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Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 Broadens Reach for Enterprise Workloads

Posted on December 15, 2017 | by root

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 Broadens Reach for Enterprise Workloads

Latest release of industry-leading object storage platform strengthens support for OpenStack and heterogeneous environments, improves usability and performance.

On the 8th November, the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, Red Hat, Inc. announced DUBAI, UAE, 8th November 2017 ‘ Red Hat, Inc. (NYSE: RHT), the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, today announced Red Hat Ceph Storage 3, a major upgrade to its massively scalable, software-defined object storage platform, with the introduction of support for block storage via iSCSI and file storage via CephFS. With these additions, Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 extends the value of unified storage in OpenStack and heterogeneous environments, substantially broadening the use cases for the storage platform built for petabyte scale deployments.

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 builds on Red Hat’s years of leadership in object storage, enables more robust and better performance at scale, and introduces the ability to deploy storage in containers for greater cost-savings and operational efficiencies.

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 includes the following highlights:

‘ Enables a large variety of storage needs in OpenStack, helping enterprises fully exploit the scale of the platform for cloud infrastructure deployments without incurring costs of discrete storage systems that need to be procured and managed separately. The introduction of CephFS, a POSIX-compatible, scale-out file system complements the existing block and object storage support provided by Red Hat Ceph Storage for OpenStack. Customers will be able to incorporate storage more effectively with OpenStack for private cloud deployments across a number of use cases including web-scale cloud, Network Functions Virtualization infrastructure (NFVi), and development/compute clouds.

‘ Eases migration from legacy storage platforms through newly added support for the iSCSI interface for wider platform support and increased breadth of use cases, including backup and recovery. This is particularly beneficial to heterogeneous storage environments such as VMware and Windows that lack a native Ceph driver. The iSCSI gateway enables enterprises to use a single, cost-effective, and highly scalable, block storage platform for existing virtualization infrastructure alongside their use of Ceph with modern workloads, reducing the need for dedicated Storage Area Networks (SAN).

‘ Deploys enterprise storage in Linux containers for simplified operations and a smaller hardware footprint. Containerized storage daemons enable users to run Red Hat Ceph Storage on fewer servers by co-locating services that previously required dedicated hardware, while avoiding the risk of resource conflicts. Preliminary tests based on a standard Red Hat Ceph Storage cluster configuration showed lowered hardware expenditure by at least 24 percent. This is particularly relevant to telco customers, such as those implementing NFVi, who struggle with hardware and space constraints.

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 also aims to significantly improve the user experience by helping administrators proactively monitor and troubleshoot distributed storage clusters via a graphical view of usage data for the cluster as a whole, or its individual components. The new web-based interface, which includes more than a dozen dashboards, is based on the upstream Ceph Metrics project. This release also adds several other usability enhancements and layers of automation, such as dynamic bucket sharding, designed to help simplify maintenance and lower operational costs.

This release builds on Red Hat’s momentum in the storage market. Recently, Red Hat Storage was positioned in the ‘Visionaries’ quadrant of Gartner’s October 2017 Magic Quadrant for Distributed File Systems and Object Storage for the second year in a row. Red Hat is positioned the furthest right for completeness of vision and the highest in ability to execute within the Visionaries quadrant.

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 is based on the community version of the open source Ceph Luminous project, to which Red Hat is a leading code contributor.

Availability

Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 is expected to be generally available in November 2017.

Supporting Quotes

Ranga Rangachari, vice president and general manager, Storage, Red Hat

‘Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 represents a key milestone for OpenStack, VMware, and Windows communities in need of a unified storage solution. With this release, Red Hat lays the groundwork for all software-based storage services to be delivered as containers in the future while helping customers increase agility and shrink deployment costs.’

Olivier Delachapelle, head of Data Center Category Management EMEIA, Fujitsu

‘Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 is probably the most advanced software-defined storage solution combining extreme scalability, inherent disaster resilience, and significant price-capacity value. By combining Red Hat Ceph Storage with Fujitsu server technology and networking components to a complete solution stack including end-to-end maintenance services, we are helping customers fully benefit from open source SDS without the implementation and life-cycle risks of a ‘build-your-own-storage’ approach.”

Laura DuBois, group vice president, IDC

‘Spending on software-defined storage solutions continues to outpace spending on traditional storage architectures. Software-defined storage offers the capabilities needed in digital transformation namely IT agility with greater levels of automation and lower capital costs. Red Hat Ceph Storage provides a highly scalable, unified and software-defined platform supporting performance at scale for current workloads while providing the ability to deploy storage in containers and easily manage storage in OpenStack cloud infrastructure deployments.’

Eric Endebrock, vice president, Marketing, Storage Business Unit, Micron Technology, Inc.

‘As cloud computing evolves to all-flash infrastructures, Red Hat Ceph Storage 3 supports that trend in many ways, such as enabling native writes to the block storage device to provide a strong performance boost. Micron Accelerated Ceph Storage clusters were built on Red Hat Ceph Storage with Red Hat’s collaboration. Based on scalable all-NVMe’ reference architectures, they are a prime example of the performance achievements gained from tuning IT for such IO-intensive workloads.’

Blair Bethwaite, senior HPC consultant, Monash eResearch Center

‘Providing enough scalable object-based storage to meet the capacity needs of our online architecture has been critical for our researchers and our Node of the National eResearch Collaboration Tools and Resources (Nectar) research cloud. Monash has worked extensively and successfully with Red Hat Ceph Storage for nearly two years to support a variety of use cases including the Nectar project. We are excited about achieving even greater economies with containerized storage daemons in Red Hat Ceph Storage 3, and new support for iSCSI and CephFS gives us the opportunity to service native Windows research workstations around the campus and offer programmatic access to project-specific file systems in our OpenStack clouds.’

Bryan Thompson, general manager of OpenStack Private Cloud, Rackspace

‘Rackspace has continued to work with Red Hat to refine and innovate our award-winning Rackspace OpenStack Private Cloud powered by Red Hat offering since launching it in February 2016. Red Hat Ceph Storage is an integral part of our private cloud offering. We are excited by the continued innovation in the Ceph project, and the lengths that Red Hat goes to support successful consumption in an enterprise setting.’

The Construction Industry in the Middle East

Posted on September 29, 2017 | by root

The Construction Industry in the Middle East

Lacasa Architects & Engineering Consultants (LACASA) is an award-winning multidisciplinary Architectural firm based in Dubai, with offices across the region. As winner of the UAE Business of the Year 2017 accolade, we took the opportunity to interview LACASA’s Managing Partner, Emad Jaber to find out more about the firm’s work in the UAE region.

Lacasa Architects & Engineering Consultants (LACASA) was founded in 2006, by Emad Jaber an industry veteran and Nabil Al Khaja. What sets the firm a part is its focus on quality as well as cultivating talent. LACASA provides a onestop-solution to ensure optimal coordination and to maintain the same level of quality across all aspects of design. During the past six months, the firm has added interior design and infrastructure services to its growing portfolio of offerings.

Emad Jaber reveals more about the firm’s work and how they approach client service.

‘To date LACASA has worked on over 300 projects in the region and maintains strong relationships with the major developers including DAMAC, Dubai Properties and Emirates Islamic Bank. Thanks to a talented team of over 300 designers, architects and engineers, the firm undertakes residential, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, public and master planning projects.

‘LACASA believes that the best approach to client servicing is to be an advisor, rather than just an architectural consult. We work with the client team to ensure that the project is feasible, efficient and profitable. Additionally, we believe that quality and the integration of disciplines add value to the client’s investment. By offering holistic design solutions under one roof, we can provide the client with the same level of proficiency and quality throughout. Our established internal processes, governed by ISO certified practices ensures that we maintain a high level of quality throughout every step of the project.

‘Managed by a certified project manager, every project begins with the basic space planning, area schedules and moves on the concept stage. The exterior and facades are then designed to reflect both the client’s vision, as well as the cultural aspects of the location. The concept is then passed on the design development department where our structural, MEP and technical managers detail the design and prepare the plans for construction. The firm’s work doesn’t end there, as our on-site team manages the construction process to ensure on-time completion, budget adherence and that quality of the building matches that of the design.’

Emad then directs our attention to the wider industry issues in the region and the benefits of being based in the UAE region.

‘The country has recovered well in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Construction has once again reached new levels of innovation. The industry in the Middle East is currently doing well in some aspects and fortunately in the markets we operate, they are very stable; specifically, the Gulf region where the real estate sector is playing a major role in the economy of the markets. As an architectural firm, we are taking advantage of this good market. The challenge in the industry is depending on the security and political stability which we luckily have.

‘Being based in the UAE has provided us with a lot of ground to experiment with different design approaches and technologies. The best advantage would be the international expertise available. Being a hub to an array of cultures and design visions, the UAE is the best classroom there is. Inspiration is all around. Additionally, the multicultural environment allows to source and recruit extraordinary and diverse talent, right in the city.’

Emad is keen to tell us next, what the UAE Business of the Year 2017 Award means to him and his colleagues.

‘We are honoured to have one this award, as it is testament to the effectiveness of the firm’s internal project processes as well as the quality of our work. By being selected by an international awarding body, we know that our work has met multinational standards. This does not mean that the firm will maintain the same level of quality, as we will continue to strive to exceed these standards.

‘The management believes in investing in talent. We have developed several professional development programmes to ensure that the team is equipped with the latest technical skills and managerial attributes.’

In closing, Emad underlines the firm’s hopes for the future.

‘LACASA are very optimistic for the future, as we are one of the biggest firms in this industry, have a long record of achievements and a good reputation with the major developers. This gives us steady growth in the number and size of the projects which also leads to growth in the number of staff. We don’t see major development within the industry rather than the usual challenges: tough competition and finding the right expertise, which we are used to dealing with.

‘As for the wider business industry, the introduction of VAT to the market will definitely impact how clients choose consultants. That being said, we’re taking the necessary steps to ensure that this move has a minimal impact on the clients.’

Company: Lacasa Architects & Engineering Consultants

Name: Ayman Jaber

Email: [email protected]

Web Address: lacasa.ae

Address: 1901 Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai, P.O. Box 123 969, UAE Telephone: +971 4 447 54 44

Building in the Middle East and North Africa

Posted on September 25, 2017 | by root

Building in the Middle East and North Africa

tangramGulf is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary, architectural and engineering design, management and site supervision practice with studios in Abu Dhabi, Algiers, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong and London. Following their success in receiving the UAE Business of the Year 2017 award, we interviewed the firm’s design director, Sandra Woodall to gain an insight into the firm’s award-winning work.

tangramGulf are close to completing their third decade of operation in the MENA region and are highly familiar with the technical, environmental and cultural challenges of building in the Middle East and North Africa. The firm’s design director, Sandra Woodall explains to us more about the firm’s respected work and how they approach each client and project.

‘Our Dubai design studio tangramGulf, from where we operate across the GCC, the wider Middle East and North Africa is one of only a hand full of non – UK based practices to be accredited Chartered Practice status by the Royal Institute of British Architects and is led by the only RIBA Fellow to be based in the GCC.

‘We offer a holistic approach to the integration of fully engineered design solutions that respond to specific site and client needs for each project. Our work is acknowledged: ‘for continuing to push boundaries with fresh and exciting ideas across the region, which have sustainability at their core’ (Middle East Architect Awards, 2014, where tangramGulf were the highlycommended runner’s up for the ‘Large Architectural Firm of the Year’).

‘Within the company there is a strong tradition of the delivery of social infrastructure projects that are recognised for the quality of design, with tangramGulf receiving over 30 design awards and recognitions over the last seven years. Our project experience includes: regional development plans, community master plans, residential and mixed-use developments, healthcare, education and research facilities, sports facilities, hotels, offices, public and cultural buildings, amongst many other project types.’

The firm has specialist medical planners and educational designers, dedicated landscape and interior design team members. They offer a full range of design, project supervision and contract management services, Sandra tell us. She expands on this point and adds her thoughts
on the firm’s philosophy behind client service.

‘We are often retained to conduct feasibility studies, establish project standards and design guidelines or frameworks and undertake peer review on a variety of complex developments. Working with government departments, developers and private clients alike.

‘At tangramGulf we have a strong track record of applying local and traditional sustainable design principles and reinterpreting these to support contemporary lifestyles, business and environmental needs.

‘We delivered the first government building in Dubai to incorporate green roof design, which led to policy change for all future Dubai Government building standards, across the Emirate. We demonstrated how the incorporation of natural qanat cooling, heat sinks and passive shading could be utilised to inform the technical guidelines for FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup stadium designs, for which we were awarded the £2013 Middle East Sustainable Design of the Year’, at the Middle East Architect Awards. We developed these studies further by proposing tidal cooling of offshore stadia designs for which we were finalists at the Construction Week ‘GCC Sustainable Project of the Year 2014’.

‘Our designs for the region’s first nuclear benchmarking, testing and research centre was curated by the UK’s Architect’s Journal and exhibited as ‘architecture tomorrow’ at MIPIM UK, whilst the works once completed, were awarded the £2015 Sustainable Design of the Year’, at the Middle East Architect’s Awards. With tangramGulf being praised by MEAA for their ‘simple, yet innovative, fresh and welcoming design, in a project which is of huge importance for the UAE as a nation’.

‘The scheme was a culmination of decades of practice, research and reinterpretation of local and traditional design and building techniques and practices, that emphasise and promote a built environment that sits within and works with its surrounding natural environment. Designs that create spaces that respond to traditional and cultural requirements along with local customs and beliefs, whilst offering sustainable solutions to the growing complexity of contemporary enduser needs.’

The firm is constantly looking to promote cutting edge architecture that minimises environmental impact, whilst improving end-user and client built environment, Sandra tells us.

‘At tangramGulf, we actively seek to continue to apply lessons learned from the past and push beyond existing constraints in testing new materials, systems and ways of delivering a contemporary and meaningful built environment.

‘These are values that set us apart and which many clients are looking to add, as we move forwards with much more understanding of the damaging effects that global development has had in general and in particular the volume and speed of development that has been undertaken in the UAE over the last couple of decades.’

Sandra then highlights the key advantages to being based in UAE and what makes the firm unique.

‘The variety of project type coupled with the variety of culture and experience within the workforce offers great advantages for both business growth and creativity within the industry. There is a very open minded view from most clients who do not look for traditional or rigid design concepts, but we seek out original and first of a kind solutions.

‘There is no fear of standing out and being different, but a culture of embracing innovation. This combined with the geographic pull that draws in clients from East and West along with exemplifying all that is possible in a regional context, draws in clients with work in the wider region and more locally based clients who undertake work much further afield.

‘As a multi-disciplinary organisation, we can offer fully integrated and collaborative services that allows the clients to put their trust into experienced and well qualified staff, who are
selected to best suit the skills required for each unique project. Staff who are open minded and creative with experiences from different cultures that we combine into one amalgamated whole, that will test conventions and will innovate.’

When working in an industry that is constantly changing, what measures do firms such as take to ensure that they are at the forefront of any emerging developments? Sandra is keen to provide us with the answer.

‘We keep updated through our wider collaboration with local and regional practice, through speaking at conferences, working with the RIBA Gulf Chapter, identifying new technology and ideas that can support the work that we do as well as the work that we want to do. We take much information from regional publications such as MEA and professional journals that are found in the industry.

‘Our multi-cultural staff, are all enthusiastic and many are leaders in their fields. It is through their enthusiasm, expertise and need for professional growth that brings fresh and new ideas that allows us to evolve.’

In closing, Sandra underlines the most prevalent trends in your industry over the past year and hoe these have impacted the business. She also offers her reflections on the firm’s future plans, into 2017 and beyond. ‘For us the most striking adaption has been the growth in the North Africa market, which has led to the opening of our newest studio in Algiers, to support the expansion of our client and project base there.

‘This has been possible through our managing director, Mr. Hamdi Mahmoud’s persistence and personal determination to tackle every problem or challenge head on, which has proved
instrumental in overcoming the difficulties that are faced in entering new and little tested markets.

‘Currently we are involved in developing ‘zero-energy’ designs for facilities that aim to achieve ‘grid-neutral targets’ by incorporating best practice passive sustainable design, site contained renewable resource harvesting and energy production, coupled with a more sustainable energy demand and usage, to improve both design and end-user practices.’

Company: tangramGulf

Name: Sandra Woodall

Email: [email protected]

Web Address: www.tangramgulf.com

Address: 2701 Latifa Tower Sheikh Zayed Rd Dubai, P.O. Box 88124 UAE

Telephone: +971 (0) 503 400 372

Best New Niche Perfume Design 2017- Pierre Precieuse Parfum

Posted on September 7, 2017 | by root

Best New Niche Perfume Design 2017- Pierre Precieuse Parfum

Beauty Contact is a licensee, distributor, agent, consultant, master distributor, producer and service provider for luxury goods. We invited founder, Alwyn Stephen to tell us more about the company and the secrets behind its success.

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Established in 2002 Beauty Contact was created with a global vision to provide the very best, most innovative perfumes in the industry. With professionals in management, finance, sales/marketing, operations, quality control, production, design and development, Beauty Contact can provide a turnkey solution for anyone who is interested in a private label project or for those who want to pursue their dream of entering into the world of fragrances. Alwyn tells us how it feels to have won the award and how the company plans to build on its success, highlighting how important it is to deliver great customer service.

‘It feels great to be recognized for hard work, determination and my motto of never giving up no matter what. Beauty Contact believes in delivering the best to the customer and giving them value for money, based on this we work on good quality perfumes and price them correctly so that the customer gets value for the money they pay.’

Enticing the best clients and business is essential to be successful, as such, Alwyn outlines what differentiates the firm from its competitors and what marks the company out as the best possible option for clients. The firm also uses technology to ensure it is staying ahead of emerging developments within the industry, something Alwyn is keen to point out.

‘Never standing still, we always innovate and come up with new designs, concepts, fragrances and we spend a lot on R&D to achieve the best and by doing all this we ensure our cost of goods is kept low so that the end consumer does not have to pay a lot more to get a good product.

‘Most of our work is done by designers who use the best technology available to come up with the right designs that convert to physical products’

Within the industry there are currently a lot of notable trends, Alwyn talks to us about the developments specific to Dubai, noticing that the trend currently is to go niche. Following on from this, he then details the specific benefits of being based in Dubai, mentioning the airports and sea ports, enabling the shipping of goods a lot easier.

‘Currently, we see a lot of new products in the market and the trend is to go niche, Dubai in particular is the window to launch new lines and a lot of houses are launching niche lines as customers are looking for exclusive products that they do not find in every store.’

‘Dubai is the best place in the world when it comes to live and do business, having been here for over 32 years, this is home for me and my business. We have the best sea and air ports in the world and with this it makes it a lot easier to ship goods worldwide.’

Reaching the firms goals means that all staff must be equipped to provide the best possible service to clients. For this to happen, the team at Beauty Contact must all be pulling in the same direction. Alwyn outlines how employees are kept happy, as well as listing what the company looks for with regard to both staff and clients.

‘At Beauty Contact, we believe in encouraging our staff to be independent and give them all the tools they need in order to succeed. By giving them responsibility and delegation they ensure the best service and in return they are rewarded. Winning an award is not an individual effort, it is a group effort and the award belongs to everyone. We expect the best from our staff in terms of loyalty, hard work and delivery which in return gets us the right clients who will also be loyal to our brands and bring us repeat business.’

Lastly, Alwyn comments on what the future has in store for Beauty Contact. He describes how staff will continue to work even harder to be innovative, create better products and build on the firm’s already outstanding reputation.

‘Going forward the future has a lot for us, and we are going to strive even harder to bring out better designs, better juices and new lines that will bring us recognition and at the same time not only bring in new customers but keep our existing clients as well.’

Contact Details

Company: Beauty Contact

Contact: Alwyn Stephen

Contact Email: [email protected]

Address: Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Phone: +971 50 6445127

Website: www.beautycontact.com, www.pierreprecieuseparfum.com

KIPCO Announces 8% Increase in Net Profit

Posted on June 29, 2017 | by root

KIPCO ‘ the Kuwait Projects Company ‘ has announced a net profit of KD 40 million (US$ 132.7 million) for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 8 per cent on the KD 36.9 million (US$ 122.4 million) reported for the same period of 2015.

Earnings per share increased 11 per cent in the first nine months of the year, standing at 24.62 fils (US$ 8.17 cents) from 22.11 fils (US$ 7.3 cents) per share reported for the same period in 2015.

KIPCO’s net profit for the three months ended September 30, 2016, came to KD 12 million (US$ 39.8 million) from the KD 11.8 million (US$ 39.2 million), reported for the same period last year.

The company’s total revenue for the first nine months of 2016 increased by 8 per cent to KD 487.3 million (US$ 1.6 billion) compared to KD 451.4 million (US$ 1.50 billion) reported for the first nine months of last year.

KIPCO’s consolidated assets increased in the first nine months of the year to KD 9.95 billion (US$ 33 billion) from KD 9.58 billion (US$ 31.8 billion) at year-end 2015.

Mr Tariq AbdulSalam, KIPCO’s Chief Executive Officer ‘ Investment, said KIPCO’s results in the first nine months of the year demonstrate the ability of the Group’s core companies to cope with the global economic circumstances, as well as the challenges that the region is witnessing:

‘The results of the first nine months of the year are in line with our expectations for 2016. Despite the difficult economic conditions we are experiencing locally and regionally, the performance of our core companies will allow us to achieve the forecasted high single digit growth by the end of the year.’

KIPCO recently repaid its US$ 500 million bond, issued under its EMTN Program in 2009. The bond repayment will result in an annual interest saving of approximately KD 6 million (around US$ 20 million). The company will have no fixed term debt repayments to make until 2019.

Virtual leadership training is as impactful as face-to face learning

Posted on June 27, 2017 | by root

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Given the growth in reliance on virtual collaboration and the development of new technologies facilitating online engagement, working virtually is becoming increasingly common in many organizations. This is also reflected in the increasing use of virtual learning technologies which help companies to save on the cost of employee travel and accommodation for training at a physical location, and reduces the number of days required away from the office. Ashridge Executive Education, a leader in developing Middle East business executives, recently conducted research into the effectiveness of virtual learning to address the pertinent question in today’s digitalised world – whether business leaders can develop competencies, resilience and resourcefulness to face leadership challenges through online learning.

The research involved 37 executives who participated in an Ashridge program called ‘Leading on the Edge’. The program was delivered by the same three members of faculty utilizing three different learning environments- Face to Face (F2F), Blended (a combination of face to face and online learning) and Virtual experiential. The F2F two-day program was residential, the Blended two-day program was conducted virtually and one residentially, and the Virtual two-day program was fully virtual and participants were either at their own home or in their office.

The behavioral simulation which formed the basis of the three programs consisted of a simulated exercise where participants ran a company of the future, during which time they had to deal with critical incidents typical of leadership challenges, including dealing with complexity and effective decision making, leading rapid change and ambiguity, difficult conversations, balancing strategic and operational challenges, and board presentations. Everyone was asked to wear a Heart Rate Variance (HRV) monitor so that faculty could track their response when faced with stressful situations. Increased HRV is related to improved learning experience.

The research results were shared by Sona Sherratt, senior faculty member at Ashridge and one of the authors of the report, at a showcase event in the Hult campus in Dubai following roadshows in London and other European cities. The event in Dubai was attended by senior leaders from regional companies.

In summary, the results show that virtual learning is equivalent to face to face delivery when developing leaders, if designed and delivered effectively. For instance, when it comes to responding to ambiguous circumstances, 85% of F2F participants showed confidence, the percentage was 100% for those in the Blended program and 85% for those participating virtually. In tackling a difficult conversation, 85% of F2F participants showed confidence, while this was 80% for Blended and 100% for Virtual.

When faced with difficult situations, a higher HRV was recorded in participants of all the three types of learning experience, indicating a higher level of arousal, which translated into higher impact and residual learning outcomes. What was critical to the impact, however, was that the learning methodologies used involved opportunities for experience, for interaction, and for feedback.

According to Sona: ‘There is an increasing use of virtual technologies to deliver distance learning, virtual learning and eLearning in academia and among learning and development professionals. Learning methodologies employed in different environments involve opportunities for experience, for interaction, and for feedback. Adhering to the principles, virtual experiential learning holds enormous promise for a scalable, practical solution to developing leaders in our global, digital environment.’

Signtrade confirms its presence at SGI Dubai 2018

Posted on June 20, 2017 | by root

Dubai, UAE – International Expo Consults (IEC) part of Falak Holding, stated that Signtrade one of the oldest SGI Dubai exhibitor confirmed its presence at SGI Dubai 2018. For almost 30 years, Signtrade has continuously emerged as the market leader of the Signage Industry in the Middle East. Signtrade provides innovative and reliable signage technologies with unparalleled customer service, through a growing network, that spreads all across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

SGI Dubai is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year in the region to cater to the needs of exhibitors and visitors in the Signage, Outdoor Media, Screen and Digital Printing, LED and Textile Printing industries. The ‘SGI Dubai 2018’ show will be held from January 14th to 16th at the Halls 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sharif Rahman, CEO of IEC said, ‘We are delighted to state that Signtrade has continued its support with SGI Dubai. We are also pleased that the SGI Dubai 2018 show has been steadily selling out its floor spaces. The industry in the Middle East is growing at a rapid pace and we have seen a lot of interest from the exhibitors from across the globe. Leading names across the region and beyond have signed for the exhibition and will showcase the industries’ best kept secrets on the decisive three days. The journey so far would have not been possible without the support of all our esteemed exhibitors.’

Sign and Graphic Imaging Dubai (SGI Dubai) is an ideal converging point where visitors and exhibitors can reach out with architects, sign makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. The event is a well-established business forum, which is recognised globally and constitutes workshops and seminars held by industry experts.

Talking about SGI Dubai, Yasin Merchant, Managing Director, Signtrade, stated, ‘We are pleased to be associated with SGI Dubai – one of the distinguished shows in the region. Our massive participation at SGI Dubai, spanning an entire hall, none-the-less manifests our commitment to the growth and success of the Signage industry, in the MENA region. But SGI Dubai 2018, is more special. In addition to Signtrade celebrating its 30th anniversary, we plan to exhibit the latest technical innovations and disruptive technologies, coupled with industry talks, to give our visitors an exceptional, valuable experience. Positive attitude in the backdrop of innovation is the key element that drives us, as we lead the sign, graphics and textile industry.’

Talking about the expansion history of the company, Yasin stated, ‘Our operations, are spread all over the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, with state of the art headquarters in JAFAZ (Jebel Ali Free Zone), UAE and a flagship showroom in Dubai, along with 15 showrooms, all connected seamlessly through an comprehensive logistics network. In 2010, we expanded our reach to the African continent, through a facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Year 2015, saw our extensive growth in the South Asian markets with large facilities in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan. Furthermore, in 2017, we plan to inaugurate our operations in Kuwait, thus finally completing our unparalleled network, all across the Gulf.’

IEC is the driving force behind the 21-year old ‘SGI Dubai show’, one of the most awaited exhibitions in the MENA region within the print, signage and imaging industries.

Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI Dubai) is a key platform where visitors can reach out to exhibitors who comprise of architects, sign makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. The show is a globally recognised business forum which entails seminars and workshops led by industry pioneers.

SGI Dubai 2018, is roping in exhibitors and trade visitors across the globe including, USA, UK, Germany, China and Japan, among others. The industries best kept secrets and trends are set to be unveiled as the 21st edition of the show is touted to receive thousands of visitors from different countries.

The exhibition is a one stop shop for the ever growing needs of signage (digital and conventional), graphic imaging, retail POP/SOS, screen and digital printing industries. Recognised as one of the pioneers in the trade shows in the region for over two decades, SGI Dubai showcases the current trends and technologies to a robust platform which brings thousands every year to the annual show.

The SGI Dubai 2017 show witnessed billion-dollar deal contracts which were signed at the three day show. The exhibition also hosted seminars and workshops conducted by industry experts. The show welcomed over 400 global exhibitors from across 36 countries spread over 22,000 m2 and registered over 40 new exhibitors.

SGI Dubai 2017 had several leading brands that had signed up for the exhibition which included Signtrade, Agfa Graphics, Canon Middle East, Flex-Europa, ADS Advertising Materials, Afford Inks, Al Tarkeez Stationery Trading, Chemica France, Dynagraph, Egygrafx, Fast Signs Advertising, Fortune 7 Adv, Blue Rhine, Jackys, Frimpeks, Graphic International, Magic trading, Mono General trading, Prime Sign International Limited, Reflective SAS, Sharpmax limited, Signmax Advertising, Starflex, Talib Trading and Verseidag Indutex GmBH among several others.

BNC Launches AIR App

Posted on June 19, 2017 | by root

Capturing and analyzing Big Data, the BNC AIR App is set to revolutionize the way consultants, project managers, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers collaborate on construction projects in future

News Announcements

1. BNC AIR App is set to change the construction industry in the GCC region by providing construction intelligence involving 25,324 live projects worth $7.2 trillion (Dh26.4 trillion) and offering them on an user-friendly application for tracking.

2. The powerful application with construction intelligence will empower project managers and help them remain well informed.

3. AIR App will help subscribers to monitor the GCC construction projects and benefit from the growing opportunities.

19 June 2017

News Announcements

2. The powerful application with construction intelligence will empower project managers and help them remain well informed.

3. AIR App will help subscribers to monitor the GCC construction projects and benefit from the growing opportunities.

Dubai, UAE – BNC Network, the largest and most comprehensive construction research and intelligence provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has launched AIR App, a revolutionary construction project-tracking and project-collaboration software that helps construction professionals to track projects, prepare for bids and collaborate through a smartphone application ‘ all while on the move.

The AIR App captures the big data and analyses them to offer a clear picture of each construction sector. The subscription-based smartphone application enables the consultants, engineers, construction professionals, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers to monitor current and future tenders and new projects and helps increase sales with a stream of project leads.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said, ‘Our aim is not to have the most data, but to unleash the greatest value from data, creating new opportunities and improved experiences for all.’

BNC AIR App is a step in this direction, bringing all the construction projects and development works under a big data analytics that helps the construction industry fraternity to make informed and intelligent decision.

AIR stands for Analytics, Interact and Research. The Analytics section provides construction reports. Interact is a sales management software and the Research module provides construction project data and associated company details.

‘The AIR App is a game changer as it provides unprecedented efficiency and transparency within the construction industry. It puts the power of an entire sales office in the palm of your hand,’ Avin Gidwani, Chief Executive Officer of BNC Network, says.

‘The AIR App makes life infinitely easier for sales professionals by providing construction intelligence anywhere on the go. They can generate leads, track projects and even share project specific interactions with each other through the AIR App.’

About BNC
BNC, the largest project intelligence provider in the MENA region, tracks 25,324 live construction projects with a value exceeding $7.2 trillion (Dh26.4 trillion). It publishes more than 250 project updates that are distributed amongst 73,000 executives and professionals every day.

It is used by thousands of business leaders and construction industry professionals around the world to track developments, gain insight on projects and do business in the construction industry. BNC covers construction projects, across all sectors including urban construction, mega developments, transportation, utilities, industrial developments and oil and gas and publishes over 2,000 construction analytics annually based on extensive research and analysis.

Sofitel signs milestone project in Dubai

Posted on June 13, 2017 | by root

Dubai, UAE – Sofitel has announced the largest Sofitel property in the Middle East with development partner MKM Commercial Holdings LLC. Expected to open in early 2019, Sofitel Dubai Wafi will join the luxury brand’s growing portfolio of 14 hotels and 4,400 rooms in operation and under development in the Middle East.

Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, commented: ‘We are delighted to work with MKM Commercial Holdings, one of our long standing partners, to develop this impressive project that will undoubtedly become a future flagship for Sofitel in the region. The development of this property is aligned with our strategy to operate one of our leading luxury brands across strategic locations in the Middle East.’ He further added, ‘Within the United Arab Emirates, we’ve established a strong presence with four operational hotels across landmark locations including Abu Dhabi Corniche, Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residences, and now Wafi ‘ a major shopping destination set to undergo a comprehensive retail and leisure expansion.’

Sofitel Dubai Wafi will feature 501 luxury guestrooms, inclusive of 86 suites, ranging in size from 55 square meters to 625 sqm, in addition to 97 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced residences to be operated on an extended-stay basis. The property will offer a number of dining concepts including an Asian specialty restaurant, gastro pub, a unique destination restaurant, bar and lounge on 43rd and 44th Floors, a French lobby caf’, an all-day restaurant and a pool bar. Guests will have the option to relax and unwind at the SoSpa or use a comprehensive gymnasium, outdoor pools, private cabanas and a kids club. Business travelers will have access to 10 meeting rooms in addition to a 1,115 square meter ballroom.

Guests of Sofitel Dubai Wafi will enjoy close proximity to Wafi Shopping Mall, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai International Airport. Corporate clientele will have convenient access to primary business and exhibition centers including the Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City and the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Located adjacent to the iconic Raffles Dubai, both properties will form a luxury cluster within Wafi offering guests a range of shared amenities and services.

H.H. Sheikh Manna Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chairman of MKM Commercial Holdings said: ‘We are excited to sign this agreement with AccorHotels, our trusted partner for the Sofitel Dubai Wafi. We are confident that the Sofitel, through its distinct brand positioning and expertise in the luxury segment, will be able to complement our existing Raffles Dubai while cementing the strength of hospitality offerings present within the expanded and revitalized Wafi.’

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts offers luxury hotels with a difference, that combine French origin ‘ a unique combination of elegance, savoir-faire and the art of hospitality ‘ with the best of local culture in each destination. Sofitel Dubai Wafi will infuse the brand’s essence with Arabic culture and design elements reflective of Wafi. Over the coming years, Sofitel will introduce stunning new hotels with the openings of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.

‘Sofitel Dubai Wafi signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding AccorHotels’ presence in the luxury segment through our landmark design and quality driven concepts. Sofitel operates luxury hotels and resorts across key destinations in the Middle East including the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel, Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah and the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Through the development of the region’s largest Sofitel, we look to strengthen AccorHotels’ luxury offerings and cement our position as a leading luxury hotel operator.’ concluded Nasser.

AccorHotels has 39 existing properties in the UAE, in addition to 23 others under development. In the Middle East and Egypt, AccorHotels currently operates 96 hotels encompassing 28,800 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The Group’s regional network is expected to double in number, bringing over 25,000 additional rooms and nearly 2,400 branded residences to the Middle East.

About Sofitel
Sofitel, AccorHotels’ authentic luxury brand, blends local culture and French art de vivre to create magnificent moments for international travellers seeking a uniquely elegant experience.

Guests staying at one of Sofitel’s 120 addresses will enjoy design, culture, gastronomy and wellness. All over the world, Sofitel promises travelers looking for contemporary accommodation, a skillful blend of local culture and French art de vivre. Each address is distinctive, with its own ‘cousu-main’ service, stylish interior, and inspired and creative gastronomy. The brand’s hotels are located in large cities like Paris, London, Berlin, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Shanghai, or set against wonderful landscapes in destinations like Morocco, Egypt, Thailand and even French Polynesia.

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 2,500 of the finest private homes around the globe.

Sharjah ramadan majlis debates the rising power of social media

Posted on June 12, 2017 | by root

SHARJAH/Sharjah Government Media Bureau, June 12, 2017 ‘ Top Arab social media celebrities and influencers last night (Sunday, June 11) turned the spotlight on the growing power of social media, debating its immense potential, both positive and negative, vis-‘-vis traditional media.

Speaking during the fifth session of the popular Sharjah Ramadan Majlis at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Mahira Abdel Aziz, Al Arabiya TV news anchor and celebrity, argued that while social media are fast emerging as a popular platform, it would be wrong to compare it to the traditional media.

‘Traditional media has an advantage over the new media or social media as it enjoys credibility. What appears on television or in a newspaper is viewed with greater seriousness and credibility. This is why even social media celebrities are always looking for coverage by traditional media. MBC TV is an example of this reality,’ she asserted.

‘Social media may be a growing phenomenon but traditional media still matters. Social media certainly offers greater freedom but traditional media demands serious commitment and professionalism,’ emphasised the anchor.

Power of Social Media

Mohammed Hilal, eminent Emirati businessman and CEO of Mohammed Hilal Group, however, disagreed with her saying social media is the present and future of the media. ‘What happens in 30 seconds (over social media) has changed the experience of 40 years of traditional media,’ he declared.

Hilal argued that social media has a huge role to play in areas like marketing, sales and development. ‘Social media stars have been doing a great job of promoting various products and lifestyle across the region. We must give due credit to social media stars for this,’ he added.

He said that both social media and traditional media have their roles defined and there is no need to run down each other. Thanks to social media, companies like his have been able to promote their business successfully and effectively, he added.

Positive Role Models

Faisal Albasri, popular Kuwaiti media personality, while acknowledging the potential of social media, called for celebrities to be careful about the kind of products they endorse. ‘If we promote a bad or corrupt product, we set a bad example and are responsible for its ill effects,’ he said.

While asking social media celebrities, who have tens of thousands of followers across the Arab world to be good role models, he said ultimately it is the responsibility of parents to groom their children and set a good example.

Pointing out that social media channels are public spaces, he called for everyone including celebrities to behave. ‘Just remember Allah is watching you, and not just your followers,’ he asserted.

Esraa Al Hajri, social media celebrity and fashion icon, said that it is wrong to describe people like her as ‘fashionistas.’ ‘I like fashion and follow fashion. However, there is more to me than mere fashion. I am a blogger and have my own successful business, besides endorsing certain products,’ she emphasised. For example, she added, during the holy month of Ramadan, I take part in lot of charity activities. Social responsibility is also another duty of a celebrity.

Al Hajri argued that money being paid to social media celebrities to endorse lifestyle products is well invested and spent as these endorsements encourage thousands of people to buy those products.

Rejecting the criticism of social media phenomenon as being unhealthy, she said society does not accept anything new. ‘At the end of the day, social media engagement is a hobby. Some people take it too seriously,’ she added.

The debate was moderated by Hamad Al Ali, media personality and chairman and CEO of Al Ali Group. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council presided over the session, which was attended by a number of senior officials, social media stars and critics.

Social media are immensely popular across the Arab world with the majority of the population, especially young people, spending a great deal of their time engaged with them.

The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis is hosted every year as part of the Emirate’s efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, dialogue and understanding. The Ramadan Majlis sessions will continue twice a week until June 14 at Al Majaz Amphitheatre after taraweeh prayers.

DEWA signs OPSA contract with Siemens

Posted on June 6, 2017 | by root

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a 12-year Operating Plant Service Agreement (OPSA) with German company Siemens, worth AED 1.7 billion. The contract includes providing maintenance, spare parts and gas turbine rehabilitation for the second phase of K-Station at Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Station, and the third phase of H-Station at the Al Aweer Power Station. As part of its efforts to implement best practices to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and service availability, and in support of its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility, DEWA also extended the Long Term Maintenance Plan (LTMP), for seven more years, for the second phase of L-Station.

‘DEWA strives to introduce all the latest developments in technology and re-engineering processes in its operations. DEWA is consolidating its leading position, both nationally and globally, by providing electricity and water services to the highest international standards of reliability, efficiency, availability and safety,’ said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Al Tayer added that the contract contributes to efficiency and quality improvements, cost reduction, and the efficient operation of DEWA’s power plants. It also obliges Siemens will provide specialist personnel, and all the equipment and spare parts for the maintenance of these turbines and generators.

Best Legal Consultancy

Posted on May 26, 2017 | by root

Best Legal Consultancy – Ras Al Khaimah & Award for Excellence in Cross- Border Transactions 2017

Ambition Legal is a boutique legal consultancy firm incorporated in Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates. We caught up with Founder Elsie Habib to learn more about the firm and the range of services it offers.

Ambition Legal offers corporate advisory on federal laws in the region and international laws in respect to cross-border transactions and is noted for its corporate, commercial and employment legal practices and its expertise in advising clients. These clients range from individuals to corporations seeking to maintaining their business and drafting their internal policies or those looking to form new firms or business or establish a branch and / or representative offices of their foreign companies, offshore and free zone companies.

Ambition Legal is also a registered agent with Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Center (RAK ICC).

For this vast array of clients the firm offers corporate advisory in respect to structuring, restructuring, refinancing, merger & acquisitions, due diligence, joint ventures, asset sales and purchases, energy management and energy saving agreements, distribution and commercial agency agreements , franchising agreements, liquidation and insolvency, corporate shareholders’ disputes, employer and employee disputes, corporate governance, compliance matters, directors’ duties and offshore jurisdictions and free zone regulations. It also advises on the practical application of laws and regulations and their impact on the conduct of business in the region.
To support this vast array of clients, a strong client focused approach is crucial, and Elsie aims to offer this by maintaining a professional demeanour and working hard to ensure that she learns as much as possible about her clients’ business, as she explains.

‘Personally, my philosophy is to maintain a certain calibre and professionalism by understanding my clients’ businesses and needs and by offering them solutions which meet their individual needs. Additionally, it is very important to be honest with the client and do not give the client high hopes when something is impossible to achieve for them. You need to give alternative solutions but do not give false promises just in order to charge the client fees. The client’s satisfaction is when you provide the client legal services with a great value which benefits them, and this cannot be achieved by giving false hope.’

Recently, many laws in the region were amended, and this led to challenges for legal firms such as Ambition Legal. However, as Elsie is eager to emphasise, she utilised her vast experience, which spans more than 15 years in the region, to ensure that she remains at the forefront of the emerging developments and continues to offer her clients the very highest standards of service and support.

‘During late 2016 and early 2017 there were many amendments of the laws as well as the changes business activities and mergers of offshore authorities together either due to overlap one over the other or for improvement and development purposes. I adapted quickly to these developments because I always keep my finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends and was able to predict
these changes. The challenge is how to convince a client of such changes when there is a transaction under process; to overcome this I always predict any developments and inform my clients by email well in advance, allowing them plenty of time to adapt around the change.’
Drawing on this vast experience, which includes M&A, corporate restructuring and franchising work, Elsie is keen to continue adapting around new trends as she looks towards a bright and exciting future.

‘Moving forward Ambition Legal will continue to offer the very highest standards of service to our clients as we look to take on new projects and work to build upon our current success.’

Contact: Elsie Habib
Email: [email protected]
Company: Ambition Legal Consultancy FZE,
Emirates Islamic Bank Building, Business Park, Level 9,
Office 901, P.O.Box 37674, RAK, UAE
Phone: 00971 7 207 8855; 00971 50 712 9334
Website: www.ambitionlc.com

Category: Articles

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