ago, editors declared investing in real estate is the way to go, and always asked the question will your property make you rich?

But it's not enough just to think otherwise. So here's a few reasons why it's a good time to buy a home:

One. You can get a good deal.

Especially if you are a good negotiator, after all it's a buyer's market. There are less buyers, less prospects, resulting in better offers out there. And prices have gone down a long way from their peak - about 30%, according to housing specialists. Yes, it's mixed, as some areas are only down 10%. Will prices fall further? Sure, they could, but you can never catch the bottom. So buy now, it's time, and it doesn't matter in the long run.

Two. Mortgages are cheaper.

You can get a loans for up to 25 years for as low as 6 percent. What's not to like? These are very low rates. Just two years ago, the average going rates were hovering at around 9 to 10 percent. If inflation picks up, your mortgage rates won't. And if deflation kicks back in, your rates will go down further.

Three. It'll be yours.

You can paint your kid's rooms wall bright green, choose your very own dining furniture, have that jacuzzi you want in your bathroom. For renters, these changes are impossible. Quite simply, you'll feel better about your owning your own place.

Four. It's risk capital.

No, your home is not shares at the stock market and you shouldn't view it this way. But the economy will pick up sooner or later, and when it starts booming again, your property's price will go up. Equity in a home is the best way of linking your portfolio to the long term growth of the economy.

Five. It's forced savings.

If you can rent an apartment for $2000 instead of buying one for $2500 a month, renting may make sense. But will you save that $500 for your future? A lot of people won't. Most, I dare to say will. Once again, you have to do your math, but the part of your mortgage that goes to your principle payment isn't a cost. You're paying yourself by building equity, so it's a forced monthly saving.

Six. Sooner or later, the market will clear.

Demand and supply will eventually meet. The population forecast is to grow by more than double since the beginning of the decade. This means a big number of potential home owners in the near future. Meanwhile, the housing surplus will work itself out.

There are plenty of properties from all around the Middle East on ClassicArabia.com , have a look, you might just find what your looking for.

We hope you enjoyed this post and would like to give credits to Brett Arends and the 'Internet' for tons of useful information.

We're celebrating Cheese Pizza Day....are you?

2010-09-01T15:49:00.001+03:00

You must be thinking Cheese pizza day...what the heck? how about Make your bed day, Chocolate milk shake day or wait my favorite Be late for something day. Amazingly these dates are celebrated by some people this month. It's not all bad though, to come to think of it, I can use be late for something day at least once a year!

Yuummmmmy!

August proved to be quite a hot month in our region but also elsewhere, the US Tennis Open started in New York yesterday with temperatures reaching 43 degrees celsius....ouch! So september, please show us some improved weather.

On that note, let's start with a convertible, with only 4000km under it's hood, this car is great value for money.

Like?...More info

Next, let's look at a bike that has proven to be quite the machine for bike lovers.

Like?...More info

Like new, used for only 20 hours this Chaparral 284 is a great bargain for it's price. This boat is fully loaded with options, to name a few, yellow bimini, grill, bathroom, bow covers and many more.

Like?...More info

Moving on to our property pick of the month, possibly the best villa on ClassicArabia.com to date.

Like?...More info

Ahhh, really nice. We like this watch from Bvlgari.

Like?...More info

We've always had good art being posted on ClassicArabia.com, maybe we should dedicate next month's blog post for art? In the meantime have a look at this promising talent from Egypt.

Like?...More info

Thank you again for reading and following our blog posts, you can also follow our Twitter Page and Facebook Fan Page. Any suggestions? if so please send us an Email, we always like to improve.

We hope you enjoyed this year's month of Ramadan and wish you a safe and pleasant end to the week!

Longest Days of Summer.....Let's Go Boating!

2010-07-01T13:14:00.002+03:00

This week we will see summer's longest days, so what better time to take off work, why not make it a three day weekend, and get on the water? Especially before it gets too hot as we can expect soaring temperatures by the end of the month...!

We bring you a special issue from our monthly newsletter wherein we celebrate the summer solstice by exploring boats from different sizes and prices!

Right, so let's start with one of the smaller boats......ever thought of learning how to sail?

More info...

Need for speed? This Baha comfortably does a 100km per hour!

More info...

The Gulf's favorite.....the Wave Breaker series from Aldhaen Craft

More info...

18 ft Bowrider..for those who love wakeboarding, this one's a great choice!

More info...

Great fun meets serious power....the all new Kawasaki Jetski

More info...

Looking for style, comfort and speed....the perfect all round cruiser from Larsson

More info...

Going big? The perfect yacht for all the right reasons

More info...

We hope you enjoyed this 'Boating' edition of our monthly newsletter, there are many more boats on ClassicArabia's website, so please do pay us a visit, you might just find the right boat for you! If your looking to sell an item whether a boat, bike, car, property, art or even a watch, then Register and post your items for free! Thank you and see you again next month!

June Already? Our Favorite's from last Month

2010-06-01T12:09:00.005+03:00

ClassicArabia's Monthly favorite items newsletter is back, but it feels like we just finished writing april's newsletter. 2010 has been going by quite fast, its summertime already! It's also a good time for bargains as many prepare to leave for vacation, its known that prices go down during this time of year.

So let's start with our favorite car of the month, the fabulous Audi R8.

Click me to check out my interior!

Moving on to the very popular Chopard happy diamonds, this one's for you ladies.

Click me see the diamonds up close!

This one seems to be our visitor's favorite, HUGE villa in Dubai.

Click me to see my price!

Ahhh...the art section, we loved this artist's style!

Click me for better viewing!

Tired of just laying there on the beach? feeling like some deep sea fishing? Then have a look at this boat.

Click me to see my engines!

Last but not least....the RC8 R, a monster by KTM

Click me if your curious!

We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter, there are many more interesting items on ClassicArabia's website, so please do pay us a visit. If your looking to sell an item, then Register and post your item for free! Thank you again and see you next month!

ClassicArabia.com's Favorite Items - April 2010

2010-05-01T12:00:00.020+03:00

April....Summer's right around the corner, how about a beach front property for a couple of weeks in Morocco this summer, or cruise Dubai's waters in style, or maybe time to treat yourself to a convertible mean machine?

Maybe we can help, have a look at our favorite items from this month!

Art - Impressive water color technique - Flowers by Tejbir Singh

View this Art

Car - We think this one speaks for itself - '10 Ferrari California

View this Car

Watch - A truly elegant timepiece from the DS Podium Collection - Certina

View this Watch

Bike - A unique bike posted from Lebanon - Suzuki Intruder

View This Bike

Property - Beach front property in Marrakech - Flat, Morocco

View this Property

Boat - Discover boating with this 24 Ft beauty - Four Winns

View this Boat

So that's it from us for this month's newsletter, we hope you enjoyed going through our favorite SIX! Once again, we would like to thank everyone who has been part of our online community. Stay tuned for more updates and enhancements to the site.

If your not registered, click here to open an account for FREE!

ClassicArabia.com's Favorite Items - March 2010

2010-04-01T15:12:00.016+03:00

Starting this month we would like to share our favorite post for each category that we found to be interesting for one reason or another :)

So here you go, these are the highlights of the month:

Art - A very popular item in the arts category Souq 55, By Abbas Almosawi

View this Art - Souq 55

Car - Great post from Lebanon. One word, Classic!

View this Car - 1957 Mercedes-Benz

Watch - A beauty from a wide range of watches posted by the user Tariq Jewellers

View this Watch - Gerald Genta Retro

Bike - We've had a couple of interesting bikes posted but this one we really liked!
View this Bike - Kawasaki 1700F

Property - Pick of the month from an upcoming development

View this Property - Residential Flat, Amman

Boat - We want one of these! Great price for such a luxurious cruiser.
View this Boat - 35 Ft Chaparral Cruiser

That's it from us for this newsletter. Once again, we would like to thank everyone who has been part of our online community so far. Stay tuned for more updates and enhancements to the site.

If your not already registered, click here to open an account for FREE!

www.ClassicArabia.com

ClassicArabia.com Racing Driver Makes History!

2010-03-27T15:00:00.004+03:00

Round 1o of the Porsche Cup Challenge took place in Riyadh's Reem Circuit last week. The weather was hot, the atmosphere intense and the concentration levels off the roof.

The qualifying session lap times were very close, as this circuit is considered home ground to many of the drivers competing in this challenge, making it all the more exciting. An impressive lap saw Prince Abdulaziz take pole position with ClassicArabia.com Racing driver Fahad coming in second.

The race started off with an aggressive roar of the cars' engines, going down the straight and into the first turn. Prince Abdulaziz did not have a perfect start and Fahad took advantage passing him right away.

Considered an important race to Prince Abdulaziz to secure the title and win in between a home crowd, he was pushing very hard. But a consistent performance with no mistakes and skillful defensive driving saw the youngest ever driver in the history of the Porsche one-make racing series make history taking his first pole position of the season.

Thrilled with the win, Fahad Algosaibi said: "It's the best feeling ever and my best win by far. I was a bit lucky to begin with because Prince Abdulaziz didn't have such a good start and it was very tough to hold on because he put me under so much pressure."

"It's not bad to lose a race to someone like fahad. He's very talented and we'll have to watch out for him next year." said Prince Abdulaziz at the finish.

ClassicArabia.com is delighted to be behind the ClassicArabia Racing ream in this event. We are an active promoter of the motor sport events in the region. This includes the regional SpeedTrip events, the Bahrain H.O.G Rally and last but not least the E-Rain Formula BMW team.

ClassicArabia.com Goes Racing!

2010-02-01T22:00:00.001+03:00

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, an exciting new one-make motor racing series attracting some of the region’s most promising young drivers.

Driving for the ClassicArabia Racing team for this Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, is 16-year-old Saudi national Fahad Algosaibi making his own piece of racing history by becoming the youngest driver to compete in a Porsche worldwide. He has just completed a season in Asia Formula BMW racing where he secured an impressive top five finish.

ClassicArabia.com is thrilled to be behind the ClassicArabia Racing team in this event. We are an active promotor of motor sport events in the region. This includes the regional SpeedTrip events, The Bahrain H.O.G. ™ Rally, and last but not least the E-RAIN Forumla BMW team.

ClassicArabia.com’s Kids Logo Competition

2009-08-09T21:00:00.003+03:00

The Bahrain Art Society hosted a two-hour event entitled ‘Art and Fun - Kid’s annual logo competition’. The unique and one of a kind event featured Bahraini artist and holder of diploma from London Art College Areej Rajab. She led the kids to redesign the ClassicArabia.com website icons for a fun, exciting and creative competition.

Hussain Kadhem, heading of Marketing at ClassicArabia.com, strove to make the event memorable and a fun experience for the kids. He explains that by creating contests, ‘we provide student engagement activities that mirror the professional and business world and give the students the opportunity to interact visually with each other.” And added “By participating in these competitions, students learn about juried art shows and other contests which will help them succeed in the ‘real world.”

ClassicArabia.com creator and sponsor of the event is the regions premiere specialised on-line market place. The website specialises in providing a platform that allows buyers and sellers to find each other.

Our First Ever Newsletter!

2009-05-15T01:00:00.008+03:00

This our first ever ClassicArabia.com Newsletter! ClassicArabia.comis an on-line classifieds site that is designed specifically for posting cars, boats, bikes, watches, property and art. A couple of weeks ago we [very] quietly announced our www.classicarabia.com beta website. Its been a very busy time since then!

First of, We would like to thank everyone that has joined ClassicArabia.com so far and helped us create a unique and simple experience. We've been analysing our server logs and its been fascinating to see where most of the hits come from. Primarily most visitors have come from the GCC (as expected). Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE represent our top countries so far. But we've had visits from over 22 countries, including several visits from Iraq (...seriously!)

"Not so Simple" - Beta's and Bugs:

The response to the site has been extremely positive. We've also had some great feedback regarding the the look and feel of the site. We've been tweaking the site continuously since day one and some great improvements have been made as a result of customer feedback. A couple of bugs have come to light thanks to the feedback of our customers, we've fixed all the ones reported so far and will continue to fix any new ones. A special thanks to our users who contacted us about bugs on the site.

We would like to thank everyone who has been part of our beta site so far and stay tuned for more updates and enhancements to the site.