Category: Industry Spotlight

Kukri Sports Middle East aims to empower peak performance through the provision of
industry leading sportswear. As part of our showcase of some of this year’s GCC Enterprise
Awards winners we profile the firm to learn more about the innovative products it has to offer.

Offering bespoke modern sportswear for schools, clubs and companies across the Middle East region, Kukri Sports is focused on quality in order to drive its clients towards the sporting prowess they deserve. From conception to delivery, the team take great pride in their attention to detail, passion, quality and constantly being innovative to assist our clients in their goals in the sporting arena.

For both on and off field wear, clients need look no further than Kukri Sports. With solutions for a variety of sports including rugby, football, hockey and cricket that include everything from hoodies and jackets through to safety wear and accessories, there is something for everyone from this dedicated sportswear supplier.

Offering only its own branded products, Kukri Sports provides the highest possible quality solutions so that clients know they will only receive the best when they buy from this innovative firm. All of its products can be customised with team names, logos and other amendments so that clients can receive exactly the product they want.

Throughout the process the Kukri Sports team aim to make it fun and enjoyable for clients so that they keep coming back to buy their quality sportswear from this dynamic and growing brand.
Ultimately, Kukri Sports aims to become the go-to market player for all sportswear, and as such over the coming years the firm will grow at a steady pace to work towards achieving this ambitious goal.

Website: www.kukrisports.ae

Established in 2017 with a new concept of a holistic center, Ayur Mandala Ayurveda Center offers their clients authentic Ayurveda treatments, with the ultimate goal of achieving wholeness through different practices that incorporate both physical and mental health to achieve an overall balance of well-being. Maha begins by detailing the treatments the team at Ayur Mandala provides their clients, touching on the personalized service the team delivers.

‘Here at Ayur Mandala, our specially trained therapists customize treatments by using techniques designed to balance your unique mind-body type. We preserve the authentic Ayurveda system that uses herbal infused oils, aromas, and massage techniques to revitalize and restore the body at the deepest cellular level.’

‘Delivering these services, are our expert doctors, staff physicians and professional therapists who all work with a caring, individualized approach to help you set on a course to health and wellness. Our center and facilities are tailor-made to take you into a space of relaxation and healing. Ultimately, we aim to aid you in your journey towards achieving your best self in the most natural way.’

Ayur Mandala caters to all types of clients that want to change their lifestyle or those who require a more natural form of healing. The backbone of Ayur Mandala is formed on overall customer satisfaction which is enabled by the firm delivering experienced services, as well as taking the time to fully understand their targeted client’s needs.

When discussing the internal culture, Maha is keen to highlight the significant role the team plays in the overall success of the firm.

‘Ayur Mandala’s staff plays a vital role in the success of our firm. Since we are a part of a service based industry, the overall customer satisfaction is dependent on the staff and the services they provide within Ayur Mandala. Their attention to detail and understanding of a client’s needs is imperative to the overall success of the business.’

Looking ahead to what the future holds, Maha signs off by revealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for the establishment, especially following their success in MEA’s UAE Business Awards 2019 where they were selected as the Best Holistic Ayurveda Spa 2019 ‘ Dubai.

‘Moving forward, Ayur Mandala will be expanding our services further by developing and launching a Physiotherapy department. With the existing services of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation, an addition of Physiotherapy will allow a more effective and overall continuous healing for our clients.’

Contact Details:
Contact: Maha Saleh
Company: Ayur Mandala Ayurveda Center
Address: Ayur Mandala Ayurveda Center, Villa #995, Al Manara Area, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Web Address: www.ayurmandala.ae

Since their inception in 2016, Opaal Interiors has grown rapidly into one of the leading interior design practices not only within Dubai and the UAE, but also internationally. With ample experience shaping interiors globally, they have fashioned hospitality sectors, model homes, sales centres, and a string of luxury interiors for homeowners and up-and-coming retailers.

Stopping at nothing to create luxurious yet simple and elegant design, throughout the years the team has curated a distinguished portfolio which features highend multi and single residential, five-star hotels, retail spaces, offices, hospitality and corporate projects.

Noor, an entrepreneur by spirit and an award-winning interior designer by trade, shares further detail about what sets Opaal Interiors apart and touches on the point of difference clients receive from inception to conception. She also tells us how the team ensure clients’ requirements surpass their expectations.

‘My theory has always been, that to build something lasting in our industry, you need to curate a space, not just decorate it. I endeavour to create environments with soul and character, regardless of who I’m designing for – whether it’s a corporate or individual project, large or small, luxury or informal. Before we get to the design process, my team spends a lot of time studying not only the space, but its surroundings, to inspire our clients with a finished project that goes beyond their expectations.

‘The importance of relevant and inspiring interior design cannot be overstated. The population is growing with businesses and individuals looking to differentiate themselves -design and interiors are fundamental to lasting first impressions. Our experts, saddled with the latest knowledge in successful contemporary design and furnishings, are here to guide clients towards achieving the design of their dreams. We fuse our understanding of materials, textures, finishes and colours to elevate spaces into accommodating and contemporary places using the best practices in the industry. At Opaal Interiors, our careful project management, top-quality interior design solutions and vibrant, customer-centric team consistently delivers world-class renovations and creations that enrich lives.’

Speaking of success and delivering innovative creations, Opaal Interiors were recently selected in MEA Markets UAE Excellence Awards where they were righteously awarded the accolade Leading Interior Design Firm, 2019 – Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Whilst on the topic
of success, Noor is keen to reveal the reasons behind the firm’s accomplishments since inception.

‘Opaal Interiors’ focus is to inspire clients with a completed project that goes beyond their expectations. This company is built around a standpoint of creating highly tailored and personalised client strategies from concept to delivery. Whilst the philosophy has always been to deliver exclusive, unique and individual design results, we are passionate about all components of design.’

Enabling the firm to deliver these world-class renovations, is the dedicated, inventive and talented team which forms the backbone of Opaal Interiors. When iscussing the internal culture, Noor highlights the significant role the team play in the overall success of the firm.

‘Opaal Interiors values each and every staff member, from the design team, technical to the administration. What the firm has reached now is the combination of the coordinated excellent works, dedicated and artistic team. Anchoring the suppliers, finding the best rates and quality items to turn the clients vision into a reality.’

Bringing in the interview to a close, Noor signs off by reflecting on what the future has in store for Opaal Interiors, touching on how advancements in technology will affect the design industry, and the potential results which may follow.

‘At Opaal Interiors, we believe a focus on functionality will always remain a driver behind designs, besides beauty and aesthetics. Ultimately the motivation should be on the human aspect of the built environment. Already we are seeing digital trends be strong in design, with visuals and aesthetics such as VR, robots and AI becoming second nature to us and believe more technologies will be emerging, cutting the design process duration and increasing visual accuracy. Living spaces will go smaller, and communal areas will increase serving the life style of millennials and newer generations.’

Looking ahead to what the future holds, Opaal interiors aspires to continue focusing on delivering fabulous, luxurious and elegant regime spaces from manageable design solutions to various interiors projects. Creating an award winning interior design, with the latest furnishing and trends in the region and internationally.

Contact: Noor Al Muhaideb, CEO & Founding Partner
Company: Opaal Interiors
Address: Office # 7, First Floor, BIn Lahej Building, 9B Street, Zaabeel Road – Al Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 342 1333
Web Address: www.opaalinteriors.com

Drawing on Mice’l’s heritage, Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour combines the American-diner style of d’cor with handmade, artisan ice cream made fresh on-site daily, to create an innovative space for those seeking gourmet ice cream served in a friendly setting.

Through his military and government service, and working as a legal mediator, Mice’l has vast experience travelling the world and working in multi-cultural environments. Along the way he has gained an appreciation for great service and an understanding of true quality. When he and his wife decided to create a new business, they were both keen to use the skills he has gained over the years in a new, unique setting, and bring something truly unheard of in his adopted home in Ireland.

The Emerald Island (as Ireland is called), unlike others such as Italy, the United States and the UK, never developed a culture dedicated to producing and consuming real, handmade ice cream. Owing to various factors, including rationing, reduced labour and general hardship, during the Second World War, what industry there was died out. This is why Fantastic Flavours dedication to artisan quality and handmade ice cream was a revolutionary new concept for Ireland when they opened their doors in 2013. Mice’l, who, alongside his wife Oksana, felt the time was right to create a parlour dedicated to fresh ice cream, which comes in innovative flavours to suit every palate.

Today, there are ‘More than 42 Flavours’ on offer, and each scoop of ice cream is handmade on the premises. Thanks to the phenomenal success of the shop in Ireland, Mice’l and Oksana are
now expanding into another region that is not world-renowned for its gourmet ice cream production: The Middle East and Africa.

The idea for this latest venture came about as a result of the pair’s extensive travel throughout both the Middle East and Africa. Having sampled many dishes during their travels and met many fascinating people, Mice’l and Oksana decided that they would like to incorporate the diverse range of cultures and cuisines that they experienced into their ice creams. Rather than simply bringing a taste of the Middle East back to their Youghal shop, they are keen to move into the region and create a franchise like no other before it.

Whilst many ice cream franchises traditionally sell mass-produced ice cream that is simply shipped to their store to be served by the franchisee, Fantastic Flavours franchises will see each shop make its own ice cream, on-site, daily, using the same time-honoured, artisanal techniques that made the original parlour world-famous. With years of experience training others how to make ice cream in their own Ice Cream Academy, they know what works and what doesn’t.

The Fantastic Flavours franchise difference is based on creating the ‘local artisan caf’ experience with all the benefits, brand recognition, quality control, training and support  franchises provide. Fantastic Flavours franchises did not grow from nothing, but from the aim to ensure that customers everywhere have access to artisan food the quality of which is un-matched. This will remain central to the franchise, and the Founders are committed to working closely with their franchisees over the coming years to ensure that each location achieves the quality and success for which the Fantastic Flavours brand is renowned.

A key selling point of the brand is its delicious ice cream is produced using time-honoured recipes which incorporate local ingredients wherever possible. Therefore, Fantastic Flavours franchises will support the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing local ingredients from suppliers within their region wherever possible. At the same time, franchises will also ensure that the products it sells are priced appropriately for the region, making luxury ice cream accessible to everyone. By not having to purchase bulk inventory from central warehouses and producing the ice cream on-site using local ingredients, franchisees will escape tying-up their money with expensive inventory and properties with large freezer storage-rooms and can instead focus on the customer experience which drives cashflow.

These values are the same as those by which Mice’l and Oksana created their original shop over six years ago. Franchises will also work towards the same Fantastic Flavours mission: to create and serve handmade, artisan ice cream with excellent customer service in a unique and pleasing setting. By sticking to the basics and focusing on food and service, Mice’l and Oksana are sure that success will follow for their franchises, and they are excited to support them in this exhilarating journey.

Ultimately, Mice’l and Oksana believe that Fantastic Flavours is not so much about evolution
but revolution in making artisan quality ice cream available, farand-wide. Continuing to focus on the quality ice cream, the pair are also eager to grow their offering, and are currently seeking to expand their food offerings beyond the pizza, crepes, desserts and gourmet coffees they now offer.

Market research indicate this creative approach to growth will help ensure that visitors to Fantastic Flavours franchises, in the MEA region and beyond, will enjoy the same success as the original shop in Ireland. At the same time, franchisees can enjoy a business that is built on the tripod of exquisite ice cream, food and drinks. All of these values will remain the Fantastic Flavour’s raison d”tre as the brand enters the MEA market and an exciting new chapter for the business.

Contact Information

Company: Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour
Telephone: +353 (0) 86 107 0017
Website: fantasticflavours.ie

Gama Aviation is a global business aviation services organisation, operating over 230 aircraft, with bases across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. We caught up with Oliver Hewson who provided us with a detailed insight into the inner workings of the award-winning company.

Established in 1983, Gama Aviation is a global business aviation services organisation, operating over 230 aircraft, with bases across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. The firm’s headquarters are located at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom, where Gama Aviation Plc is a publicly listed company.

Gama Aviation offers VIP aircraft management and charter, FBO handling and maintenance services, special mission support, consultancy, and aviation software solutions. Their clients include, Governments, Corporations, Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, Heads of State, and Special Mission Organisations. In the majority of cases – aside from public tenders ‘ the firm are approached by their clients via referrals and recommendations. Going into further detail about the firm, Oliver begins by informing us of the strategies Gama Aviation employs to achieve success within such a dynamic industry.

‘Here at Gama Aviation, we make business aviation simple for our aircraft owners and clients by leveraging our organisation’s Scale, Breadth and Depth. Recently, we helped an Asia-based Gulfstream owner who had been struggling with a management transfer for an ‘N’ registered aircraft. Using our expertise and process, the client’s challenges were resolved within a two-week period, something it had taken the incumbent three months to debate without conclusion.’
When discussing the role staff play in the success of the firm, Oliver is keen to highlight how each member of the team at Gama Aviation ensure that they deliver their high-quality services to clients.

‘Safety is the most critical component of our business, so our clients benefit from access to the industry’s most experienced Postholders in our various Air and Ground businesses, including departments such as Safety & Quality, Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Senior Management, Engineering and FBO Operations. Our aircraft operation is accredited by IS-BAO and our Sharjah FBO holds IS-BAH accreditation, so our staff work to the highest industry standards and safety procedures. Despite being a global organisation, we ensure our clients have responsive access to our local experts.’

Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Oliver signs off by revealing the exciting plans
which lie in the pipeline for Gama Aviation, especially following their recent success in MEA Market’s Business Excellence as the Leading Aircraft Management and Charter Service Provider 2018 ‘ Middle East.

‘In the Middle East in 2019, we will be focused on completing the build of our new $40 Million investment at Sharjah International Airport which is a state-ofthe-art Business Aviation Centre, including 25,000sqm of apron parking, 11,000sqm of hangar space, maintenance facilities, new VIP passenger and crew facilities, and new regional offices for our staff. In addition to this, we are also planning to grow our managed fleet of jets in Saudi Arabia using our GACA Part 125 Operating Certificate: so far our aircraft management services have been received extremely well in the Kingdom and we look forward to helping more aircraft owners with remaining compliant with the new GACA rules.’

Contact: Oliver Hewson

Company: Gama Aviation

Address: Hangar 2, Gate 3A, Sharjah Airport, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Telephone: +97165027703

Website: www.gamaaviation.com

Manufacturers in the Middle East must do things differently to win market share in today’s environment. To survive and thrive, manufacturers must focus on growth, and one of the ways they can achieve this is to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies. In fact, according to research from PwC, for businesses in the Middle East, Industry 4.0 creates the potential to reap cost savings of US$17.3 billion per year and gain US$16.9 in incremental revenue.

Industry 4.0 is all about doing things differently’introducing automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing. The goal is the “smart factory” with cyber-physical systems capable of autonomously exchanging information, triggering actions, and controlling each other independently. This facilitates fundamental improvements to the industrial processes involved in manufacturing, engineering, material usage, asset performance and management, and supply chain and lifecycle management.

While there is a great deal of discussion about the various technology enablers of Industry 4.0, I feel it’s more crucial to reframe the discussion around the business benefits. Industry 4.0 isn’t a technology initiative. It’s the future of manufacturing as we know it. It’s not just about improved performance and efficiency; investments into new manufacturing technologies enhance agility, flexibility, and speed-to-market when designing and launching new products and services.

Adopting an Industry 4.0 approach also provides the means to navigate change. Regional manufacturers are reinventing their business models to focus on value-added services, and/or entering new geographic markets or adjacent market segments. Today’s Industry 4.0-outfitted factories are empowered to drive productivity, and this keeps costs down while ensuring quality and consistency across manufacturing processes globally.

From a business perspective, Industry 4.0 supports four major tenets of operational execution’interoperability, information transparency, actionable insights and automation.

These tenets in turn, support several business imperatives. These include:

Scalability: Automation in the factory gives manufacturers the ability to transition personnel to more value-added activities, and provides the foundation to extend and expand product and service offerings. As they look to expand globally, automation maintains process consistency across locations. This also allows manufacturers to focus on what they do best to find and refine their sweet spot. This moves manufacturers into a more advantageous position from taking on every job to taking on those jobs the organization can do well, while achieving the best profit margins.

Cloud technology is central to Industry 4.0. It allows manufacturers to scale operations by focusing more on core competencies versus IT operations. Many small to mid-market manufacturers have limited IT staffs; they must be very strategic with IT resources. The cloud is the great IT equalizer-giving small and mid-market enterprises access to leading software capabilities, while freeing them from having to monitor and manage infrastructure. The cloud also gives manufacturers the ability to spin up computing power, providing agility to help organizations ‘rise to the occasion’ when needed.

Security and redundancy: As digitization in the factory continues, security implications grow and a sophisticated and layered approach to security is critical. This is challenging for manufacturers who may not have the security resources in-house to adequately address this growing challenge. Again, leveraging a cloud-hosted software model can give manufacturers the ability to confidently charge forward in their Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Control and visibility: In an increasingly complex and global manufacturing enterprise, a single digital thread across all operations is needed to support responsiveness, improve collaboration, reduce risk, and streamline compliance requirements. Visibility from order entry to inventory to finished product is required to inform customers, partners and other stakeholders as to status at any time.

Customer experience: This visibility is key to providing the omni-channel order and fulfilment options that customers demand today. It’s also critical to support co-creation’the ability to collaborate with customers and suppliers. Making business processes transparent and/or open to engagement from customers and suppliers can support improved satisfaction, stronger relationships and loyalty.

Customization: Mass market manufacturing has given way to personalization and customization. This entails shorter production runs and the need to switch out lines more often. Manufacturers need to be able to configure and reconfigure the shop floor quickly and easily to avoid expensive machine and line downtime. Velocity is the new business currency.

Technologies such as augmented reality can help reduce lag time between design and production. 3-D printing is pivotal in this area. To date, the use case for rapid prototyping has proved to be a game changer, and other broader use cases are now coming into focus. These include 3-D printing for spares or replacement parts’providing the ability to improve responsiveness for customers at a time of need.

Additionally, manufacturers also benefit from 3-D printing of replacement parts’another game-changing value proposition when you consider all the benefits ‘ reducing the acquisition time and cost of parts, especially for old or obsolete parts, and enabling manufacturers to implement speedy repairs that significantly reduce downtime while extending equipment shelf-life and return on investment.

Innovation: Crucially, manufacturers need to address whether the business systems they have in place are ready to support the journey toward Industry 4.0. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Computer Aided Drafting/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) all must be integrated to support the move toward increased digitization and customization.

So many regional organizations are spending many IT cycles on integration (a necessary evil), which takes away from their ability to focus on innovation (competitive advantage). This integration albatross is the subject of a study by Accenture, who reports a typical IT budget may allocate up to 90% to maintaining the current state and just 10% on innovating’a ‘technology debt’ that is bankrupting competitive advantage.

The boundaries between production and management must disappear, and ERP, MES and other critical systems must form an integrated unit if businesses are to realize the growth opportunities presented by this new age of intelligent manufacturing. Evaluating the existing IT environment is the first step to understanding how ready’or unprepared’Middle East manufacturers are for Industry 4.0.

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