News
Cisco Connect UAE 2017 opens
Cisco announced today the opening of its flagship IT and thought leadership event, Cisco Connect in the UAE, hosted by Cisco and its key strategic partners from April 17 – 18 at the Atlantis the Palm Hotel, in Dubai. Themed ‘Your Time is Now,’ Cisco Connect UAE 2017 will address the current technology landscape as businesses transition into effective digital enterprises. The event will demonstrate multiple solutions across verticals and showcase how connected cities integrate technology to manage their assets, services, and costs.
Alongside their partners, Cisco will also demonstrate the latest innovations around how digitization is driving monumental change in technology architectures including Data Center & Cloud, Security, Enterprise Networks and Collaboration, highlighting how they are increasingly impacting the growth of Smart and Connected Communities. The event will offer an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to network, share knowledge and drive the technology agenda for the region’s public and private sectors.
“It is a fact that digital transformation has emerged as the most transformative means to ignite sustainable growth and improve society. Technology now connects everything from people, processes and data to things and, consequently, we need to rethink how to approach digitization to maximize its value in both today’s and tomorrow’s digital world,” said Shukri Eid, Managing Director – East Region, Cisco Middle East. “We are committed to partnering with our customers and partners to support them on their journey to a digitally transformed organization that is able to adapt and thrive in an environment of near-constant change.”
“The UAE is rapidly evolving as a leading global digital player, paving the way for an even more prosperous and sustainable economic future for its people. Cisco Connect UAE offers platform for industry leaders and change agents of every kind to come together to gain insights and share experiences and ideas on how to flourish in the age of digitization,” added Shukri.
Cisco has a distinguished line up of keynote speakers who will share insights into relevant, valid and timely topics on key technology trends, IT growth opportunities and challenges in the Middle East Region. These include, Are you Ready for a Digital World? by Guy Diedrich, Cisco’s Global Innovation Officer of the Executive Chairman, Network as Platform for Digital Transformation by Andre Laurent, Worldwide Director of Engineering for Enterprise Networking Sales at Cisco, Towards Becoming the Happiest City on Earth by Younnus AL Nasser, Assistant Director General, Smart Dubai Office and Ferhad Patel, Intel’s DCG EMEA Sales Director will speak on Vortex of Change. The core event will consist of technology presentations and approximately 30 breakout sessions led by Cisco specialists which will focus on key technology areas, such as data centres, enterprise networking, security, collaboration and digital industries such as retail and digital buildings.
By 2020, 50 billion devices will be connected as a result of IoT’s speed of innovation and 70% of the whole global population will be mobile. The Middle East and Africa region is predicted to see a 12-fold growth in Mobile Data Traffic; with an increase of Mobile Device and Connections from 1,330 million in 2016 to 1,814 million in 2021. This means that enterprises and industries in the Middle East will have to act with speed, accompanied by good digital strategies in order to survive. Cisco believes that several technology transitions – including the emergence of the IoT, increased mobility, cloud computing, and the growing importance of big data and analytics – are combining to enable IoE. Cisco predicts that Dubai’s public and private sectors can achieve a potential AED17.9bn ($4.87bn) in value by 2019.
At this year’s Cisco Connect UAE, Intel is partnering with Cisco as Technology Sponsor, while Emircom and Alpha Data have signed on as Diamond and Platinum sponsors, respectively.
The event will also host Cisco’s ‘The World of Solutions’, an interactive exhibition area that incorporates product and technology demonstrations, and the latest solutions from Cisco and its partners. This year’s event will host 17 partner stands.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

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