News
Cisco launches Innovation and Experience Center
Cisco launched a state-of-the-art Innovation and Experience Center (IXC) at its Middle East regional hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The center will serve as a hub for open innovation and showcase what is possible with digital transformation in sectors that range from retail and hospitality to healthcare, education, and financial services.
The IXC is a first of its kind worldwide in that it combines innovation capability with a customer experience showcase to bring digitization to life for Cisco’s customers and our partners. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest Cisco® solutions applied to real-world, real-time scenarios and get a 360-degree view of technologies that deliver tangible business outcomes.
“In today’s highly dynamic, fast-moving world, we must accelerate our pace of innovation like never before,” said Chuck Robbins, chief executive officer, Cisco. “Our new Innovation and Experience Center takes a unique approach that will help governments and businesses across the region develop solutions leading to greater opportunities for citizens and customers in the digital age.”
The center was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, together with Chuck Robbins. Robbins had earlier delivered a keynote address to senior UAE government officials.
“We are keen on cultivating a culture of excellence, innovation, and creativity in our bid to firmly establish Dubai among the most innovative cities in the world,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. “Innovation has become a strategic imperative that not only drives growth for our economy, but also plays a critical role in the pursuit of happiness for citizens, residents, and visitors of our nation. Cisco’s decision to base its Middle East Innovation and Experience Center in Dubai reflects the city’s stature as an emerging, dynamic global innovation hub and will support the region’s organizations and businesses to raise the bar for innovation.”
The IXC is being developed at a time when the region is experiencing an accelerated pace of digitization across sectors and as governments hasten their drive toward diversification and the development of knowledge-based economies. Businesses will be able to see digital transformation in action at the center, gaining a better understanding of how disruptive technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality can transform their business and operations and solve challenges.
“Innovation and the transition to digital are high priorities for governments across our region,” said David Meads, vice president, Middle East and Africa, Cisco. “The Innovation and Experience Center is a statement of our intent and illustrates our commitment to the region. The center aligns closely to the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy and will serve as a platform to accelerate the digital journey for our customers and enhance their competitiveness in the digital era.”
The Innovation and Experience Center is part of a global network of Cisco Innovation Centers and hubs and will work closely with the network and Cisco’s partner ecosystem to push forward new ideas and foster creative approaches that improve business outcomes for local and global organizations.
Beyond interactively showcasing Cisco’s latest solutions across multiple architectures, the ultramodern facility will feature interactive technology demonstration labs, where Cisco and its partners will develop customized solutions adapted to the specific needs of industries in the region. Some of the sectors to be featured in the IXC include healthcare, retail, education, hospitality, transportation, utilities, banking and financial services, and oil and gas.
Serving the entire Middle East region, the virtual experience facility will extend over 9000 square feet and offer live in-person and remote demos on Cisco’s solutions. The IXC will also facilitate closer collaboration between Cisco’s channel and global industry partners to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem across the region.
Financial
Dubai Islamic Bank Celebrates Fifth Cohort of High Potential Programme, Paving the Way for Future Leadership
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) celebrated a notable milestone with the successful graduation of the 5th batch of high potential employees in DIB’s High Potential Employee Development Programme (HIPO).
In the bank’s ongoing endeavour to hone talent within the organisation and provide them with a platform to excel individually as well contribute in fulfilling the bank’s ambitious growth opportunities, the HIPO programme began in 2015 and has already delivered an army of nearly 150 professionals who are not just excelling in the workforce but leading by example.
The 5th batch of HIPO graduates were felicitated by the Group CEO, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, as well as other executives from the senior leadership team of the organisation.
The HIPO programme is an 18-month intensive leadership training schedule that includes a comprehensive suite of assessments, specialised training, mentorship, and coaching. Developed in partnership with globally recognised institutions, HIPO equips participants to excel in their roles and drive the bank’s strategic objectives.
To ensure the momentum is maintained, DIB has begun rolling out nominations for the next cohort for the next programme that is scheduled to commence in Q4 2024.
Commenting on the success and effectiveness of the journey undertaken so far, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer of DIB, said, “The High Potential Programme is central to our inclusive talent development approach within the organisation, designed to prepare the next wave of leaders in the banking and financial sector. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering outstanding talent by empowering individuals who possess the inherent traits with advanced skill sets ensuring both professional and personal elevation as well as quality contribution to further the organisation’s strategic goals. Our ambition is to unleash these individuals into the financial world so that they support and positively impact the larger economic objectives of the UAE. I extend my warmest congratulations to all our graduates and look forward to their future contributions to our collective ambitions. We also extend our profound thanks to all our partners for their enduring commitment and involvement in our training endeavours, which are crucial in systematically cultivating quality professionals within our organisation.”
As DIB steadfastly invests in its workforce, the bank upholds its position of leadership in the banking sector as an Employer of Choice, committed to promoting professional development and fostering inclusivity at every level of the organisation including the vital Emiratisation Agenda.
Hospitality
Dubai Airports to grow its solar footprint to cut its carbon footprint
In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Chairman of Dubai Airports,and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Airports announced a landmark collaboration with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DEWA, to launch the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport.
To solidify this ambitious initiative, Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services Company formalised an agreement during the prestigious World Green Economy Summit organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and the World Green Economy Organization. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2 to 3 October 2024.
The agreement was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “This initiative aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum vision to establish Dubai as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. While our roadmap outlines clear targets of achieving 25% of the energy mix from clean energy sources by 2030, and 100% by 2050, we are proactively accelerating our efforts. We anticipate surpassing these goals, potentially reaching 27% clean energy capacity as early as 2030, which would enable us to achieve our 2050 vision ahead of schedule. Undoubtedly, innovation and cutting-edge technologies are instrumental in expediting our progress towards a greener future.
This phased project of total 39MWp of clean energy, which will be fully operational by 2026, involves the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, set to generate 60,346MWh annually. It marks a significant stride toward decarbonising airport operations.
The solar panels, which will span passenger terminals and concourses across both airports, are expected to offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 annually — equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year. The energy generated will meet 6.5% of DXB’s power needs and 20% of DWC’s, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ long-term vision for cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations.
Sharing his insights on the initiative, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “Airports are significant energy consumers, but with that comes tremendous opportunity and responsibility to drive real change. For us, this is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about embedding sustainability into the core of everything we do. Every kilowatt we generate from renewable sources brings us closer to shrinking our carbon footprint and future-proofing our operations. This is about setting the standard and leading the way for what a truly sustainable airport can achieve.”
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, remarked, “Our longstanding partnership with Dubai Airports plays a pivotal role in our strategy to accelerate Dubai’s sustainability agenda. By broadening the solar footprint and implementing transformative initiatives like Shams Dubai, we are not only reducing energy demand but also driving the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the emirate. This project, and others like it, demonstrates our commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that aligns with Dubai’s vision for a greener, more energy-efficient future.”
This solar initiative complements a series of ongoing environmental sustainability efforts by Dubai Airports, from strategic partnerships in the aviation sector to collaborative efforts within the oneDXB community, which includes airlines, service providers, and regulatory authorities managing the airport’s critical touchpoints. Whether it’s retrofitting hundreds of thousands of LED lights, optimising cooling systems, switching to biodiesel-powered ground vehicles, or cutting food waste to landfill, Dubai Airports is committed to making measurable, impactful changes — one step at a time.
The project builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar power is already playing a vital role in reducing energy consumption and lowering emissions. While ambition and innovation drive progress, the key to achieving sustainable transformation lies in collaboration, foresight, and consistent action. Dubai Airports is focused on ensuring these values guide every initiative, aligning with Dubai’s and the UAE’s broader environmental objectives to create a better tomorrow, together.
Hospitality
Simplifying Site Management Through Data
Located in the Philippines, Okada Manila is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets for gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. This magnificent integrated resort is a bustling city unto itself, boasting 993 accommodations, extensive shopping on its Retail Boulevard, a premier spa, an array of dining choices, and a variety of entertainment options including a casino, nightclub, and indoor beach club. Okada Manila has been accorded a Forbes 5-star rating for four consecutive years to date. To keep the resort abuzz, Okada Manila’s thousands of staff spread out across this expansive and scenic oceanfront property.
“From a physical control standpoint, it can be incredibly challenging to secure a property as diverse as ours,” says Kelly Billups, Executive Director of Security Technology Services for Okada Manila. “From a security systems perspective, we expect a very high level of capability to provide a strong layer of technical administration and proactiveness in regard to the overall security effectiveness for the property.”
To achieve that high level of supervision and monitoring, Okada Manila requires a security partner capable of simplifying the site’s complex management while offering controls capable of matching the resort’s elite standards.
But Kelly takes it all in stride: “It’s a huge operation, but the big benefit we have is that we’ve got Gallagher.”
Managing a site through centralized data
The scale of Okada Manila’s operation means managing their site’s security has the potential to become unwieldy rather quickly. Even simply controlling staff entry can become a monumental task with a requirement that all employees and third parties use one dedicated entrance and exit to a very sizeable back of the house area that extends nearly the entirety of the property.
To ensure such compliances are met across the site, Okada Manila relies on data reporting from multiple technologies to provide a bird’s eye view of the resort. Gallagher’s Command Centre integration capabilities make it possible.
From one centralized platform, Okada Manila can generate singular, chronological reports populated from multiple systems, enabling their security division to combine data from their back of the house applications, guest lodging, electronic key management system, lifts on the property, and custom HR interface to produce a holistic account of activities within the resort.
“We rely on Command Centre for that technical administration and to generate high-level reports,” says Kelly, “and those information sets are one of the key benefits of our Gallagher system.”
Data reporting also enables Okada Manila to optimize site management.
“Beyond the expected service of access control, we’re looking for behavioral patterns in our reflective data and reports,” explains Kelly. “We maintain a combined proactive approach utilizing live data with other systems, as well as conduct random audits every month to get a sense of how individual parts of our resort are operating. That information can tell us the usual amount of time or frequency members of our team utilize a space, perform an action, or generally move about the property, which in turn helps us identify where additional staffing or resources are needed, or if any unusual activity is happening.”
A one card solution with dramatic results
But to achieve this level of oversight across their site, Okada Manila needs a single input tool for tracking those behaviors. To simplify the process and ensure compliance, Kelly introduced a one card solution.
Using a single card, employees can:
- Enter the property
- Operate lifts
- Access restricted areas, guest rooms, and amenities
- Interface with payroll time clocks, electronic key management, parking boom gates, and wardrobe services
Not only does this make it easy to collect data from multiple technologies, but this one card solution also removes the burden of managing several codes, key fobs, and cards for staff.
But of all of these access card benefits, one in particular stands out.
“If I were to lay claim to any one major win we’ve accomplished with Gallagher at Okada Manila, it’s what we did with staff lockers,” Kelly says. “We have around 6,000 lockers for staff and third parties on our property, and previously, as experienced in other integrated resorts, we were only able to secure and manage lockers with mechanical locking solutions. This meant investigating any events involving staff lockers was significantly challenging and not always successful. But once we applied Command Centre’s Locker Management Solution, we reduced undesirable events to nearly zero, and at the same time increased the efficiency of staff services.”
Using their one access card, Okada Manila’s staff secure their individual lockers, ensure they’re closed properly, and prevent unauthorized access. “Such a dramatic reduction in adverse events has been an incredible benefit to the business and our employees, who don’t have to worry about the safekeeping of their belongings anymore” explains Kelly. “And of course, it frees up security resources to focus on other things.”
Partnerships beyond security
With all the complexity surrounding Okada Manila’s operations, Kelly emphasizes that a supportive partnership is a key proponent among the resort’s top security needs.
“Partnership is everything,” says Kelly. “I know a lot of customers use less than 10% of the features when they deploy an access control system, but we always want more out of our system, so it’s important that we work with a vendor who we know is going to listen to our ideas.”
And Okada Manila believes they’ve found that kind of lasting partnership in Gallagher.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Why the preference for Gallagher?’; I say it’s the ease of use, and most importantly, because they listen and cater to individual customer needs,” Kelly reflects. “It’s that ease of interface to a multitude of control and business systems, and you only get those results by really, truly listening and addressing your customer’s needs. Trusting in that partnership and being able to combine all the technologies I need into one platform is critical to our success with security technologies.”
-
Tech News3 months ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
Tech Interviews7 months ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News7 months ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Features4 months ago
Security in the Cloud Age: Combating Risks with Hybrid Cloud Solutions
-
Tech Features4 months ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement
-
Automotive7 months 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 News10 months ago
Senet enters MENA’s Competitive Gaming Scene with ‘skill-to-earn’ Platform
-
Tech Features8 months ago
How Telecommunications Providers Can Best Tackle DDoS Attacks