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THE 3RD INTEGRATOR AWARDS HONOURS THE INDUSTRY’S BEST

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Updated : June 16, 2015 01:00  pm,
By R. Narayan

1The 3rd edition of the Integrator ICT Champion Awards ceremony held on the 11th of June 2015 at the Oberoi in Dubai applauded outstanding performances of the year in the value-add segment of the ICT channel

The 3rd edition of the Integrator ICT Champion Awards ceremony held on the 11th of June 2015 at the Oberoi in Dubai applauded outstanding performances of the year in the value-add segment of the ICT channel. These Awards launched in 2013 are the only awards dedicated to the value segment of ICT channel in the MEA region and are among the initiatives from The Integrator print title, now in its fourth year of print and the unrivalled leader in its space.
The Integrator Awards come under the broader banner of the ICT Champion Awards initiative that include the highly popular VAR COC (Choice of Channel Awards) that have concluded 9 editions to date as well as the VAR Arabia Awards and the East Africa Integrator Awards. The organizer of these Awards is JNS Media International MFZE, a publisher of channel focused print and digital publications. These include VAR Magazine, The Integrator, www.varonline.com as well as East Africa Integrator and VAR Arabia, the latter two being digital publications.
The 2015 Integrator ICT Champion winners were chosen through a process that included accepting nominations in the first phase and an online survey executed via www.varonline.comin the second and concluding phase. A majority of leading companies in the region’s industry participated by sending across their entries for different categories. These nominees were entered into the survey which was communicated widely to the region’s SI (System Integrator) channel so that they could vote for their preferred choices.
The online survey ran for close to two weeks and saw over 100% increase in voting compared to last year’s voting. The massive voting in this year’s survey is a vindication of the prestige these awards carry as industry recognitions for the region. Those who polled maximum votes in each category were declared winners at the awards ceremony.
There were also a few select Editor’s choice awards categories which allowed for recognition of special achievements of Brands and companies. These recognitions were based on information that the editorial team has been privy to through interactions with those companies.
The year 2015 also heralds the 10th year of operations for the company which has now consolidated its various Media and Marketing services operations under the holding company JNS Media International MFZE from its previous name of VAR MEA Magazine. VAR Marketing Management is an entity that is the marketing services arm for the group and ICE Media Solutions is the third entity of this group based out of India and focused on support services for the group’s clients.
Mr. Vivek Sharma, CEO of JNS Media International and publisher of The Integrator said, “We continue to hold dear the values of recognizing the best in the industry. We are quite happy to see that industry is reciprocating equally to our initiatives and also the fact that these awards are today held in high esteem in the industry. My hearty congratulations to all winners of this year’s awards.”
Cloud Computing Vendor of the Year: Microsoft Gulf FZ – LLC
Virtualisation Vendor of the Year: VMware FZ-LLC
Converged Infrastructure Vendor of the Year: NetApp
SMB Storage Vendor of the Year: Western Digital
Video Conferencing Vendor of the Year: Polycom
Data Management & Analytics Vendor of the Year: SAP Middle East & North Africa LLC
Disaster Recovery and Backup Vendor of the Year: Commvault
Endpoint Security Software vendor of the Year:  Kaspersky Lab ME
Network Security Appliance Vendor of the Year:  Fortinet Middle East
IP Video Surveillance Solutions Vendor of the Year: Milestone Systems Middle East
Application Delivery Solutions Vendor of the Year: Riverbed Technology FZ LLC
Mobility Management Solutions Vendor of the Year: Sophos
Power Solutions Vendor of the Year: Schneider Electric FZE
DCIM Solutions Vendor of the Year: Emerson FZE
Print Management Solutions Vendor of the Year: XeroxMiddle East
Enterprise Networking VAD of the Year: FVC
Enterprise Security VAD of the Year: Scope Middle East
Enterprise Storage VAD of the Year: StorIT Distribution FZCO
Mobility Solutions VAD of the Year:  Oxygen Middle East
Unified Communications VAD of the Year: Granteq Distribution
Information Security Specialist VAD of the Year: Spire Solutions
Managed Services Provider of the Year: Dimension Data
Networking Integrator of the Year:           Gulf Business Machines
Storage Integrator of the Year:   STME
Telecom Integrator of the Year:  Prologix L.L.C
Security Integrator of the Year:   eSolutions Netcure
Software Solutions Integrator of the Year:             Finesse
Emerging Integrator of the Year:                Think Software Services FZ LLC
Emerging VAD of the Year:            EliteVAD
Visionary Integrator of the Year: F1 Infotech FZE
Visionary VAD of the Year: Aptec, an Ingram Micro Company
Fast Growing SMB Brand of the Year: Linksys from Belkin
Innovative IP Video Surveillance Vendor of the Year:  PROMISE Technology EMEA
Enterprise After Sales Vendor of the Year:  Barracuda Networks
KVM solutions VAD of the Year: Wave Tech Computers L.L.C
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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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