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By Editor
At the partner conference earlier this year, Sofocles Socratous, VP of Sales & Marketing for Seagate EMEA and Christian Assaf, Senior Sales Manager MEA, Seagate pursued the agenda of meeting with their partners and apprising them of the opportunities in specific areas including surveillance. They discuss trends that Seagate has adopted to as well the opportunities that lie ahead
Please elaborate on the rebranding?
Sofocles Socratous: The rebranding campaign includes our new corporate logo, which was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year. The rebrand of the company is to be seen as a trusted brand for all customer segments for their storage requirements. We want to be identified as a company delivering complete range of storage solutions. We offer hard drives, solid-state hybrid drives, SSDs, external storage products, recovery services, cloud services, and fully integrated cloud systems.
Do you see surveillance as a significant opportunity for Seagate?
Sofocles Socratous: Surveillance is an important segment and opportunity and the Middle East is in fact one of the largest markets for surveillance as far as Seagate is concerned. This is also due to the regulations that have come into place with the phenomenal growth in infrastructure. We have been working in this segment for a long time now and we are now offering the seventh generation drives. Seagate’s seventh-generation Surveillance HDD is also designed to ensure cost-effective and reliable performance and includes “idle 3” support to reduce power. We do have a full portfolio of surveillance products and solutions, also leveraging solutions from companies that we have purchased in the past couple of years.
There is a lot of data being created these days and as much as 50%, I believe is being recorded in accordance with surveillance regulations for longer periods. The content is also getting richer. So they require higher storage capabilities. I was talking to a couple of customers from Qatar and I believe they are installing surveillance cameras plus 4 TB of storage disk drive per ATM machine.
Christian Assaf: with the emergence of the 4k cameras now, the 1 TB drive is not enough now for surveillance, which is why 6 TB drives are in. Further, Seagate surveillance drives are the only drives with RV sensors that prevents rotational vibration (RV) generating heat and movement from the stacked drives, thus prolonging the life of the drive and ensuring reliable performance.
Today you can’t jeopardize one sec of reporting. We therefore launched a dedicated surveillance hard disk drive featuring Seagate Rescue services. The Seagate Surveillance HDD offers data recovery services designed to restore lost data due to malice or accidental failure.
The significant development in 2014 was that people started understanding the need for appropriate drives for surveillance. Initially, people were using desktop drives for surveillance. Desktop drives are not designed for surveillance. Throughout 2014, we focused on educating the market. At the partner event, surveillance has been the key message.
How are you driving market awareness?
SS: We are partnering and doing roadshows with many of the key surveillance systems manufacturers across Europe. Many of these boxes sold are sold barebone without drives. We are educating the channel to include the right drives. We are also working with manufacturers with whom we partner such as Synology and QNAP across the regions to make sure customer are choosing the right drives that offer longevity and secure backup of data in their NAS solutions.
Seagate has been among the larger Technology manufacturers that have been bringing specific technologies and innovative products as the markets evolve. We have made huge R&D investments in this direction. Seagate spent approximately $1.303 billion dollars on product development in CY2014. We are now opening up the intelligence that we have gathered to our partners so that they can see where the market is heading. We would like to see them make the right investments so that they can continue to add value to the market segments they target. The key markets we see as of today are Surveillance, NAS, adoption of solid state drives and cloud storage.
CA: We are entering a world where everything is connecting to everything else and the resulting big data is anticipated to solve virtually all our problems. Data has evolved from static information stored and forgotten to a living entity that drives every day interactions. We are focused on Storage innovation bringing new systems and solutions which are faster, more reliable and expansive.
We are investing significantly in the region and Intersec was one example of the commitment that we are bringing in our approach to the region. We were present with all our premium partners at Intersec. We saw the surveillance Business taking off three years ago but are quite amazed to see how fast it is growing. We want to ensure our partners are ready to seize the opportunity and to be on top of it as it continues.
Discuss the NAS Business solutions focus?
CA: Seagate’s Enterprise NAS drive is available in capacities up to an industry-leading 6TB and can deliver up to 96TBs in one 16-bay rackmount or tower form factor. Seagate started offerings NAS boxes 5 years ago. We offer a range of high performance NAS solutions from rackmount to desktop for Business users. Our focus is clearly on the drive itself that goes into the box and we work with other NAS manufacturers as well in offering solutions.
How have the past several acquisitions changed Seagate’s go to market positioning?
SS: In the last couple of years, Seagate has gone through several transitions, in terms of growth as well as acquisitions. These include EVault, which provides cloud storage technology as well as Xyratex, which makes storage test equipment and systems. As we acquired several different companies offering different solutions, we have been successful in integrating these to offer a range of complete solutions to the market, right from the device down to the integration of the infrastructure. It has allowed us to understand better from a device level why it requires to better deliver the optimum result inside the solution. We have been able to do that. It is now about helping customers from a security perspective, scalability perspective, in terms of finding the right cloud solutions etc.
With the different acquisitions we have made, we are not only a storage drives manufacturer but a storage solutions provider for different segments.
Discuss the Solid state drives opportunity?
SS: In the client market, they have enabled speed and performance. However higher capacity and price positioning has been a challenge.
Last year, we had acquired LSI’s Accelerated Solutions Division (ASD) and Flash Components Division (FCD). We now have great enterprise solutions in the high performance segment.
What we have seen is that as a viable alternative, the Solid state hybrid drive (SSHD) delivers high capacity, economic value and almost equal performance in terms of boot-up time in comparison to SSDs. We have seen some adoption in the corporate segment with several customers taking the SSHD route for upgrades to achieve faster boot up times and also have the facility to store locally from a security perspective.
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.

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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At the partner conference earlier this year, Sofocles Socratous, VP of Sales & Marketing for Seagate EMEA and Christian Assaf, Senior Sales Manager MEA, Seagate pursued the agenda of meeting with their partners and apprising them of the opportunities in specific areas including surveillance. They discuss trends that Seagate has adopted to as well the opportunities that lie ahead
