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DIRECT APPROACH
By Editor

Senior Regional Manager at networking vendor DrayTek Joseph Tsai discusses the firm’s MEA vision
Please discuss your participation in the In Search of a Champion (ISoaC) training event in particular and your regular training programmes in general
Our participation in the ISoaC event was to update the market on the latest DrayTek technologies and products. We also wanted to see how sales staff could learn about our products. Our previous focus was on the SI segment and we are realizing that the resale market would be an important market for us. With this event we have found the staff, although in sales, possess the basic technology background and understand what we are talking about.
We carry out regular training events all over the world with our partners in their locales to introduce and provide market training for partners and customers. DrayTek also holds an annual distributor re-union event in Taiwan where we invite all the distributors to our headquarters to experience our products first hand while also getting product updates through training and meetings. In return, we get to receive feedback directly from the market so we can improve our new product plans.
Discuss your partnership with DVCOM
We have been working with DVCOM for the last six years. We began with basic partnership development-finding the right resale partners, the right target and the right channels. At that time, the market was very challenging for us due to price wars and having partners who were basically box movers without broadcasting the benefits of our products to users. But our recent experience with DVCOM has changed all that. We saw a change in our experience because the people at DVCOM want to learn about the benefits and the value and the services they can deliver to partners. We have thus seen things turn around for us. We believe in the partnership we have with DVCOM.
We undertake a lot of initiatives with them such as technical support and training, allowing our SI partners stay connected with the latest technology from DrayTek; after sales service, technical support product offering, as well as attend trade shows either by DVCOM or co-sponsored events. With business growing, we expect to see different channels coming up. This will lead to more focus on the product, strategy and product portfolio and especially in channel management.
How important is the Middle East market to DrayTek?
The Middle East market is contributing more and more to our bottom line. Our focus has been with the SI segment that in turn provides our solutions to SMBs. In the last two years especially, our business development in the Middle East has only gotten better. We expect to double what we had last year and rise even higher in coming years.
What are some of the key DrayTek products and features attracting the regional consumer?
Our most popular product in the Middle East market is the 2830 router model mainly focused on system integrators who have come to realize the value that comes with our products and technology. Before, many of them were only concerned with just getting the lowest-priced product out there. But they are now aware of the value and DrayTek’s reputation and that is why more and more customers are choosing the brand. In comparison with our competitors, we are adding premium features to our networking products without complicated license fees. An example is the free traffic analyser utility that comes with our routers. This is for customers who want to monitor their internet traffic without any extra charges or license fees. We also offer VPN, load balancing, content filtering, all for free. All this can be accessed and managed through an easy-to-use interface. We are an engineering-oriented company. We own the fundamental capabilities for engaging in product development with up to 40% of our staff members being engineers
Discuss how you are able to stay competitive in a fast-evolving Middle East market
For one, we try to localize our products and solutions because market conditions are different. For instance, provision of internet infrastructure varies widely across various countries in the region so we have to adopt different product strategy for different areas. With a more developed internet infrastructure in the UAE for example, there’s more demand for broadband routers. We also keep pace with all the technology advancements in the networking industry including the latest AC protocols. We then add more features to our devices such as management features for wireless and access points. Word of mouth has been also very crucial in the growth of our business in the region. People who have used DrayTek have found features that they find very useful and passed the information around.
The Taiwan Excellence label is very prominent in your marketing campaigns. Discuss the certification and what it entails for DrayTek
The Taiwan Excellence programme is run by the Government of Taiwan to encourage innovation among Taiwanese based firms. As part of the submission to get the award, we have had to prove our quality and the reliability of our products. 2013 is the 4th year we submitted for the Taiwan Excellence accreditation and most of our products have been awarded with the honour. During GITEX, Taiwan Excellence will have its own pavilion where they will showcase more brands that carry the tag, among them DrayTek products.
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BREAK YOUR FAST WITH MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS AT CUISINES, HOLIDAY INN DUBAI AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT
Celebrate the Holy Month with Mediterranean-inspired Iftar and Suhoor at Cuisines, Holiday Inn Dubai Al Maktoum Airport, from 16th February to 18th March
This Ramadan, Cuisines Restaurant at Holiday Inn Dubai Al Maktoum Airport invites guests to gather, unwind, and savour the spirit of the Holy Month with thoughtfully curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences inspired by Mediterranean flavours.
Iftar Experience
As the sun sets, guests are welcomed to break their fast with a generous Mediterranean spread, featuring authentic flavours, comforting classics, and seasonal favourites. Designed for relaxed evenings and meaningful moments, the Iftar offering is set in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for family gatherings, friends, or quiet reflection.
- Dates: 16 February – 18 March
- Timings: Sunset – 8:30 PM
Layali Mediterranean Suhoor
For late-night diners, Cuisines presents Layali Mediterranean Suhoor, a light yet nourishing Suhoor experience designed to keep you fueled through the fasting hours. Expect a selection of Mediterranean bites in a calm, laid-back setting, perfect for winding down before the day begins.
- Dates: 16 February – 18 March
- Timings: 12:00 AM – 3:30 AM
Whether joining for Iftar or Suhoor, Cuisines offers a simple, flavour-forward Ramadan experience centred on good food and togetherness.
Location: Cuisines Restaurant, Holiday Inn Dubai Al Maktoum Airport
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CELEBRATE THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT IFTAR AT PINCODE BY CHEF KUNAL
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – This Ramadan, Pincode, the modern Indian dining destination by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, invites you to slow down, gather close, and break your fast with a thoughtfully curated Iftar inspired by the timeless culinary traditions of India.
From the first moon sighting until 18th March, the all-you-can-eat buffet will be available throughout the holy month at Dubai Hills Mall and The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The experience blends comfort, culture, and generosity, served the way Ramadan meals are meant to be enjoyed. Priced at AED 179.
Freshly featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, Pincode brings its signature warmth and depth of flavour to the season. Inspired by the bustling Iftar bazaars of Old Delhi and Hyderabad, the menu is curated by Chef Kunal Kapur, current judge of MasterChef India, and it features slow-cooked favourites, aromatic biryanis, flavourful grills, and classic Indian desserts, offering a balanced, nourishing, and deeply satisfying experience after a day of fasting.
What sets this Iftar apart is its thoughtful rhythm: while the buffet offers a generous spread, select dishes are served hot at the table, freshly prepared, creating moments of pause and care during the meal. The menu also changes daily, encouraging repeat visits and reflecting the evolving spirit of Ramadan evenings.
Pincode provides a welcoming space to honour the holy month, where guests can share in the warmth, flavours, and traditions that make Ramadan truly special.
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AARK DEVELOPERS APPOINT ONE BROKER GROUP AS EXCLUSIVE SALES PARTNER FOR KARL LAGERFELD BEACH RESIDENCES IN AL MARJAN ISLAND
One Broker Group (OBG), the UAE’s leading master brokerage and exclusive sales partner, has officially been appointed as the Exclusive Sales Partner in the UAE for AARK Developers’ latest landmark residential project on Al Marjan Island, branded by the globally renowned KARL LAGERFELD fashion house.
The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone for all three parties and reinforces Al Marjan Island’s growing position as a global destination for branded, lifestyle driven real estate investments.
Expressions of Interest are now open, with strong anticipated demand from regional and international buyers seeking design-led residences, lifestyle differentiation, and long-term value in one of the UAE’s fastest growing waterfront destinations.
While Al Marjan Island has previously welcomed branded residential developments, this project distinguishes itself as the first fully managed fashion-house-branded residence on the island, the project sets a new benchmark for professionally managed, design-led living, combining architectural integrity, operational excellence, and long-term investment value.
Strategically positioned with views toward the upcoming Wynn Resort, the development valued at over USD 1.4 billion, offers direct beach access, close proximity to the resort, and more than 50 lifestyle amenities. Anchored by the globally recognized KARL LAGERFELD brand and a curated residential experience, the project benefits from Al Marjan Island’s rapid growth, supporting strong long-term investment potential. Comprising over 600 sea-facing residences, the development represents a landmark waterfront investment of significant scale.
“This project represents an important evolution of KARL LAGERFELD’s residential portfolio in the region,” said Pier Paolo Righi, CEO, KARL LAGERFELD. “It reflects our commitment to translating Karl’s visionary design language into a breathtaking large-scale residential experience.”
Speaking on the partnership, Rahul Kumar Gupta, Chairman of AARK Developers commented: “This project represents a defining moment for Al Marjan Island. Partnering with the KARL LAGERFELD brand allows us to introduce a fully managed, fashion-house-branded residential concept that elevates both the lifestyle offering and investment proposition. Appointing One Broker Group as our exclusive sales partner ensures the project is positioned and executed with the level of market expertise and international reach this development deserves.”
Umar Bin Farooq, Founder & CEO, One Broker Group also expressed strong confidence in the project’s potential: “We are extremely proud to be appointed as the exclusive sales partner for this landmark development. The KARL LAGERFELD brings global credibility and lifestyle appeal, and together with Al Marjan Island’s evolution and proximity to Wynn Resort, this represents a highly compelling investment opportunity for both end-users and investors.
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