News
REGION’S US$15 BILLION ANNUAL ICT SPEND BOOSTS GITEX PROPOSITION
By Editor
With regional ICT spending projected to cross US$ 15 billion this year and hit US$ 20 billion by 2020 (Source: IDC), this year’s GITEX Technology Week – the largest ICT event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) – is primed to solidify its position as the premier gateway to the world’s fastest-growing and investment-rich ICT markets.
Positive spend in the developing regional ICT market has spurred exhibitor demand to an all-time high and the majority of floor space at the region’s most important marketplace to showcase cutting-edge trends and agendas is already sold out. The significant demand increase has yielded early commitments from new country pavilions including the Czech Republic, Singapore and Switzerland. Africa, a huge ICT growth market, is strongly represented this year with Nigeria selected as the show’s Official Country Partner.
With Ericsson, Philips, Redington, Sage, AT&T, Equinix and many more leading international brands already on-board, GITEX will feature the world’s top ICT brands in 12 sector-specific technology industries supporting four industry-leading themes: Smart, Cloud, Big Data and Mobility.
Spanning more than 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, GITEX– returning to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 12-16 October, 2014 – will gather more than 142,000 ICT professionals, 25,000 C-level executives and over 3,700 exhibitors from 61 countries.
“GITEX Technology Week continues to evolve year-on-year and this year is no different – our largest show to date will cover every aspect of the global ICT spectrum and showcase a raft of significant technology and mobile innovations that will shape our future societies for decades to come,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC.
“Our 34th show will host cutting-edge technology demonstrations, engaging conference programmes, wide-ranging discussion forums and unparalleled networking opportunities for tailored sectors across the ICT industry. Exhibitors, visitors and the industry at large can expect a dynamic offering in-line with this year’s governing theme of ‘Reimagining Our Future’.”
As one of the world’s top ICT events and a leading international ICT industry authority, GITEX continues to enhance cross-border ties in delivering innovation, nurturing investment opportunities and driving the global dialogue on technology adoption across MEASA and beyond. The strategic choice of Nigeria – which has Sub-Saharan Africa’s highest unique mobile subscribers at 48.8 million (Source: GSM Association / GSMA) – as the 2014 show’s Official Country Partner continues the trend.
“Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest economy and population and is one of the continent’s most exciting ICT markets,” said Peter Jack, Director General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NIDTA). “Nigeria’s ICT growth potential will be amplified via the country’s National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which aims to enable economic and social development by increasing national 3G wireless coverage to at least 80% of the population by 2018. GITEX Technology Week offers NIDTA a unique platform to highlight Nigeria’s abundant investment opportunities and build networks with potential partners from across the world.”
With GITEX Technology Week presenting strategic investment inroads into the lucrative Middle East and African ICT markets, a host of international exhibitors and visitors will benefit from an evolved attendee experience integrating the latest ICT innovations. The new ‘On Track for the Smart Experience’ initiative will feature paperless mobile registration, smart networking and interactive navigation and marketing.
Elsewhere, GITEX 2014 will also debut a range of innovative and exciting industry features including Industry Briefings – a key component of this year’s GITEX Trends – where more than 1500 delegates and 150 speakers will debate tech trends in cutting-edge, sector-specific knowledge platforms; Developer Days, a series of dedicated workshops, tech demos, training programmes and networking activities offered by leading OS platforms designed to enhance developers’ in-show experience; a Social Plaza hosting the Influencers’ Reception; the Bloggers Tweetup and Tech Talk Blogger Programme which will double attendance from regional bloggers.
Expanded event features include the official press reception ShowStoppers, online community ConneXions, live streaming of social media, trending topics and tech news via the Content Hub, the 2nd GITEX Hot Stuff Awards recognising top gadgets and GITEX TV – the 53-screen in-house broadcast presence.
Enhanced interactive elements include the GSM Exchange Zone, a platform for the mobile product industry, the C-Level Majlis Lounge for senior executive networking, free Smart Sessions for knowledge-sharing, the Retailers and Distributors Lounge and the SME Zone.
In addition to the GITEX Hot Stuff Awards, the GITEX Student Lab will recognise leading students in the field of technology innovation and connect them with industry professionals, while the 2nd GITEX Cloud Awards will identity and recognise cloud computing excellence in the Middle East and Africa.
On the fringes of GITEX, the second edition of the GSMA Mobile 360 Series: Middle East, a dedicated platform for senior executives from the region’s mobile industry, and the fourth edition of InfoComm MEA, the leading showcase of the latest professional audio-visual communications technology in the Middle East and Africa.
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.
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.

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