News
GITEX Shopper promises consumer electronics bonanza
Consumers across the Middle East would do well to wait until October to make their technology purchases this year given the extraordinary savings they will make at GITEX Shopper 2016. The region’s largest and most anticipated consumer electronics show continues to attract both the world’s top tech brands and the region’s largest power retailers. Taking place from 1st – 8th October at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the eight-day sales extravaganza promises exciting new product launches and unbeatable offers across the full spectrum of technology, communication and entertainment sectors.
In addition to being a bargain hunter’s paradise for all things tech, GITEX Shopper serves as a playground of novel entertainment features, competitions, prizes and activities that will keep visitors enthralled and engaged from 11:00am to 11:00pm every day of the show. Millions of dirhams in prizes will be up for grabs this year, and will include an car [SUV], dream holidays and cutting-edge tech products given away daily.
Demand for the latest consumer electronics, whether for work, home, entertainment or communication, continues to grow in the Middle East. In the UAE alone spend on consumer electronics is expected to reach USD 4.58 million by the end of 2016, according to Business Monitor International (BMI) and the country remains one of the leading consumer technology markets in the MENA region. The country is rated globally as a key market because of its role as a trading hub serving the GCC and other neighbouring markets. Retailers and distributors in the emirate serve a potential market of almost two billion people, with GITEX Shopper acting as an important additional retail marketplace to reach a wider segment of consumers.
“GITEX Shopper has always been an exciting and much anticipated event – as much for consumers as it is for those participating on their stands. This is a show that contributes considerably to the market, bringing new products to the region, and offering retailers and top brands a shopfront with exceptional footfall,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). “Waiting has never been so worthwhile – not only will visitors be able to choose from the widest range of the latest products, they’ll be saving more by buying at GITEX Shopper. It’s unbeatable in every sense.”
Expected product leaders at GITEX Shopper this year reflect the global trends in consumer electronics, with the handheld devices segment expected to maintain its dominant position, particularly as smartphones continue to increase in capability and features. The audio/video segment is predicted to develop at a rapid pace thanks to the introduction of wireless technology in audio devices, while the demand for innovative connected television sets is expected to be a major driver of the consumer electronics market, both regionally and globally.
With the wearable tech market forecast to reach a staggering US$56 billion by 2020, fashionable and functional devices such as the Apple watch, Samsung’s Gear Fit2, Fitbit Surge and Garmin’s Vivoactive are likely to be in high demand. And with Virtual Reality quickly becoming an actual reality for all, heads-up displays such as Samsung Gear 360 and Gear VR are making VR hardware both accessible and affordable.
The world’s top tech brands and regional power retailers will offer the latest range of products in each technology segment at GITEX Shopper 2016. Commenting on Samsung’s participation and their new dedicated Virtual Reality Zone, Purushotham, Head of Marketing (Smartphones & Tablets), IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “Our participation at GITEX Shopper has grown consistently over the past eight years, both in size and scale, as well as the diversity of our product offering. This year we will be showcasing our latest range of smartphones including the Galaxy Note7 and Galaxy S7/S7 edge, as well as ground breaking innovations such as the Gear 360 and the Gear VR. We will have a dedicated virtual reality zone complete with 4D chairs to transport visitors into whole new world of possibilities. We are sure that fitness enthusiasts will find our growing wearables segment, with the recently launched Gear Fit2 and IconX, especially intriguing.”
More than 35,000 products will be on offer at the show this year, with global players such as Dell, HP, Huawei, Samsung, Microsoft and more among the many brands showcased. Top regional distributors and retailers, including Emax, Jacky’s, Jumbo, Plug Ins and Sharaf DG, will be enjoying healthy competition with spectacular promotions being created exclusively for GITEX Shopper visitors.
Promising incredible offers and surprises during the show, Nadeem Khazadah, Head of OmniChannel Retail at Jumbo Group said: “Jumbo Group has been an active participant at GITEX Shopper since its inauguration 25 years ago. The show is an indispensable channel for us to engage with both existing and new customers, and is a key factor in our annual growth in sales and volumes. This year we are expecting a rise in wearables, fitness devices and VR headsets, backed, of course, by high volume sales of smartphones. Our special offers will include multimedia headphones, Bluetooth speakers and large screen televisions, and we’re telling Shoppers to also watch out for a surprise in the VR space.”
“GITEX Shopper is not just an electronics exhibition; it’s a platform that allows us to demonstrate our strength in customer service and customer experience. We are coming up with some innovative concepts for our visitors this year, something truly special that has never before been done at the show – and that’s only part of what we’ll be offering in terms of best deals, offers and promotions,” said Mahesh Chotrani, Assistant Vice President of Jackys electronics.
GITEX Shopper 2016 will take place from 1 – 8 October and will open from 11:00am – 11:00pm every day. This year, tickets for GITEX Shopper will be priced at AED 30 for the weekdays and AED 35 for the weekend. Entry is free for children below the age of five.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
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.

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