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Cisco appoints new Country Sales Lead for Oman

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8 years ago

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Cisco Middle East announced the appointment of Waheed Al Hamaid as Country Sales Lead for Oman. In his new role, Waheed will lead Cisco’s business in the Sultanate and work closely with the partner ecosystem to support private and public sector customers in their efforts to digitize and transform their operations to drive business outcomes.

Commenting on Waheed’s appointment, Shukri Eid, Managing Director – East Region, Cisco Middle East said, “As a technology leader, our focus is on accelerating our ability to respond to our customer and partner needs in support of their aspirations. Waheed Al Hamaid is a passionate leader with an extensive track record of achievements under his belt, and I am confident of our ability to realise the tremendous opportunities that exist in Oman with him at the helm. His appreciation of the vital confluence between technology and business impact, combined with his profound appreciation for the opportunities presented by digitization position us ideally to execute against our strategic priorities and drive continued growth.”

“This is a dynamic time in Oman where we are experiencing fast-paced changes and evolving trends across government and multiple industries. As an Omani, I take great pride when I look at what the Sultanate has achieved so far. Now is the time for Oman to enter the next phase of its economic strategy by harnessing the power of digitization. At Cisco, our role is to help accelerate our partners’, customers’ and the government’s journeys towards becoming smarter, more competitive and more engaged in the new economy. Technology must focus on addressing urban challenges, addressing social, environmental and economic sustainability challenges, while enabling a better quality of life for Oman residents and more satisfying experiences for visitors,” said Waheed Al Hamaid, Country Sales Lead – Oman, Cisco Middle East.

Oman urban centres are on the threshold of evolving into smart cities by utilizing technology to create a new reality. With Cisco predicting more than 212 billion connected objects by 2020, app-centric infrastructure, sensors and mobile devices are going to be the new normal for almost every city in the world, including those in Oman. Translated in economic terms, connecting the unconnected can be as much some $19 trillion, or $4.6 trillion for the public sector, two-thirds of which can be realized by smart cities.

Cisco’s Smart City solutions help city leaders and decision makers address problems of urbanization which could include traffic jams, overcrowding, pollution, resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure and the need for continuing economic growth, using intelligent networking capabilities. The solutions can provide the information and services needed to create more liveable cities, and help them thrive. Today, Cisco’s solutions are deployed in more than 90 Smart City projects around the world, with strong success in metropolitan centres in Europe, like Nice, France and Barcelona, Spain; and the entirely new city of Songdo, South Korea as well as in the Middle East region.

“Technological change has made massive improvements in the delivery of public services and Oman is one of the countries aspiring to embrace the move toward urban automation and transforming into smart government. Cisco has a long track record in working with cities on their journey and in order to realize the full potential of Smart+Connected Communities in the era of the Internet of Things. Success requires a strong public-private partnership approach, beyond the silos of existing city infrastructure providers, and this is the basis upon which we are collaborating with the government. Asset-bundling and new partnership models will enable the creation of a connected public infrastructure that delivers value to both city administrators and citizens, enhancing the livability of a city,” said Waheed Al Hamaid.

Oman has developed its vision 2040 where logistics and transportation represent the main source of income for the Sultanate after oil and gas. In order to improve the efficiency and high quality services of the logistics and transportation sector, smart technology and fast IT will play an important role which will help foster innovative, real-time communications and collaboration while helping ensure safety and security.

“As we move into an era of complete digitization, where technology begins to connect everything from people, processes and data to things, Oman will need to rethink how it approaches its infrastructure on a grand scale. There is tremendous potential in the country to build effective, competitive and sustainable enterprises through digitization, which will transform citizen services, health, education and safety and security, while improving citizens’ experience and productivity. This will require fostering an innovation, talent and entrepreneurship ecosystem that shift the economy towards greater private sector participation and a more market-based approach,” said Waheed Al Hamaid.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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3 days ago

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May 16, 2025

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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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3 days ago

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May 16, 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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HODL 2025 Opens in Dubai, Advancing the Emirates’ Position as a Global Financial Innovation Hub

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4 days ago

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May 15, 2025

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HODL 2025

HODL 2025, organised by Trescon officially opened recently at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The prestigious two-day event follows the Dubai FinTech Summit that commenced on 12th May. During the Summit’s opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced the launch of the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week, scheduled for 2026. This flagship initiative will bring together major financial events—including Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund AGM—under a unified theme: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”

“Being part of the upcoming Dubai Future Finance Week reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the Web3 space,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman, Trescon. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial powerhouse.”


Crypto Rulebook: Toward Global Standards

A day 1 highlight was the expert panel “Crypto rulebook: Global best practices and regulatory measures”, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association. Speakers included:

  • Dyma Budorin, CEO, Hacken
  • Samir Safar-Aly, MENA FinTech Association
  • Erwin Voloder, European Blockchain Association
  • Belal Jassoma, DMCC

“We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.” — Dyma Budorin
 “Regulations need to catch up and work together.” — Samir Safar-Aly

The discussion emphasized the need for global regulatory coherence and innovation-friendly compliance frameworks.

Insuring Web3: A $6 Trillion Opportunity

Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy”, spotlighted the crucial role of insurance in de-risking digital finance.

“Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.” — Joseph Ziolkowski

The panel explored how risk-aligned insurance solutions are key to unlocking institutional trust and long-term ecosystem resilience.

During his session, Cristian Ulloa, Co-Founder & CEO of Liquid Loans, Platinum sponsor of HODL 2025, shared valuable strategies for building wealth in crypto while steering clear of common pitfalls that lead to crypto regret.

Global Leaders on the HODL Stage

Day 1 also featured other prominent speakers sharing insights across DeFi, tokenisation, compliance, and blockchain banking including:

  • Corbin Fraser, CEO, Bitcoin.com
  • Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
  • Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget
  • Rifad Mahasneh, CEO MENA, OKX
  • Robert Crossley, Global Head, Franklin Templeton
  • Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO, Relm Insurance
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