Tech News
du celebrates major 2023 sustainability milestones, accelerating UAE’s journey to net-zero

du announced the main highlights of its sustainability achievements in 2023 and reiterated its commitment to furthering these efforts in 2024. At the forefront of digitalisation and technological innovation, du has set new industry standards and significant strides in its sustainability journey, aligning its efforts with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. du has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ranking fourth among the top five UAE brands in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, according to Brand Finance’s assessment of sustainability perception.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: ” As we pride ourselves on embedding sustainability deep within our operations, each of our initiatives reflect our dedication to innovation, and to creating real, tangible impacts in the communities we serve. We are committed to exceeding our sustainability goals, driving positive change for our stakeholders, and contributing to the UAE’s sustainability ambitions.”
Accelerating digitalisation with a focus on sustainability
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, du’s internally developed and patented Solar on Tower Project has played a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The innovative and seamlessly integrated Solar on Tower solution is set to be deployed at 270 sites in du’s network by the end of 2024. Each site utilizing this solution saves 26.6 MWh of energy and reduces carbon emissions by 11 tons annually.
du contributed to the UAE’s net zero goals by various energy-efficiency initiatives in its network. du also achieved a 25% reduction in office energy consumption possible through the adoption of energy-efficient measures, including 3M sunscreens, motion sensors, and energy-efficient appliances.
At GITEX Global 2023, du showcased their commitment to innovation and sustainability by introducing new technologies and sustainable practices across industries. Under the theme of “Shaping a Brighter Tomorrow By Empowering a Sustainable Future,” du’s participation aimed to build on the momentum of the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. du worked closely with key government entities like the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Masdar City to streamline their digital transformation. In addition, du made significant advancements in data privacy and security. The company has aligned its operations with the highest international standards, achieving ISO 27001 certification. du’s collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has led to the introduction of the Happiness SIM for blue-collar workers. This initiative is centred around inclusivity and service excellence, providing crucial connectivity solutions and contributing to the overall happiness and satisfaction of a vital segment of the community.
du’s dedication to sustainability and corporate social responsibility was recognized with several prestigious awards in 2023, including Majra Awards from the National CSR Fund, and accolades at the Employee Happiness Summit & Awards for its L&D Strategy and Workplace Design. Additionally, the MENA Green Building Awards highlighted du’s efforts in creating healthy and sustainable workspaces. As du continues its sustainability journey, the company is set to announce the launch of further initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing its sustainability efforts in 2024.
A Holistic approach to sustainability
du’s sustainability strategy is grounded in the principles of ethical governance, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. The company aligns this strategy with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) focusing on Good Health and Wellbeing, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, among others to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
In its ongoing efforts to promote community wellbeing, du marked a milestone by introducing the UAE’s first Arabic sustainability podcast to discuss topics like sustainability basics, debunking climate change myths, recycling and sustainable development. Alongside this, the company spearheaded numerous awareness initiatives aligned with the Year of Sustainability, including a country-wide campaign aimed at educating students and parents at their schools about the dangers of cyberbullying and the significance of preventing it.
du’s initiatives range from promoting employee well-being and customer happiness to reducing its environmental footprint and operating ethically and responsibly. Leading the way in employee engagement and wellbeing, the company has achieved one of the highest global benchmarks with a 94% participation rate in its Employee Engagement Initiative, coupled with an engagement score of 81%, underscoring its commitment to creating a supportive work environment.
Tech News
AmiViz Partners with Titania to Deliver Cutting-Edge Network Security Solutions Across the Middle East and Africa

AmiViz recently announced a strategic distribution agreement with Titania. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing network security and the operational resilience of enterprises across the region.
With cyber threats growing in scale and sophistication, organisations are under increasing pressure to ensure their networks are secure, compliant, and optimised. Titania’s world-renowned solutions, including its flagship product, Nipper Enterprise, provide near-real-time visibility and analysis of all network configuration changes to detect exposure to the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used by even advanced threats such as Volt and Salt Typhoon. By automating posture reporting and identifying potential indicators of compromise, it helps streamline organisations’ incident responses and improves security outcomes.
The agreement enables AmiViz to bring Titania’s innovative solutions to its extensive partner ecosystem, catering to critical industries such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government. AmiViz offers resellers and system integrators seamless access to Titania’s advanced solutions, along with value-added services like training, technical support, and pre-sales assistance through its vast network of channel partners.
This partnership is poised to address a growing demand in the Middle East and Africa for proactive cybersecurity measures. Titania’s precise and automated network risk management capabilities align with the region’s focus on digital transformation, where secure and resilient networks are essential to success. By leveraging AmiViz’s deep market expertise and established distribution network, Titania’s solutions are set to reach a wide range of customers looking to enhance proactive network security.
Commenting on the partnership, Ilyas Mohammed, AmiViz’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are excited to partner with Titania, whose innovative approach to proactive configuration security addresses a critical need in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Together, we aim to equip enterprises across the Middle East and Africa with the tools they need to safeguard their networks and ensure operational resilience.”
Titania CEO, Victoria Dimmick, added, “Titania’s mission to enable organisations to protect their critical network infrastructure and remain operationally ready, resilient, and recoverable, is one we are advancing through partnerships. AmiViz’s strong presence and expertise in the Middle East and Africa will be instrumental in supporting organisations in the region to enhance network security.”
This agreement strengthens AmiViz’s portfolio of advanced cybersecurity offerings and reinforces Titania’s position as a trusted partner in network security innovation worldwide.
Tech News
This Ramadan: Snap Inc. is giving businesses the chance to Snap like a Snapchatter

This Ramadan, Snap is allowing brands to Snap like a Snapchatter, by tapping into the platform’s most beloved features, from the camera and chat to the creativity of its community of creators. In the GCC, Ramadan is a celebration of community, and Snapchat is deeply embedded in the heart of Ramadan celebrations, with Snapchatters planning, shopping, and connecting with loved ones.
Engagement on Snapchat is massive during Ramadan. In KSA, GCC audiences open the app over 45 times a day. This importance of personal connections is why Snapchat has become the go-to platform for communal shopping during Ramadan. The GCC audience is highly active, constantly searching for their next Ramadan must-have across all categories. Shopping becomes a social event during Ramadan and brands have the opportunity to raise awareness, gain consideration and drive conversion on a platform where during Ramadan in markets like KSA, an average of 10 billion stories are viewed each day, and Snapchatters play with AR lenses over 220 million times daily.
This Ramadan, Snapchat is giving brands the chance to Snap like a Snapchatter, with the launch of Sponsored Snaps, a game changing new ad placement tool which has been designed to empower businesses to connect with the Snapchat community in more innovative ways. Strategically being scaled first globally in KSA and the UAE during Ramadan—a season defined by reflection, togetherness, and meaningful connections—the initiative reinforces Snapchat’s role as a digital extension of these cherished moments. Sponsored Snaps offer an opportunity to engage audiences in ways that are both authentic and impactful, by seamlessly integrating brands into the cultural and social fabric of Ramadan.
In a natural extension of the way Snapchatters already engage with businesses on the platform, Sponsored Snaps will allow brands to deliver full-screen vertical video messages directly into Snapchatters’ Chat inboxes, enabling deeper engagement with audiences. Maintaining the user-first design philosophy for which Snapchat has long been known, Sponsored Snaps are visually distinct messages from brands, ensuring a clear separation from personal messages. They are also opt-in, so Snapchatters can choose to view the Snap, respond directly to the advertiser, or use the embedded call-to-action to visit a predetermined link.
The holy month will also see the return of the Snap AR Ramadan Mall, following an impressive 16M shoppers visiting in 2024. The new edition has been reimagined to embody the essence of GCC old towns and modern day shopping districts making for the ultimate retail experience.
Further empowering brands to connect authentically with audiences this Ramadan, a third experience will also be introduced onto the platform that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation – HAZAR FAZAR, an AR experience that spotlights stories deeply rooted into GCC culture, brought to life through a series of branded lenses that are opened by riddles and showcase unique characters.
Snapchatters in the GCC have a very strong and personal relationship with the Creators they follow and during moments like Ramadan audiences are tuned in to the Creators they follow. Brands will have the opportunity to leverage Creators’ credibility on Snapchat to reach new audiences by collaborating with their favorite Snap Stars and utilizing programs such as Creator Midrolls, the Creator Collab Studio or through sponsoring or promoting Creator content.
Hala Zgeib, Head of Luxury MENA at Snap Inc. said; “Innovation, while staying true to the essence of the platform, has always been at the heart of Snapchat. We empower businesses to connect with our community’s inner circle, both online and offline, fostering authentic relationships and driving success across the region. This Ramadan marks an exciting chapter for Snap, as we enable brands to engage more meaningfully with their audience through Snaps, deepen resonance, and celebrate culture with initiatives like the Snap AR Ramadan Mall and HAZAR FAZAR, while also making it easier to collaborate with our creators.”
Snapchat is empowering brands to create authentic connections with audiences, driving deeper engagement and accelerating ROI across the full funnel this Ramadan, making the platform more interactive and communal than ever before.
Tech News
AI-Enhanced Romance Scams are Stealing Hearts and Bank Accounts

Be cautious not to “swipe right” into a scam as Valentine’s Day approaches. Researchers at Tenable, Inc. warn that romance scams continue to be the biggest consumer threat today. Scammers exploit dating apps and messaging platforms to target victims looking for companionship. Unsurprisingly, scammers are now leveraging generative AI to refine their messages, making their deception more convincing than ever.

“Many of these scammers operate from overseas and don’t speak fluent English,” said Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at Tenable. “AI helps them craft sophisticated, emotionally compelling messages that make their scams more believable and harder to detect.”
Romance scams affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but elderly individuals, former military personnel, and those seeking financial arrangements are among the most vulnerable. Scammers deploy various tactics, from impersonating service members using stolen photos to orchestrating fake “sugar mummy and daddy” schemes, luring victims into fraudulent financial transactions. Others entice victims into adult video chats that require paid registrations, generating illicit profits in the process.
The most dangerous form of romance scam today is ‘romance baiting,’ previously known as pig butchering. In these long-term cons, scammers establish fake relationships to build trust before convincing their victims to invest in bogus cryptocurrency or stock platforms. This method has now overtaken other romance scams in terms of prevalence and financial impact.
“People have lost their life savings to romance scams, and it’s heartbreaking,” said Narang. “Victims are often blamed for falling for these schemes, but these scams are highly manipulative and exploit vulnerabilities that anyone could have.”
Recovering stolen funds is notoriously difficult, particularly when cryptocurrency is involved. To make matters worse, scammers often double down by targeting victims again, posing as recovery agents who promise to retrieve lost funds—for a fee.
The best defence is scepticism. If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, whether for a sudden emergency, a business opportunity, or an investment, consider it a major red flag. If you believe you’ve been scammed, report the crime to your local law enforcement and cybercrime authorities immediately.
-
Tech News7 months ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
Tech Interviews11 months ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News11 months ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Features9 months ago
Security in the Cloud Age: Combating Risks with Hybrid Cloud Solutions
-
Tech Features8 months ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement
-
VAR6 months ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Tech News1 year ago
Senet enters MENA’s Competitive Gaming Scene with ‘skill-to-earn’ Platform
-
Automotive12 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