Connect with us

News

Schneider Electric showcases Experiential Smart City at Innovation Summit

Published

on

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today inaugurated its annual Innovation Summit, an IoT-powered event demonstrating innovations and technologies that cater to the future of energy management, industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability. As an interesting highlight, the energy leader also showcased its revolutionary concept of an experiential smart city at the two-day summit.

Over 2,500 attendees were welcomed from the MEA region at the two-day event that runs from 11 to 12 April at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai. Esteemed regional speakers included His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), His Excellency Eng. Yasser El Kadi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology – Egypt, Mamdouh Raslan, Chairman and CEO, Water and Waste Water Egyptian Holding Company, Osman Sultan, CEO of du, and Dr Badr Al Badr, CEO of Dur Hospitality.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “I take this opportunity to thank the organisers of the summit, which has become an important platform for the exchange of best practices, experience and updates in innovation. As an innovative strategy-focused organisation, DEWA has developed short-, medium- and long-term plans to enable its transformation into a world-class sustainable and innovative utility company while helping implement Dubai’s vision of a government of the future.”

He added: “DEWA strives to achieve a sustainable future for generations to come. We are the first government organisation to adopt sustainability as part of our vision. We work to achieve the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 that aims to establish the city as an international hub for clean energy and green economy. To diversify energy resources and enhance dependence on clean and renewable energy, we launched a strategic project to build a hydroelectric power station that will take advantage of the water reservoir in the mountains at the Hattawi Dam. The first project of its kind in the region is scheduled for completion in five years. Our initiatives reflect our commitment to the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 – preparing for a sustainable future and achieving economic growth while preserving the environment.”

During the plenary, Frédéric Abbal, Executive Vice President of Energy Business at Schneider Electric, spoke on co-creating a new decarbonised, decentralised, digitised and more electric world with innovation at every level. He highlighted the benefits of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ architecture and platform that delivers IoT-enabled solutions at scale for building, grid, industry and datacentre customers.

Welcoming the attendees, Caspar Herzberg, said: “The UAE leadership’s vision to transform the country’s industries, invest heavily in renewables and diversify away from oil is one of the most impressive examples of adaptability – a critical attribute if we are to not only survive but thrive in a new economic age. While we consume energy at an unprecedented rate, we have a new task ahead of us – cutting our CO2 emissions by half. At this challenging juncture, we must remember that our economic potential to improve energy efficiency remains largely untapped. Technology is key to unlocking this potential. With the support of our partners in the public and private sectors, we can apply innovation in creating cities you can be proud of – with homes that are safer, and businesses that are highly digitised, sustainable and forward-looking.”

Under four parallel theme tracks – Datacentres, Buildings, and Industry & Utilities, the Innovation Summit features a series of insightful panel discussions. Topics include ‘Internet of Things – Beyond the Hype, Mapping the Value and Case for Action’, ‘Efficient Buildings for a Cooler Planet’, ‘Datacentre: In the Cloud, at the Edge’, ‘Intuitive Industries’, and ‘Power Distribution Redefined’.
The event’s Innovation Hub showcases solutions that integrate information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) across connected products, edge control and apps, analytics and services. These technologies seamlessly connect, collect, analyse and act on data in real time, resulting in enhanced safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

The summit is also supported by the business partners of Schneider Electric. Arabian Gulf Switchgear (AGS), Verger Delporte, Gulf Business Machines (GBM), Gulf Dynamic Switchgear (GDS), Avanceon, Altron, CNS Technologies, HMS Industrial Networks, ITQAN, ProSoft Technology, Emircom, Bahri & Mazroei and IBAM Systems.

Home Integrator

Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

Home Integrator

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Financial

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

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

Trending

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator