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Mandiant Unveils M-Trends 2023 Report, Delivering Critical Threat Intelligence Directly from the Frontlines
Mandiant, now part of Google Cloud, today released the findings of its M-Trends 2023 report. Now in its 14th year, this annual report provides timely data and expert analysis on the ever-evolving threat landscape based on Mandiant frontline investigations and remediations of high-impact cyber-attacks worldwide. The new report reveals the progress organizations globally have made in strengthening defenses against increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
“M-Trends 2023 makes it clear that, while our industry is getting better at cyber security, we are combating ever-evolving and increasingly sophisticated adversaries. Several trends we saw in 2021 continued in 2022, such as an increasing number of new malware families as well as rising cyber espionage from nation-state-backed actors. As a result, organizations must remain diligent and continue to enhance their cyber security posture with modern cyber defense capabilities. Ongoing validation of cyber resilience against these latest threats and testing of overall response capabilities are equally critical.” – Jurgen Kutscher, VP, Mandiant Consulting at Google Cloud
Global Median Dwell Time Declines to Just Over Two Weeks
According to the M-Trends 2023 report, the global median dwell time – which is calculated as the median number of days an attacker is present in a target’s environment before being detected – continues to drop year-over-year down to 16 days in 2022. This is the shortest median global dwell time from all M-Trends reporting periods, with a median dwell time of 21 days in 2021.
When comparing how threats were detected, Mandiant observed a general increase in the number of organizations that were alerted by an external entity of historic or ongoing compromise. Organizations headquartered in the Americas were notified by an external entity in 55% of incidents, compared to 40% of incidents last year. This is the highest percentage of external notifications the Americas has seen over the past six years. Similarly, organizations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) were alerted of an intrusion by an external entity in 74% of investigations in 2022 compared to 62% in 2021.
Mandiant experts noted a decrease in the percentage of their global investigations involving ransomware between 2021 and 2022. In 2022, 18% of investigations involved ransomware compared to 23% in 2021. This represents the smallest percentage of Mandiant investigations related to ransomware since prior to 2020.
“While we don’t have data that suggests there is a single cause for the slight drop in ransomware-related attacks that we observed, there have been multiple shifts in the operating environment that have likely contributed to these lower figures. These factors include, but are not limited to ongoing government and law enforcement disruption efforts targeting ransomware services and individuals, which at minimum require actors to retool or develop new partnerships; the conflict in Ukraine; actors needing to adjust their initial access operations to a world where macros may often be disabled by default, as well as organizations potentially getting better at detecting and preventing or recovering from ransomware events at faster rates.” – Sandra Joyce, VP, Mandiant Intelligence at Google Cloud.
Stuart McKenzie, Head of Mandiant Consulting EMEA at Google Cloud, said: “Our latest M-Trends report shows dwell time has decreased for another consecutive year. We look at the median number of days an attacker sits in a target’s environment before being detected – in EMEA this is now less than three weeks, compared to 48 days in the previous year, so an improvement of 58% year-on-year.”
“While this shows clear progress in cyber security capabilities on the part of defenders, we’re also seeing threat actors being increasingly brazen. It’s important that defenses aren’t static and organizations are running continuous testing programs to maintain a strong security posture. As ever, practice makes perfect – one of the best ways to stay prepared is to keep defending against cyber-attacks simulated by a red team. By continuously testing defenses against likely, real-world scenarios, an organization can quickly uncover vulnerabilities and focus on the right things to work on,” concluded Stuart.
Cyber Espionage, Malware Families Increase Globally
Mandiant identified extensive cyber espionage and information operations leading up to and since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Most notably, Mandiant saw activity by UNC2589 and APT28 prior to the invasion of Ukraine and observed more destructive cyber-attacks in Ukraine during the first four months of 2022 than in the previous eight years.
In 2022, Mandiant began tracking 588 new malware families, revealing how adversaries are continuing to expand their toolsets. Of the newly tracked malware families, the top five categories consisted of backdoors (34%), downloaders (14%), droppers (11%), ransomware (7%), and launchers (5%). These categories of malware remain consistent over the years and backdoors continue to represent a little over one-third of the newly tracked malware families.
In line with previous years, the most common malware family identified by Mandiant in investigations was BEACON, a multi-function backdoor. In 2022, BEACON was identified in 15% of all intrusions investigated by Mandiant and remains by far the most seen in investigations across regions. It has been used by a wide variety of threat groups tracked by Mandiant including nation-state-backed threat groups attributed to China, Russia, and Iran, as well as financial threat groups and over 700 UNC groups.
“Mandiant has investigated several intrusions carried out by newer adversaries that are becoming increasingly savvy and effective. They leverage data from underground cybercrime markets, conduct convincing social engineering schemes over voice calls and text messages, and even attempt to bribe employees to obtain access to networks. These groups pose a significant risk to organizations, even those with robust security programs, as these techniques are challenging to defend against. As organizations continue to build their security teams, infrastructure, and capabilities, protecting against these threat actors should be part of their design goals.” – Charles Carmakal, CTO, Mandiant Consulting at Google Cloud
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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.
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.
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