News
SEIZING THE MOMENTUM
By R. Narayan
HID Global, a company providing an extensive range of end to end secure authentication solutions, has been consistently making inroads in the region, doubling up efforts in the region through partners in recent years.
There is a good reason to believe that HID Global security solutions is ideally poised to drive home the advantage of being well represented in the Middle East region that is showing a greater demand for security solutions. The company believes key sectors are deploying more and more the kind of security solutions that they are specializing in and to a great extent this is also being driven by the Technology savvy government initiatives.
One of the key areas for the company include secure smart card IDs and credentials in a variety of form factors for physical and logical access control; as well as converged solutions for building and computer access, transit payment, cashless vending, biometrics and other applications. HID is also a leader in secure printers and encoders with its Fargo range. These are card issuance solutions for organizations such as casinos, financial services firms, small businesses and retailers, as well as for temporary ID badge applications. HID’s variety of secure contactless and contact card readers are to be found in all kind of installations all over the Middle East. These include facility access control, mobile payment devices, computer network data security, medical record management, employee time and attendance, border control and more. The readers are compatible with HID cards, tokens, inlays and prelaminates. HID Global also provides a range of solutions in the government ID card space, from a single component to an entire system ranging from enablement and enrolment, through card issuance, authentication and management.
In its extensive portfolio, HID Global also offers a diverse line of RFID tags and transponders providing services in asset tracking to waste management in in LF, HF and UHF. In agriculture, HID Global contactless RFID transponders help manage and track livestock, pets, lab animals and products in the food supply chain. In addition, HID’s ActivID Credential Management System (CMS) enables the issuance, reissuance and revocation of Smart Chip-enabled credentials. With the ActivID CMS, organizations can deploy the Identity Assurance solution they require to secure access to their facilities, networks, systems and cloud-based applications.
One of the key growth areas for the company is smart cards. A smart card is usually a plastic card which contains a memory or microprocessor chip embedded in it, which is capable of storing and transmitting data. Smart cards have a wide area of application such as in transportation, telecommunication, for making government IDs, in the financial sector and in paid TV services.
The enhanced security feature that a smart card offers is a driving force in the development of the market with regards to the different sectors and this is expected to grow with time. According to BCC Research, the global smart card market is expected to clock $7.3 billion in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%.
Nat Pisupati, Regional Sales Director, for HID Global EMEA says, “We provide both contactless and contact smart cards. The Middle East, especially GCC countries are seeing great demand for smart cards. This is across sectors including Education, Government ID programs, hospitals and offices etc. in fact, all the government issued ID cards in the region are smart cards. There is a great momentum towards smart cards in the region.”
The company is seeing greater interest from Education sector in the region because of the higher utility that such smart cards could facilitate in addition to better authentication and security.
Pisupati says, “We signed an order with a Saudi university for a student ID card program for instance. They wanted a smart card because they wanted to incorporate a lot of applications and use not just for authentication purpose. They could for instance look at enabling it for students to use it for transactional purposes like buying Books or in the campus cafeteria for instance.”
He opines, “The concern has been on security and once that is taken care of, it will be a matter of time before more and more applications and services can be enabled on a smart card. Application like a driving card or residency renewal could among such services enabled on a smart card.”
The increase in the areas of application plays an important role in globally developing the smart card market. New technologies like NFC (Near Field Communication) and machine to machine communication are being used extensively in developing countries and are expected to support the growth of the smart card market in the future. Pisupati concurs that Near Field Communication (NFC) will continue to grow and NFC enabled payments through smartphones will become even more mainstream with time.
“We are at the forefront of NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology. Our main focus in Access Control. We are using NFC to open doors. There are other companies that are using smartphones featuring NFC for Banking transactions. As Mobile banking will also continue to grow, this means that financial transactions over mobile devices will need to be secured as well. At HID, we continue to invest in solutions for even stronger security solutions for mobile financial transactions,” adds Pisupati.
The manufacturer provides integrated solutions through partners, incorporating hardware and software which include secure printers, physical access control, strong authentication and identity assurance. In addition, it also provides software development tools and APIs to its partners to integrate their own solutions with their other products as well as third party solutions.
Pisupati says, “We only sell through the channel. We are well represented in the region by our partners and in each segment. Since we have different products lines from Logical Access, Physical Access, Easy Lobby, Visitor Management, Fargo printers, each product line has several partners in each country of the region. We are now training our partners on all products so that they are enabled to sell any or all of our product lines. So if a customer wants a particular solution, they would be better placed to do that.”
He further adds, “For the partners, we provide the card and reader but they then provide the rest of the solution they would be providing. We are one part of the solution but they could design a solution with components from other vendors as well. We also have a lot of big companies which use our HID Technology which we provide on an OEM basis.”
HID’s Physical Access Control Solutions provide an extensive line of access control readers and credentials in the industry. Comprising brands iCLASS Seos, iCLASS SE, iCLASS SmartID, HID Prox and Indala Prox, HID’s access control readers and credentials feature low-frequency (125 kHz), high-frequency (13.56 MHz) and multi-technology solutions. Among its popular products in the region are the i-CLASS SE cards that include SIO-enabled credentials featuring multi-layered security for maximum security and data protection. The EasyLobby Secure Visitor Management solutions that allow organizations to automate the entire process of registering a visitor, printing a badge and capturing detailed information in seconds by simply electronically scanning an ID (such as a driver’s license, business card or passport) are witnessing increased in demand.
Pisupati says, “The Physical Access control and Fargo product lines are the fastest growing in the region and the i-CLASS SE contactless cards with multi-layered security are our ‘bread and butter’ products. Our Easy Lobby Management which is a quite popular Visitor Management System is used by a lot of well-known companies in the region including Emirates, Ethihad, the Burj Khalifa etc. It not only helps populate the visitor data from his ID but also determines if there is any Police alert against the name. In fact the Police seems keen in getting this deployed in several of the major Buildings in the city.”
The company is increasing the speed of its expansion in the region and its wider neighborhood. This includes opening new offices and bringing in new hires.
“We have been building our presence in the region considerably. We are hiring a lot of people in the region, in Dubai and including countries like Saudi and African countries including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa etc. It is a focused territory for us and we are going to be opening more offices.”
The company still sees a larger percentage of Business volumes from the enterprise but is beginning to see greater interest from the SMB segment as well
“We are seeing great interests from schools, Universities, hospitals, corporate offices etc in the region. For schools, such solutions are quite useful and they would be typically looking at ID, Access control, visitor management etc. The growth should also be better going forward because of more awareness of security issues.”
The future augurs well for HID Global as it keeps pace with growing demand for such solutions and works closely with its partners to increase its reach across markets.
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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.
Home Integrator
Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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.”
Home Integrator
MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

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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