News
InfoWatch President emphasizes the need to safeguard future of smart cities
With governments, corporations and individuals increasingly adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in everyday life, global leaders and private sector heavyweights must work together to create international regulations which protect the future of smart cities, Natalya Kaspersky, President of InfoWatch Group, told a government panel discussion on smarter and safer cities at the 4th Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC), which ended today.
The globally-renowned cybersecurity expert told the forum that global legislation and regulations are the missing ingredient in helping secure smart devices and substantially reduce the risk of a ‘WannaCry’-style Ransomware attack on crucial infrastructure, such as airport passenger systems.
As development and adoption of IoT tech increases, Kaspersky highlighted the soaring number of devices around the world that remain unsecure, leaving an unprecedented amount of public information vulnerable to attack.
“Just imagine what could happen if an attack, like WannaCry, infected airport systems of passenger flow monitoring and passport control, posting all passenger data online,” Kaspersky told the plenary session. “All kinds of systems in a smart city can be exposed to such a collapse.”
Kaspersky reiterated that amid wide-ranging threats in global cyberspace, security experts and smart device manufacturers around the world must collaborate, noting the device makers that don’t always prioritise security.
“If you develop a niche product for a small segment of the IoT security market, there is no chance for you to grow big and truly optimise your monetisation,” said the InfoWatch Group President. “Manufacturers of smart devices first think about product functionality and only then security, whereas security should be the central point of concern – even at the development stage”.
With emerging technology developers often lacking a proper insight into cybersecurity issues, making it more difficult to implement relevant cyber safeguards, Kaspersky called for an international body to implement regulations and shape cybersecurity recommendations both for national governments and globally.
Kaspersky also joined the round-table discussion ‘Government, Business and Society in a New Reality of Digital World’ at GISEC, moderated by Krishna Rajagopal, CEO at AKATI Consulting (Malaysia), to discuss how external and internal enterprise security threats affect the progress of digital society. Fellow participants included Rustem Khairetdinov, CEO at Attack Killer, and Tim Khairetdinov, CTO at Appercut Security.
Citing findings from the InfoWatch Analytical Centre on 2016 data leaks in the Middle East vs. the global security landscape, Kaspersky emphasised the challenge in safeguarding Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) from attack when all modern cities and enterprises using internet-connected systems are constantly exposed to versatile targeted attacks.
The findings showed that most data leaks in the Middle East were caused by external attacks on enterprise IT infrastructure, while 18% of leaks were insider enabled, compared with the global average of 40%. Personal and financial data were leaked in 90% of cases recorded elsewhere in world, compared with 60% in the Middle East.
“Attack patterns can vary: insider, virus or DDoS attack, even a combination of all of them,” said Kaspersky. “As a rule, when breaking into a particular organisation or website, attackers employ several tactics at once; they assail an enterprise through all internet-connected devices, not only desktops.”
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.
Financial
HODL 2025 Opens in Dubai, Advancing the Emirates’ Position as a Global Financial Innovation Hub

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
-
Tech News10 months ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
Tech Interviews1 year ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News1 year ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
VAR9 months ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Tech Features11 months ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement
-
Features12 months ago
Security in the Cloud Age: Combating Risks with Hybrid Cloud Solutions
-
Automotive1 year ago
Al-Futtaim Automotive Builds On 23-Year Legacy of Trust & Leadership in UAE’s Pre-Owned Car Market to Sell Over 25,000 Used Vehicles in 2023
-
Tech News1 year ago
Senet enters MENA’s Competitive Gaming Scene with ‘skill-to-earn’ Platform