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Virtualization and Cloud adoption rates continue to soar in the Middle East, with storage giant NetApp one of the main beneficiaries. Graham Porter MENA Channel Manager and Fadi Kanafani Regional Director, MENA and Pakistan discuss the company’s strategy for the evolving data centre
Discuss the impact of Flash technology in the age of Cloud
GP: There’s a misconception that only the smaller storage companies are involved in flash. In reality, NetApp is a major Flash vendor and we offer a whole range of flash arrays, including a Hybrid array which is a mix of flash and traditional disk arrays. We are making a lot of investments in this space and we have been able to double our sales with over 1,300 pure flash arrays sold, a rate that is doubling year on year from 2013.
Flash and Cloud is what most of the customers like to hear about. Working with Cisco offers us a new opportunity to sell flash in integrated systems. In the last one year, because of our R&D capabilities, about half of our products have been refreshed. We typically invest 14% of our revenues in R&D as opposed to around 2% for our competitors. This means that partners have an up-to-date, state of the art product to sell-they’ve got Flash products and now the integrated stack that we are offering with Cisco.
Discuss NetApp’s FlexPod and how integrated systems will impact enterprise storage moving forward
GP: Integrated systems are growing extremely well-the prediction from Gartner is that by 2015, 35% of all storage sales will be integrated systems. The FlexPod, is a combination of networking servers from Cisco, NetApp storage with software from VMware for virtualization. The result is an integrated stack which solves the problems companies had in the past of buying and building their solutions and trying to make them work. The FlexPod is configured to work from the get go and is typically used by customers wishing to build a private cloud and then start to move towards a hybrid public.
FK: We have 50 validated designs between us and Cisco for this integrated stack which makes it the number one converged cloud-based solution in the market now, a market that now exceeds 3B dollars globally. We have in excess of 4000 customers on the FlexPod which is showing over 80% growth from 2013 to 2014. The good thing about our Cloud solutions, our customers can enjoy the services if they prefer to stay private, if they want to go public or adopt hybrid cloud deployments. Our Data ONTAP allows them to manage their data no matter where the data resides-private, public or somewhere in between-which is the key differentiator for our platform.
Discuss some deployments with NetApp’s Flash solutions and the benefits therein for customers
GP: An example is SAP and their HANA solution which allows them to do business intelligence in memory. The challenge in the past was in the amount of memory you would get; but now with Flash, you are guaranteed large data transfer very quickly. This facilitates a lot of intelligence and analytics that you could not do before. So a lot of customers are looking at flash and realizing they can take a large amount of data and manipulate that very quickly, something they simply could not do before. We have the solution with SAP HANA and every kind of customer is now able to take decisions by analysing their Big Data and being able to do this with flash and software applications.
What in your opinion is NetApp’s USP?
FK: When customers are trying to balance risk & cost vs performance, benefits & features, we do not believe that one size fits all. So our systems allow customers to have flash and disk at the same time and within the same system and both analysed with the same operating system. And that is another differentiator with NetApp, depending on your workload, you can decide to use disk for certain applications and certain workloads, flash for others and then customers can segment their system so that it runs separate workloads differently.
Discuss the state of Cloud adoption in the region and what is holding back many organizations
FK: What we have found unique here in the Middle East is that data sovereignty is very important. Certain governments prefer that their data stay within their boundaries and that is why the private cloud is more feasible in the region. We see more private cloud deployments. A lot of storage vendors are thus working closely with local service providers to provide the hybrid cloud.
GP: Cloud implementations here in the region via integrated systems like the FlexPod have gone up by over 60% between 2013 and 2014. Still, this market is at least a couple years behind Europe and America. In the region now you have companies such as e-Hosting Data Fort and Equinix offering hosted services. We are also working with various Telcos in the region so that they can offer services such as hosting, co-location services and applications.
Some of the larger partners they have their own large data centres and cloud solutions with Cisco for instance building four large data centres with their partners becoming resellers of cloud services. We have local partners that have built three data centres and now some of these partners are thinking of how they can sell services instead of selling the boxes.
Financial
Dhruva to Rebrand as Ryan Across the Middle East, Signaling Unified Global Brand
Dhruva will adopt the Ryan brand across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026, uniting the practice with Ryan’s global identity and international platform.
Dhruva, a leading tax consultancy firm in the Middle East, and Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, today announced that Dhruva will transition to the Ryan brand across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rebranding will be completed by the end of 2026, bringing the practice under Ryan’s global identity and reinforcing its position as part of the world’s leading global-scale specialist in business tax.
The transition marks the next phase of the strategic joint venture announced in 2025 and reflects the continued integration of Dhruva’s regional capabilities with Ryan’s global platform, technology, and international resources. Clients across the Middle East will continue to benefit from the same trusted advisory teams, enhanced by access to Ryan’s worldwide expertise and service capabilities.
“The Middle East has been a strategic growth market for us for many years, and we have built a strong advisory practice founded on deep client relationships, technical excellence, and local market understanding,” said Dinesh Kanabar, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dhruva Advisors and Vice Chairman, Ryan.
“The transition to the Ryan brand marks a significant milestone in our journey and reflects the strength of our partnership. By combining our regional expertise with Ryan’s global scale, technology, and international capabilities, we are creating an even stronger platform to support clients across the region as they navigate an increasingly dynamic and evolving tax landscape.”
“The Middle East is one of the most important growth markets for tax advisory services globally, and we are investing in the region with a long-term view,” said Tom Shave, President of Ryan’s European and Asia-Pacific Operations. “Uniting under the Ryan brand strengthens how we serve clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe—bringing seamless access to our global expertise, technology, and international resources through one trusted platform. This transition marks an important milestone in our integration and reinforces our commitment to the region’s future.”
Ryan will continue to invest in its Middle East operations, expanding its team, capabilities, and regional presence across key markets, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. The practice provides comprehensive tax advisory services spanning corporate tax, value-added tax (VAT) and indirect tax, transfer pricing, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) tax structuring, research and development (R&D), and cross-border compliance.
“The response from our clients over the past year has been the clearest validation of this partnership,” said Nimish Goel, Leader, Middle East, Dhruva, a Ryan Affiliate. “From the outset, our teams have been integrating Ryan’s global capabilities in technology, specialized expertise, and best practices into the work we already lead in the region. Adopting the Ryan brand is the natural next step. It is the same people and the same trusted relationships, now carrying the name of the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes.”
The rebranding will be implemented in phases during the second half of 2026, with signage, visual identity, and digital properties transitioning to the Ryan brand across the region.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
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.
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Virtualization and Cloud adoption rates continue to soar in the Middle East, with storage giant NetApp one of the main beneficiaries. Graham Porter MENA Channel Manager and Fadi Kanafani Regional Director, MENA and Pakistan discuss the company’s strategy for the evolving data centre
