News
Regional IT spending to reach $212.9 Billion in 2016, says Gartner
Middle East (ME) IT spending is projected to reach $212.9 billion in 2016 a 3.7 % increase from 2015, according to the latest forecast by Gartner. The IT industry is being driven by digital business, and an environment driven by a connected world.
Peter Sondergaard, senior vice president and global head of research at Gartner, provided the latest outlook for the IT industry today to an audience of more than 600 CIOs and IT leaders at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, which is taking place here through March 3, that interconnections, relationships, and algorithms are defining the future of business.
“We see positive IT growth and scenarios in the Middle East despite some level of economic uncertainty in world markets,” said Mr. Sondergaard. “The substantial industrial refocusing to generate new economic development beyond the oil industry, with deepening smart cities initiatives and adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), is of utmost importance in this region. We are witnessing priorities for smart city governments in education, transportation, safety and health.”
With devices representing close to 19 percent of total IT ME spending, tablets and PCs are showing good momentum in the forecast period. Tables and PC sales are forecast to reach nearly $8 billion in 2016, and surpass $10 billion in 2018. Mobile phone sales will grow from slightly above $30 billion in 2016 to nearly $37 billion in 2019.
With IT services doubling software expenditures in 2016, business IT services will represent 84 percent of the total services segment; while in software, enterprise application software will present the largest growth rate in the forecast period. However, in actual spending dollars infrastructure software will lead.
The data center segment market is forecast for relatively flat growth in 2016. This segment includes external network equipment, external controller-based storage, servers, and unified communications.
In five years, 1 million new devices worldwide will come online every hour. These interconnections are creating billions of new relationships. These relationships are not driven solely by data, but algorithms.
“Data is inherently dumb. It doesn’t actually do anything unless you know how to use it; how to act with it,” Sondergaard said. “Algorithms are where the real value lies. Algorithms define action. Dynamic algorithms are the core of new customer interactions.”
Sondergaard gave examples such as, Amazon’s recommendation algorithm that keeps customers engaged and buying; Netflix’s dynamic algorithm – built through crowdsourcing – keeps people watching; and the Waze algorithm that directs thousands of independent cars on the road.
“The algorithmic economy will power the next great leap in machine-to-machine evolution in the Internet of Things,” Mr. Sondergaard said. “Products and services will be defined by the sophistication of their algorithms and services. Organizations will be valued, not just on their big data, but the algorithms that turn that data into actions, and ultimately impact customers.”
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.
Financial
HODL 2025 Opens in Dubai, Advancing the Emirates’ Position as a Global Financial Innovation Hub

HODL 2025, organised by Trescon officially opened recently at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).
The prestigious two-day event follows the Dubai FinTech Summit that commenced on 12th May. During the Summit’s opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced the launch of the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week, scheduled for 2026. This flagship initiative will bring together major financial events—including Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund AGM—under a unified theme: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”
“Being part of the upcoming Dubai Future Finance Week reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the Web3 space,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman, Trescon. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial powerhouse.”
Crypto Rulebook: Toward Global Standards
A day 1 highlight was the expert panel “Crypto rulebook: Global best practices and regulatory measures”, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association. Speakers included:
- Dyma Budorin, CEO, Hacken
- Samir Safar-Aly, MENA FinTech Association
- Erwin Voloder, European Blockchain Association
- Belal Jassoma, DMCC
“We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.” — Dyma Budorin
“Regulations need to catch up and work together.” — Samir Safar-Aly
The discussion emphasized the need for global regulatory coherence and innovation-friendly compliance frameworks.
Insuring Web3: A $6 Trillion Opportunity
Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy”, spotlighted the crucial role of insurance in de-risking digital finance.
“Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.” — Joseph Ziolkowski
The panel explored how risk-aligned insurance solutions are key to unlocking institutional trust and long-term ecosystem resilience.
During his session, Cristian Ulloa, Co-Founder & CEO of Liquid Loans, Platinum sponsor of HODL 2025, shared valuable strategies for building wealth in crypto while steering clear of common pitfalls that lead to crypto regret.
Global Leaders on the HODL Stage
Day 1 also featured other prominent speakers sharing insights across DeFi, tokenisation, compliance, and blockchain banking including:
- Corbin Fraser, CEO, Bitcoin.com
- Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
- Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget
- Rifad Mahasneh, CEO MENA, OKX
- Robert Crossley, Global Head, Franklin Templeton
- Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO, Relm Insurance
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