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FRONT-RUNNERS

By Editor
Transformers are those companies ready to adopt new technology and required investments in IT and technology. Taj El-Khayat, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey, North, West, and Central Africa for Riverbed discusses how the company partners with these trail blazers
What’s the profile for some of the Transformers in the region in terms of segments and motivation for adopting the new technology?
Business leaders across different sectors and segments in the region are starting to realise how trends such as big data, social media, mobility and cloud computing are changing the way IT co-exists within the organisation’s business model, and within the relationship dynamics with its customers. Being a Transformer company means to first understand and appreciate the value of IT and how it can enhance business performance, productivity and profitability. Our findings in the region are pretty much in line with the regional increase in IT spending. In fact, 23% of companies in the Middle East are Transformers as opposed to 25% in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. We strongly believe that this number will rise soon as 44% of enterprises in the region consider innovation as a top IT priority, whether it’s networking or data centre consolidation.
Transformer companies in the region perceive these new technologies as representing a significant opportunity to innovate, improve efficiency and provide differentiated customer experiences in highly competitive marketplace. It is important for Transformers to embrace change before their competitors in order to differentiate themselves. To get a clearer understanding of how these Transformer companies think, 47% of companies see innovation as a driver of IT strategy whereas 60% consider technology as a driver for innovation. Transformers prioritise consolidation and new architecture over other factors while non-Transformers prioritise maintenance and ongoing operations, thus efficiency.
How can Riverbed help those organizations ready to take the next step?
Although sometimes business leaders tend to take a proactive approach on deploying new technologies, poor infrastructure can definitely hamper these innovations and in turn their respective investments. In fact, only 9% of the companies in the Middle East realize this intertwined relationship between infrastructure and expected results following the implementation of an IT project.
Also, 42% of the organizations do not demonstrate an ability to establish a clear relationship between IT investment in networking and/or infrastructure. Therefore, Riverbed is making efforts to educate the market through its partners and the channel community who are invited to act as consultants for end-customers on the whole IT architecture and their investment choices.
Riverbed offers an Application Performance Platform to organisations who are keen to take the next step towards innovation. It also provides companies with customer support services to adopt innovation and secure ROI while providing an enhanced end-user experience. The Riverbed platform is the only complete solution in the market that optimizes application and data delivery and provides the end-to-end visibility to detect and fix performance issues before end users notice any problem.
It is estimated that 27% of technology investments are achieving optimal impact on employee productivity. Riverbed clearly realizes the impact of end-user experience on business performance and therefore puts it at the centre by ensuring business-critical applications perform as they should.
Also, given the findings of the recent Transformers survey commissioned by Riverbed, 43% of technology investment failures can be traced back to network/data centre performance issues. In this framework, Riverbed can support organizations by deploying a data centre consolidation project or providing them with a unique and holistic Riverbed Performance Management (RPM) suite to enhance their network performance monitoring capabilities and equip them with the ability to detect IT glitches at an early stage before business and profits are affected.
What effect on their business, and bottom-line, will organizations realize when they adopt the “next big thing”?
Today, expensive applications offering the promise of improved business performance are failing to maximise their potential at a substantial cost to the company. This is because they fall short of being the next big thing. As resources become even scarcer, organizations have to carefully plan their investments and aim at achieving resource efficiency while targeting at innovating and leveraging existing technology.
In fact, 41% of applications fail to realize the expected ROI of their IT investments due to wrong decisions or lack of coherence and consistency in the IT infrastructure that impedes the achievement of optimal results and allows IT glitches, thereby delaying users and draining productivity. New technologies are supposed to be the driving force behind innovation, and as such, if the applications underperform, so does the business.
By adopting the next big thing, companies will still be able to reap the benefits of their innovation appetite while preventing any innovation value leakage. Transformers enjoy greater productivity and about 64% expect ROI on most or all of their new technology investments within 2-3 years.
How crucial is the Middle East market to Riverbed’s larger EMEA, and global, objectives
The Middle East market is one of the top priorities for Riverbed mainly because it showcases an appetite for innovation in addition to the other business basics including, resource efficiency, improved employee productivity, and cost reduction.
The latest figures from Gartner suggest that IT spending in the Middle East could reach US$ 211 in 2014, with an 8% percent increase from 2013. The Middle East can be considered as one of the fastest regions in terms of growth. In addition, regional governments are suggesting initiatives focusing on smart cities and putting IT at the centre stage of their services. The booming IT landscape could reap many opportunities for a company like Riverbed. Hence, we are determined to increase our presence in the region and deepen our relationships with our channel partners and regional partners to create rewarding opportunities.
How is Riverbed itself responding to all these changes brought on by cloud, social media, etc.?
Riverbed has undergone a transformation and evolved from a mono-product company started with Riverbed SteelHead to encompass a wide array of products in response to critical business problems including, Riverbed SteelFusion, Riverbed SteelApp, and Riverbed SteelCentral.
Today, Riverbed offers the industry’s most complete application performance platform to allow customers to host applications and data in any location, regardless of distance, while ensuring the flawless delivery of applications and data. Under this platform, Riverbed champions the concept of location-independent computing which has been the idea behind the solutions the company has brought to the market for years. As companies strive to meet their business objectives faster and in a cost-effective manner, the Riverbed Application Performance Platform will be paramount.
For example, Big Data is posing a big storage challenge for businesses across the Middle East. Riverbed SteelFusion solves the problem of delivering block storage over the WAN enabling organisations to centralize their data while ensuring applications on the edge perform at LAN speed. Large corporations are enabled to consolidate and centrally manage remote servers and storage, streamline data protection, continue operations even during network outages, and improve security without affecting performance.
Are you advocating for 360 degree IT transformation or scale out of existing infrastructure and if so how would Riverbed come in under both conditions?
Transformational IT projects such as cloud implementation or others can yield huge savings and efficiencies. However, expectations of improved business performance, and other benefits are definitely undermined by infrastructures unable to support leading-edge technology. An infrastructure that is not equipped to handle leading-edge applications will pose challenges. To overcome these and ensure technology investments deliver optimal value, organizations need to consider increased skills/resources and increased security threats along with aligning the IT infrastructure with the company’s core business.
At Riverbed, we firmly believe in the need to make companies understand the need to strike a balance between investment in macro trend technology and the back office that will support it. Through our channel program, we are making conscious efforts to reach out to end-customers and encourage our partners to act as consultants.
Companies need to bear in mind the need to secure the right levels of investments across the IT function and develop a balanced IT operation that combines innovation with consistency. In fact, we would advise companies to reduce their IT spending on adding new applications onto existing infrastructures.
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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