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Focus Softnet kick-starts New Zealand operations
As part of it global expansion plans, Focus Softnet has signed a franchisee agreement promising ICT professionals Syed Safdar Ali and Fateh Ali to launch Focus Softnet New Zealand, which will act as a hub to promote the company’s entire range of enterprise and vertical-specific solutions as well as offer a full range of services to customers across New Zealand.
Speaking on the launch of their New Zealand operations, Mohammed Jawad Ali Khan, CEO, North America and APAC of Focus Softnet said, “As part of its growth strategy, Focus Softnet has been continuously expanding its market presence on a global scale and is now entering the New Zealand market, which is a new market for us. We felt it is important to have a local team with a tremendous wealth of experience in the ICT and software industry and Fateh Ali and his team were a perfect partner to drive our business in the country. Hence, we signed a franchise agreement with them to launch Focus Softnet New Zealand as a franchise entity under the Focus Softnet umbrella.”
“Syed Safdar Ali and his team have the market knowledge, experience and expertise in deploying enterprise and mid-market software solutions across verticals such as government, manufacturing, retail, trading, healthcare across New Zealand. We are confident with their experience and expertise powered by Focus Softnet’s customizable range of best-in-class solutions, Focus Softnet New Zealand can change the landscape of business administration in the country,” Jawad Ali Khan added.
Focus Softnet offers a wide-range of solutions that integrates people and technologies to deliver quality products and innovative solutions to business challenges across the world. Focus uses the latest technologies to develop their products and customizes them by offering regional specific features, which reduce the time of implementation.
The company’s latest versions of its products boast of state-of-art features such as integrated mobile Apps, integrated CRM, multi-server synchronization, highly customizable MRP to Retail POS and many more modules in between. With Focus’ solutions, customers are guaranteed high return on investment with low total cost of ownership, solutions to strengthen core functions for greater impact, on-time and on-budget project delivery, 100% total maintenance support and customizable solutions.
Commenting on the launch of Focus Softnet New Zealand, Fateh Ali said “We are happy to sign this franchise agreement with Focus Softnet, which is a reputed developer of business software solutions. The company understands the challenges of today’s competitive business environment and the need for innovation, and to help address those challenges, it offers custom-built IT solutions to help organizations focus on what they do best – to drive business and accelerate their success. This combined with their dynamic team was the primary reason we signed on Focus as we were confident that we will not only get top-notch business software solutions but also a solid support system to help in seamless deployments for our customers. This will play a pivotal role because many local businesses do not have great support on their existing solutions and with Focus, we can offer that support system integrated within their whole sales channel.”
As New Zealand tops “World Bank’s ease-of-doing business” in 2017, there is high probability of Focus Softnet to get an environment which is more conducive to starting and operating a local business within New Zealand. A healthy business environment which is a key initiative of Focus Softnet has a strong effect on economic growth of the country. Syed Safdar Ali with his constant demand to deliver new prospects and generate leads, will dedicate proper amount of focus, time and effort to his clients.
Focus Softnet New Zealand will promote the brand through participation in exhibitions, vertical-specific events, road-shows, seminars and through digital marketing and social media. “Through our participation in events, we will showcase Focus Softnet as an established global brand, which has been serving customers over the last 25 years. So, from that perspective, our customers in New Zealand will have an assurance that they are dealing with a global leader that is bringing their global expertise with solid local support,” Jawad Ali Khan concluded.
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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