Tech News
Edamah and Badia Farms partner on innovative new agricultural project in Bahrain

Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), announced a strategic partnership with Badia Farms, a leading controlled environment food producer, which will invest several million dollars in a new sustainable farm in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The initiative will enhance Bahrain’s agricultural industry by introducing innovative sustainable farming practices from an experienced agricultural producer.
Badia Farms is a mission-driven sustainability company that focuses on the development and production of different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants. Part of the Bahrain-based Green Corp food investment management platform backed by Gulf Islamic Investment group (GII), with its US$4.5 billion assets under management (AUM), Badia Farms was the first commercial high-tech vertical farm in the Gulf region to produce fresh fruits & vegetables year-round. Its objective is to transform conventional farm growing methods across the GCC through technology, science and innovation.
Badia Farms secured the land for its Agricultural Oasis in Hamala, Bahrain through a competitive bidding process on the Government Land Investment Platform, emerging as the successful bidder for the plot. Under the agreement, Badia Farms will lease an area of 50,000 sq.m. from Edamah to implement sustainable and urban farming practices, producing a diverse range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The project will implement the latest hydroponic farming techniques, while recycling water and biodegradable matter for re-use on the project and using solar panels to create clean, green power. Its hydroponic systems in controlled environments (such as greenhouses) will ensure year-round crop production, reducing dependence on seasonal variations, enhancing Bahrain’s food security and addressing the challenges of limited arable land and water scarcity.
The agreement was signed by Chris Calvert and Eng. Omar Al Jundi, the CEOs of Edamah and Badia Farms respectively, in the presence of Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister for Sustainable Development and CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah, Mohammed Alhassan and Pankaj Gupta – co-Founders and co-CEOs of Gulf Islamic Investments Group (GII) – and Saleh Abdullah Albelushi, Director of Green Corp.
His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah said, “This collaboration with Badia Farms marks a transformative step for Bahrain’s agricultural sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth. It will contribute to Bahrain’s self-sufficiency in food production by using cutting-edge technologies for a greener future, whilst creating employment and business opportunities for Bahrainis.”
He added, “This foreign direct investment on Edamah’s land, channeled specifically towards innovative agricultural practices, showcases our confidence in Badia Farms’ approach and underscores the potential for further growth and development within the sector.”
Eng Omar Al Jundi commented, “Our partnership with Edamah allows Badia Farms to bring pioneering hydroponic farming techniques to Bahrain, redefining sustainable agriculture. Together, we aim to build a resilient food system, focusing on environmental management and food security.”
Tech News
NMK Interactive 2025 Sets a New Benchmark for AV Experiences in the Middle East

NMK Electronics, a Midwich Group Company, hosted the latest edition of its flagship event NMK Interactive on September 25, 2025 – an annual event that brings together and celebrates technology, artistry, and industry leadership in the region.
Held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the event brought together over 600 system integrators and partners from across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the evening underscored NMK’s role not only as a leading value-added distributor, but as a regional enabler of innovation, connection, and growth.
An Immersive Celebration of Culture and Technology
Under the theme “Music from Around the World,” NMK Interactive 2025 transformed the ballroom into an immersive journey through global soundscapes, blending red-carpet elegance with the energy of live performances and the power of next-generation technology.
“NMK Interactive goes beyond showcasing technology, it’s about bringing people together, said Nicolas Cox, Managing Director at NMK Electronics. Every demo, every performance, and every conversation is part of a larger story: one of collaboration, community, and shared growth. Together with our partners, we are not only shaping projects, we are shaping the future of the AVLC industry.”

Guests were welcomed into a pre-function area alive with interactive brand booths, miniature live stages, and engaging activations. The atmosphere was further elevated by orchestral ensembles and spirited cultural performances from India, Africa, and the Arab world, creating a rhythmic energy that set the perfect tone for the evening.
As the doors opened to the main hall, the space was transformed into a breathtaking canvas of light, sound, and laser effects. What followed was a series of captivating moments from high-energy water drum and dance performances to the prestigious awards ceremony and thrilling raffle draws, each keeping the excitement soaring and the audience fully immersed.
From the first note to the final applause, NMK Interactive 2025 was curated as a testament to NMK’s commitment to experience-driven engagement, setting a new benchmark for how technology events can inform, inspire, and entertain.
A Technology Ecosystem in Full View
At the heart of the event was NMK’s comprehensive technology portfolio, spanning audio, video, lighting, communication, infrastructure, and control. With live demos, branded activations, and global brand representatives on-site, the event provided hands-on access to the latest innovations from world-leading manufacturers, including:
- Shure, Bose Professional, Q-SYS, Epson, L-Acoustics, Arthur Holm, Riedel Communications, Lightware, Infiled, Televic, Neat, Barco ClickShare, Surgex, Allen & Heath, Luminex, Neutrik, Chauvet professional, Milos, SRS Group, Microsoft, Avid, Turtle AV, Peerless AV & 7th Sense.
Each brand had a dedicated showcase zone, offering an opportunity for attendees to experience cutting-edge solutions and gain firsthand insights into emerging trends, applications, and collaboration opportunities.
Recognising Partnerships and Performance
A core highlight of the evening was the NMK Awards FY 24-25, which recognized outstanding projects delivered by system integrators across the region. Winners were selected based on the uniqueness of their projects, the strength of collaboration with NMK, the integration of multiple NMK portfolio brands, professional execution, and ultimately, the impact on end-user experience.
Winners included:
- Meeting Room Solution of the Year – Integral Polymedia Systems LLC (UAE)
- Custom Boardroom Integration of the Year – Direct Source Technologies
- Auditorium Project of the Year – AVI-SPL
- Hybrid Learning Solution of the Year – Scope Information Systems LLC
- Background Music Solution of the Year – Royal Technology Solutions LLC
- Foreground Music Solution of the Year – Al Mahbara Digital AV Systems (Almoe Group)
- Immersive Experience Solution of the Year – Alec Technologies
- Experience Center Solution of the Year – IT Works
Sector Excellence Awards:
- Government Sector Project of the Year – Advanced Integration Technology (AIT)
- Corporate Sector Project of the Year – Omnix International
- Finance & Banking Project of the Year – AVI-SPL
- Hospitality Project of the Year – Oxford Systems Integration
- Aviation Project of the Year – Alpha Data PJSC
- Real Estate Project of the Year – Absons IT
Congratulations to all winners for their remarkable achievements and collaborations, which continue to raise the bar for AV excellence across the Middle East.
The evening concluded with raffle draws sponsored by partner brands, featuring experiences such as skydiving, Yas Island adventures, luxury staycations, and premium tech gear.
With every handshake, demo, and performance, NMK Interactive 2025 reinforced what matters most: strong partnerships, shared knowledge, and a future shaped together.
Tech News
Shure MEA unveils sector-focused immersive audio at new Experience Zone

Shure MEA has launched its Experience Zone in Dubai, a dynamic and multi-faceted training hub designed to showcase how audio innovation can transform collaboration, government meetings, and education across the region. The new facility is poised to provide hands-on demonstrations in realistic settings, reflecting the Middle East’s ballooning preference for advanced AV technologies in response to meeting spaces, digital governance, and modern learning environments that require clear audio delivery.
Addressing Sector-specific Needs
The launch places strong emphasis on three sectors driving the region’s digital transformation. In Unified Communication, the focus is on seamless integration with leading conferencing platforms, supporting the Middle East’s meeting spaces. In Government, Shure highlights secure and resilient systems that ensure clarity and confidentiality for official proceedings and public addresses. In Education, advanced solutions empower classrooms and lecture halls, enabling interactive, technology-driven learning both in-person and online.
The Experience Zone is divided into four demo spaces that mirror real-world environments. In small rooms, Shure highlights compact, easy-to-deploy solutions that emphasize clarity and reliability. The facility will feature medium rooms to showcase scalable systems designed to grow with organizational needs, larger rooms to demonstrate robust setups that ensure coverage and flexibility in complex environments, while the auditorium will illustrate how high-performance solutions deliver clear, consistent audio to large audiences. These immersive setups allow visitors to not only hear the difference but also to experience how Shure’s innovations adapt seamlessly to varied applications.
“The Experience Zone will demonstrate how audio can empower sector-specific needs. By immersing visitors in real-world scenarios, we’re not just showcasing products – we’re demonstrating how Shure solutions are shaping communication experiences,” said Antony Lovell, Sales Director, Shure MEA.
Key Features
Shure MEA’s Experience Zone is designed to be more than a demo room. It serves as a regional resource for partners, customers, and IT decision-makers, providing a robust environment that combines interaction with knowledge-sharing. By creating this platform, Shure is reinforcing its role not only as an innovator but also as a trusted partner within the Middle East’s expanding technology ecosystem.
With Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub and the region’s rapid pace of digital transformation, the launch underscores Shure MEA’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth. By combining immersive demos with sector-driven insights, the Experience Zone sets a new benchmark for how audio solutions are experienced in the Middle East.
Tech News
FORTES EDUCATION APPOINTS DR. SREEJIT CHAKRABARTY AS GROUP HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, AI & INNOVATION

Fortes Education, a global leader in delivering world-class, holistic education, has announced the appointment of Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty as the Group Head, Technology, AI & Innovation, further strengthening its vision to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into education and investments.
This appointment comes at a time when the UAE is accelerating its national agenda around AI adoption, digital learning, and future-ready skills development. With schools across the country being encouraged to embed technology into learning, Fortes Education aims to lead the way in shaping a progressive academic ecosystem that equips students with the tools of tomorrow.
Dr. Chakrabarty, a globally recognised voice in EdTech and emerging technologies, brings an exceptional academic and professional background. Holding a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, an MBA in Systems, and a Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives across K-12 education and beyond. His pioneering contributions include setting up laboratories on AI, robotics, extended reality, smart farming, and autonomous systems in schools, as well as leading one of the world’s first K-12 blockchain-based pilots for issuing digital passports and micro-credentials.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty said, “I am deeply honoured to take on this role at Fortes Education. The UAE has demonstrated bold leadership in placing AI and digital learning at the core of its future vision, and I look forward to advancing this mission within Fortes Education. My focus will be on creating impactful innovations that will prepare students for the future and bridge the gap between technology and real-world problem-solving.”
His thought leadership has been showcased on CNN International, and he has been honoured with titles such as CIO of the Year and Education Influencer of the Year. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Chakrabarty has addressed global audiences at FORBES 30 Under 30, GITEX, GESS, BETT, and the World AI Show, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer at the intersection of innovation and education.
Commenting on the key appointment of the year, Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education, Fortes Education said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chakrabarty to the Fortes family. His global expertise, pioneering initiatives, and forward-looking mindset align seamlessly with our mission to nurture learners who are future-ready. With his leadership, we are confident of advancing our technology and AI-driven education strategies, empowering students and teachers alike to thrive in the digital age.”
With this appointment, Fortes Education reaffirms its commitment to being at the forefront of educational innovation, echoing the UAE’s national drive to champion AI, robotics, and digital transformation across sectors.
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