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ON THE FAST LANE
By Editor

Mitsumi takes on a new challenge in establishing a new VAD division. Jagat Shah, Chairman & CEO, explains
Please discuss the timing of launching the VAD division this year
Mitsumi, as you know, is today among the fastest growing technology companies in Africa and our Distribution landscape covers 17 Countries directly with operations across Africa that makes us a true “Pan-Africa Distributor”. While our model for the past seven years has been to focus mainly on the volume business we are also aware of the growing need for a true IT-infra distributor for Africa. Given our coverage and proven logistic expertise it was quite logical for us to step into the enterprise space and with key alignments with our esteemed vendors we launched the Value division at the beginning of current year.
Which countries are you offering these solutions in?
Our current focus is on East & West Africa with aspirations to grow the Value division in North & Central Africa in FY14
You’ve been able to sign some very prominent names in IT solutions like HP, Dell SonicWALL among others. What does this say about the Mitsumi name and brand?
We have been quite successful in forming great relationships with most of the key vendors. In addition to the above, we have also signed on IBM, Riverbed and Polycom lately. This demonstrates our ability to “invest” in technology-rich areas and the faith reposted in us by some of the global leaders speaks for itself. Mitsumi Value division is on the cusp of creating a great story for itself in Africa.
As a new division, please discuss your channel partnership related to this division
At Mitsumi, we take pride in our reach and understanding of the African landscape; our ability to invoice and deliver locally has enchanted us to the African IT channel community. To add to the current channel we have made a natural shift adding VAR’s to our partner community. We invest in our local partnerships some of which go back more than a decade. We provide our vendors with dedicated resources in-country and also have dedicated Pre-Sales engineers who work closely with the VAR’s in delivering trainings, PoCs and even certification on-boarding programs. This we believe is Mitsumi’s key differentiator today.
How much of an investment have you put into the new division and how much do you see the VAD vertical adding to Mitsumi’s bottom line in the medium to long term?
Our biggest investment is in our people, the environment we provide them to excel and incentives for their personal growth. It’s natural that the vendors we sign for each technology vertical also require expertise on their proven Architectures. We also help our partners deliver the “last-mile” support in certain cases, obviously when we build services as value contributor, the overall impact on our GTM is significant as on our bottom-line.
Which segments are you targeting with the value solutions?
We are currently focused on Mobility, Security, Unified Communication & Collaboration and Virtualization.
How big and sophisticated is your primary African market for VAD solutions?
The African continent represents its own complexities since we are not dealing with one but 52 countries with vast differences in language and culture besides each country being regulated by different import & duty laws. Our biggest strength has been our understanding of this very challenge, The African market today has a growing financial sector, enterprise and public sector in addition to an ever-robust SP space. Africa today can boast of VARs which have identified themselves as experts on such verticals and therefore our GTM differs for each Industry vertical.
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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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