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Digital era opportunities tops agenda at Cisco Connect
Cisco Connect UAE 2017, the company’s flagship IT and thought leadership event, provided a platform to experience the technology’s leaders latest solutions and gain insights into the latest trends and thinking about digitization. Held at the Atlantis the Palm Hotel in Dubai, the event brought together over 1,700 delegates across Cisco’s customer and partner organizations to network and discuss the huge potential and opportunities the digital era brings to the success of businesses and organizations in the UAE.
Themed ‘Your Time is Now’, the two-day event explored the fundamental positive changes that digital disruption can bring to a company’s value proposition, and its resulting market position, and how the impact is being felt across industries. A theme that recurred throughout the event’s activities was that in today’s digital era, only those organizations willing to transform themselves into a digital business will survive.
Speaking at the event, Shukri Eid, Managing Director – East region, Cisco Middle East said, “In the digital era, new rules will need to be applied while many old rules will need to be disregarded, if organizations are to benefit from accelerated rate of transformational innovation that the world is experiencing. We are continuously seeing new business models being introduced and new industries evolving, which must spur a drastic rethink of how we serve the different industries and what value we bring to our customers and society at large.”
A study by the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation, a joint initiative of Cisco and IMD, reveals that roughly four of today’s top 10 incumbents – in terms of market share – across multiple industries will be displaced by digital disruption in the next five years. To flourish in the Age of Digitization organizations were urged to build their digital operating models with security as the foundation so as to benefit from agility, innovation and growth in today’s digital economy.
Speaking at the C-level executive dinner on the eve of Cisco Connect UAE’s opening, Mike Weston, Vice President, Cisco Middle East, said: “We are fortunate enough to live in a country with a progressive vision which places itself at the forefront of the digitization drive. As the second most tech savvy government globally, the UAE is well positioned to reap the benefits of emerging technologies and capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital transformation. This context presents us with immense opportunities, and responsibilities, as leaders. Not only must the vision for our organizations harmonize with the UAE’s digitization drive – it must also encourage and advance it.”
Shukri Eid opened the event with a strong message ‘disrupt or be disrupted,’ urging UAE businesses to embrace digital disruption for success. He also highlighted Cisco’s commitment to partnering with customers and partners to support them on their digitization journey. Guy Diedrich, Cisco’s Global Innovation Officer, warned that disruption waits for no one and that complacent leaders will get run over in the digital age if they do not act fast to innovate and become agile. Andre Laurent, Worldwide Director of Engineering for Enterprise Networking Sales at Cisco spoke on ‘Network as a Platform for Digital Transformation’.
Hosted by Cisco and sponsoring partners, the event included an executive panel discussion of distinguished government IT leaders and over 75 demos at the World of Solutions, an interactive exhibition area that incorporated the latest solutions from Cisco and its channel partners. It also featured 30 dedicated breakout sessions by Cisco specialists on key technology frameworks including data center and cloud, enterprise networking, security, collaboration and digital industries.
Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director General of the Smart Dubai Office spoke on Smart Dubai’s initiatives towards becoming the happiest city in the world and the city’s ambition to achieve a happy life for the citizens and residents of Dubai. Ferhad Patel, Intel’s DCG EMEA Sales Director spoke on ‘Vortex of Change’. Additionally, an executive panel of distinguished guests from the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Expo 2020 discussed the importance of digitization, innovation and security in powering the future.
Cisco Connect UAE 2017 was supported by Intel as Technology Sponsor, Emircom as Diamond Sponsor, Alpha Data as Platinum sponsors and SmartWorld as Gold sponsors.
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.

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

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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