News
A Power specialist to the fore
INFOSEC UPS SYSTEM is a leading French power safety solutions manufacturer and is showing this year again its recent product releases at INTERSEC 2017. Tristan de Kerros – Regional Director Asia & Eastern Africa discusses the focus of the company on securing critical infrastructure and trends in the region
Discuss your focus at Intersec? What are the solutions being showcased?
All of the best security systems on the market today have one thing in common – they all need an uninterrupted power source to function.
Whether you require cover for a simple, single-camera analogue recording system, an IP system which requires multiple points of power to be protected, or one of the largest of monitoring systems using multiple servers and POE, a reliable backup power supply solution is a must.
In the same way, increasing developments in both access control, CCTV and security system integration often result in multiple points of power requiring protection. INFOSEC UPS SYSTEM protects critical points of failure within systems and provide either stand-alone or IT-integrated solutions to our customers’ power insurance needs.
At INTERSEC 2017, we will showcase solutions from INFOSEC’s recent releases which offer opportunities to reduce both cost and complexity by securing mission-critical applications.
GCC’s security players usually show great interest in rack-mountable solutions up to 20kW supplied with flexible battery pack options. Our monitoring, tracking and alarm tools have received wide acclaim in the regional engineering community – also receiving very positive feedback for addressing the market’s increasing expectations for ‘smart solutions’.
Our E3 Pro and E6 Evolution series are the ideal approach to custom-built power safety solutions.
The growing demand for Modular architecture in data protection solutions has been a key focus since our release of the new Mod5T series last year.
Discuss your growth outlook for the region? How was the year 2016 for the company in the region from growth perspective?
INFOSEC UPS SYSTEM is today positioned as a high-end UPS vendor that provides solutions to major accounts clients in the global corporate marketplace. Over the last 25 years, our teams of engineers in France have designed and produced complete turn-key protection systems with software applications. This expertise has allowed INFOSEC solutions to gain the confidence of the market across more than 100 countries. We first opened our regional office here in the GCC region back in 2002. Even with the difficult market challenges of 2016, we still experienced significant growth and won key projects in countries like Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Iraq and KSA. Due to constant investments in security infrastructure, high-end data protection solutions, and recent local legislation on power protection, we expect this trend to continue in 2017.
Elaborate on your distribution strategy and partner strategy?
Our market channels play a central role in educating and informing SI and end-users. In the security industry, SI’s play a major role in providing fully integrated solutions that involve multiple vendor offerings. Every day, numerous estimation engineers refer back to us seeking effective support to qualify, design and optimize power systems that cover these complex architectures. One of INFOSEC’s key roles is as an active presence in Technical and Sales support training for partners. Being close to our channels has always been priority. This success has also been fueled by key investments we made in local service centers, as well as a significant local availability of physical stock of INFOSEC UPS products (in our Jebel Ali operation).
Which are the key customer segments for you in the region? Is the SMB/ enterprise datacenter a significant focus?
Our client list includes a “Who’s Who” of anything from some of the top retail banks in KSA to major GCC airports. In short, our customers are everywhere. Oil industry, hospitality, healthcare, they are all covered! We’ve even provided solutions to make sure race camels’ treadmills in the UAE are covered! (I leave it to your imagination to figure out why these athletes need power protection for their training equipment!) Servers, IP and network protection remains a key market for small capacity systems when larger capacities (up to 300kVA) are increasingly switching to modular architecture (mainly for Data Centers).
Are power protection solutions including UPS required for all customers using computers – individuals and Businesses- irrespective of the fact that they maybe residents of or located in countries where power outages are a rare exception?
Keep in mind that a UPS has two main roles – First is to provide a backup in case of power failures. The second one (sometimes less obvious) is to protect against power fluctuations. These fluctuations can have huge impact on the lifespan of a connected device. This can also affect the function of the device. A great example is in the healthcare field: medical equipment can provide distorted results if they don’t have a stable power source.
Generally speaking, the stability and continuity of any given country’s power supply is a deciding factor in the range of UPS solutions needed. Many applications cannot afford failure. In some fields these standards are set by the local legislator.
In some remote locations continuing pressure on the local main power system means that power failures are becoming more common as are fluctuations in power quality such as surges, spikes, harmonics and brown-outs.
You offer line-interactive as well as online network UPS systems- how do you and partners help customers choose the right solutions from your extensive range?
Making sure our channel plays a pivotal role in guiding and explaining is a key point of emphasis for us. The type of application connected, the environment and autonomy expectation (back-up time) are just examples of criteria to qualify carefully to get the most optimized solution and the best ROI.
Do you also target remote worksites as major targets for your power protection range of solutions?
Remote worksites give specific challenges to engineers. Long electric power shortages, mix of electrical sources (utility, generators or solar panels) as well as loads and sometimes high temperature risks, are just some of the challenges. Many of them have found answers with our range of inverter/chargers C series. These devices combine AC (utility and genset) and DC (solar) inputs, they are flexible and can be monitored. In the same way, our engineers are developing a range of outdoor small capacity UPS. Video surveillance of remote industrial sites remains a priority for us.
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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.
Home Integrator
Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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.”
Home Integrator
MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

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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