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Acronis starts deployment of data protection technology at Scuderia Toro Rosso

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Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection and storage is commencing the implementation of the world’s fastest and most innovative data protection technology into Scuderia Toro Rosso’s IT infrastructure. Acronis and Scuderia Toro Rosso celebrated the occasion with over one hundred partners and IT service providers at the last race of the 2016 Formula 1 racing season in Abu Dhabi.

Scuderia Toro Rosso is currently building a new racing car, the STR12, in order to comply with the new set of technical regulations issued by the Formula 1 governing body, the FIA, earlier this year. While Toro Rosso’s factory has the capacity to design and manufacture most of the new car parts in its factory in Faenza, Italy, time constraints force the production team to outsource some of the manufacturing process to third party providers. This forces Toro Rosso to release parts of its intellectual property to outside vendors, exposing the need for a robust file sharing technology.

Scuderia Toro Rosso will address this need with Acronis Access Advanced. The new way of sharing sensitive data comes with advanced data security and user management features, which includes tracking user behavior and keeping comprehensive file access history.

The process of designing and testing the new car is entirely data driven. Scuderia Toro Rosso generates over 15TB of new data every day — 50 percent more compared to the volume generated only a year ago. This data needs to be stored and protected from tampering. Scuderia Toro Rosso will gradually optimize data storage by deploying Acronis Storage with Acronis Notary blockchain data watermarking mechanism, which will enable the Formula 1 racing team to validate the authenticity of important data in the future.

Scuderia also plans to deploy other data protection technology powered by Acronis Hybrid Cloud architecture. These include Acronis Backup to achieve the world’s fastest backup and restore speed, Acronis Disaster Recovery Service to guarantee business continuity in case of a natural disaster, such as earthquakes, which are frequent in the region where the factory is located, and Acronis Monitoring Service for comprehensive monitoring and rapid resolution of IT incidents.

Scuderia Toro Rosso Team Principal Franz Tost, says, “Acronis came on board in the middle of the season and it didn’t take long for their presence to make itself felt, as far as our IT department is concerned. Not only do we have to ensure that our data is protected and safe, we also want to access any part of it almost immediately in some situations, for example, when it comes to making a snap decision relating to race strategy. As leaders in hybrid cloud data protection, Acronis is able to meet both those requirements and we have already seen the benefits during the second half of the season.”

The partnership also promotes innovation and the delivery of new technologies through Acronis R&D centers in the U.S., Singapore, and Russia. This year Acronis released a number of innovative technologies to support the needs or motorsport teams and always-on businesses. These include Acronis Notary data notarization, Acronis CloudRAID software-define storage redundancy, Acronis Instant Restore data recovery technology, and much more.

“Acronis is delighted so far with the results that the Toro Rosso partnership has generated — it is becoming a win-win situation for both sides. Racing teams are extremely efficient in using the collected data for rapid innovation and developing new technology. Here at Acronis we do the same. This partnership has created a synergy that is beneficial not only for the racing industry, but for the entire business world that depends on data,” said Serguei Beloussov, Acronis’ Founder and CEO.

Acronis Technology has had some significant successes in the region’s market of late, providing simplified data storage and data protection for all businesses, which, like Scuderia Toro Rosso, rely on data availability.
For example, Belhasa, Dubai-based international consortium that has over 8,000 employees in 40 different locations in the Middle East, selected Acronis technology to protect a vast network of Windows servers and workstations.

“Acronis has cleverly solved the major pain points of managing our valuable, complex and distributed volume of data,” said Syed Abbas, Group Senior Systems Engineer with Belhasa International Company. “We can say with confidence that this backup solution gave us the best flexibility, with the lowest cost footprint on our existing platforms,” he added.

Acronis has embraced the Formula 1 values through its entire portfolio of solutions, which include the following products for consumers and service providers:
• Acronis True Image — #1 Personal Backup
• Acronis Backup 12 — #1 SMB Backup
• Acronis Backup Cloud — #1 Cloud Backup
• Acronis Storage — #1 Software Defined Storage

According to the vendor, the partnership with Scuderia Toro Rosso has already proved to be beneficial for partners and service providers using these products. In just five months since the beginning of this partnership, Acronis has hosted over 1,000 guests at the Acronis Racing Weekends with Scuderia Toro Rosso around the world. Following the races, Acronis partners reported increased interest in Acronis products, and improved sales.

This has also resulted in 50% Acronis partner growth globally, compared to the same period prior to the sponsorship. This includes new partnerships with Synapsys Systems and Innovix Distribution, key Cloud Service Providers in the African Region and Southeast Asia respectively.
In the APAC region, Acronis Cloud Business has grown over 50% YoY in 2016, currently amounting for over 20% of total revenue. From a Middle East and Africa regional standpoint, Acronis has seen its Cloud Business grow by 50% YoY in 2016 with consistent growth of enterprise and consumer backup products.

According to Gartner, public cloud services in the Middle East and North Africa region is forecasted to reach $880 million in 2016, an 18.3% growth compared to the year before.

According to the vendor, its new Hybrid Cloud Architecture is specifically designed to help partners and customer take control over their data, and Acronis has allocated sufficient local resources in every region, to support the market growth.

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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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Ourwatr

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.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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Ardee Al Marjan

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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MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

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MERED

MERED outlined its long-term investment plans and strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025 in Riyadh. The event, a key platform aligned with Vision 2030, brought together government bodies, giga project leaders, and private sector executives to discuss development, contracting, and talent-building opportunities within the Kingdom’s fast-growing construction and real estate sectors. As part of MERED’s participation, CEO Michael Belton joined a fireside chat where he shared insights into the company’s market entry approach and growth plans for the Saudi market.

“The Kingdom’s rapid urban and infrastructure growth is reshaping residential demand and creating new opportunities for long-term development,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. “Vision 2030 and ongoing economic diversification are driving strong demand across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, supported by investor-friendly reforms. In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, we’re seeing increased interest in premium and luxury living, as well as growing demand for Class A office spaces that reflect the ambitions of a modern business environment. MERED is well-positioned to meet these changing market needs through high-quality, innovative developments that offer lasting value.”

Yazan Al-Khalidi, Chief Commercial Director at MERED, joined a panel alongside leading developers, consultants, and contractors to discuss workforce capabilities and the skills required to deliver Saudi Arabia’s giga projects efficiently and at scale. The Kingdom’s real estate sector is projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030, while non-oil economic activity now accounts for over 50% of national GDP. Knight Frank’s Saudi Report 2025 reveals that 93% of high-income Saudi nationals are actively seeking to buy property, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build a competitive luxury real estate market.

Alongside its growth plans in Saudi Arabia, MERED is supporting the development of future architectural talent in line with the region’s broader goal of equipping young people with in-demand skills. As part of this effort, the company is sponsoring a select group of students to attend the Pininfarina Architecture Summer School in Turin this July, through its partnership with the prestigious Pininfarina Academy, founded by the renowned Italian design house. The program offers hands-on training and exposure to international design practices, giving participants valuable experience they can apply to architectural projects across the region.

MERED’s participation underscores its broader commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s real estate ambitions through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. With a pipeline of projects already launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the 290-meter ICONIC Residences designed by Pininfarina, the brand is well-positioned to introduce high-end, future-ready developments to the Saudi market.

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