News
IN THE LIMELIGHT
By Editor

INTERSEC 2014 was bigger and better, as the largest surveillance solutions providers brought to the region some of the most innovative technology in IP surveillance for a growing MEA security market. Among the exhibitors were Axis Communications, Sony Professional Solutions, Canon and Panasonic.
Axis Communications
Axis Communications brought its co-founder, and the man credited with inventing the first IP network camera, Martin Gren to INTERSEC.
At INTERSEC, Axis showcased its Lightfinder technology that enables extreme light sensitivity for cameras. The result is more life-like colours in low-light conditions for cameras with Lightfinder technology.
In addition, Axis showcased its diverse selection of network cameras including fixed network, fixed dome network, PTZ, covert, thermal, panoramic, HD among others. There were also solutions for key industries such as oil & gas, education, city surveillance, banking etc.
Among the cameras on show included the Q87-E network camera offering thermal, PTZ and HDTV all in one, ideal for customers that encounter mission-critical surveillance scenarios that demand 24-hour monitoring of restricted areas. The new top of the line Q60 range on the other hand is ideal for harsh environments of the Middle East region and capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 75 degrees Celsius.
The bullet-style outdoor ready network camera, Q1765LE Network Camera offers full HD, 18x optical zoom and built-in IR illumination while the P5414 PTZ network camera comes with an intelligent direct drive pan/tilt system with 18x optical zoom for outdoor wall-mounted surveillance sites. Also at hand were the Q1614 and 1614-E high frame network cameras designed to capture quick movements in HD in demanding lighting conditions.
Marwan Khoury, Marketing Manager, Axis Communications for Middle East and Africa said: “INTERSEC is the largest and most influential trade event for Axis in the region. This year we have magnified our presence to reflect the ever increasing importance of this region for the company. Going forward, we expect to see strong growth across the UAE and the GCC as a whole with some exciting announcements anticipated throughout 2014 and of course the recent announcement of the Dubai Expo 2020 bid elevates Dubai to a whole new level.”
Canon
Canon unveiled its new “S” series of IP cameras to the region’s security and surveillance channel including resellers and system integrators for the first time at INTERSEC.
The new ultra-compact ‘S’ series has been designed for indoor environments which require sensitive monitoring of specific areas or items, such as the retail, education, commercial and hospitality sectors.
The full HD IP cameras including its inbuilt analytics were showcased with a live demonstration giving attendees a first look and feel to the products. Key features included True Wide Angle coverage which minimizes cameras’ quantity requirements, low light capability which enhances video quality in difficult lighting conditions and the Smart Shade Control feature which makes the video footage more effective when excessive light falls from behind the object.
“There has been great market demand for innovative and cost-effective security solutions for corporate environments in the region. Our partners, system integrators and resellers attended the show to witness the latest Canon security solutions and have clearly identified the significant business opportunities that lie ahead with the new range,” said Hendrik Verbrugghe, Marketing Director, Canon Middle East.
Sony
Sony Professional Solutions MEA showcased its range of surveillance cameras suited for a multitude of applications. These include Government, SMB offerings, city surveillance, airports, educational institutions & universities, as well as on-board surveillance in transportation vehicles including buses, metros and railways.
On show were the W-Series cameras included the outdoor 360° PTZ rapid dome cameras in the, featuring 30x optical zoom, fast pan speeds of 700 degrees per second, high frame rate of 60fps and 130dB of wide dynamic range, which delivers clear picture quality even in strong backlit environments. The New X Series on the other hand are designed for vehicle and railway offering ruggedized IP camera solutions for use on board transportation vehicles such as buses and trains.
In addition, Sony showcased C-series IP cameras, a range of Compact High Definition security cameras. These are high definition (HD) security cameras deliver wide viewing angles and 720p image quality. These reasonably priced, fully-featured digital imaging products are easy to deploy and ideal for private enterprises, as well as shops, offices and storage facilities, thanks to LED illumination.
All these cameras come with Sony’s original IPELA ENGINE EX integrated signal processing system.
“Sony security cameras have been recognized for being best in class across the world, and INTERSEC 2014 is the perfect platform for us to showcase the benefits of our IPELA ENGINE products for users across the region, catering to the most demanding businesses and environments,” said Hidenori Taguchi, Head of Marketing, B2B Products, Sony Professional Solutions, comments.
Panasonic
Panasonic brought solutions covering the Criminal justice, finance, and transportation industries with IP video surveillance solutions at INTERSEC.
Law enforcement officials can use Panasonic’s new 6 Series i-PRO camera line, which feature 60 frames per second performance and improved compression efficiency via UniPhier’s new Shadow Compression Engine.
The new platform features Enhanced Super Dynamic technology enabling a 130db video dynamic range delivering performance even in challenging lighting conditions. Panasonic also offers the WV-SW115 Camera for surveillance at ATMs. The compact camera is vandal-proof and weather-resistant, and records in wide angle High Definition with face detection.
“As the region hosts an increasing number of mega-events and increases its transportation infrastructure, government agencies need ways to take action in emergencies and to monitor high-risk infrastructure. Law enforcement officials can use Panasonic Security products to gather trusted digital video evidence for the courtroom, protect officer safety, and build community relationships,” said Y Yamasaki, General Manager, Systems Solutions Department, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

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.
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