News
A rousing applause for VAR COC 2016 winners

The 2016 edition of the VAR COC (Choice of channel) Awards concluded on a grand note at a glittering awards ceremony held in the majestic St. Regis hotel in Dubai. This year also marked the 10th edition of the VAR COC Awards, the premier awards for the region’s ICT channel.
The awards gala was well attended by the industry’s who’s who. The winning brands received a rousing applause for their stellar performances over the past year.
The winners were chosen through an online poll that ran on www.varonline.com for nearly three weeks based on nominations received from the industry. The online polling process included voting from a wide channel database. Voters were instructed to vote on basis of the Brand’s channel commitment, product availability, pricing, market performance and mindshare.
The Brands that emerged with most votes from the survey were frontrunners to win in the respective categories because of the high percentage of weightage given to channel votes. However, besides the channel voting, the final leg of the polling process included votes from an esteemed jury panel of three which consisted of Mr. Krishnamurthy, former MD of Acer Middle east, Mr. Tarek Kuzbari, formed MD of Kaspersky Lab and Mr. Philip Hughes, formed GM of APC Middle East. This helped calibrate the overall voting and help adjudge the eventual winners across different categories.
Vivek Sharma, Founder CEO of VAR marketing LLC and JNS Media International MFZE said, “This year marked a major milestone for the awards which are the longest running in the ICT channel. We have put in place a very substantially comprehensive voting process that helps decide and applaud the deserving winners from among nominated brands in the survey.”
The voting has always seen an increase in the number of votes registered. Also adding to the increase is the fact that several of the nominated brands ensured that their reseller partners took part in the voting. More votes registered mean better validated verdicts.
The sponsors of the awards evening included Dell who was the Platinum sponsor of the event, Kaspersky Lab and Linksys, both Gold sponsors as well as Epson, Telelink, AOC and WD, the silver sponsors. Promise Technology was the gifts sponsors and Touchmate were the raffle sponsors.
The first awards presented in the evening was Projector Brand of the Year. Epson was the winner of the category yet again, proving its popularity with the ICT channel. Similarly, HP remains unstoppable in the printer category as it walked away with the second award of the day as the Printer Brand of the Year.
AOC sprung a surprise when it emerged the winner of the Display Brand of the Year, in all possibility winning approval from voters for its vast range of monitors with innovative technologies.
WD wrested the top honours in the Storage Devices Brand of the Year category, perhaps riding on the advantages of its commitment to stable regional presence along with an exhaustive product range and channel commitment.
Linksys, a consumer segment favorite emerged the inaugural SOHO Networking brand of the year winner while one of its leading competitors D-Link walked away with top honours in the SMB Networking brand of the year category.
QNAP, a leading manufacturer of NAS solutions emerged the NAS Brand of the Year. Kaspersky Lab was the winner of the PC Security Software Brand of the Year for the third straight year. The Mobile Security Software Brand of the year category saw Norton emerge as the winner among nominees in the category.
In the Laptop Brand of the Year category, which saw a close fight between the top nominees, Dell edged ahead to win the top honours. Lenovo was the winner of the category Convertible Tablet Brand of the Year, a category of devices that is driving a resurgence in the industry.
In the smartphone awards categories, LG G4 won the award for The Smartphone with Best Design while Sony Mobile Xperia Z5 Premium got the top honours for the category Smartphone with Best Features.
OPPO F1 received the top recognition for the Best New Smartphone among shortlisted nominees while the winner of the Emerging Smartphone Brand of the Year was Magnus, a brand from the regional business group Telelink.
In the recognitions for the retailer categories, Carrefour was winner of the Innovative ICT Retailer of the Year distinction while Souq.com was winner of the ICT E-tailer of the Year category.
In the distribution award categories, Redington Gulf was handed the Mobility Distributor of the Year award while the winner of the Networking Distributor of the Year category was Aptec, an Ingram Micro company
The Component Distributor of the Year recognition went to Musallam Trading, a distributor with a sizeable portfolio of leading component brands in its portfolio
Trigon walked away with the top honours in the AV Distributor of the Year category from a shortlist of companies with strong portfolios of Audio Video hardware products.
Asbis won the Retail Distributor of the Year recognition, a recognition of the retail friendly portfolio it holds as well as a good reach into the retailing segment. The Emerging Distributor of the Year award went to Prime Technology Middle East
In the Editor’s choice awards, TP-LINK was awarded the Networking Innovations Vendor of the Year recognition. The Storage Innovations Brand of the Year went to SanDisk whereas Ricoh was chosen as the Projector Innovations Brand of the year.
In categories that recognize regional businesses, Touchmate was awarded the Regional Brand of the Year, completing a hatrick of wins for the company in this category. Telelink was recognized as the Visionary ICT Business Group of the Year for its diversified growth.
In reseller awards categories, New Trend Computers LLC was recognized as the Networking Reseller of the Year, Computer Care was chosen as the Mobility Reseller of the Year and the Champion Reseller of the Year distinction went to Promise Technology LLC.
Kamran Khayal, AVP at Trigon walked away with The Channel Executive of the Year honours in the only individual award category of the day.
In the final award presented on the evening, Dell was awarded the Brand of the Year recognition for its continued success with go to market execution and enhanced brand visibility.
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.
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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.
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.”
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