News
TP-Link unveils Neffos X series smartphones at IFA 2016
At the IFA 2016 electronics show in Berlin, TP-Link launched the latest Neffos series smartphones that establish the company as a serious contender in the mobile space. Created to seamlessly connect people to each other, and to the world around them, the Neffos X1 and the Neffos X1 Max push the boundaries of smartphone design, imaging prowess, mobile security, and processing performance.
“The new Neffos X Series smartphones are the perfect combination of smart technology and stylish design. They bring unparalleled value to our customers by prioritizing features that help them stay closer to everything and everyone around them,” said TP-Link co-founder and chairman Jeffrey Chao.
Stylishly sleek and built with premium materials, the Neffos X1 and X1 Max share the same metal unibody exterior that was inspired by the rocks found in streams — smoothed by the water over time without losing their mettle. Every detail has been refined to make the phones look and feel familiar, and give consumers the best user experience.
One highlight of the design is the dual-curved back that tapers towards the sides and allows for a more ergonomic fit. The subtle curves also make the X1 and X1 Max easier to hold and operate one-handed compared to other devices of similar size.
The Neffos X1 Max has among the narrowest edges in the industry at 2.75 mm, while the X1 has edges of 2.95mm. Both phones achieve these remarkably thin edges even with the side mute button. The X1 Max is also incredibly slender at 7.75 mm, and the X1 comes in at 7.95mm.
The X1 and X1 Max also have super-thin bezels and smooth, chamfered edges that measure only 0.6mm. With the length of the phones kept to a minimum, screen-to-body ratio is high at 76 percent.
The screen makes use of full in-cell technology with “touch and display driver integration” or TDDI, which is light and 0.2mm thinner than the usual lamination used on other smartphones. It also provides high control precision in games and apps, and seamless screen integration for much improved image quality while also extending battery life.
A 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass sits on top of the X1 Max’s display to make swiping through screens feel natural. The display — gorgeous at 5.5 inches — has a high, 1,000:1 color contrast for best-in-class entertainment.
Colors are rendered with utmost accuracy and vibrancy. Details are sharp and viewing angles are excellent even at awkward angles. The Neffos X Series devices are perfect for playing graphics-rich games and watching TV shows and movies.
The smartphones come with a rear camera backed by a 13-megapixel Sony sensor with backside illumination, 5P lens, and fast PDAF (phase-detection auto-focus) of just 0.2 seconds. It also features an f/2.0 aperture lens for taking clearer shots in low light and providing a shallow of depth of field.
The Neffos X1 and X1 Max feature Real-time Night shooting, so even in low light, the image users see is the image they capture – taking the guesswork out of low light photography. The cameras also include standard features such as HDR, Time Lapse, and Panorama.
The live-shooting mode crosses over to the 5-megapixel front camera, and the Real-time Beautify mode makes taking selfies more intuitive. The perfect selfie is just one tap away with the Neffos X1 and X1 Max.
Super-fast fingerprint unlocking
The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor on the back of the X Series underlines the importance of mobile security in today’s interconnected world. This provides an additional unlocking option that’s more secure than a password. Better yet, fingerprint ID unlocks the phone in a mere 0.2 seconds.
Because the sensor makes use of sophisticated algorithms, it can refine fingerprint data with use. So the more a user unlocks the phone, the more accurate and fast it gets over time.
Powering the Neffos X1 and X1 Max is the octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 chipset with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card up to 128GB. The phone supports dual-band Wi-Fi and multiple LTE bands for fast internet access where available.
This means the X Series can handle anything from typical smartphone activities, like web browsing and video streaming, to demanding games. It also means steadier and more consistent wireless connections over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
The long-lasting 3,000mAh battery inside the X1 Max can go through a full day’s use and supports fast charging of up to 50 percent on a 30-minute charge, which makes recharging the phone more convenient.
Both the Neffos X1 and X1 Max run on the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow software, which has been tweaked to deliver a balance of ease-of-use, longer battery life, swift and seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming.
With the X Series, consumers get more value for their money. Prices start at only €199 for the Neffos X1 and €249 for the bigger, more powerful Neffos X1 Max.
The smartphones, which will be available in cloudy grey and sunrise gold, will roll out in stores by Q4 2016.
Financial
Dhruva to Rebrand as Ryan Across the Middle East, Signaling Unified Global Brand
Dhruva will adopt the Ryan brand across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026, uniting the practice with Ryan’s global identity and international platform.
Dhruva, a leading tax consultancy firm in the Middle East, and Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, today announced that Dhruva will transition to the Ryan brand across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rebranding will be completed by the end of 2026, bringing the practice under Ryan’s global identity and reinforcing its position as part of the world’s leading global-scale specialist in business tax.
The transition marks the next phase of the strategic joint venture announced in 2025 and reflects the continued integration of Dhruva’s regional capabilities with Ryan’s global platform, technology, and international resources. Clients across the Middle East will continue to benefit from the same trusted advisory teams, enhanced by access to Ryan’s worldwide expertise and service capabilities.
“The Middle East has been a strategic growth market for us for many years, and we have built a strong advisory practice founded on deep client relationships, technical excellence, and local market understanding,” said Dinesh Kanabar, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dhruva Advisors and Vice Chairman, Ryan.
“The transition to the Ryan brand marks a significant milestone in our journey and reflects the strength of our partnership. By combining our regional expertise with Ryan’s global scale, technology, and international capabilities, we are creating an even stronger platform to support clients across the region as they navigate an increasingly dynamic and evolving tax landscape.”
“The Middle East is one of the most important growth markets for tax advisory services globally, and we are investing in the region with a long-term view,” said Tom Shave, President of Ryan’s European and Asia-Pacific Operations. “Uniting under the Ryan brand strengthens how we serve clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe—bringing seamless access to our global expertise, technology, and international resources through one trusted platform. This transition marks an important milestone in our integration and reinforces our commitment to the region’s future.”
Ryan will continue to invest in its Middle East operations, expanding its team, capabilities, and regional presence across key markets, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. The practice provides comprehensive tax advisory services spanning corporate tax, value-added tax (VAT) and indirect tax, transfer pricing, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) tax structuring, research and development (R&D), and cross-border compliance.
“The response from our clients over the past year has been the clearest validation of this partnership,” said Nimish Goel, Leader, Middle East, Dhruva, a Ryan Affiliate. “From the outset, our teams have been integrating Ryan’s global capabilities in technology, specialized expertise, and best practices into the work we already lead in the region. Adopting the Ryan brand is the natural next step. It is the same people and the same trusted relationships, now carrying the name of the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes.”
The rebranding will be implemented in phases during the second half of 2026, with signage, visual identity, and digital properties transitioning to the Ryan brand across the region.
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.
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