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Genetec unveils subscription model for security platform
Genetec, a leading provider of open-architecture, unified IP security solutions, announced the Middle East introduction of its new subscription model for its flagship unified security platform, Genetec Security Center. The announcement was made by Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East and Africa, Genetec Inc., in the presence of Andrew Elvish, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, Genetec Inc., and other top executives from Genetec. The company also unveiled Security Center Subscription, which introduces a new, 25-camera, no-training version with flexible ownership and payment options. Both Security Center Subscription and Compact allow customers to get access to Security Center on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, removing the need for up-front capital expenditures (CapEx).
Subscribing customers receive the same local, on-premises version of Security Center and pay for it on a monthly or annual basis, as opposed to purchasing the entire system upfront. When purchasing on subscription, customers also benefit from the Genetec online support resources and qualified support professionals by phone or through live chat, as well as access to Security Center Cloud services with risk-free trials included in the price. Security Center Subscription is available immediately through the new Genetec self-service portal.
A recent Gartner Inc. industry report noted that by †2020, more than 80% of software vendors will change their business model from traditional license and maintenance to subscription, regardless of whether the software resides on-premises or in the cloud. The flexibility and affordability noted in the Gartner report find that the value of short-term predictability trumps long-term costs, particularly when the ease of adding or relinquishing licenses is included in the picture. The subscription model also moves the purchases from capital expenditure (CAPEX) to operational expenditure (OPEX). This enables customers who are looking to upgrade their systems to Security Center to do so from operational budgets allocated to their older, less capable security software.
“In the past few years, companies like Adobe, IBM, Oracle, Netflix and many other software companies have adopted flexible buying models with impressive success, offered as Technology-as-a-Service (XaaS) via the cloud, or as a traditional on-premises installation with monthly-or-annual renewals,” said Andrew Elvish, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Genetec. “Genetec is leading the way in the physical security industry by offering customers an alternative ownership option for our successful video surveillance platform. Not only will customers enjoy the same fully-featured version of Security Center, but they will do so with lower upfront expenditures, predicable recurring costs, and access to the latest releases and Genetec support resources, at no additional charge,” added Elvish.
As part of its new subscription model, Genetec is introducing Security Center Compact, a new entry-level edition of Security Center, only available through subscription. This new edition of Security Center supports up to 25 cameras and provides an easy, “no training required” option for customers with basic video management requirements. A good fit for smaller sites, Security Center Compact systems can also be linked to larger systems through the Genetec Federation feature, allowing for centralized monitoring as seen with citywide surveillance and multi-site businesses or campuses. The Compact edition features all of the camera integrations available in the enterprise edition of the software, so customers can choose the vendors they want to work with and design a system that suits their business.
In addition to providing smaller-site video surveillance, Security Center Compact offers a clear path as an organization’s security needs evolve over time; Security Center Compact users can simply update their subscription and purchase a higher edition of Security Center as their system grows, avoiding the need to install and/or redeploy new video software.
Genetec Certified Channel Partners with entry-level projects that are interested in trying the new Security Center Compact edition can do so on a three-month trial basis. To take advantage of this limited-time promotion integrators should visit the Genetec Channel Partner Portal for an instant download.
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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