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Updated : September 22, 2014 00:10  am,Dubai
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Belkin increases focus on sell-through and channel penetration as its integration with Linksys nears completion

After having integrated the Belkin and Linksys teams under one leadership, Belkin is now focused on streamlining the channel distribution further as well as increase recruitment of SMB partners.

Amanullah Khan, Regional Director – Emerging Markets – Linksys & Belkin says, “The Linksys distribution channel has been well integrated and is comprehensive. With Belkin, the Business is a little different since there are more product SKUs than in the Linksys portfolio. The go to market strategy has been different for Belkin. Belkin has had more distributors across the market and per territory. With the new focus, the emphasis is on ensuring channel inventory is under control and there is accountability at the distribution level and at the level of our Account Managers.”

The company is also taking firm steps to track sell-through activities. This, the company believes, will help the company strengthen its position in the region’s channel.

Amanullah says, “We are now entirely focused on the entire sell-through activities. So we are tracking on the sell-through from our key retail partners at the store level. Earlier the sell-through wasn’t too structured and we were unable to take timely corrective steps when issues cropped up. Now we can do this in real time.”

Citing the example of iPhone 6 launch, he says the demand for accessories of the previous generation iPhone will decline and then come to a halt. So the company will seek to have channel activities ready that can help liquidate the stocks of accessories.

He elaborates, “If we do not have a plan ready for clearing the channel inventory that has probably built up because of the slowdown in demand, then it could probably be quite late when iPhone 6 is launched, which could entirely kill the demand for the accessories supporting the previous generation. So we can account for this and help the channel with activities that can get their stocks out. Ultimately, the crux is channel profitability and moving the stocks off the shelves under three weeks and desirably under two weeks is what it amounts to. Ideally, stocks need to be replenished under two weeks and we don’t want the same stocks lying on the shelves for over three weeks. This is as far as Belkin is concerned. On the Linksys front, we have more leverage because shelf life of the products is longer.”

The company is also consolidating its product strategy along with the distribution channel. It is reducing its focus on some of the SKUs from the vast array of the Belkin range while strengthening the focus on some of the existing product lines further.

“We have rationalized the SKUs and the number of distributors. There are certain areas we are not going to focus. For instance, soft pouches and cases for smartphones is an area we will not focus on. We will focus on chargers, docking stations, overlays, keyboards, cables. We are also bringing in a new range of surge protectors. We are going to bring in the retail versions,” says Amanullah.

The company is also increasing its focus in Saudi along with other key markets. It is working out a Microcredit facility in tandem with its distributor to increase its channel reach in KSA.

Amanullah adds, “The UAE is a major focus and Saudi is no less. The focus on KSA is set to be bigger in FY 2015 which starts for us from October across the Belkin and Linksys range, both retail and SMB.”

Meanwhile, Belkin has also been active in updating its Wi-Fi camera range with the recent launch of the NetCam HD+, a high definition Wi-Fi camera that allows users to see their home day and night in high-quality 720p resolution via their smartphone, tablet, or PC.

The NetCam HD+ uses a wide-angle glass lens to provide details that are crisp and ultra-clear. Other premium and unique features include night vision, highly secure Wi-Fi streaming, cloud storage, easy setup and push to talk. The new camera also works with WeMo, which enables users to access their camera via the WeMo app and set up rules and triggers with other installed WeMo solutions.

“NetCam HD+ is the latest innovation in our portfolio of IP home surveillance. People care about their possessions, their pets and their homes, so we made our latest NetCam the most intuitive and feature rich product to date, enabling users to check their home environment wherever they are and keep an eye on what’s going on through the NetCam’s alert features,” said Amanulla Khan, Director Sales, Belkin.

One of key features of the NetCam HD+ is the ability to work with the WeMo ecosystem of home automation products. Users can apply rules to the camera or connect activities with other WeMo products by simply using the WeMo app. The NetCam HD+ includes motion detection capabilities so users can pair their NetCam with other WeMo products like the WeMo Switch – so when the NetCam detects motion the device connected to the WeMo Switch, such as a lamp, will turn on.

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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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Ourwatr

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.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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Ardee Al Marjan

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.”

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MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

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MERED

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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