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Amazon Web Services to open office in UAE

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Amazon Web Services, (AWS) today announced plans to open an office in Dubai, with the support of the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, to accelerate the rapid adoption of cloud computing in the Middle East.

The office will open on January 1 and will support organisations of all sizes, from start-ups to government institutions and some of the Middle East’s historic and most established enterprises, as they make the transition to the AWS Cloud. Customers in the Middle East looking to learn more about working with AWS can visit https://aws.amazon.com/aws-me.

The new office provides account managers, solutions architects, partner managers, professional services consultants, support staff, and various other functions, for customers to directly engage with AWS in their local setting and in their language. It is further evidence of the growth of AWS around the world and continued investment in helping organisations everywhere accelerate their move to the cloud.

Middle Eastern organisations were amongst the earliest adopters of cloud services when AWS launched in 2006. Customers are using AWS to run everything from development and test environments to Big Data analytics, from mobile, web and social applications to enterprise business applications and mission critical workloads. AWS counts some of the UAE’s most well-known and fastest growing businesses as customers, including Dubizzle, PayFort and Careem, as well as government institutions and some of the largest companies in the Middle East, such as flydubai, Souq.com and Middle East Broadcasting Center.

“Dubai is a global hub for business, and at DED, we are committed to strengthening the investment environment further, and welcoming global companies to expand their presence in the region. Global technology and innovation leaders such as Amazon Web Services will play a key role in supporting future economic growth opportunities in the MENA region. The new AWS offices in Dubai will serve the growing demand for cloud technologies and accelerate the contribution of entrepreneurship and innovation to the UAE economy. We look forward to its positive impact on public and private organizations to drive the transformation towards efficient and innovative digital services as well as accelerate start-up success and SME growth,” said His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Department of Economic Development.

“Organisations from the UAE are using the AWS Cloud to innovate, save substantial costs and operate more securely as they expand their businesses across the Middle East and around the world,” said Werner Vogels, CTO and Vice President, Amazon.com. “The decision to open an AWS office in Dubai marks our continued investment in supporting cloud adoption in the region and the appetite from organisations across the Middle East looking to get started with AWS. We are excited to work with even more Middle Eastern businesses and government organisations to help them expand their operations while maintaining industry-leading levels of reliability, privacy, and security.”

“The opening of the AWS MENA office in Dubai further underlines the positive growth environment of Dubai and our ability to attract inward investments. It will drive the adoption of cloud technologies as well as public and private sector innovation and competitiveness,” said Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai FDI. “It will also lend impetus to the 4th Industrial revolution innovation in Dubai and the UAE, as well strategic initiatives to implement 3D printed buildings, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles and the world’s first Hyperloop system connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi creating regional and global opportunities for Deep Tech adoption and acceleration.”

Enterprises in the media and entertainment space also welcomed the new AWS office. Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), the largest broadcaster in the UAE and the Middle East, is using AWS to run many of their digital services. In this context, Joe Igoe MBC’s Group Director of Technical Operations, said: “We are building MBC to be the digital broadcaster of the future. We use AWS to help us speed up innovation and rapidly expand into a wider range of digital services. Our commitment is to continue providing our viewers with high-quality unique multimedia experiences, while having the flexibility to scale services efficiently to keep up with audience growth.”

Another large company that is welcoming AWS’ expansion into UAE is the airline flydubai. As one of the leading airlines in the Middle East, flydubai understands the power cloud computing has to help companies to rapidly expand their businesses. Ramesh Venkat, Chief Informational Officer for flydubai said, “We appreciate the opportunities provided by cloud computing and are pleased to be working with AWS. AWS helps us to look beyond our existing IT infrastructure to deliver a highly available, consistent service to customers.”

Young, fast growing companies in the Middle East are also using AWS to rapidly grow their business to serve millions of customers across the region. One of these companies is Careem, the leading ride booking app in the Middle East and North Africa. “We have been using the scalability of AWS to help us to cope with rapid growth since we launched in 2012. After starting with one city, Dubai, we now serve millions of commuters in 43 cities across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. AWS has been key to this rapid growth and with the new AWS office in Dubai, with local staff, we will use their expertise to continue our growth to serve customers around the world,” said Magnus Olsson, Co-Founder of Careem.

Online companies in the UAE are also using AWS to transform how they serve their customers and run their business. One such company is Dubizzle, the leading online classifieds service in the Arabic speaking Middle East. Barry Judge, General Manager at Dubizzle said, “AWS has enabled us to rapidly scale our business while maintaining high levels of security and availability for our customers. Having access to the AWS team in our region will help us to continue our rapid growth across the Middle East and North Africa.”

AWS also has a growing network of technology and consulting AWS Partner Network (APN) Partners in the Middle East helping customers get the most from the cloud. These partners include global organizations like CSC as well as prominent regional players like Redington. Ramkumar Balakrishnan, President – VAD business at Redington said of the news, “We have chosen to work with AWS so that we can provide our customers with a secure, reliable and flexible platform. Having an AWS team in the region for us to work with is great news and will help us move even more customers to the cloud.”

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Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

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Deep Dive Dubai

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.

Deep Dive Dubai

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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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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