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DEVOPS FOR AGILITY & INNOVATION

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Updated : November 20, 2013 0:0  ,
By Alan Hale, director of EMEA Consulting at Red Hat

The most successful businesses use DevOps to remove any roadblocks that stand in their path, writes Alan Hale, director of EMEA Consulting at Red Hat.

Today’s business leaders across the Middle East want more innovation, faster. They know that, in order to beat competitors and continue to thrive, their organization must excel in bringing new products and services to market at speed and on consistently exceeding customer expectations.

That puts major pressure on those responsible for developing and delivering new and enhanced software functionality for the business to use. More frequent releases and shorter deadlines are increasingly becoming facts of life, but in the race to fast-track new pieces of code, IT teams often hit a roadblock.

That roadblock occurs at the boundary of application development and IT operations, an intersection where two very different cultures meet.

Conflict resolution

On one side of the boundary is the culture of the developer, where creativity, freedom to experiment and choice of tools are paramount. The developer is happiest using Agile techniques to produce a constant stream of software releases and upgrades that will get the business where it needs to be, in terms of innovation.

On the other side of the boundary is IT operations, where stability and control are what matters. Disruption is the enemy and frequent software releases can be complex to manage. IT operations agree that they want the business to move forwards – but not at the risk of critical systems falling over.

This cultural divide can lead to all sorts of ‘flashpoints’ before a piece of software makes it into production. Developers get frustrated if they are forced to wait for new development environments to be provisioned or new applications to be approved. IT operations, meanwhile, get exasperated if developers take matters into their own hands, setting up their own environments or releasing code early into test environments. And when code fails, due to library mismatches, for example, or platform/networking differences, everyone is infuriated by the perceived failings of the opposing side and the valuable time that will now be lost to debugging. Even worse, the business is left waiting until the next release window for the functionality it needs. Of course, if any of the bugs reach production or integration fails with other live systems, the fall-out isn’t worth imagining.

These kinds of conflict are the reason that there’s a great deal of interest in DevOps right now – a movement that encourages application developers and IT operations professionals to collaborate more, to remove the bottlenecks that delay the release of new software and to help the business to keep pace with the speed of innovation that will enable it to stay one step ahead of its competitors.

Cloud bridges the divide

We believe that the Cloud is the best venue for DevOps, providing a way of working that can benefit every business, no matter how risk-averse. A platform-as-a-service (PaaS) approach may be hosted by a third-party provider or remain on-premise, in a private cloud infrastructure, but either way, the same benefits that make cloud technologies attractive for production environments also apply to the development and delivery of software: lower cost of entry, faster speed-to-market, on-demand scaling and centralized administration, standardization of provisioning and deployment techniques, for example.

More importantly, however, a cloud-based PaaS provides a single collaborative venue where participants on both sides of the DevOps divide work together closely as a team, regardless of physical location, and get a better understanding of how the other side works.

In particular, automation capabilities guide all staff through the application development and delivery process, providing everyone involved with regular progress reports and alerting them to required next steps, while still preserving distinct roles and responsibilities.

IT operations staff, for example, can create templates in the PaaS environment that mean that developers have instant access to development environments that accurately mirror production whenever they need them. Developers, meanwhile, are provided with access to self-service capabilities that enable them to create scalable applications using their choice of languages and streamlined workflows that accelerate productivity. The result is a more efficient use of time and skills across the entire IT team and more opportunity for the business as a whole to innovate.

The DevOps roadmap

At the same time it is easy to recognize that most organizations have significant investments in existing tools and processes. The journey to DevOps, for many, will and must be an incremental one. That’s why it is vital to work with organizations to create a roadmap that will help them get the most of what they have in place today but, over time, will enable them to incorporate new technologies, such as hybrid cloud, and new ideas, such as continuous development.

Even if fully continuous development and delivery is not the goal for your business, or the idea of automating application development right through to production would be widely greeted with horror, DevOps can accommodate your company’s own particular comfort levels while at the same time helping it to increase reliability, reduce risk and optimize the resources required to get new software into use.

IT operations will get the control they require over environments, framework and reuse. They’ll reap the benefits in terms of cost and efficiency of virtualized and cloud-based environments, as well as vastly accelerated development and testing. Over time, they may choose to work towards charge-back mechanisms that make line of business units responsible for the cost of the development skills and environments that they consume.

Developers, meanwhile, get faster access to new environments; more choice in tools; and the scope to ‘fail fast’, when it comes to trying out new technologies, frameworks and versions. If one approach doesn’t work, they can quickly swap it for another. They get better scalability of environments and improved test control and repeatability. Above all, they spend more time developing and less time waiting to start on the next stage or the next project.

To agility and beyond

The fact is that any organization in the Middle East – whether it’s an IT team or the business it works for – must be agile in order to innovate. That’s a familiar concept to developers who have been using Agile programming techniques for more than a decade to speed development processes.  The point of DevOps is to bring the same speed and efficiency to IT operations, creating a win-win for both that breaks down barriers and gets them working at the same speed, towards the same goals. Developers get more freedom; operations still retain the control that they need.

In the process, DevOps enables the whole organization to become more agile and innovative. A steady stream of fresh software, released without disruption, can make a huge difference to business performance, at a time when responding at speed to changing customer demand and exploiting new business opportunities as they emerge has never been more important. DevOps is here already – your first step to better business agility and increased innovation should be to seize on the opportunity it represents.

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Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

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Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai has unveiled its newest attraction for experience seekers with the launch of Sunken City Walk. The guided underwater activity invites guests to step into a cinematic cityscape filled with surreal details. From an underwater swing and motorbike to a café table that looks straight out of a movie scene, this is Dubai’s latest must-try attraction.

Deep Dive Dubai

The hour-long journey begins with a full briefing and safety overview, followed by guests changing into wetsuits and equipment provided on-site. They then join trained instructors for a 20-minute guided underwater walk through the Sunken City—an accessible, certification-free experience that requires no swimming skills, making it ideal for guests aged 10 and above. Currently offered at an introductory price of AED 600, with an optional 30-second keepsake video for AED 200, the experience is currently available in four daily slots at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2pm, and 3pm.

Jarrod Jablonski, Director, Deep Dive Dubai, said that “With Sunken City Walk, we’re continuing to shape Dubai’s reputation as a city of unforgettable experiences. It’s a unique attraction that reflects Dubai’s spirit, where visitors can discover adventure in ways they never thought possible.”

The launch reflects a global trend that travellers are choosing experiences over possessions. Supporting this, Shamal’s Experience Economy Report stated that 75% of UAE residents are more willing to spend on experiences, with 80% allocating a dedicated monthly budget. The launch also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism appeal. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a six percent increase year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and tourism hubs. Sunken City Walk at Deep Dive Dubai adds a new way for visitors to experience the city’s spirit of reinvention, where adventure is always just a step away.

While Sunken City Walk offers a first taste of underwater adventure, guests can plunge into the incredible world of diving at Deep Dive Dubai, choosing from experiences such as scuba diving, freediving, and specialised diving courses.

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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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