News
2017 COC Awards ceremony felicitates winners
The 11th VAR COC Awards Gala was held on 26th April at the Shangri-la hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The event felicitated winners in different categories of the industry’s most prestigious channel awards.
The sponsors of the event were Dell, Toshiba, Seagate, WD, AOC, Zoook, Kaspersky Lab, PNY, Touchmate, Dlink and Linksys.
The VAR COC Awards included nominations from the industry that were followed by online voting on www.varonline.com. The channel voted for their preferred choices and a select Jury vote helped validate the results. The survey ran from March until the second week of April and winners were declared on the basis of the survey results.
The Awards ceremony included a short address by Mr. Vivek Sharma, the CEO and founder of JNS Media International and publisher of VAR Magazine. During his address, he recalled the growth of the awards and the pioneering impact they have had in the region as the first ever awards for the ICT channel by a Media company.
Among the categories, the ‘Innovative Projector Brand of the Year’ was won by Epson, a brand that continues to be one with a wide array of projectors for all user segments and is constant with innovations
HP came on top as the Innovative Printer Brand of the Year, duly recognized for the new innovations continued reach into the channel and the market along with an extensive portfolio of printers and MFPs. AOC, a manufacturer that has one of the largest portfolios of monitors addressing all the segments was the Innovative Display Brand of the Year.
The ‘Innovative Storage Devices Brand of the Year’, a closely fought category went to Seagate, a recognition of its considerable storage devices/media portfolio, continued innovations and channel reach. The ‘Innovative Networking Brand of the Year’ was won by Linksys, a brand that is at the forefront of innovations that reimagine the way we think of networking devices for home and SMB segments.
The winner in the ‘Innovative Laptop Brand of the Year’ category was Dell, a manufacturer that has unveiled innovations across the spectrum in the category and continued to be a powerhouse in the segment. Sony, a brand that offers outstanding design and functionalities in several of its models was the winner of the ‘Innovative Smartphone Brand of the year’.
Belkin, a brand that offers an extensive portfolio of accessories and is known for its exquisite designs was the winner of the ‘Innovative Accessories Brand of the Year’.
EPOS, a regional manufacturer of PoS Systems, Touch Screens, Receipt Printers, Barcode Scanners, Banking Equipments, etc emerged on top of contenders for the category Innovative POS Solutions Brand of the Year.
Asus, a brand that has had a successful sub-brand focused on gaming for over 10 years won the Gaming Laptop Brand of the Year’ category.
Samsung, a brand that is playing a pioneering role in taking AR & VR technologies solutions to market was the winner of ‘AR & VR Innovation Brand of the Year’.
The winner of the ‘Home & SOHO Networking Brand of the Year’ was TP-Link, a that has been building and consolidating its presence in the local market for the past few years and now has a sizeable reach in channel. D-Link, with an extensive portfolio for the SMB segment and a strong channel, the winner of the ‘SMB Networking Brand of the Year’ category.
The ‘Consumer NAS Brand of the Year’ category saw WD, one of the powerhouses of the storage market and has an extensive NAS range for consumers emerge the winner. On the other hand, the winner of the category ‘Business NAS Brand of the Year’ was QNAP, a company that has a vast range of NAS solutions upto enterprise scale.
Kaspersky Lab, a Brand that has built up considerable market presence globally and in the region and has consolidated over the past several years, won the category ‘PC Security Software Brand of the Year’
The global consumer endpoint security market to grow at a CAGR of 11.81% during the period 2016-2020. One of the major trends observed in the market is the increasing demand for integrated endpoint security suites.
ESET, a brand that has been one of the strong contenders in the segment and has a considerable local presence in retail was the ‘Mobile Security Software Brand of the Year.’
E-City, a company that has done a rebranding initiative, is focusing on innovation in terms of layouts and has also added digital pricing won the ‘Innovative ICT Retailer of the Year’
In the first of the awards presented to distributors at the event, Asbis was awarded ‘Mobility Distributor of the Year’ for its Mobility and retail focus. Trigon, a distributor that has a strong networking portfolio was the ‘Networking Distributor of the Year’ winner while FDC International came ahead of other contenders and won the ‘Components Distributor of the Year’ category.
With largest number of votes in its favour, AB Vision Electronics was winner of the ‘AV Distributor of the Year’
The winner in the ‘Retail Distributor of the Year’ category was National Store, one of the leading distributors of the region that has been associated with some strong brands and has been instrumental in contributing to their market success. Touchmate, a brand that offers a vast range of ICT products from tablets and laptops to peripherals and accessories, was yet again the winner of the category ‘Regional Brand of the Year’.
New Trend Computers LLC, a company that is reputed for its focus on selling networking products and is associated with leading networking brands emerged the winner in the category ‘Networking Reseller of the Year.’
COMPUTRONIC TRADING LLC was the winner of the ‘Mobility Reseller of the Year’ while the ‘Champion Reseller of the Year’ winner was Al Ershad Group. Linksys, a brand that continues to expands vision for the industry and has strengthened its presence in the region’s reseller channel and retail market won the ‘Brand of the Year’ category’.
Among Editor’s choice categories of the year, the ‘Innovative Product of the Year’ went to Toshiba for its innovations including the ‘CANVIO for Smartphone’. The winner of the Emerging Accessories Brand of the Year was Zoook, a brand that has an inspiring range of mobile accessories positioned towards various user segments. The last award of the day was won by PNY in the category ‘Fast Growing Brand of the Year’.
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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