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INNOVATION IN STORAGE TO ADDRESS DATA DEMAND EXPLOSION

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Updated : December 22, 2014 01:13  am,
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Growth in Third Platform Technologies forcing Businesses to take new approach to storage needs, according to Condo Protego CEO

Organizations in the Middle East should take innovative approaches to their storage needs in 2015 to cope with an explosion in data generated by emerging technologies, according to one of the leading data storage and protection companies in the region.
With growth in Third Platform technologies – including cloud, Big Data, and mobility – expected to accelerate in the Middle East this year, companies will need to adapt their storage strategies to keep up with demand, sad Andrew Calthorpe, CEO, Condo Protego. Key trends in the region for 2015 will include more widespread adoption of hybrid public/private cloud models, a greater trend toward software-defined data centers, and an acceleration in flash storage usage, the CEO said.
The public cloud services market in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) climbed 23 percent this year to USD 629 million, up from USD 511 million in 2013, according to preliminary estimates from market researcher Gartner. The Middle East and Africa will post the world’s highest cloud traffic growth rate, increasing more than eight-fold from 2013 to 2018, according to Cisco.
A hybrid cloud platform allows an organization to retain control of business-critical data by building and managing its own virtualized IT platform and services, while using public cloud services for non-business critical data.
“Storage buying decisions are taking on increasing importance because you need your storage infrastructure to be more responsive and adaptable to rapidly changing demand,” said Calthorpe. “Enterprises see cloud-based storage models as a good solution and we are seeing increasing demand for the hybrid approach – that allows IT managers to keep track of all their vital data while benefiting from the flexibility that the cloud model brings to their data center needs.”
Increasing usage of social media, mobile devices, analytics, and research and development is generating ever-higher volumes of increasingly complex data across a range of industries in the region. As a result, the GCC’s Big Data market is set to grow almost five-fold, from USD 135.7 million in 2013 to USD 635.5 million by 2020, according to Frost & Sullivan.
To handle this increase in demand, organizations in the Middle East are increasingly adopting a software-defined data center approach to their storage needs – virtualizing infrastructure elements such as networking, storage, processing, and security, and delivering them as a service. This allows different devices to be adapted into a single infrastructure and boosts return on assets.
“IT organizations will need to learn to cope with ever-greater data volumes just to keep up with demand,” said Calthorpe. “Storage architectures need to become more dynamic, able to scale up – or down – rapidly, in response to business needs. We are seeing a shift away from traditional data center models and toward the software-defined data center approach, which allows you to make much better use of your available resources.”
Another major storage trend that Condo Protego is seeing in the region is increasing adoption of flash technology. Globally, sales of all-flash systems are growing by 58.5 percent a year and will reach USD 1.6 billion by 2016, according to market researcher International Data Corporation.
The speed and flexibility that flash storage technologies deliver is making them an attractive solution for IT managers, who need to be able to respond quickly to business needs, said Calthorpe. .
“Speed of response to mission-critical applications is essential and the performance gains that flash delivers over hard-disk drives make a compelling case for adoption,” the CEO said. “As flash prices continue to drop, we’re seeing increased usage of the technology here in the region.”
While organizations will need to look to innovation to drive their storage strategies for 2015 and beyond, one area that is often overlooked is the need for employees with the right skillsets to run and deliver these strategies, Calthorpe warned.
According to IDC, while the average IT professional had to take responsibility for 230GB of data in 2014, by 2020 the average IT professional will be looking after 1,231GB of data – so an increased investment in skills is going to be essential.
“Regardless of the technology you adopt and the strategic approach that you take, it’s the ability to execute and deliver that is essential,” said Calthorpe. “All too often, the people side of the equation is overlooked by organizations – which can lead to IT plans failing. We would urge organizations to look beyond the technology and make sure they have the right people in place to deliver on their strategies.”
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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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Ourwatr

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder.

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality

All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder.

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

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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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