News
AMBITION UNBOUND

By Editor
In its fourth year of operations, SNB is now picking up further pace in terms of its expansions which include operations in Nairobi as well as additions to the range of solutions it offers
SNB Distribution is one of the fast growing value-distribution companies in the industry based out of Dubai and over the last year has started focusing on the African market as well. The company is now in its fourth year of operations and has made impressive strides in growing its channel Business by broadening the suite of products and solutions it offers to partners. In East Africa, it is focusing on markets including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
The value-added IT distributor specializes in storage and backup, networking, CCTV surveillance and IT security solutions and currently partners with several leading brands and is looking to add more to the portfolio it offers. Some of the Brands it partners with in the Middle East include Nexsan (by Imation), Tandberg Data, Infortrend, Enterasys, Proxim Wireless, Allied Telesis, Mobotix, AxxonSoft, Retrospect and Seclore.
Rohit Pitre, Regional Sales Director, East Africa for SNB says, “We focus on niche business areas in IT like Data storage & backup, CCTV Surveillance, Networking & IT Security with value added and price competitive services & solutions. We provide value addition in terms of pre and post-sales support, partner enablement, regional marketing support and end-to- end solutions on all four technology segments.”
The latest count of its partner network in East Africa includes over 20 that focus on surveillance and around 10 specialized partners for enterprise storage solutions. The company intends to be positioned as the one-stop-shop for CCTV security and surveillance solutions for organizations across the region.
Rohit adds, “Our strategy is to offer a complete suite of lifecycle solutions for the surveillance market in terms of VMS, cameras, storage to make it an intelligent surveillance solution. For enterprise storage we are pushing ahead with innovative solutions from Nexsan and EVault to offer innovative solutions tailored to the east Africa market.”
Nexsan, an Imation company offers a product portfolio that includes solid-state optimized unified hybrid storage systems, secure automated archive solutions and high-density enterprise storage array. Its products are purpose built for enterprise-class applications, purpose-built with the needs of the mid-sized customer in mind. EVault, a Seagate company offers a full-service backup and recovery delivered by a network of experts, leveraging the very best cloud-connected technology and infrastructure.
The distributor is seeing a rising demand in surveillance solutions and has recruited several partners who also see a definite value in working with the distributor because of the end to end portfolio it offers in that segment.
“There is a growing demand from ICT resellers for including security surveillance products as part of their portfolio because of the growing demand for such solutions. We are witnessing this growth especially in different markets and we are able to offer different benefits to our partners including complementing products for turnkey solutions along with pricing benefits and good technical support,” says Rohit.
The VAD is scouting to build new vendor associations and looking to sign up for products that will make it a more comprehensive end to end VAD. The VAD concedes there are some areas and will looking to add new products.
Rohit says, “At the end of the day, we are looking to provide an end to end portfolio for our partners so that it reduces their hassle. Providing reliable after sales support is of paramount support for us.”
Being a security surveillance focused distributor, the company keeps enough stocks to support reseller requirements in quick time. Technical support is a key criterion as well in this line of Business. SNB’s Africa operations are supported by the operations in Dubai airport free zone which includes two offices including a specialized technical support services team. The company also has two warehouses to help manage requirements of partners in all markets including East Africa.
Rohit says, “We have local resources and extensive partner enablement in all the regions we represent. Dubai offers the best logistics base and we would continue to use it. Since our products are specialized solutions we don’t feel the need to have a warehouse in East Africa.”
While it is never too easy to make your mark as a new company, especially in the very competitive distribution space, SNB has proved it is indeed making inroads. The company claims to have registered strong growth in its Business year on year and looks optimistic to go from strength to strength.
One of the implements it will look to use in future for strengthening its Business is a loyalty program for its partners across territories. According to the distributor, its road shows and seminars in different markets including Nairobi have been well attended which reveals a strong rapport with the channel which has made the case of the loyalty program stronger. The company is focusing on training its partners with specialized skills so that they are better placed to meet requirements from customers across verticals.
Rohit says, “We have had tremendous response in our events and training workshops. Over one year we have trained 13 channel system integrators. We are seeing a good response from all verticals in Kenya.”
The company also conducted a roadshow with over 100 people attendance in July followed up by a week’s training and certification schedule in September. The company claims to have grown over 100 % growth year on year since its start and has found great support from its partners. SNB hopes to maintain the pace of growth and will look to make further inroads the East Africa markets to help achieve the growth.
News
Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

Deep Dive Dubai has unveiled its newest attraction for experience seekers with the launch of Sunken City Walk. The guided underwater activity invites guests to step into a cinematic cityscape filled with surreal details. From an underwater swing and motorbike to a café table that looks straight out of a movie scene, this is Dubai’s latest must-try attraction.

The hour-long journey begins with a full briefing and safety overview, followed by guests changing into wetsuits and equipment provided on-site. They then join trained instructors for a 20-minute guided underwater walk through the Sunken City—an accessible, certification-free experience that requires no swimming skills, making it ideal for guests aged 10 and above. Currently offered at an introductory price of AED 600, with an optional 30-second keepsake video for AED 200, the experience is currently available in four daily slots at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2pm, and 3pm.
Jarrod Jablonski, Director, Deep Dive Dubai, said that “With Sunken City Walk, we’re continuing to shape Dubai’s reputation as a city of unforgettable experiences. It’s a unique attraction that reflects Dubai’s spirit, where visitors can discover adventure in ways they never thought possible.”
The launch reflects a global trend that travellers are choosing experiences over possessions. Supporting this, Shamal’s Experience Economy Report stated that 75% of UAE residents are more willing to spend on experiences, with 80% allocating a dedicated monthly budget. The launch also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism appeal. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a six percent increase year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and tourism hubs. Sunken City Walk at Deep Dive Dubai adds a new way for visitors to experience the city’s spirit of reinvention, where adventure is always just a step away.
While Sunken City Walk offers a first taste of underwater adventure, guests can plunge into the incredible world of diving at Deep Dive Dubai, choosing from experiences such as scuba diving, freediving, and specialised diving courses.
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.”
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