News
FAST-TRACKED GROWTH

By Editor
Global Distribution has expanded its association with several vendors over the past year or so and is consolidating its reach into the value add space. Mario M. Veljovic, VP Solutions MENA at Global Distribution speaks about the company’s focus and initiatives
Discuss Global’s growth highlights in the value add distribution space over the past year?
Global Distribution continued to grow in double digits and achieved its Financial Goals, despite solid investments in new business and territories, which we are very proud of. Especially the investments we have made in 2014 will support Global Distribution’s growth in 2015. The Solutions Distribution Team has built a complete stack of Enterprise IT Solutions Vendors to cater the growing Data Centre requirements in the MENA Region. The Solutions Portfolio today represents more than 15 Enterprise Vendors. The High Performance Computing Unit, represents Fujitsu (Primergy Servers), Optoma (AV solutions) and HP. Our Enterprise Storage unit, addresses all requirements of Storage from Tier 1 to Back up, and represents FusionIO (SanDisk), Pure Storage, Fujitsu (Eternus Storage), Overland Storage & V3 VDI and Tandberg Data. The Software & NAS Unit promotes Kaspersky and SolarWinds on the Software side and QNAP, Seagate NAS and Synology, along with a comprehensive HDD and SSD Offering. Last but not least, we have our IT Infrastructure & Physical Security Unit, which offers Linkcomn, Datwyler, ZyXel and Mobotix, helping to build “Layer-0” Infrastructures.
Are there significant domains where you would like to expand?
Today the solutions portfolio is able to address all Data Centre requirements, which comprises High Performance Computing, Enterprise Storage, IT Infrastructure & Physical Security and Software (mainly infrastructure monitoring). We have invested into new and proven technologies to ensure our Partners are getting the “best-of-breed” in each segment.
The Solutions Distribution Team in particular has developed a product portfolio to address key industry trends, such as out-of-the-box solutions, converged infrastructures, VDI and IP-based CCTV.
All solutions promoted are offering a strong “ROI”, which is a compelling argument for end-users especially this year, as concerns over the regional Economy is felt. We already feel that end-users are questioning the IT Departments regarding what they have done to explore solutions apart from that available from mainstream and usual suppliers. There are a few more vendors we are in final discussion to complete missing elements.
Areas we are still keen to develop in 2015 are BI/Analytics, Data Security, Automatic Identification & Data Capturing (AIDC) and Digital Signage, as those are still key industry trends, which are not seriously addressed by Competitors in the Region.
How has the company gone about to expand the in-house expertise to manage these separate domains in terms of pre-sales or account management?
We have done significant investments into local teams and support structures, the demo and POC units, marketing funds and channel enablement (commercially and technically).
What have been the on ground channel engagements in terms of roadshows, training etc and in terms of frequency?
We are not planning for anything extraordinary, but will have just more frequent channel activities this year, such as events, road shows, round tables, technical enablement sessions and training & knowledge transfer get-togethers etc. As last year was the year of on-boarding new vendors, this year will be to grow our Channel Partner community across the Region.
How do you see the industry outlook for the VAD as well as the value channel Business?
The traditional VAD Concepts is increasingly under pressure. The GTDC (Global Technology Distribution Council) has already in 2010 predicted that the next step beyond value-based distribution are wholesalers that embrace VAR business development, market segmentation, sophisticated sales and technical enablement to help their customers realize faster and more specific market success. Key differentiators will be partner enablement and development, selling into target markets, Analytics based marketing, technical & sales acumen, partner practice consulting, developing a knowledge base of expertise and a comprehensive product portfolio.
Global Distribution has probably been the 1st in the region to start venturing into this new segment and promoting solutions distribution since last year.
Distributors have always offered dedicated sales and account management as benefits to their customers. But it hasn’t been until recently that distributors have started working with suppliers and vendors to offer in-depth business and practice development to VARs. Distributors are now growing VAR revenue and loyalty by helping them identify new technology and market practices through distributor-facilitated business planning. Distributors are also assisting VARs with business transformation awareness and training as cloud computing continues to encroach on traditional on-premise business models.
Which markets in the region are you focusing at the moment? Any plans to expand with direct offices in other parts of the region?
Today we have strong coverage of the entire GCC, with people on ground and supply chain set up in all major markets. An area we are keen to develop is North Africa.
How many active channel partners do you currently manage? Are you looking to increase that in specific verticals?
We have about 250 channel partners in the region and the list just keeps growing. Our partner community has a well coverage of all key verticals, though I would appreciate, if partner in general would develop a more vertical focus approach. Still today most of the partners in the region cover all verticals, rather than developing in-depth skills and understand of a specific vertical. The challenges of a client in hospitality is very different than education, for example. The focus should be on understanding the Business challenges a vertical faces, rather than merely the IT Challenges.
News
Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

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.

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.
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.”
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