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On the cloud trail with partners

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8 years ago

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Sage offers flexible, integrated and scalable solutions for organizations ranging from start-ups to scale-ups, to mid-sized and larger enterprises. Keith Fenner, Vice President Sage Enterprise Africa and Middle East discusses the company’s cloud first focus and partner enablement

Discuss the cloud focus at Sage

It is definitely cloud first strategy for us. Having said that, wholesale transition to cloud is not a possibility and our customers aren’t interested in that anyway. We are focused in three market segments on three cloud products. The enterprise product will always be available as on premise version as well as a multi-tenancy cloud product. Then there is the enterprise cloud which would be the private cloud product for customers who have their own development environments, test environments.

The interesting thing Our R&D roadmap for Sage X3 delivers to cloud first in iterative updates. Every week, every 2 weeks, every month, the cloud is being updated as you can imagine; it is elastic R&D. Every 6 months to 12 months, we collect all of those updates and create an on-premises patch. So this is an instance of cloud first focus.

While our focus is the cloud for the future, we know that our customers are going to move to the cloud at their own pace. Which is why we still offer on-premises options, in the enterprise space.

What is the feedback from customers on cloud adoption?

Every customer conversation we are having in the region now involves cloud, whether they are transacting cloud or not. They typically are keen to know about Sage’s cloud strategy, when they could take cloud on, whether they can come off cloud if they don’t like it and what is our strategy towards data in the region with legislative requirements. Our strategy is to deliver to the UAE and Saudi data centers for now which covers large part of the region. In short, our cloud is strategy is quite focused and we are offering a choice that other vendors aren’t. However, at the moment, most transactions are still with on-premises editions.

How will the cloud delivery model unfold and how does the channel benefit?

We have an agreement with a provider that runs the datacenter in UAE and Saudi Arabia and are in process of authentication and certification of the data centers. Within the cloud model, the contract is between us and the customer. We have worked towards the model wherein Sage is the contractor where it is our responsibility for the data center, obviously on a back to back agreement. As our business model is via the channel, we are protecting the partner who still has the margins and does the services. While it does take some consulting time off for the partners with the software being preloaded on the cloud, we hand it to the partners for all further services.

How has the public cloud model worked until now for Sage in the region? What options do you offer to customers?

Prior to now, customers in the region have had the choice of running our X3 cloud from Amazon AWS. But there have concerns about need for data to reside in local data centers with reference to local legislative requirements in some countries. We have to be vigilant on that and deliver solution to address the challenges. There have also been issues of latency in some countries as well.

If customers are comfortable of running the solution in the public cloud, they can do it. We also offer the private cloud options for customers who want customization and then there is the local hosting option to round off.

How are you enabling partners in the cloud Business?

We have been explaining to partners the importance of moving to a cloud based services model from the traditional way of Business. We have our ways of enabling partners towards the cloud model. All partners, technically, can sell both cloud and on premises options. However, there is a difference in just flaunting a cloud logo and in being actively involved in driving the digital transformation towards the cloud in the market place. We are committed to this education towards helping them make this transformation. We have some great business incentives to encourage the transition. And I would reiterate the point that we are a channel focused company and in the cloud model, while we are the contractor, the channel is the services element behind the contract.

 

Discuss the customer preference for private cloud deployment?

Customers running for critical environments tend to prefer private cloud options. For ERP covering big sites with a lot of integrations and significant customization, where our customers are stepping out of Sage X3 best practice processes and are building their own best practices or changing them a bit, they probably have a large IT team and will want to control their upgrade path, have a sandbox up in the cloud, have their test and development services etc. That is a different world altogether and they are quite comfortable with the private cloud which offer them better security, backup as well as DR options etc.

How do you see yourself across the different customer segments? What is the emphasis on the enterprise part?

We have three distinct segments for our products- start-up, scale-up and enterprise. Sage 50 which is Peachtree is for start-ups. We have four versions which are Sage 50 US, Sage 50 UK, Sage 50 Canada and Sage 50 Middle East. The strategy is to get every customer in the region to get on to the Sage-Middle East version which does transactions upto 3 decimal places. That is a process which will take time as it involves a huge number of customers. The change would be the introduction of the cloud based start-up product Sage One in the region when we do it. We have some work ahead of that including Arabisation and we would like to hit the road to the market hard when we have it ready and look at offering a difference.

In the scale up segment, Sage 300 is growing in the region, has a lot of partners transacting. The cloud version is Sage live. In fact, for long, the scale up and the start-up segments have been the traditional strongholds for Sage and we have been regarded as a mid-market player.

The focus now with the roadshows we have been doing is to build up the brand in the enterprise segment. We want to become regarded as an enterprise player along with the names that have been traditionally considered as enterprise players. Our brand awareness needs to be enhanced on the enterprise side but having said that, we have been closing some great enterprise deals in the region. In Africa, we are pretty strong on the enterprise and we will look to replicate that here.

Discuss outlook for growth and the partner focus?

We grew our business globally by 74% last year and partners are a key part of our growth focus. In the cloud model, while Sage is the contractor ultimately, in services the channel is involved. While we don’t have a post sales team but we do run a quality team that will check the integrity and sign off the project milestones, which gives the assurance to customers. We have some very larger partners that are making sizeable investments in growing the business. We have around 25 consultants that are responsible for consultation, implementation, BPR, change management etc.

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

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1 week ago

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September 11, 2025

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Deep Dive Dubai

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.

Deep Dive Dubai

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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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

Published

4 months ago

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June 3, 2025

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Ourwatr

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.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

Published

4 months ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

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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