News
QNET Celebrates World Children’s Day: Nurturing Dreams and Empowering Hope for the Future

November 20th marks a significant day dedicated to children – World Children’s Day, serving as a powerful reminder of the rights and aspirations of our youth worldwide. QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness brand, has committed to ensuring the well-being of these young minds by translating its dedication into tangible actions. QNET’s initiatives in the MENA region reflect a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of children.
QNET’s commitment to empowering and protecting children’s rights stems from the belief that society’s potential is intricately tied to the well-being and development of its youngest members. Recognizing the transformative power of education, health, and support, QNET aims to create a world where every child not only survives but thrives.
“World Children’s Day holds profound significance as it serves as a global reminder of the rights and dreams of our youth. At QNET, we believe in the inherent potential of every child to shape a brighter future. Our commitment goes beyond rhetoric, manifesting in tangible actions that empower and protect the rights of children. By fostering holistic growth, providing accessible education, and offering unwavering support to children in need, we aim to contribute to a world where every child not only survives but thrives. It’s not just a responsibility; it’s a profound privilege that QNET wholeheartedly embrace,” said Ms. Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET.
In 2022, 1.38 billion learners – including primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels – were impacted by school closures worldwide, driving an urgent need for a new digital education model. As a result, the World Economic Forum reports that online learning services, such as QNET’s e-learning portfolio, Qlearn, are becoming the preferred method of study as they can ease the logistical burden on students, caretakers, and educators and provide flexibility to students as they can learn at their own pace from anywhere in the world.
Understanding the transformative power of education, QNET launched a K-12 curriculum through QLearn, revolutionizing the way children learn. This curriculum, enriched with visual-based content, engages children from Grades 6 to 12 in a fun and interactive manner, ensuring quality education is accessible beyond traditional classrooms.
“My twelve-year-old son loves QLearn’s K-12 courses,” says Noor Ali from Egypt, who purchased QLearn’s K-12 curriculum earlier this year. “Science is one of the toughest subjects for him at school, but after he started using QLearn, we saw a great jump in his grades! He loves that the platform incorporates games, activities, and even puzzles to keep things interesting, and it helps him recall information better too. He recently told me that he looked forward to learning other subjects on QLearn, which was a pleasant surprise for my wife and me.”
QNET’s dedication extends to supporting special needs children, demonstrated by more than 50 volunteers spending quality time at various daycare centres in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Offering emotional support and engaging in daily activities with children facing physical disabilities, QNET brings joy and a positive impact on their lives.
True to its philosophy of RYTHM – ‘Raise Yourself to Help Mankind,’ QNET annually organizes an Iftar Dinner at the SOS Children’s Village during Ramadan in various countries of the MENA region such as Palestine, Algeria, and Morocco. This heartwarming initiative gathers nearly 150 children, allowing them to celebrate the joy of Eid and fostering a sense of community and togetherness, showcasing QNET’s commitment to enriching lives during times of giving.
Recognizing the importance of environmental education, QNET organized various awareness workshops on the importance and preservation of clean water for more than 70 children in precarious situations in Casablanca, Morocco. Through its CSR arm, RYTHM Foundation, QNET not only educated the children about global water issues but also provided practical solutions by donating HomePure Nova water filtration systems, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
In times of crisis, QNET stands unwavering in its commitment to supporting communities. Following the earthquake in the Al Haouz region, QNET, in collaboration with its Moroccan affiliate QN Maroc, joined forces with SOS Villages d’Enfants Maroc association. Their humanitarian initiative provided thousands of vital necessities like tents, blankets, mattresses, sheets, and essential food items to alleviate the suffering of affected communities, demonstrating QNET’s profound dedication to comforting distressed families.
QNET’s commitment to empowering youth takes centre stage with its recent sponsorship of the Total Energies CAF Champions League. The QNET Player Escort Program provides young football enthusiasts with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, walking alongside first-team players onto the pitch. This initiative aims to inspire future stars and demonstrates QNET’s commitment to developing African football, resonating with its belief in the potential of sports to shape lives positively.
In essence, QNET’s journey in empowering children and protecting their rights weaves a tapestry of commitment, compassion, and positive change. Whether through innovative education solutions, emotional support for special needs children, fostering joy during festive seasons, promoting environmental awareness, aiding in times of crisis, or inspiring dreams on the football field, QNET consistently adheres to its core values.
These stories stand as testaments to the belief that uplifting children is not just a responsibility, but a profound privilege that QNET wholeheartedly embraces. In every project, partnership, and initiative, QNET paints a picture of a world where children thrive, their rights are safeguarded, and their dreams are within reach. Through these collective efforts, QNET continues to shape a brighter future for the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.
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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