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A SPECIALIST TO THE FORE

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Updated : May 31, 2015 0:0  ,
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6ELITE VAD is a fast emerging VAD focusing on info security solutions with HQ in Egypt and multiple office spanning MEA territories. George Ezzat, CEO of Elite VAD speaks with the Integrator Magazine about the company’s focus areas and solutions

Discuss the company’s focus for the region and in terms of domains? How has the growth been?EliteVAD is a Value Added IT Distributor presenting best breed edge Network Information Security and Network Infrastructure Management vendors within MEA. We are now part of GTS Group, a USA Holding Company.

EliteVAD focuses into the InfoSec space offering Security Solutions and Security Services including training to the channel arm of its resellers as well as the end-users, also we

The company is headquartered in Dubai, UAE with additional offices in Cairo, Amman, Nairobi and Kuwait. Led by experienced entrepreneurs who understand IT market needs, EliteVAD successfully noticed a 200% growth in terms of revenue between 2013 and 2014. We were able in 2015 to improve our Vendors’ market reach by doubling the number of vendors’ and covering different layers of security in addition to penetration expansion on Geo-market across MEA.

Your portfolio includes network security software as well as performance management solutions. Discuss your focus around this range?

We are partnering with several leading vendors. We are distributors for FireEye malicious threat protection solutions, VSS smart Tapping solutions, Algosec Network Security Policy Management, Next Generation DPI & Bandwidth Management Solutions from Procera Intelligent and more. We provide the new patented Fraud Prevention KFP solution protecting online banking activities and online payment services from Kaspersky. We partner with iboss, a leading provider of innovative APT Defense, Web Security and Mobile Security Solutions as well as IP-Guard for its powerful IT management software that enables organizations to mitigate internal threats by providing effective means to monitor and investigate user activities, and prevent data leaks. Among other vendors we are associated with include Expert Team (ET), a global leader in providing “LAWFUL INTERCEPTION (LI)” and “CONTENT FORENSICS”, Fluke Networks that offers solutions that span network deployment, network performance management and troubleshooting, as well as security and performance monitoring as well as  Arbor DDoS protection solutions.

Are there plans to extend into other new solution segments?

Our Vision is to become SuperVAD for innovative cybersecurity and infrastructure networking technology vendors. Thus we are looking at continuous expansion and sustainable growth both in terms of more solution segments as well as increased geographical footprint to achieve optimum returns to investors and employees.

Is there good awareness and interest among the CIOs of the region to invest in network performance monitoring & management solutions?

There is a growing interest among the CIOs of the region to invest in network performance monitoring and management solutions. We have therefore partnered with VSS Monitoring and Fluke for network performance monitoring as well as enhancement of current KPIs as well as decrease costs of upgrades and the best use of resources.

Do you see need for specific types of solutions against the changing landscape of changes and expectations?

In a tough sophisticated and competitive global landscape and against the background of the rise of targeted hacking campaigns, fully integrated security solutions are the need of the hour. These need to come with specific behavior based technology, combined with proactive forensics Services and Analysis tools for helping to build long-term strategic strengths in the ICT infrastructure for its sustenance against the changing landscape of threats.

How many active channel partners do you partner with? Any plans to recruit new partners in specific markets/verticals?

Here in EliteVAD we believe our scalability and success in any market can happen only with strong partners who can take ownership in positioning, selling, and supporting EliteVAD to their customers that’s why we aim to increase our channel arm by always recruiting qualified reseller partners. EliteVAD operates currently across MEA through a channel network of more than 50 resellers comprising of system integrators and corporate partners.

What is your pre-sales strength in terms of resources and what are the value propositions you offer partners along with pre-sales?

Combining specialist value-adding technical, pre-sales and sales team inside each local territory, our vendors and reseller partners rely upon EliteVAD to boost business opportunities in InfoSec and Net. Infrastructure Management and help achieve new revenues from the changing enterprise technology landscape. In addition to the facilities and support we offer to our reseller partners in the logistics and offered trainings to insure proper enablement of the partner.

The ‘Proof of Value’ program is a high key value we propose to our channel beside Professional Services and After-Sale support so we integrate and complement their delivery capacity

Which are your strong markets across MENA and where all do you have your offices?

EliteVAD is headquartered in Dubai, UAE; with additional offices in Cairo, Egypt; Amman, Jordan; and Nairobi, Kenya; Kuwait, Kuwait. We will be soon have offices in Saudi and Nigeria. We are proud having remarkable businesses in most countries across the GCC, Middle-East and Africa.

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Financial

CFI Partners with Saadiyat Nights as Part of Its Collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi

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CFI

CFI Financial Group is proud to announce its official partnership with Saadiyat Nights, as part of CFI’s strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This collaboration underscores CFI’s commitment to supporting its local community and providing its clients with unforgettable cultural and entertainment experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. 

Currently captivating audiences, the second edition of Saadiyat Nights is bringing legendary international artists, performers and fans together at the iconic open-air venue on Saadiyat Island. Running from December to February, this extraordinary series features iconic acts like Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Leningrad, Ebi and Omar Khairat, with some already dazzling the stage and others eagerly awaited.

Through this collaboration, CFI will benefit from exceptional brand visibility at each event, while offering its clients premium access to performances and money-can’t-buy experiences, including exclusive Meet & Greet opportunities with some of these legendary artists.  

“Through this collaboration, CFI reinforces its brand presence and industry leadership by securing high brand visibility at each of the Saadiyat Nights events in Abu Dhabi, a key hub for culture and global connections,” said Hisham Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Director of CFI. “This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful connections, supporting cultural initiatives and providing our clients with opportunities to engage with world-class experiences that complement their journey with CFI.”

Through this partnership, CFI is proud to support Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading cultural destination in the region, while staying committed to its mission of providing traders with exceptional trading experiences and engaging with like-minded local communities.

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Hospitality

Where There Is Trade, There Is Gulfood

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Gulfood

There is only one place where the world gathers annually to witness an unparalleled F&B showcase, with products meticulously handpicked from every corner of the globe. This time, a new global chapter is unfolding in the future of food and it’s within the legacy of Gulfood that the world can anticipate a seismic impact.

The 30th edition of Gulfood, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17 – 21 February, will host a record 5,500+ exhibitors from 129+ countries. It will unveil new business opportunities and solve new and evolving global challenges.

Celebrating 30 Editions of Informing the Global Foodscape

For over three decades, Gulfood has been the driving force at the heart of global food commerce—igniting innovation, sparking cross-cultural collaboration and redefining the next era of global F&B. As the world experiences a sweeping transformation in food systems—powered by groundbreaking technologies, sustainability breakthroughs, and forward-thinking ideas—Gulfood 2025 will be the epicentre of this revolution. This is where the next era of food begins, and you’re invited to be at the forefront.

Event date:  17 – 21 February 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre & registration is now live.

Why Visit?

Where The World Connects for Their F&B Sourcing Success

  • 5500+ Exhibitors: Explore 100k+ new products and innovations from a vast exhibitor showcase across eight distinct sectors.
  • 129 Countries Exhibiting: Experience global diversity with the biggest lineup of participating countries.
  • 43% New Exhibitors: Get the first look at the fresh offerings from exhibitors attending the show for the first time.
  • 24 Huge Halls: Navigate 24 massive halls filled with exhibitors, country pavilions and culinary experiences.
  • 1 Million Sq. Ft Exhibition Area: Gulfood 2025 boasts one million square feet of show floor space.
  • Network And Pre-Schedule Meetings: Establish close connections with F&B industry leaders through pre-scheduled meetings via our official event app and meetings programme.

Show Sectors

Gulfood is set to showcase the latest trends and advancements in the F&B industry, spanning seven distinct sectors: Dairy, Beverage, Fats & Oils, Pulses & Grains, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands and World Food.

Anticipate exploring products spanning these sectors at Gulfood, the ultimate platform for connecting with industry leaders, discovering state-of-the-art innovations and forging valuable partnerships in the ever-evolving F&B landscape.

Features

Food500

The summit will unite global leaders to tackle key challenges, sparking discussions, and showcasing trends, featuring top CEOs, policymakers and innovators.

From talks like Visionaries: Exploring Cutting-Edge Technologies Driving Food Tech to Pioneering Smart Agricultural Systems in the F&B Sector and more, the summit aims to drive business, inspire change and fuel global economic growth.

GULFOOD DISCOVERY TOURS

Over five days, engage in curated tours that are designed to connect you directly with the products you’re most interested in sourcing. The tours focus on diverse food categories such as Gourmet, Alternative Proteins, Ready-to-Eat, and Plant-Based.  F&B professionals, buyers and sourcing experts can gain valuable insights, access exclusive products and make informed business decisions while exploring key trends influencing global F&B.

Top Table

Top Table returns with a charismatic group of local and international chefs who are reimagining the way we create and enjoy food. With a bold focus on culinary futurism, the 2025 edition will debut new techniques, inventive flavour combinations and unconventional textures that surprise and delight audiences.

YOUTHX – YOUNG CHEF CHALLENGE

Witness a high-energy culinary competition between young hotel chefs from around the world. They will compete for a career-defining internship at some of the top restaurants and culinary schools in Europe. Gulfood’s YouthX brings together emerging culinary talent from diverse cultures, offering a global platform that unites chefs through healthy competition. They’ll be judged on futuristic techniques that set the event apart from previous editions, showcasing the next generation of global culinary leaders.

BLEND STUDIO
Celebrate the artistry of beverages with immersive masterclasses that showcase the latest trends and exclusive, never-seen-before creations crafted by industry experts. Explore the world of coffee and the trendiest crafted drinks while seizing opportunities to connect and learn from leading beverage professionals.

THE CULINARY DEBATE
Watch as global culinary icons debate the industry’s most critical challenges and exciting opportunities in the world of food. You’ll be captivated as they offer fresh perspectives on the rapidly evolving industry landscape.

THE TASTING ROOM
Experience the latest culinary creations from top brands and network with business leaders in the F&B industry. Whether you’re looking for the market’s most exciting products, new partnerships or upcoming trends, this is where opportunities come to life.

DUBAI WORLD CUISINE
Experience an exclusive four-hands dinner series that brings together celebrated international chefs and homegrown culinary talent. These unique collaborations offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to savour bespoke menus, where local flavours and global expertise converge to create exceptional dining experiences.

GULFOOD AFTER HOURS
Explore Dubai’s vibrant food scene with Gulfood After Hours. We’ve teamed up with the city’s most iconic restaurants to give you an unforgettable culinary adventure. From casual eateries to fine dining, you’ll experience the very best Dubai has to offer, outside of the exhibition halls. Simply book, show your ticket, and enjoy exclusive offers at venues across the city.

INNOVATION AWARDS

The Gulfood Innovation Awards will celebrate brands setting a new standard for excellence in F&B. Recognising forward-thinking products that demonstrate creativity, ingenuity and impact, these prestigious awards highlight the best in the F&B industry across 10 categories.

Register today.

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Financial

MultiBank Group Secures Court Victory as Judge Declares Von Der Heydt Claims as “Fictitious” and “Untenable”

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MultiBank Group

MultiBank Group has achieved a significant courtroom victory in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court against Von Der Heydt Invest S.A. (VDH), a Von Der Heydt Group subsidiary, which had brought claims against MultiBank FX International Corporation (MBFX), a MultiBank Group entity, and its founder, Naser Taher.

The court described the allegations brought by VDH as ‘fictitious’ and ‘untenable’, labelling VDH’s pursuit of these matters as an “abuse of process.” The court ordered VDH to cover over USD$25 million in legal costs incurred by Mr. Taher and MBFX. 

The Honorable Justice Gerhard Wallbank’s decision rejected VDH’s claims and confirmed MultiBank Group’s adherence to transparency and integrity. Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman of MultiBank Group said: ‘The accusations levied against us by Von Der Heydt have always been unfounded, and this ruling is a testament to our strong adherence to the principles of fairness and lawful conduct.’

The court confirmed that the legal campaign by VDH and its affiliates over the past four years consisted of coordinated and unfounded allegations targeting MultiBank Group. The judgment also highlighted a “conspiratorial network” involving multiple parties.

A previous ruling by the court made in early 2024 compared the relationship between the Von Der Heydt Group, to the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme.

This decision marks an end to VDH’s pursuit of claims against the MultiBank Group and runs parallel to the financial group’s broader collapse. Von Der Heydt Bank, a 250-year-old institution and VDH’s parent company, has surrendered its banking license and ceased to exist after being placed in liquidation by its founder Dietrich Von Boetticher. The court further commented on the plight of German noteholders allegedly represented by VDH, attributing their difficulties to mismanagement at the hands of the Von Der Heydt leadership.

A prior ruling by the London High Court found Colm Smith, CEO of CSM Securities, and his company in contempt of court for not adhering to a worldwide freezing order (WFO) obtained by MultiBank Group. This contempt stems from Smith’s failure to disclose assets related to a legal dispute involving Van Der Heydt Invest SA (VDHI), where significant losses were linked to investments in notes associated with the Multibank Index. His actions have raised the possibility of imprisonment as the court continues to address allegations of unlawful collusion against MultiBank Group, which are unfolding in various European courts.

MultiBank Group’s victory in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court further solidifies its position as a trusted leader in the financial derivatives market, operating under the oversight of 16 regulators across five continents and serving over one million clients worldwide. Naser Taher added: ‘We are delighted that the judiciary has recognised the baseless nature of these accusations and affirmed our global reputation for integrity and operational excellence. We remain steadfast in delivering the highest standards of financial services to our clients.’

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