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Dr. Cherif Sleiman, Vice President, Middle East & Africa shares an overview on the technological innovations that are happening around the ICT domain. He also spoke about how Infoblox is adding value in today’s market requirements.

According to you, what are the major driving trends of today’s ICT market?

Trends such as cloud, Big Data, virtualization, security and mobility are showing great impact on the Middle East market and they are creating significant pressure as well as opportunities for some of the largest enterprises in the energy, government, telecom and finance sectors.  We are in the midst of a wave of IT transformation and modernization and Infoblox is playing a critical role in helping enterprises manage and secure their IT infrastructure. The above mentioned trends are leading to some great transformational technology innovations.

How is information security landscape evolving in the enterprise ICT market?

Regional organizations in the Middle East and Africa region are focusing on security as their top priority area within their IT spends. Given the fact that not only is the threat landscape constantly changing, but also the political turmoil in certain countries is adding another dimension of cyber warfare. DNS Security is an area that we believe regional organizations will start paying greater attention to as they begin to understand the damaging consequences of inadequate DNS security measures including lost revenue due to downtime, diminished customer satisfaction and lost productivity.

We are working on educating the overall market including customers and partners about Infoblox’s credentials of being the only vendor worldwide to provide holistic end-to-end DNS security and defense against the widest range of DNS-based attacks such as volumetric, exploits, and DNS hijacking attacks.

How do you witness the growing complexity of ICT environment impacting your business?

Networks are growing, applications are getting advanced but, ICT budgets are not growing as per the growing complexity of ICT environments. We at Infoblox, consider this as a great opportunity as we focus on bringing the element of affordability in the advanced technologies.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) has also become a major trend in today’s data center environment. According to you, what are the advantages of SDN?

Agility and efficiency are the two major advantages of SDN.  Unlike traditional networks that required the setting up of physical racks, with SDN, you basically have drawers of services – storage, compute, security, memory etc. Organizations can access these drawers and pull information elements as and when they need in order to respond to a specific market shift, business unit need or a market trend, something that would be impossible with the current archaic IT infrastructure.

Similarly, efficiency also comes as bundled with SDN. Approximately 80% of IT budgets are spent on keeping the lights on. By switching to SDN, organizations can optimize capabilities of commoditized hardware which translates to lower CapEx. Also, many of the mundane and manual network administration tasks can be automated which should translate in to lower OpEx. These CapEx and OpEx savings can be ploughed back in to the business, be it for technology upgrades or R&D or to focus on other innovations.

What is your advice to enterprises moving to SDN?

When it comes to trends, I like to draw the analogy between technology and fashion – what is in vogue one day is out the next (and sometimes back in again!). The point I am trying to make is that in the technology world, we shouldn’t just adopt trends because they are cool. There always has to be a business case – the trend needs to cause sufficient disruption in the productivity or in the way we do business and the current economics before we decide to adopt the new technology.

So to that end, before an organization decides to make the transition to SDN, it should take into account three critical considerations:

Firstly, the organization should define exactly what SDN means for its enterprise – what is the disruption that it will cause, how does it map to what is already available on the market today and finally and probably most importantly what will be the benefits of making the switch to SDN.

Secondly, with the adoption of SDN, there is a blurring of lines between applications and services and the networks that they ride on. This will require new organizational models in terms of accountability, responsibility and governance. The organization needs to determine if it is culturally agile enough to be able to realign internal teams to meet these requirements.

Finally, SDN is a multi-vendor, multi technology platform and the organization needs to ensure that the SDN vendor it chooses can support a rich ecosystem of integration and interoperability.

In order to expand and grow in the Middle East region, what is your go-to-market strategy?

Channel is the key area for us. Since there is a great action in the technology landscape and we are witnessing many newer trends it is high time for partners to respond to these market changes. Partners must have to work on enhancing their capacities and upgrade their skillset to deliver the best at the customer level. We are working closely with our partner network in order to help them grow in the right direction.

In last 18 months we have registered 10X growth and the credit to such great success goes to our channel partners. Our priority is to further strengthen this area.

Which are the flagship technology innovations that Infoblox has designed for market trends such as Cloud, Big Data and Mobility?

Our Cloud Network Automation technology was introduced early 2015, which bought a scalable network control to the next generation of private cloud deployments. Infoblox Cloud Network Automation delivers control that scales from pilot to production to multi-platform, so that private cloud deployments—regardless of size and scope—aren’t hobbled by manual processes for managing core network services.

Similarly, Infoblox’s Global Server Load Balancing can significantly enhance network response times and availability by distributing traffic among different servers based on server load, server health, and geographical proximity to the user. Infoblox DNS Traffic Control is the first solution to add global server load balancing to enterprise-grade DNS appliances—enabling customers to use a single appliance to provide critical DNS network services while leveraging DNS to optimize network performance by intelligently directing traffic to appropriate servers.

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Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

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Deep Dive Dubai

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.

Deep Dive Dubai

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.

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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

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Ourwatr

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.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

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Ardee Al Marjan

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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