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Gaming drives PC demand

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PC Gaming rather than fading away in the face of rising popularity of console or smartphone gaming, seems to have only picked up as a growth trend. Today, the community size that indulges in PC gaming is growing and this can also be attributed to spectacular advances in the assortment of technologies that make up the PC gaming experience, from displays to powerful processing abilities of new age PCs.

Although the overall PCs/Laptops volume has stabilized in last two years owing to macroeconomic fluctuations and growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, but this year, the revival of PC market growth is expected. As per Industry Estimates, 2016 will witness a rebound of the PC market in the Middle East with demand coming from both- the first time buyers and also those consumers who seek to upgrade their existing machines. However, Gaming is going to be a serious driver for this PC market growth revival.

In a hypothetical estimate, if we take into consideration the specific market of hardcore gamers which demand extremely high technical specifications with a MSRP above AED 8000, then we can roughly calculate a sale of 300-400 units per month across the Middle East region. This shows a great market demand for gaming based PCs.

Mahiuddin Khasru, Sub Regional Head, ASUS expressed his views and said, “Looking at the bigger picture, there is a definite greater demand for those consumers who seek products with relatively mainstream specifications which also include gaming features or gaming grade graphics. The sale of these products which ranges above AED 4000 is easily 20 times bigger or even more. Further with the average selling price (ASP) of gaming devices coming down, they are becoming more affordable and accessible to users who want power and performance for applications other than gaming.”

Khasru also added, “The year on year growth of these gaming PC/Laptops which are definitely reaching double digits, is the precise reason why brands believe in and are thus investing heavily in this segment.”

Vineeth Sebastien, Regional Sales Director –MEA at AOC commented, “The gaming market in this region is evolving very fast. With the renewed interest in gaming in the region fueled by Increasing broadband penetration and the connectivity of more Arab youth to the internet, coupled with latest technology advancements in PC gaming and the availability in local and international game titles in Arabic language is expected to take the market to next level soon. Looking at all these positives, we certainly believe the outlook is quite bright.”

Omar Fakhri, Head of Sales Middle East & Africa, AMD, “Industry is showing huge change Indeed the consumers in the Middle East region are showing great interest in the gaming domain. In the region we are also expecting a great upsurge of PC Gaming to become a popular source of entertainment among people of all ages.”

Key Drivers  

PC Upgrades: Depending on their needs and requirements users are going in for either replacement or up gradation of their machines that is translating in increasing the demand in the gaming segment.

“Consumers are getting more and more hungry for new, faster and latest technologies that enhance their gaming experience to a complete new level,” believes AOC’s Sebastian, he further added, “We are experiencing an increased appetite of users for higher refresh rates, curved monitors and bigger screen sizes.”

Curved Display and Monitor Size: Commenting on a visible consumer demand, Sebastian said, “Increased screen size is always a demand. As the price gap narrows down between screen sizes, higher screen sizes become the standard. Curved display also has generated lot of traction in the market.”

The Professional Gaming: While professional gaming in Middle East hasn’t yet reached the levels of East Asia, Europe or North Africa, one cannot deny the indefinite growth observed in the region. While believing in the potential of professional gaming, Khasru of Asus stated, “The recent ESL ELSEA’S Counter Strike event which offered the top prize of $100,000 is a prime example of that. The event which was hosted in Dubai last year attracted a large target audience and millions of viewers. In an effort to contribute to this growth of professional gaming, we at ASUS are sponsoring numerous tournaments in the Middle East region.”

“For 2016, we have forecasted a figure of around 4.6M million units for the ‘’in- country’’ consumption of branded NB/DT/AIO PC all across Gulf countries including UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, KSA and Qatar.” Khasru of Asus also said, “With a greater volume of trade business occurring in the Gulf region, which is challenging to monitor and record, it can potentially drive the total volume up by another 50%.”

Online gaming or e-sports is latest buzz word among gaming enthusiasts. “We witness e-sports as a next big opportunity in the MEA region. More and more people in developed countries are showing interest in e-Sports, this interest in visible in gaming cafes and gaming parlors. We expect this trend to soon enter into UAE region as well,” says Fakhri of AMD.

Channel Engagement

While elaborating about the channel engagement activities of AOC, Sebastian said, “The objective of our partner programme is to support channel partners and provide them the extra edge that makes a difference between bidding and winning a deal. Our channel partner programme is extremely easy to join and easy to follow. All the parameters are kept simple, which helps channel partners to adhere to the programme and utilise the benefits of our programme easily. Moreover, we keep flexibility to incorporate the feedback from our partners to improvise the channel partner programme if need be. The programme should update the partner regularly and provide one stop solutions to its requirements, be it product updates, marketing collateral, training, technical, and so on.”

Khasru of ASUS elaborated the channel activity of his organization and said, “Our primary focus over the past two years has been greatly in the UAE, KSA and Qatar. We have developed and implemented a plan that engages us more with key resellers accounts and power retailers. In 2016, we intend to further enhance this plan by expanding to even more Gulf countries and try to set up in-country engagements with established local partners. With this strategic plan in place, we are hopeful that by the end of 2016, ASUS will have marked definite impact and reach across the entire GCC region. Keeping this expansion in mind, we have estimated a 20% growth in sales from the other GCC countries apart from the UAE and KSA.”

While elaborating the difference between conventional channel and gaming oriented channels, “We acknowledge the fact that those consumers who are looking for gaming PCs rely or seek guidance from specific reputed retailers/channels/media/social groups and forums. These “influencers’’ have established themselves an expertise which they use to sell their credible recommendations. The platforms also provide in depth analysis and guidelines on the extensive gaming product and portfolio. Having a direct access to these channels, the gaming consumers enjoy the advantage to have an independent comparison, do a survey and enjoy a real demonstration,” Khasru of Asus commented, “ASUS recognizes the potential opportunity for this growing market and this is why we collaborate with these platforms to ensure that our products especially our ASUS ROG line have the optimized reach in the market.”

While informing about AMD’s vision towards channels specially around gaming industry segment, Fakhri said, “Gaming is an important vertical for our business. We have specialised channels for gaming and we continue to enable them with best in class products. We are committed towards gaming market and are set to introduce new products in the segment. In addition, we also experience virtual reality as a major trend which can transform the entire gaming market. We are keen on taking such opportunities closer to channels so that they can leverage these big market opportunities.”

New Products

AOC’s AGON

AOCs new premium gaming product series is named “AGON” and the AGON monitors are expected to be available starting July/Aug time frame. All future AOC gaming product releases will be under the AGON name. AGON will also encompass AOC’s future gaming-related activities and social media voice. “Some of AOC’s existing gaming displays, previously grouped together with other products, will be rebranded under AGON. We do expect the AGON gaming series of monitors will be well received by the users in the region,” informed Sebastian of AOC.

While giving a glimpse about the new product announcements, Sebastian also said, “We will soon have the “QHD 144Hz” monitor with sizes 23.8 & 27 inch, also for the curved 144Hz monitors we have amazing models such as (AG 242FC 23.6”), (AC 272FC 27”) and (AG 342UC 34”), and for the Large monitors we have the V Line with size 40 inch’s such as (C4008VH8) & (C400VU8).”

AMD’s GPU & Polaris Architecture

According to Mercury Research’s latest GPU market report, revealing that in Q1 2016 where overall graphics unit volumes declined by 10.2 per cent sequentially, AMD gained discrete GPU market share (29.4 per cent, +3.2 share points q-to-q).

According to Mercury Research, factors in this surge are the strength of the latest RadeonR9 Series GPUs as well as AMD’s revitalized driver development strategy, helping the company gain 1.8 share points in desktop discrete graphics (22.7 per cent, +1.8 share points q-to-q) and an impressive 7.3 share point jump in notebook discrete, moving to 38.7 per cent share of this important market.

“With AMD’s next generation Polaris Architecture-based 14nm discrete graphics products expected this quarter, AMD believes it clearly has solid momentum in discrete graphics.” Khasru of AMD stated.

ASUS ROG Series:

ASUS take great pride in our line of ROG products which spans from DIY gaming components such as graphic cards, motherboard, RAM, storage units, as well as an extensive collection of gaming desktops, gaming accessories and gaming laptops. “Basically we provide solutions to anything related to PC Gaming. Describing the ROG range of products, Khasru also said, “Depending on the product specifics, the price varies from AED 3999 to AED 19,999. ASUS ROG is constantly striving to break through the gaming market to deliver products which fulfill the growing demands of our gaming consumers.” However, the latest ROG product offerings include:

ROG GX700, the world’s first liquid-cooled gaming laptop. It is designed to give you the hardcore gamers with the overclocking potential to push the limits with extreme gaming desktops. GX700 features Windows 10 Home, an overclockable Intel Mobile K-SKU processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX980  a desktop graphics card, and upto 64 GB DDR4 RAM to give gaming fans desktop-like power at home, and ultra-performance on-the-go.

ROG STRIX GL502, that stands out for being conveniently compact and incredibly potent. It allows the gaming users to experience unmatched performance with 6th-generation Intel Corei7 quad-core processor combined with a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX970M graphics with full Microsoft DirectX 12 support. The latest hardware offers efficient, powerful performance for heavy gaming or productive multitasking such as live streaming and video editing. With a profile measuring just 23.5mm and tipping the scales at a lightweight 2.2kg, ROG Strix GL502 has an ultra-portable design that makes it remarkably portable.

While PC gaming is a growth segment, it is still only a small percentage of the overall PC market. However, due to the higher ASP of high-end gaming PCs,the sell out profitability is better than the entry or mid-level PCs and is therefore a segment that the channel can benefit from.

 

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The Role of Technology in Elevating Quality and Sustainability

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Gautam Rice

By: Gautam Aggarwal, Managing Director of Gautam Rice

In today’s fast-evolving food and beverage (F&B) sector, the role of technology has moved beyond convenience to become a cornerstone for quality assurance, sustainability and operational efficiency.

Gautam Rice, the UAE’s most-consumed brand of basmati rice and the country’s largest importer of basmati rice – as well as a leading rice distributor across key regional markets – exemplifies how leveraging advanced technologies can elevate traditional practices and meet the shifting demands of modern consumers.

At the heart of our commitment to premium quality is the integration of cutting-edge technology in our rice milling and quality control processes.

One of the pivotal innovations is the use of SORTEX machines. Considered the gold standard in rice milling, SORTEX machines are equipped with advanced cameras and AI-driven systems to meticulously sort and remove impurities, discoloured grains and other unwanted particles.

This is achieved by using precise “air bullets” – ensuring each batch meets stringent quality standards. Additional quality control equipment such as moisture metres, whiteness testers and length graders help guarantee the consistency and integrity of each and every grain.

Quality isn’t just a standard – it’s a promise made possible through the smart integration of technology. This precision-driven approach ensures consumers receive the finest quality rice in every bag, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.

Sustainability through technological integration

Sustainability in the F&B sector is not just about green initiatives; it’s about embracing innovative solutions to reduce environmental footprints.

We’ve embedded sustainability into our core by incorporating solar power in our production facilities in India, significantly cutting down on carbon emissions.

Beyond energy, we’ve reimagined packaging processes with a focus on recyclability. By using recyclable materials and implementing a circular recycling programme, we’re able to collect and repurpose used rice bags for multiple industries, minimising waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

This commitment to sustainability is a strategic initiative where technology plays a crucial role. With growing global concerns about the environment, we aim to set an example of how technology-driven sustainability can align with operational goals.

For many F&B companies, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between traditional practices and technological advancements. At Gautam Rice, we strike this balance. A key traditional practice we uphold is ageing rice for two years, for example. This ageing process, entirely natural and technology-free, enhances the aroma, flavour and texture of the rice, resulting in a premium product, perfected through time-honoured techniques.

While the ageing process remains deeply rooted in tradition, we also leverage data analytics and advanced sorting technologies to maintain consistency, quality and efficiency in other areas. This dual focus on tradition and technology enables us to preserve our legacy while innovating for the future.

Data analytics drive efficiency

The modern supply chain is a complex network, and in the competitive landscape of the F&B industry, having a robust system for demand forecasting and procurement planning is crucial. We’ve embraced data analytics to gain valuable insights into market trends and consumer behaviour. This data-driven approach enables us to optimise our distribution network and plan procurement in advance, reducing waste and ensuring product availability across markets like the UAE, Oman and KSA.

In a region characterised by dynamic market demands, proactive use of analytics not only drives efficiency but also fosters agility in meeting consumer needs.

Packaging is a vital component in maintaining product integrity, especially during long-distance shipments. We’ve made significant strides in packaging by adopting multi-layer food-grade solutions that provide superior protection against moisture and contamination. All packaging materials are food-controlled and certified for safety.

As with many other business areas, the global F&B sector is clearly undergoing a digital transformation to keep pace with changing consumer expectations and supply chain complexities. Our approach to digital transformation is comprehensive. By using data analytics, remote work setups and digital tools, we maintain seamless communication and operational efficiency. In an industry where adaptability is key, our investment in digital solutions enables us to stay agile and responsive to market dynamics.

The importance of technology in the F&B sector cannot be overstated. For companies like ours, leveraging technology is not just about staying competitive; it’s about elevating quality, ensuring sustainability and meeting the evolving expectations of consumers. By combining traditional practices with advanced technology, Gautam Rice has set a high standard in the industry – highlighting how technology can be harnessed to create a better, more sustainable future for all.

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Transforming Internal Audit: A Strategic Imperative for Middle East Fintech

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Protiviti

By Sanjay Rajagopalan, Managing Director, Protiviti Member Firm for the Middle East region

A transformative wave is sweeping across the financial landscape in the Middle East. Our region, long known for its oil wealth and traditional banking strongholds, is rapidly emerging as a global fintech hub. From the gleaming towers of Dubai International Financial Centre to the innovative startups in Riyadh and the tech incubators of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, we are witnessing a digital renaissance that promises to reshape our economic future. Yet, as we stand on the edge of this exciting new era, we face a critical challenge that demands our immediate and urgent attention: the evolution of internal audit standards in the face of technological disruption.

The fintech revolution signifies a seismic shift that’s redefining our financial systems. Blockchain technology is challenging traditional notions of transaction verification. AI is revolutionizing credit scoring and risk assessment. Big data analytics are providing unprecedented insights into consumer behaviour and market trends. In this rapidly evolving landscape, our traditional approaches to internal auditing are quickly becoming obsolete.

As leaders in the Middle East‘s financial sector, we must recognize that this technological shift presents both immense opportunities and significant risks. The potential for growth and innovation is considerable, but so too are the challenges of cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. In this context, the global evolution of internal audit standards is essential to our region.

A Strategic Shift in Internal Auditing

The new Global Internal Audit Standards represent a more integrated and strategic approach of the auditor’s role in the digital age. No longer can we view internal auditing as a retrospective and siloed function, focused solely on financial reporting and compliance. Instead, we must embrace a forward-looking, strategically oriented approach that positions internal audit at the very heart of our organizations’ decision-making processes.

This strategic shift encompasses several key dimensions. First and foremost is the move towards proactive risk management. In the fast-paced world of fintech, waiting for risks to materialize before addressing them is a luxury we can no longer afford. Our internal audit functions must evolve to become proactive risk management partners, working together with executive leadership to anticipate and mitigate potential threats before they emerge. This requires a deep understanding of both technological trends and the unique regulatory landscape of the Middle East.

Equally crucial is the integration of technology into the audit process itself. As our fintech firms leverage increasingly sophisticated technologies, our auditors must become technology experts. They need to understand not just the mechanics of blockchain or AI but their strategic implications for our businesses. This technological proficiency will enable our auditors to provide valuable insights on everything from system vulnerabilities to the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making.

The focus on operational efficiency is another crucial aspect of this evolution. In the competitive world of fintech, operational agility is vital to success. The new audit standards emphasize continuous auditing and real-time monitoring, leveraging advanced analytics to provide timely insights that can drive operational improvements. By embracing these approaches, our internal audit functions can become catalysts for innovation and efficiency across our organisations.

Perhaps most importantly, the evolving standards call for internal audit to align closely with organisational strategy. Internal auditors must understand the ‘how’ of our operations and the ‘why’ – the strategic goals and market positioning that drive our decision-making. Only then can they provide valuable insights that help steer our organisations toward long-term success.

The Urgency of Adaptation

The need for change is urgent, particularly in our region. The Middle East’s fintech sector is growing at an unprecedented rate, with investments pouring in from local and international sources. Our regulatory bodies, from the UAE’s DFSA to Saudi Arabia’s SAMA, are developing innovative frameworks to support this growth. In this dynamic environment, we must maintain our internal audit practices. The cost of inaction is high. Firms that fail to adapt risk not only regulatory non-compliance but also strategic obsolescence. In a sector where trust is paramount, robust and forward-thinking internal audit practices are essential to maintaining investor confidence, consumer trust and stakeholder expectations.

A Roadmap for Transformation

Transforming our internal audit functions to meet these new challenges will require concerted effort and strategic investment. A comprehensive roadmap for change must begin with a focus on talent. We need to attract and retain auditors who are both financially savvy, technologically proficient, and strategically minded. This may involve rethinking our recruitment strategies and investing heavily in ongoing training and development for upskilling people.

Hand in hand with this focus on talent must come a wholehearted embrace of technology. Our audit functions need to be at the forefront of technological adoption. This means investing in advanced analytics platforms, AI-powered audit tools, and robust cybersecurity systems. These technological investments will not only enhance the efficiency of our audit processes but also ensure that our auditors are equipped to understand and evaluate the cutting-edge technologies being deployed across our fintech sector.

Fostering collaboration is another crucial element of this transformation. Breaking down silos between internal audit and other organizational functions is essential. We must create cultures where auditors work closely with IT teams, risk management professionals, and business strategists. This collaborative approach will ensure that our audit functions have a holistic view of our organizations and can provide insights that are truly valuable at a strategic level.

Our audit methodologies too, must evolve to become more agile, risk-focused, and forward-looking. This may involve adopting new frameworks that emphasize continuous auditing and predictive risk assessment. Moving away from periodic, retrospective audits towards a model of ongoing monitoring and analysis, we can ensure that our audit functions provide real-time insights that drive business performance.

Finally, as our audit practices evolve, we need to maintain open dialogues with regulatory bodies to ensure alignment and contribute to developing supportive regulatory frameworks. The Middle East has the opportunity to lead the way in crafting regulatory environments that foster innovation while maintaining robust risk management practices. Our internal audit functions can be crucial in shaping these regulatory conversations.

A Call to Action

The evolution of internal audit standards presents an opportunity for change. By embracing this change, we can keep pace with global best practices and define the future of internal auditing in the digital age. As leaders in the financial technology space, we must champion this transformation within our organisations. We must allocate the necessary resources, drive cultural change, and position internal audit as a strategic partner in our journey toward innovation and growth. The path ahead is challenging, but the rewards are immense. By revolutionising our approach to internal auditing, we can build more resilient, efficient, and trustworthy financial institutions. We can create an environment that fosters innovation while maintaining the highest risk management and corporate governance standards.

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The Role of Communication Technology in Transforming Hospitality: A GITEX 2024 Perspective

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Sheena Philip, Managing Director Ben InfoTech, Fanvil

Hospitality has taken a quantum leap forward—not just in the form of plush hotel rooms or scenic vistas, but also in these hyper-connected times. It’s about crafting frictionless, tailored experiences for guests—from the reservation process to everything that follows—and communication technology is at the heart of this shift. This transformation was vividly highlighted at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, where the integration of digital tools into service standards was showcased. This evolution in hospitality, closely observed by Ben Info Tech, is not just about adopting new gadgets; it signifies a fundamental reshaping of operational practices and guest interaction paradigms.

The UAE, with its world-class hotels and forward-thinking tech vision, has emerged as a global hub for hospitality innovation. The theme of “Global Collaboration to Create the Future AI Economy” at the recently concluded GITEX Global 2024 provided the perfect platform to showcase how AI-driven communication tools are subtly yet fundamentally transforming guest interactions with hotels and resorts. This convergence of cutting-edge technology and guest services is not merely a trend—it’s a cultural shift


Intelligent Communication: Crafting Unforgettable Guest Journeys
The journey of enhancing guest experiences begins well before they set foot in the hotel, with communication technologies playing a pivotal role in setting the tone for their stay. From automated booking confirmations to personalized devices in guest rooms, every touchpoint is designed to forge an emotional connection, making the guest feel effortlessly looked after. The exposition at GITEX 2024 highlighted technologies that not only meet but exceed guest expectations through advanced IP phones and interactive touchpoints that allow guests to customize their stay with simple taps or voice commands. Such innovations enhance convenience and craft experiences that resonate on a personal level.
Take, for instance, advanced IP phones and interactive touchpoints that streamline guest services. Gone are the days of relying on a front desk call for basic requests. With these devices, guests can now control room settings, request room service, or even customize their stay, all with a few taps or voice commands. It is far beyond bells and whistles; these communication solutions place practicality first and foremost. They help staff manage personal preferences, anticipate needs, and respond to requests faster by integrating with hotel management software. Such differentiators are critical in a journey to stand out amidst a myriad of perfect hotel options in a city like Dubai where hotel standards are stratospherically high!

Operational Mastery: The Backbone of Hospitality Excellence
Beyond guest-facing technology, the real unsung heroes in this digital evolution are the systems working tirelessly behind the scenes. While a guest’s experience may revolve around convenience, comfort, and personalization, the hospitality industry runs on the efficiency of its operations. GITEX 2024 offered a glimpse into how internal communication is being transformed, elevating staff collaboration and response times.
Smart communication devices integrated with Property Management Systems (PMS) allow staff across various departments to coordinate with minimal disruption to guest services. These tools reduce manual errors and are critical in ensuring that luxury hotels in cities like Dubai can offer world-class service while maintaining high operational efficiency.

Security at the Forefront: Tech-Enabled Peace of Mind
In a city that welcomes millions of visitors each year, safety is paramount. Guests today expect their privacy and security to be seamlessly managed through technology, and communication tools play a crucial role in delivering this. The integration of communication devices with security systems, highlighted during the expo, offers a multi-layered defense, providing peace of mind to guests and staff alike. AI-based monitoring systems, which link real-time communication platforms with security management, are reshaping hotel security dynamics, allowing for prompt responses to any unusual activities. AI-based monitoring systems have also changed the dynamics of security in hotels by linking them with real-time communicating platforms. From tracking access points to managing emergency responds to unusual activities, these systems builds a solid security framework.

Looking Towards Tomorrow: Hospitality’s Next Tech Frontier
The transformation sparked by communication technology in hospitality is just the beginning. As showcased at GITEX 2024, the future holds even greater potential for integrated, AI-powered communication systems that not only anticipate guest needs but also optimize hotel operations to a degree we’re only beginning to imagine. As the industry looks ahead, companies like Ben Infotech are playing a pivotal role by offering devices that are both innovative and practical. Our range of hotel communication devices from Fanvil, for instance, exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking technology that is driving this transformation. These business-grade devices tailored for hospitality and hotel applications come with HD audio, LED programmable keys, and integrations with the Hotel Management System. From an IP phone in the guest room to a lobby intercom, the right communication device can revolutionize hotel operations and guest experiences. The commitment of Ben Info Tech to adopting these technologies ensures that their hospitality partners are not just keeping pace with technological advancements but are staying ahead of them. As the industry evolves, the focus remains on providing experiences that are not only seamless and secure but also uniquely tailored to the needs of guests and the operational demands of the hospitality sector.


As technology continues to propel the hospitality industry forward, Ben Info Tech’s contributions in embracing and implementing these innovations underscore its pivotal role in the sector’s ongoing transformation. As highlighted at GITEX 2024, the next wave of digital transformation in hospitality has arrived—centered around smarter, more connected communication. Hotels are not only meeting modern expectations by integrating innovations to enhance guest experiences, but also by leveraging these technologies for improved internal operations. With the UAE positioning itself as a key hub for both hospitality and technological advancements, communication and collaboration solutions will remain central to this evolution—delivering seamless, secure, and personalized experiences for both guests and staff.

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