News
Kodak Alaris wins Buyers Lab’s Scanner Line of the Year Award
Kodak Alaris’ Information Management division has received four prestigious awards from Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI), the leading provider of independent test-based analytical information and competitive intelligence for the global digital imaging industry. The company earned the 2017 Scanner Line of the Year award for the superior performance of its broad portfolio of products, for the second consecutive year. This premier award recognizes the manufacturer whose line of devices is complete enough to meet varied customer needs and whose current portfolio has fared best overall in BLI’s rigorous lab-based evaluations.
According to BLI, the breadth of Kodak Alaris’ scanner portfolio is indisputable and the models tested turned in impressive results when evaluated for specific attributes, such as reliability, image quality, optical character recognition (OCR) accuracy and productivity. “Kodak Alaris scanners typically earn a rating of ‘Excellent’ on our rigorous reliability tests, which means they exhibit few if any misfeeds when we run the machine to its maximum rated daily volume,” US Lab Manager Joe Ellerman noted.
The EasySetup feature from Kodak Alaris received an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation award, which acknowledges products or capabilities that stand out for attributes such as innovation, usefulness, energy efficiency or value, and both the Kodak i5650 Scanner and Kodak Info Input Solution 4.0, won Winter 2017 Pick awards.
“Kodak Alaris holds the most Pick awards out of any scanner manufacturer tested by BLI and winning the Scanner Line of the Year two years in a row is a significant achievement,” said Siddhartha Bhattacharya, vice president of global marketing for Kodak Alaris’ Information Management division. “These awards validate our commitment to providing an unmatched portfolio of information management solutions that enable customers to achieve digital transformation. The combination of our science, technology and partnerships acts as a force multiplier and provides the ecosystem required for companies large and small to use data to drive business efficiency, profitability, and growth.”
BLI analysts selected the i5650 Scanner as the Outstanding High-Volume Production Scanner in the Winter 2017 Pick awards. BLI cited its flawless reliability and excellent performance during extensive lab testing.
Ellerman said, “The i5650 Scanner from Kodak Alaris delivered an impressive showing during BLI’s battery of tests. On top of its flawless performance during BLI’s 125,000 impression reliability test, it also proved to be among the fastest scanning devices BLI has tested to date.”
Kodak Alaris’ web-based and mobile capture application Info Input Solution 4.0, was named Outstanding Document Capture Solution in the Winter 2017 Pick awards. The browser-based “thin-client” applet allows users to capture documents at the point of origin (without requiring a full capture/processing application on each desktop), eliminating the need and cost to courier documents to a central scanning location. According to Jamie Bsales, Director, Office Workflow Solutions Analysis at BLI, “Info Input Solution is an impressive document capture solution that should have organizations rethink how and where they capture documents.”
The final accolade was for the EasySetup feature from Kodak Alaris, which received a Winter 2017 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation award. Configuring scanners can be a time-consuming task for IT professionals, especially when there are multiple devices that need to be set up. End users sometimes change device settings, which can impede productivity for subsequent users.
The EasySetup feature, which debuted on the i1190WN and i1150WN models, alleviates these hassles with a first-of-its-kind automated configuration process. The technician tasked with deploying the scanners simply enters the desired settings information on Kodak Alaris’ online EasySetup portal, prints the resulting configuration page, and scans it on the target device to automatically enter the settings. BLI said the EasySetup feature, is unique among scanners it has evaluated thus far. “We were impressed with the versatile configuration options offered by the EasySetup feature to fit into any network infrastructure, be it wireless, wired, or a combination of both,” Ellerman noted. Commenting on the win, Bsales added, “It greatly reduces the time it takes to configure new scanners and can be used to quickly and easily ensure that all compatible scanners in a fleet are configured with the desired settings.”
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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