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SCALING UP

By Editor
Late last year, Seagate announced a broadening of its enterprise storage portfolio with the release of the Seagate Business Storage rackmount NAS, delivering centralized backup, data protection and remote access to critical information for small and medium-sized business organizations (SMBs). Ayman Al-Ajouz, Sales Manager MENA, Seagate discusses Seagate’s growing focus on storage solutions for Business users
Discuss Seagate’s growing focus on NAS storage for business users. What are the strengths you offer as a manufacturer of NAS storage devices?
Seagate is known for storing the world’s content. Households and SMBs continue to generate a significant amount of data, and need fast and reliable storage solutions. Keeping consumers and businesses in mind, we have dedicated NAS storage devices to offer both parties even in a mixed platform environment of Windows and Mac devices.
With the industry’s first hot-swappable 8-bay 1U rackmount NAS and our new 4-bay rackmount NAS, our latest solutions take the lead in this category with top performance and the highest capacity at an approachable price point for our SMB customers. Our business NAS devices also give users the ability to save and share data for multiple computers, whether they are Macs or PCs, allowing them to access that data whether they are sitting in the same room with the network or securely when they are on the go, over the Internet. Through our partnership, organizations can now tap into the benefits and scale of enterprise level IT systems while easily backing up all the computers in their home or office to their Seagate NAS device, and then access that data from each computer.
Today implementation of a Seagate NAS system is also made easier with support software that goes a long way in simplifying installations, customizing error recovery controls, improving power management, and fine-tuning vibration tolerance.
What are the different kinds of NAS storage devices you offer?
Today we offer the industry’s broadest portfolio of hard disk drives, solid-state drives and solid-state hybrid drives, as well as an extensive line of retail storage products for consumers and small businesses along with data-recovery services for any brand of hard drive and digital media type. Seagate Business NAS and Seagate Business Storage Rackmount NAS are a few of the latest solutions we provide to address the changing needs of small office / home office (SOHO), remote mobile office (RMO) and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
When it comes to Seagate Business NAS, our 2 and 4-bay versions of Seagate Business Storage have capacities ranging from 4 to 16 terabytes, delivering maximum data protection by providing redundant backups of the information stored on the device. Also, the addition of a Universal Storage Module (USM) slot allows for plug-n-play removable external drives to be input and removed from the device for improved workflow and offsite backup capability.
In terms of Seagate Business Storage rackmount NAS, the Seagate Business Storage 1U rackmounts 8-bay and 4-bay 1U rackmount form factors in capacities ranging from 4 to 32 terabytes, providing the performance needed for businesses to support multiple simultaneous connections and enable everyone within an organization to easily backup and share files
With different configurations are being made available, and what are the faster moving ones in sell out?
We are experiencing good sales on mostly all different models that we are currently offering. It all depends on the customers’ needs. Nevertheless, I’d say that the 4-Bay Business Storage model is in particularly high demand in the region.
What is the distribution strategy for these products? Who are your distributors in the region?
We engage with nearly all major retailers through campaigns and through marketing. We also have rebate programs for certain retailers to further enhance our sales with them, and to give partners an incentive for doing business with Seagate. We used to have a distribution team that does everything, but now we have a team focused on the retail side of Seagate’s business. What we’re looking at is targeting the high-end product, which is an added value to the customers
On the distribution side we currently have two regional distributors, FDC and Asbis, and ECS servicing the local market in Egypt.
What are the top 3 customer verticals you are focusing on? Are there any significant activities Seagate did for raising awareness of these products in the regional channel/industry?
At our annual Middle East Partner Conference which was held in February, we outlined a new class of video surveillance, SSHD, NAS, enterprise and cloud technologies. This has included Seagate’s latest network-attached storage HDD lineup and two new enterprise HDD offerings. We are also planning on the Middle East launch of the Backup Plus FAST & the Backup Plus Slim personal devices, which were unveiled to much acclaim at CES 2014.
What strengths do these products offer for customers looking to leverage cloud based storage more?
There are numerous cloud service providers in the region today who offer storage-as-a-service. One of the key advantages of cloud storage is that it provides notably easy access to your data from any place where there is an Internet connection. In view of this, an increasing number of SMEs are adopting a mixed approach to their storage needs. While leveraging on the benefits of what the cloud has to offer, they also integrate a NAS solution into their cloud environment.
Hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses in the Middle East today already depend on NAS solutions. For many of them, meeting storage requirements can be even more challenging than for large enterprises as they desire high capacity, efficient storage while dealing with limited budget and dedicated IT resources.
Besides NAS, discuss other business-user focused products from Seagate?
Over the past decade, the explosive growth of large-scale, data-driven applications has begun to shift the nature of enterprise storage infrastructure fundamentally. The traditional paradigm of hardware-centric, file-based systems is moving aside to make way for new software-defined, object-based approaches. In order for the industry to achieve the growth demanded to support these storage demands, we must strip out layers of inefficiency from legacy architectures and introduce a new approach optimized for scale-out application and data center needs.
With many businesses in the region transitioning to cloud-based storage platforms, we recently unveiled the Seagate Kinetic Open Storage platform that promises to simplify enterprise data management and lower total cost of ownership of the average cloud infrastructure by up to 50%. It implements and enables the most efficient stack (devices, protocol, interface, software, systems) to optimize for current and future application demands, uniquely enables object-oriented applications to take direct advantage of storage, and fuels scale-out data center innovation. In doing so, it enables significant gains in performance, manageability and total cost of ownership (TCO).
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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