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JUMBO REDEFINES OMNICHANNEL IN THE REGION WITH NEW ONLINE SHOPPING PORTAL

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Updated : November 25, 2014 09:30  am,Dubai
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img36Regional consumer electronics retail giant unveils www.jumbo.ae – the online extension of Jumbo’s brick-and-mortar network

Jumbo Electronics has launched its innovative online shopping portal that combines Jumbo’s definitive retail expertise in local markets with the capabilities of eCommerce and digital strategy specialists, including Build-a-Bazaar, RBBi, MENA360, and Google Inc., to offer a comprehensive OmniChannel experience to shoppers.
Jumbo’s new online store – www.jumbo.ae – promises to redefine the regional shopping experience for consumer electronics by offering a fully integrated platform that services customers online and offline, in a simple, convenient process. Besides offering genuine products from global brands, and access to Jumbo’s award-winning service centre and support, the online store also addresses the challenges faced by shoppers at pure play online stores — such as difficulty in processing returns or lack of access to customer support and human interaction.
Vishesh Bhatia, CEO at Jumbo Group, said: “For the last 40 years, Jumbo has consistently set the benchmark for consumer electronics retail in the region. We introduced organised retail into our sector here and today we are offering what is undoubtedly the first truly OmniChannel experience for consumer electronics shoppers in the region.  Our goal is to offer the same high level of products and customer service that we are known for in our stores, to our online customers as well. This move is one part of a deliberate strategy towards entering the digital space.”
Nadeem Khanzadah, Head – OmniChannel Retail, Jumbo Group, said: “We have attempted to leave no stone unturned with our integrated customer engagement strategy. Over the years, buying patterns and decision-making processes have evolved to include a mix of online and offline behaviours. There is a need to ensure that our online presence doesn’t just tick off boxes, but addresses today’s changing realities and customer expectation for an anytime, anywhere, seamless shopping experience.”
“With a little help from our friends”
Jumbo’s online shopping portal design has benefitted from state-of-the-art lab-testing facilities, such as eye-tracking for the most optimum content placement, by UI/UX performance marketing agency RBBi.
Khanzadah said: “The design team at RBBi have helped define and translate the user experience on Jumbo’s online shopping portal. This was verified and developed at first-of-its-kind user-testing labs that track eyeball movements to map the shopper journey.”
The website adopts fluid design strategy functionality, inspired by the ease of navigation at Jumbo’s retail outlets, so shoppers have a consistent experience whether they use a PC or a mobile device.
Jumbo.ae has been developed in collaboration with Build-a-Bazaar — a subsidiary of the well-known Indian eCommerce giant Infibeam, which was set up by a team of ex-Amazon employees.
Vishal Mehta, Founder & CEO of Infibeam, who worked at Amazon.com for 7 years, explained: “We have leveraged key learnings to optimise Jumbo’s portal, through our experience developing one of India’s leading online retail sites.”
Expert advice, on products and gifts
The Jumbo online shopping portal has incorporated thoughtful features such as a ‘Product Wizard’, which recommends or simply inspires shoppers to choose products for themselves or as gifts. The Wizard can be compared to an instore assistant that shows the best options across single or multiple product category preferences, based on budget, technology habits, shopper profile and interests. It also allows shoppers to compare the different products at a glance.
Delivery in a day, plus other conveniences 
Reducing the wait-time for online purchases drastically, customers on Jumbo’s online portal can receive their products the next day, for all orders made before 8pm. Currently delivering to any address in the UAE, Jumbo has partnered with MENA360, the only last mile delivery experts in the region specialising in eCommerce fulfilment.
Khanzadah added: “Through our partnership with MENA360, Jumbo will engage a dedicated delivery team that has been trained in customer-facing etiquette, to offer the most professional service for our customers. Women can also opt for deliveries by female personnel that are part of the team.”
Access to Jumbo, online and offline
Aligning its brick-and-mortar and online presence, Jumbo’s click-and-mortar network is built to facilitate the way people shop. Visitors to any Jumbo outlet can opt to purchase the product later through the online portal, saving them the trouble of returning to the store to buy the product. In cases where online shoppers cannot arrange to receive deliveries, they can use the ‘Click and Collect’ feature on www.jumbo.ae to arrange a collection from the nearest Jumbo store, where the product is made available.
Khanzadah explained: “Customer preferences can differ from one person to the other. Our aim is to make our brick-and-mortar and online services equally accessible to the customer. By integrating the delivery and collection process, we ensure that the two platforms work together and not as separate entities.”
In addition, all customers – online as well as in-store – have access to facilities such as exchanges and returns across Jumbo’s existing network of stores.
Easy payment options, including credit card on delivery
Jumbo has partnered with two of the region’s best global electronic payments facilitators, PayPal and Payfort, to offer easy and convenient payment options to customers that are particularly preferred among visitors and the floating expat population in the UAE. Not just limited to cash on delivery and online debit or credit card payments, www.jumbo.ae also offers the unique ‘credit card on delivery’ service, which is seldom offered by online retailers in this market. Jumbo has also chosen Mashreq Bank as its banking partner for the online shopping portal.
Khanzadah added: “The Jumbo delivery team for online purchases will be equipped with a mobile POS terminal provided by Mashreq bank. This makes it more convenient for customers who prefer card payments over cash, but do not wish to pay online. The payment infrastructure is all-inclusive and caters to varying shopper choices.”
Targeted engagement, through content and products
Jumbo has partnered with Google Inc. to implement search-engine optimisation, retargeting search campaigns, and to enhance display marketing and inventory management.
Khanzadah added: “We want to be able to give consumers access to products they want in a one-click approach. Our collaboration with Google will seek to help us effectively improve our cross-channel intelligence.
“The Middle East eCommerce market is expected to be valued at about US$15 billion by 2015, according to PayPal. And with consumer electronics purchases accounting for up to 23% to 28% of online shopping in the UAE across different categories, as reported by Nielsen, we believe customers will see the added value in our OmniChannel offering,” he concluded.
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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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Ardee Al Marjan

Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Official sales will commence on 1 June 2025 with expression of interest starting 15 May 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company’s flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah.

Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences — including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas — ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 86 m² to over 300 m². Every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with uninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication.

Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room, resident’s owners lounge as well as wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort.

Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world.

With prices starting from AED 2.49 Million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region’s most iconic coastal destinations.

Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.

Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings — from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences — all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community.

Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah.

Vishal Mehta, CEO of Ardee Developments, added: “As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie’s International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah — one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination.”

To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie’s will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey.

“This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before,” said Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision.”

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MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

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MERED

MERED outlined its long-term investment plans and strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025 in Riyadh. The event, a key platform aligned with Vision 2030, brought together government bodies, giga project leaders, and private sector executives to discuss development, contracting, and talent-building opportunities within the Kingdom’s fast-growing construction and real estate sectors. As part of MERED’s participation, CEO Michael Belton joined a fireside chat where he shared insights into the company’s market entry approach and growth plans for the Saudi market.

“The Kingdom’s rapid urban and infrastructure growth is reshaping residential demand and creating new opportunities for long-term development,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. “Vision 2030 and ongoing economic diversification are driving strong demand across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, supported by investor-friendly reforms. In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, we’re seeing increased interest in premium and luxury living, as well as growing demand for Class A office spaces that reflect the ambitions of a modern business environment. MERED is well-positioned to meet these changing market needs through high-quality, innovative developments that offer lasting value.”

Yazan Al-Khalidi, Chief Commercial Director at MERED, joined a panel alongside leading developers, consultants, and contractors to discuss workforce capabilities and the skills required to deliver Saudi Arabia’s giga projects efficiently and at scale. The Kingdom’s real estate sector is projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030, while non-oil economic activity now accounts for over 50% of national GDP. Knight Frank’s Saudi Report 2025 reveals that 93% of high-income Saudi nationals are actively seeking to buy property, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build a competitive luxury real estate market.

Alongside its growth plans in Saudi Arabia, MERED is supporting the development of future architectural talent in line with the region’s broader goal of equipping young people with in-demand skills. As part of this effort, the company is sponsoring a select group of students to attend the Pininfarina Architecture Summer School in Turin this July, through its partnership with the prestigious Pininfarina Academy, founded by the renowned Italian design house. The program offers hands-on training and exposure to international design practices, giving participants valuable experience they can apply to architectural projects across the region.

MERED’s participation underscores its broader commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s real estate ambitions through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. With a pipeline of projects already launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the 290-meter ICONIC Residences designed by Pininfarina, the brand is well-positioned to introduce high-end, future-ready developments to the Saudi market.

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HODL 2025 Opens in Dubai, Advancing the Emirates’ Position as a Global Financial Innovation Hub

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HODL 2025

HODL 2025, organised by Trescon officially opened recently at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The prestigious two-day event follows the Dubai FinTech Summit that commenced on 12th May. During the Summit’s opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced the launch of the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week, scheduled for 2026. This flagship initiative will bring together major financial events—including Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund AGM—under a unified theme: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”

“Being part of the upcoming Dubai Future Finance Week reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the Web3 space,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman, Trescon. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial powerhouse.”


Crypto Rulebook: Toward Global Standards

A day 1 highlight was the expert panel “Crypto rulebook: Global best practices and regulatory measures”, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association. Speakers included:

  • Dyma Budorin, CEO, Hacken
  • Samir Safar-Aly, MENA FinTech Association
  • Erwin Voloder, European Blockchain Association
  • Belal Jassoma, DMCC

“We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.” — Dyma Budorin
 “Regulations need to catch up and work together.” — Samir Safar-Aly

The discussion emphasized the need for global regulatory coherence and innovation-friendly compliance frameworks.

Insuring Web3: A $6 Trillion Opportunity

Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy”, spotlighted the crucial role of insurance in de-risking digital finance.

“Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.” — Joseph Ziolkowski

The panel explored how risk-aligned insurance solutions are key to unlocking institutional trust and long-term ecosystem resilience.

During his session, Cristian Ulloa, Co-Founder & CEO of Liquid Loans, Platinum sponsor of HODL 2025, shared valuable strategies for building wealth in crypto while steering clear of common pitfalls that lead to crypto regret.

Global Leaders on the HODL Stage

Day 1 also featured other prominent speakers sharing insights across DeFi, tokenisation, compliance, and blockchain banking including:

  • Corbin Fraser, CEO, Bitcoin.com
  • Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
  • Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget
  • Rifad Mahasneh, CEO MENA, OKX
  • Robert Crossley, Global Head, Franklin Templeton
  • Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO, Relm Insurance
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