IMKAN partners with artist Jack Lee to bring urban art to Abu Dhabi community
Abu Dhabi-based IMKAN Properties has partnered with the award-winning Chinese artist Jack Lee to create an art mural at the newly-opened Sheikha Fatima Park. The project is part of the developer’s commitment to bring urban art to the community and enhance the appeal of the capital’s landscape.
Set in the middle of the Khalidiya neighbourhood, the former park that historically catered to women and children only was transformed by IMKAN in partnership with Abu Dhabi Municipality into the emirate’s first urban lifestyle park, integrating conventional park elements with new components and activities. It also became the first park in the capital with a dedicated area for pets, which is reflected in the new animal-themed mural.
Jack Lee expressed hope that his work enhances the visitor experience at Sheikha Fatima Park and engages the capital’s community through engagement and conversations around the art mural. “Nature and art make us human, heal our psyche, and provide rejuvenation when we most need it,” Lee said. “The success of my work will depend on its ability to engage the public. Moreover, artwork is created by individuals, but they are ultimately valued and empowered by society.”
Art lies at the heart of IMKAN’s effort to create a fresh and lively landscape in Abu Dhabi and reframe notions of what a park should be and how it should relate to visitors.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
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.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Glaze Granite & Marble partners with Neolith as their official distributor in the UAE
The UAE’s largest marble importer Glaze Granite & Marble announces its partnership with Neolith, the leading large format sintered stone slab brand used for kitchen countertops, flooring, wall cladding and bathroom surfaces.
The Spanish sintered stone pioneer, Neolith, has given Glaze Granite & Marble imports and distribution rights for the UAE region. Neolith is a superior alternative for ceramic and porcelain stone, due to its durability, versatility, and unparalleled design quality. The most technologically advanced surface solution known today, Neolith, is now being offered to Glaze customers.
Umesh Punia, [CEO, Glaze] said: “We re-shaped the natural stone business in the UAE by radically transforming the way in which marble and natural stones were imported, sold & traded in the region. We built our legacy of over two decades in the Middle East because our discerning clients possess an understanding of aesthetics, quality, and have a taste for refined luxury. We work tirelessly to ensure consumers find their unique surface solutions through our brand, no matter how rare or exclusive the products may be. We are also taking substantial steps to connect with our customers and fulfill their expectations by bringing world’s best stone brands and offering them a wide array of choices in design, price, and patterns. This agreement with Neolith displays our commitment to contribute to UAE’s influential architectural legacy along with providing sustainable solutions for the architects, developers, and builders.”
Neolith is resistant to high and low temperatures, scratches, and UV rays. It is also incredibly easy to clean, and maintain, as it is waterproof, hygienic, lightweight and 100% Natural. It is produced in Large Format slabs with 4 different thickness options.
Dr Daniel Sanchez [COO, Neolith] says: “Neolith is indeed a revolutionary product, when we started in 2009, most people did not believe in the product, they had doubts about its ultra large size, ultra-thin dimensions, strength, and durability. Some people also mistook the product for porcelain. But, today, Neolith is the most fashionable and sought after engineered stone due to its durability, versatility, and breathtaking designs. We are extremely busy fulfilling orders from around the world.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
AECOM partners with Royal Commission for AlUla to provide training to the local community in North West Saudi Arabia
Partnering with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), AECOM is delivering project management and leadership training to the local community of AlUla, supporting RCU’s strategic mission to develop the region’s human capital and build a thriving economy.
“RCU is one of our key government clients with whom we are partnering to transform the country under Saudi Vision 2030,” said AECOM’s Soner Keskinel, Vice President, Program Management and Construction Management (PMCM) in Saudi Arabia. “As we develop the heritage-rich AlUla into a world-class destination for nature and culture, an important responsibility is ensuring the local people have the skills that will prepare them for success in the modern job market, enabling them to be active participants in the region’s economic and cultural development.”
The program is being delivered virtually using AECOM’s global learning management platform, with content developed in close collaboration between RCU leaders and subject-matter experts from AECOM’s local team, as well as regional and global resources. Designed with careful consideration to the needs of the local community, the program consists of seven leadership and project management modules that combine guided, expert-led sessions with self-study and online assessments, ending with a case study assessment.
Mohamed S. Alshamari, Chief Economic and Social Development Officer at RCU, said: “HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision puts developing people before place. So at the heart of establishing AlUla as a vibrant cultural destination is developing our community’s skills-base, creating new economic opportunities and improving their quality of life. Such large-scale transformation is best achieved through public-private partnerships similar to the collaboration between RCU and AECOM.”
The first cohort of the training program successfully ran from 21 March 21-May 31, 2021, with 94 participants. The second cohort will be welcomed in August.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));