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Redington Value to bolster Hyper-Converged Infrastructure in MEA through key partnerships

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Redington Value, a distribution division of Redington Gulf, today announced the region-wide roll-out of various Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Appliances (HCIA) through key partnerships with industry leaders such as EMC. The announcement was made on the third day (October 20) of the Gitex Technology Week 2015 being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

One of the solutions, EMC’s VSPEX BLUE is a software-defined data centre appliance that can take on the challenges of an industry that is fast moving towards scalability and resilience. The announcement comes just weeks after the company rolled out the product in Saudi Arabia.

HCIA has emerged as one of the top priorities for most IT departments as large enterprises as well as small and medium-sized companies are fast adopting the new technology that offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility, scalability, system performance and cost. According to a recent IDC report, hyper-converged systems market grew by 162 per cent in 2014 and is expected to further grow by more than 100 per cent in 2015 to generate $807 million in global revenue. The report also forecasts that HCIA market is expected to increase further by about 60 per cent annually until 2019.

Unlike traditional IT infrastructure that required separate set-up and management of networking, storage and systems administration, converged infrastructure has taken the system to a new level where virtualised servers converge with shared and centrally managed storage. With Hyper Convergence comes a new advanced software-defined system where

compute, server, storage and management work in co-ordination and set-up into a single appliance designed to address the unique needs of mid-market and enterprise customers.

HCIA is an ideal solution for private/hybrid cloud and application developers and managers, and provides linear scaling capability that grows based on the business needs. Its features exemplify simplicity with fully orchestrated installation, management, patching and upgrading and offers an ideal platform for infrastructure consolidations, virtual desktops in large remote or branch offices and managed service providers.

VSPEX BLUE is designed to specifically facilitate an easy-to-use and scalable system; the next-generation converged infrastructure is built on x86 servers and enables customers to go from power on to provisioning virtual machines in under 15 minutes.

Also featured is a one-stop Application Centre or a Market where users can download value-added software from within the appliance.

“The market is fast evolving and the emergence of hyper-converged infrastructure has created fundamental shifts in the IT sector. The new hyper-convergence system addresses some of the key challenges within the data centre infrastructure and offers exactly what the industry was waiting for,” says Ramkumar ?Balakrishnan, President, Value Distribution at Redington Gulf.

For Redington Value, the product offers an excellent opportunity to cater to a market that is known for faster adoption of latest innovations. The Value division of Redington Gulf has been in the process of redefining itself as a solutions partner in an effort to cater to an industry that is fast changing into a marketplace for all-in-one solutions and an IT segment that is challenged by disruptive technology. Apart from EMC, Redington has also tied up with various leading providers of HCIA and will be rolling out its products into the MEA (Middle East and Africa) market in a phased manner.

“At Redington Value, we are also focused on building a ‘converged infrastructure’ speciality in value division. The roll-out of HCIA offers us an excellent platform to position ourselves as a solutions partner. The expertise we have gained over the years, working with various brands and the skillset available today, can be best utilised to market the latest technology, thereby enabling companies within the region to leverage the available technological advancement. We have been working with our partners to bring the various available solutions to the region and we expect a massive growth and adoption of the new technology,” says Balakrishnan.

The company is showcasing some of the latest introductions in the sphere of hyper-converged solutions and software-defined solutions besides its Redington Value Cloud solution during the ongoing Gitex Technology Week 2015, which also coincides with the tenth year of operations for the Value division.

On the first day (October 18) of the Gitex Technology Week 2015, the company announced the RedCloud – a marketplace that offers customers a one-stop solution for all their Enterprise Cloud requirements. Apart from offering a unified portal for cloud solutions such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, it will eventually offer subscriptions from about 30 to 40 SaaS (software as a solution) brands, thereby facilitating clients with a single log-in platform for all products, unified billing and online payments, while offering live chat and agent management among other features.

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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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