Du Partners With Data Protection Platform Thales To Strengthen Data Security Measures In The UAE
Due to an increasing number of data breaches in the digital landscape, du has prioritized its focus on enhancing sensitive data security, both on-premises and in cloud environments.
UAE-based telecommunications operator du has partnered with global data protection platform Thales, in a bid to leverage the latter’s technologies to enhance the du Cybersecurity Defense Centre and Digital Trust portfolio.
With an increasing number of data breaches in the digital landscape and the need for more stringent compliance methods within regulatory requirements, du has prioritized its focus on enhancing sensitive data security, both on-premises and in cloud environments.
Through the new partnership, it is expected that data will be better protected against cybersecurity breaches, with Thales data protection services offering high levels of confidentiality. Organizational security and compliance is also expected to become more robust with a reduction in the total cost of ownership involved. In integrating Thales’ offerings, du will also be able to avail lower operational costs and capital expenditures, as well as optimized staff efficiency and productivity.
“du has always engaged with external partners to combat threats and prevent potential digital discrepancies from presenting themselves and negatively impacting clients and communities,” said Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du. “By making our collaboration with Thales official, the enterprises and government entities we support can be assured that every data security component will become even more enhanced in due course. Related activities will ultimately be beneficial for all, subsequently upgrading security postures, securing in-country data, and elevating our process-driven and defense-in-depth approach.”
These benefits are expected to be achieved through the use of several key products. Thales CipherTrust Data Discovery and Classification will broaden sensitive data visibility with efficient data discovery, classification, and risk analysis across heterogeneous data stores, such as the cloud, big data, and traditional environments. On the other hand, Thales Key Management will be used to streamline and strengthen key management processes in cloud and enterprise environments over a diverse set of applications. Furthermore, critical data and digital identities will be protected in high-assurance, FIPS 140-2-verified, tamper-resistant Thales Luna hardware security modules (HSMs).
On his part Sebastien Pavie, VP Sales Southern EMEA, Data Protection solutions, Thales, added, “We are proud to be providing businesses with the necessary capabilities to protect and manage essential data through encryption, advanced key management, tokenization, and authentication and access management through this collaboration. We look forward to supporting du moving forward, and this announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be an effective and successful partnership.”
du’s existing cybersecurity solutions enable organizations to manage risk, take a proactive approach to security, adopt digital solutions with confidence, and build cybersecurity postures that continually provide protection in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Supported by Indian multinational conglomerate Wipro, the du Cyber Defense Centre was launched in June 2021 with the aim to mitigate cyber threats that put businesses at risk through the use of proven use cases, leading technologies, and a global team of security analysts. The new partnership with Thales aims to increase its efforts to refine and expand cybersecurity capabilities to ensure the best possible protection against cyber-attacks.
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du selected by Watani Al Emarat Foundation for cloud migration to Dubai Pulse platform
du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), today announced that it has been selected as the cloud service provider of choice for Watani Al Emarat Foundation, the social development program promoting UAE national identity and good citizen practices across the local community. With the Foundation identifying the Dubai Pulse platform as the preferred secure cloud-hosting environment for availing complete managed services, the leading national telco provider will assume responsibility for successful Dubai Pulse cloud migration. The new partnership has been finalised with a signing ceremony at the 41st GITEX Technology Week, which is currently being held until October 21 at Dubai World Trade Center.
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executives Officer, EITC, said: “Ever since the official launch, Dubai Pulse has demonstrated its practicality as a futuristic digital operating system that caters to and benefits every segment of our society. With cloud capabilities now becoming even more invaluable in today’s evolving operating environments, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to supporting clients in their cloud migration journeys by utilising our experience, expertise, and resources to ensure their goals and objectives are realised. GITEX 2021 represents the start of what promises to a successful partnership alongside Watani Al Emarat Foundation. We are eager to begin working with our new partner and equipping them with cloud-first capabilities they require to streamline business processes and ensure long-term operational sustainability.”
As digital transformation acceleration continues presenting organisations from all verticals with new and sustainable operating capabilities, Watani Al Emarat Foundation is now pursuing its vision for achieving increased scalability, performance, data security, and cost savings through new initiatives and IT services implementation on the cloud. More specifically, the Foundation requires a cloud-based file server to facilitate document sharing between corporate users, seamless user and computer authentication and authorisation in a Windows domain network, and the ability to assign and enforce security policies for all computers, including software updates and installation.
Dherar Belhoul Al falasi, Executive Director, Watani Al Emarat Foundation, added: “Considering Dubai Pulse is a joint initiative between Smart Dubai and du, we identified from the outset that there is no organisation better suited for leading our platform cloud migration journey than du, which has a distinguished track record for delivering on its client transformation commitments. From our perspective, complete managed services accessible through Dubai Pulse will be central to our services for many years to come, and we are delighted that du will be supporting us in obtaining the services and capabilities we require.”
du will begin initiating Watani Al Emarat Foundation’s cloud journey with seamless and fast implementation, with the end result being re-defined business continuity, complete managed services, and access to required networks and services. Based on the requirements detailed by the Foundation, du has also proposed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for active directory and managed services. These benefits would be provisioned via Dubai Pulse, which is highly scalable, secure, and hosted in Tier 3 UAE data centers.
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An innovative online platform for all your decor needs? Let’s find out…
Known for its culture of creativity and self-expression, CB2 (a part of Crate and Barrel Holdings) has launched via an online webstore – CB2.ae. This will be the brand’s first presence outside of North America, offering greater convenience for design enthusiasts in the UAE in line with Majid Al Futtaim’s mission to expand its home category whilst delivering a seamless, omnichannel experience across its brand portfolio.
“CB2’s new platform introduces distinctive, design-forward thinking and a signature creative edge to the region for the very first time. It transcends the world of traditional retail by offering young adults sleek, functional and comfortable modern furniture through an accessible and immersive, digital experience,” explained Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle.
“By introducing international brands from across the world and implementing more unique e-commerce offerings in the home décor category, we are elevating the variety and shopping experience for our customers. This also underscores our positive relationship with our partners at Crate and Barrel Holdings as we continue to support their international growth strategy.”
With free delivery across the UAE, styling a home has never been so easy. Shoppers can expect elevated classics, bold statement pieces and sleek, modern finishes in a collection that has been specifically curated to resonate with a Middle Eastern audience.
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AESG acquires Springboard Middle East; launches Data+ platform
AESG, a specialist consultancy, engineering, and advisory firm, strengthened its position as a leading provider of consultancy services for the built environment through the acquisition of Springboard Middle East. In addition to gaining ownership of Springboard Middle East’s regional contracts, staff, IP, and assets, the deal has enabled AESG to launch its new digital commissioning, handover and asset management platform, Data+.
As highlighted in the seminal ‘Building a Safer Future – Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’ report[1], insufficient or inaccurate data can significantly impact the performance, efficiency, and safety of buildings. While over the last decade, the building industry has gradually moved away from traditional paper-based documentation to digital alternatives, issues around the accuracy, accessibility, and updatability of building data continue to linger due to the static nature of the pdfs, spreadsheets, and documents typically used in the process.
By offering one of the first comprehensive digital handover solutions in the Middle East, AESG hopes to introduce new practices for the industry, while strengthening the value proposition of its existing services. “Our acquisition of Springboard Middle East perfectly aligns with our strategy of pioneering new and more effective means of service delivery. Their revolutionary platform perfectly rounds out the digitalisation of our offerings and enhances both the immediate and long-term value of the projects we deliver. By adopting an integrated, digital approach across commissioning, handover and asset management, AESG is committed to leading the data revolution in the built environment,” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG.
As a value add to its clients, the company will now offer full digital handovers on all commissioning and handover management projects, along with the option of hosting project data on Data+, its cloud-based platform – making it accessible from anywhere, easily searchable, and instantly updatable. When utilized as a subscription-based service, Data+ serves as a secure, collaborative environment that stands as a ‘single, central source of truth’ for all stakeholders and project teams.
Because Data+ has been built on industry standards and follows a COBie and BIM Level 2 compliant framework, it can be integrated with most Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) solutions. This allows for accurate and validated asset data to be seamlessly exported to these platforms, greatly enhancing building owners modelling, performance optimisation, and maintenance capabilities. The platform also features integration with IOT and AI systems to provide digital twins of assets that enables the use of advanced analytics to optimize the performance of systems during the operational phase of a building’s lifecycle.
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GROHE launches digital platform ‘GROHE X’
Picture: Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO GROHE AG
With GROHE X, LIXIL EMENA launches an industry-first digital platform for its leading global sanitary brand, GROHE. Visitors to the hub have the opportunity to create their own individual GROHE brand experience thanks to informative and inspirational multimedia content tailored to the needs of its professional business partners and consumers. Whether an industry customer wants to know which global trends are impacting the sanitary business, an installer is looking for how-to videos to make their working day easier, an architect is seeking inspiration from the latest trends, or a consumer is searching for state-of-the-art product innovations to make their dream bathroom a reality – GROHE X allows everyone to explore the world of GROHE and expand their horizon for a better way of living, whenever and wherever they want it. Originally intended as an alternative to the biennial ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for water and HVAC, from which GROHE withdrew due to the covid-19 pandemic, GROHE X is now more than a trade fair substitute:
Besides uniting thought-provoking and entertaining stories in one place, GROHE X brings the world closer together as a platform for engaging exchange with and gaining support from the brand’s experts. Now that opportunities for face-to-face meetings are limited, GROHE X provides the perfect environment for collaborating and sharing ideas – GROHE X is the new place to meet. In addition to the comprehensive free editorial content available, the platform launches on March 16 with dedicated event formats tailored to GROHE’s professional business partners.
“GROHE X is a result of our disruptive way of thinking. We embraced the new normal and understood challenges as new opportunities,” is how Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO Grohe AG explains the central role that GROHE X plays for the global brand. “For me, GROHE X is proof that, especially at times like these, you need to exchange ‘but’ for ‘imagine if’ and I’m more than proud that everyone at GROHE was so bold to think open-minded like this. With GROHE X, we offer our customers a central, always-available brand hub to get inspired but also to interact with us – wherever they are, whenever they need us. Also in the future, we aim to pave new paths with GROHE X. The digital platform is just the beginning of an own experience ecosystem that will drive engagement with our customers in the years to come. As soon as it is possible again, GROHE X will be supplemented by hybrid or truck tour events,” he adds.
“Although physical distance is key these days, we still want to offer our customers a unique setting to experience our innovations and to exchange with us directly,” says Thomas Fuhr, Leader Fittings LIXIL International and Co-CEO Grohe AG “GROHE X allows everyone to immerse in the diverse world of GROHE and it gives you the building blocks to create your individual brand experience. You will get exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights of our plants and how our customer-centric supply chain connects them to the global markets, learn more about our latest technologies developed in our in-house R&D department located in Hemer, Germany, and we will also take you along with us on our sustainability journey to which we will add another milestone. It is amazing what our teams brought to life in such a short period of time.”
Putting customer-centricity at the heart
With tailored content carefully curated for each target group, GROHE X also reflects GROHE’s new commercial strategy, which was introduced in July last year. Based on comprehensive feedback from GROHE’s business partners of what they expect from the brand, the leadership team developed a go-to-market approach that offers a differentiated product portfolio and dedicated services to each of the target groups: wholesalers and installers, architects, designers and planners, as well as end-consumers.
The focus on the needs and aspirations of customers will also be of central importance with regard to the new products that GROHE will present on GROHE X: Developing relevant product solutions that improve consumers’ lives requires a deep understanding of what consumers expect from their living spaces. This is why GROHE is anticipating even unarticulated consumer needs at an early stage of the development process. To find out which consumer insights the brand is building on, which solutions will offer consumers added value in the bathroom and kitchen of the future, and how the brand plans to further expand its sustainability transformation as a double winner of the German Sustainability Award 2021, visit grohe-x.com from March 16, 2021, onward.
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E-commerce platform— ‘The Tile Society’ brings 3D peel-and-stick tiles to the UAE
A modern solution for outdated spaces, The Tile Society, a new e-commerce shop for home improvement introduces 3D peel-and-stick tiles to the UAE to revolutionise the interior design landscape. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or to add some personality to other various surfaces, this DIY-friendly alternative makes it easy to achieve a fresh, contemporary look while eliminating the need for a full renovation that comes with days or weeks of labour, heavy-duty tools and a royal mess! This ‘to your doorstep’ concept makes home improvement easy and exciting rather than exhausting, time-consuming, and expensive for the modern resident.
The perfect solution for homeowners, tenants, realtors, Air BnBs, offices, and even the hospitality industry, 3D peel-and-stick tiles make achieving contemporary spaces seen on Pinterest, magazines, and television screens a reality with a simple ‘peel and stick’! These 3D peel-and-stick tiles are easy to use, and eliminate the stress, cost, construction and hassle of going into a full-fledged home renovation. They are light-weight, easy to cut for precision and fit, and can last up to 10 years without losing colour, cracking, or peeling. Despite the strong adhesive that helps it stick to the surface, it is easy to remove (up to 20 times) before firmly setting it in place for a final finish. For tenants worried about jeopardising their security deposit, the 3D peel-and-stick tiles can be removed at any time without damaging the original surface using a hairdryer to loosen up the glue, and ammonia solution to wipe off residue. Designed keeping kitchens and bathrooms in mind, the high-quality PVC material makes the 3D peel-and-stick tiles waterproof, oil-proof and heat-resistant. It also comes at a fraction of the time traditional options like ceramic or porcelain tiles require for installation.
The idea behind this revolutionary concept stemmed from the personal challenges of founders Stephanie Farah and Mostafa Elhrizi, who were seeking innovative, yet cost-effective ways to give their own home a spruce. While researching tiles and looking more into the local interior design industry, they discovered that no company in the UAE offered the quick and convenient fix they needed. Necessity truly proved to be the mother of innovation, as Stephanie and Mostafa decided to combine forces to offer other UAE residents the same solution they needed.
“We really aimed to simplify the home renovation woes of time constraints, acquiring permits, approvals from landlords, and other limitations by making the aesthetics of a luxurious home accessible to all,” explained co- founder and co-owner, Stephanie Farah. “This trend is largely accepted and loved in other parts of the world for its speed, efficiency, durability and attractive appearance, making it the future of design. Something as simple as changing tiles on your wall can drastically transform a space, making it more inviting and charming. As we all spend more time at home, not only do we want our space to be aesthetically-pleasing, but also avoid third-party help coming through your home for days or weeks on end.”
Co-founder and co-owner, Mostafa Elhrizi, adds: “customisation has never been easier, with the opportunity to revamp an entire space in just a few hours, removing the need for heavy-duty tools, concrete, having to leave home indefinitely until the project is complete or pay landlords for damaging their property. 3D peel-and-stick tiles is a real DIY-friendly task, and a smart, cost-effective solution for everyone.”
Zaha Hadid with AKT II and Hilson Moran develop a digital architectural platform for a Caribbean residential project
Zaha Hadid Architects with AKT II and Hilson Moran partnership have developed a digital architectural platform to create homes for Roatán Próspera. The residential designs are a specific ecological and social response to the climate, terrain and culture of Roatán in the Caribbean, the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.The designs learn from the wisdom of the past, integrating the local vernacular tradition of timber construction, climatic appropriateness and spatial experience with new digital design, engineering and, construction techniques.
Working with AKT II, the design approach starts from a comprehensive understanding of the local supply chain, logistics and construction techniques to promote the use of local materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing facilities which support the economy of the region.
The design’s modular system is founded on the use of sustainable timber, sourced nearby from certified forests on the Honduran mainland and treated locally, to form the main structural elements. Digital information technologies will optimise the use of all parts of the sustainably-forested logs to minimize waste and pollution. This process also contributes to reducing the embedded construction energy and carbon footprint of the development.
Erick A. Brimen, CEO of Honduras Próspera LLC, explains: “The design prioritises sustainability and is integral to our vision for Roatán Próspera. The island of Roatán is already a renowned tourist destination. Roatán Próspera will strengthen and diversify the local economy while creating homes defined by their natural environment.”
With considerable reductions in waste material, and a higher quality of construction due to the greater precision achieved by off-site fabrication, this modular system of assembly is a cost-controlled solution specifically tailored to local supply chains, transportation and installation.
The dimensions of the structure’s base timber units have been established to follow the constraints of the local transportation networks to ensure carbon emissions and logistics costs are minimised. The use of lightweight timber results in a reduced and adaptive foundation system that can be fabricated off-site, keeping intervention to the site minimal and giving maximum protection to the site’s native flora and fauna.
The design’s passive environmental control strategies minimise energy consumption by reducing temperatures to improve thermal comfort, with little or no requirements for mechanical ventilation.
Optimising renewable resources to reduce energy consumption and generate water, the modules are designed to be self-shading, open and oriented towards the prevailing sea breeze for natural cooling. Local, natural materials and ground coupling provide further cooling to interior spaces. When required, water is removed from the atmosphere for supplementary cooling by dehumidification. This water is harvested and filtered and available for use in each home.
For self-sufficient and net zero carbon operations, shading canopies are optimally shaped to accommodate photovoltaic arrays for renewable power generation. Batteries will store renewable electricity for future use.
The digital configuration platform allows home-owners to plan their homes and connect with local suppliers; bringing the construction and operational benefits from the digitisation of the buildings. The platform can be used to accommodate the specific spatial needs of family members, share resources and costs with neighbours and allow flexibility for communal modules such as a children’s play area. This digital platform adapts varying configurations of standardised parts to create individual residences that suit each homeowner.
Applying parametric design software developed by the Computational and Design Group at ZHA (ZHCODE) and the Computational Engineering Team at AKT II, (P.ART), the platform ensures that each residence is developed specifically to the configuration defined by each homeowner. It also ensures that each home is fundamentally sustainable by using as little material and energy as possible in its construction and operation with the shapes of each element within the building being environmentally appropriate, particularly from a solar and ventilation perspective.
Wood Culture launches its e-commerce platform
Handmade in Dubai for modern living, Wood Culture announced the arrival of their first e-commerce platform, offering their wooden and rattan furniture, artwork and home décor to the people of the UAE. Providing unrefined woods for refined spaces, Wood Culture combines the traditions of rustic wood furnishings with a contemporary aesthetic and eclectic design. The collection offers authentic pieces fabricated by hand in Dubai by skilled craftsmen, each offering many years of experience in their trade. Giving you the option to design your own pieces or choose from the extensive collection available on the new website, at Wood Culture you will find unique pieces for sitting in, eating on, resting by and living in.
The website has been split into six distinct sections: new arrivals, furniture, home decors, arts and prints, quarantine lounging and made in Dubai. Whilst the furniture section showcases a selection of chairs, tables, wardrobes, baby bassinets and consoles, the home décor highlights Wood Culture’s baskets, planters, wall hangings and mirrors. Meanwhile, arts and prints focus on the work of Julian Castaldi, a British artist and photographer based in Dubai and quarantine lounging emphases furniture perfect for relaxing during the lockdown.
A company created through an amalgamation of passions surrounding travel, creativity and a love for natural materials, Wood Culture was born out of the founder’s deep love, experience and appreciation of the timber industry. Backed by a constant need to pursue and expand beyond boundaries, the team ignited the ideology and launched the company in Dubai in October 2019. The journey started by creating upcycled furniture using scrap wood like pine and spruce. With word of mouth being the wonderful medium that it is, Wood Culture slowly transferred their production skills towards more exotic lumber from around the world which in hand, attracted a more bespoke clientele.
Travel, being an integral part of the Wood Culture DNA, has enabled the company to expand beyond their local production in UAE and also collaborate with artisans in the Far East and South America. They are one of the few brands in the region to be involved in underwater logging done in an ethical fashion and also the only company to specialise in epoxy resin tables, hybrid furniture made out of wooden planks with resin in between.