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RIVERBED IT TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS FOR 2014 IN THE MIDDLE EAST
By Taj El Khayat, General Manager for MENA at Riverbed Technology

Riverbed IT Trends and Predictions for 2014 in the Middle East
In 2014 enterprise IT teams should seek to harness the power of change. Savvy IT organizations understand that the right technology can positively impact their business. These organizations are responding to the need for change by seeking to harness those technologies that can differentiate their business, provide a better customer experience and ultimately help them gain a competitive edge.
In order to help companies embrace change, deliver a positive user experience and focus on solving business performance challenges, Riverbed has put together a list of the Top 8 Trends that will impact IT organizations in 2014 in the Middle East.
Governments role in innovation increases (globally) – Governments will increasingly become involved in technology, investing in a broad range of applications – from home-grown innovation incubators to local manufacturing sites that create jobs and manage geopolitical risk. In 2014, expect other governments such as the UAE government to follow suite as this trend will drive economic growth and competitive technologies across the globe.
Software defined everything hits production – A software-defined infrastructure is about decoupling the hardware that executes the data transactions from the software layer that orchestrates them. Rather than individual elements (compute, storage, and networking), infrastructure will be treated as a set of resources required for specific workloads. The goal is about using software to create an underlying infrastructure that can be managed holistically as part of the business. In this world, the application, end-user and the business are king. In 2014 we will see organizations finally implement software-defined architectures to achieve continued flexibility and control. Expect individual terms like “software defined networking” and “software defined storage” – which are just means to an end – to give way to larger concepts around the software defined data center and software defined branch.
Big data drives public cloud storage – In 2014, Big Data gets even bigger with the additional information being created by the “Internet of Things”. In 2014, companies will have evolved their people, process, and technology enough to yield significant business value from Big Data investments. This rise of big data applications puts unprecedented pressure on storage strategies and technologies. In 2014 expect two things: 1) in house, companies need to find a combination of robust storage hardware and software that allow for quick access to relevant information; and 2) as data storage needs increase, more companies will turn to cheaper and more available public storage cloud services to offset spiraling costs.
Enterprises start monitoring Personal Clouds – Personal cloud allows users to have access to use whatever device they want all while having constant access to the content and services they want to use, whether community (Facebook, news sites, etc), personal (photos, hobbies, music) or professional data (work related applications). In 2014, personal cloud services will outpace the growth of enterprise cloud services due to the continued growth of mobile computing, the growing number of mobile applications, and the growth in number of devices owned and used for personal use (personal cloud can drive an average of up 3 devices per employee.) IT won’t “own” or regulate these clouds, but will start monitoring them in 2014 to ensure sensitive data is not at risk.
Consumerization forces IT to measure customer satisfaction – Consumerization shifts power from the IT organization to the users (whether employees or customers). As the power of the individual continues to grow, IT organizations must adapt to their users – whether employees or customers. User expectations are transforming the way IT organizations do business. In 2014, IT organizations will respond by implementing metrics and measuring the satisfaction of their employee “customers.” Expect tried-and-true concepts like Net Promoter Score to become a mainstay in how IT evaluates its overall effectiveness.
DevOps teams become the norm, not the exception – DevOps started as an offshoot of Agile development, with a focus on achieving continuous delivery, will continue to catalyze change across IT departments in how teams from different IT domains will collaborate, which tools are employed to facilitate friction-less delivery, and the skill-sets that become increasingly desirable. Today, dedicated DevOps teams are found in hardware and software companies, as well as a fraction of progressive enterprise IT departments. In 2014, expect specific DevOps team to sprout up in all large enterprises.
Monolithic cloud strategies fade – Companies are moving towards automating the dynamic shifting of workloads from one cloud service to another for optimum performance, price and availability. IT will gain experience and confidence in moving a workload out of the path of a mega-storm (like Sandy), or to a lower cost service provider, or to a service provider closer to the end-user so the latency is minimized. In 2014, companies will move beyond the “I have a cloud strategy” to “I have a multi-cloud strategy.”
Industrial Internet gets vertical (sometimes called the Internet of Things) – As more objects become embedded with sensors and gain the ability to communicate, the resulting information networks promise to create new business models, improve business processes and reduce costs and risks. Many industries are gaining a competitive advantage from “connectedness” – among them: fleet management (for tracking goods and vehicles), consumer electronics and retail (stock control). Manufacturing, oil and gas, automotive, security, transport and even environmental management (smart cities) are gaining in this area. In 2014, adoption increases as companies continue to search for competitive advantages that also drive cost savings.
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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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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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