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CONTENT
C O N N ECT ED HEALTH 6 8 10 11 12
Saudi German Hospitals Group: On a Medical Mission Digital Health Middle East 2020 Mediclinic: Expertise you can trust Udenz: Dental Healthcare Moves Online Fakih IVF: A Personal Patient Journey with Fakih IVF Fertility Center
I N N OVAT I VE T EC H 14 16 17 18 19 20
Fractal Systems: Thrilling Audiences Into A Trance With Ingenious, Trendy Technologies Qarar’s mission is to become the Data Analytics Centre of Excellence Spectrami: redefining and Reinforcing Merit to Value-Added Digital Technologies Falcon Eye Drone Services: Drone-Powered Solutions Industry, Mapping, and Everyday Life Focus Softnet: Solutions That Move Business Daimler: Revolutionising Heavy Goods Vehicles
AG EN DA 2020 22 24 25 26 28
Bird & Bird Middle East is Ready for the Digital Business Future Bluemina: Changing the Way People Live Ideas Capital Enterprise: Innovation Through Integrated Living For a New Generation AAA Freight Services – Chemical Logistics Company in JAFZA Groupe SEB: Innovation in Home Appliances Drives Sustainable Growth
S M A RT C I TY 30
Peikko: Bringing New Smart Efficiencies, Safety Measures And Speed To The Construction Industry
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American University of Sharjah building UAE’s data science knowledge – contributing to the rise of smart cities
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Eathos: A Driving ‘Eathos’ of Quality, Sustainability and Growth
Editor in Chief: Christian Ehrstrom Project Managers: Maryam Farhmandnia, Zeena Sayed, Wagdi Abdelrahman Journalists: Tim Hydari, Kerry Luck-Torry, Ambreen Noon Kazi, Radha P. Shah, Gavin Parsons, Malcolm Dias GRAPHIC DESIGN: JENNI HYTTINEN Photographer: Mohamed Omar El Khair Printed and distributed by Al Nisr Publishing
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MySafe Vaults: A World-First and World-Class
Safekeeping fortified: Securing the modern Safe Deposit Box The humble safe deposit box has been catapulted into the digital era and modern technologies have rendered the safe deposit box virtually impenetrable.
MySafe provides a sophisticated, totally secure, fully automated, round-the-clock, Lloyds-insured Safe Deposit Box service. Since their inception in the 19th century, safe deposit box services were provided by private vault companies and by retail banks through their branch network to local communities. The advent of online banking, ATMs and technologies resulted in a dramatic reduction in bank branches as banks sought to pursue a strategic agenda to reduce costs and drive growth through online banking platforms. As a consequence, in many countries across the world, the availability of locally based bank safe deposit box services have been scaled down, giving rise to ever-growing waiting lists to obtain a bank safe deposit box.
MySafe ‘proof of concept’ site in JLT Dubai. The company launched its second site in the retail lobby of the Kempinski Hotel and Residences, Palm Jumeirah, in July 2019. This site represents the first 5-star hotel in the world where guests and visitors alike can avail of a fully automated, fully insured safe deposit box service accessible at all times. MySafe plans to open two additional sites in Dubai International Financial Centre and another in Abu Dhabi later this year. FOOL-PROOF SECURITY SYSTEMS
A WORLD FIRST
Enter MySafe, the ‘World’s First’ convenience network of Safe Deposit Box centres. It was conceived as a breakthrough solution to fill the vacuum and shortage as a result of banks withdrawing this vital service. “In much the same way taking the ATM out of the bank and developing a network of convenience ATMs in the Mall changed the way society manages personal cash, MySafe set about demystifying and changing our perception of the options available to store items of personal or corporate value,” affirms Terry Downes, CEO, MySafe Vaults DMCC. “MySafe represents a fundamental evolution of the safety box industry, towards a system that encompasses advanced Fintech technologies 2020 | PUBLICATION
and provides 24/7 access. This represents the biggest and most revolutionary change in the industry since it was established,” he asserts. IMPENETRABLE SAFETY
“MySafe offers clients the option to take all reasonable precautions and store personal valuables and documents in extremely secure conditions,” he notes, making the case for renting a MySafe Deposit Box. MySafe launched in 2017 and the inaugural
“To access your Safe Deposit Box, you require a special bank standard swipe card to access the Privacy Pod, and a proximity card, a four-digit pin code, a bio-metric vein verification protocol and then your own personal key to access your box. It is a fully integrated access control system and once all the features are verified, the advanced safe robotics delivers your box in ten seconds,” he explains. “The other key feature is that we are the only Safe Deposit Box Company in the UAE that automatically insure all our boxes with Lloyds of London, the largest insurance and reinsurance market in the world,” assures Downes. MySafe, a different yet secure and innovative approach to solving the dearth of safe deposit boxes! mysafe.io
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We are committed to wholesome and patient care, provided by our trained medical and para-medical staff, renowned for their international expertise and experience. Our goal is to optimize inpatient and outpatient settings while assimilating digital technologies into hospital services to offer the best healthcare services in the country. Dr. Reem Osman CEO, Saudi German Hospitals Group (SGH)-UAE
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On a Medical Mission The Saudi German Hospital Group meets the Dubai government’s 2020 Agenda with pioneering healthcare initiatives and forward-thinking medical practices
With over 25 million people from more than 180 countries expected to visit the UAE next year, the logistics of managing the health and safety of residents and guests become a supremely important subject. Filling this niche with a strong presence in the GCC-North Africa region is the Saudi German Hospital Group. With hospitals across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen, Egypt, and now Morocco, the multi-specialty hospital in Dubai is part of a premier healthcare brand, delivering on high standards of medical care through integrated clinical practices, world-class services, and amenities. EXPO READY
Dr. Reem Osman, CEO, Saudi German Hospitals Group (SGH)-UAE explains, “We are committed to wholesome and patient care, provided by our trained medical and para-medical staff, renowned for their international expertise and experience. Our goal is to optimize inpatient and outpatient settings while assimilating digital technologies into hospital services to offer the best healthcare services in the country.” 2020 | PUBLICATION
Meeting the national, as well as regional demands for expert and quality healthcare, the SGH group has seen an increased footfall at its Dubai Al-Barsha hospital premises. With its close proximity to the Expo 2020 site, the hospital is ideally situated to help the Dubai Healthcare Authorities (DHA) in supporting and mitigating any risks that may be involved with large numbers of visitors. “As a healthcare group that is future-oriented, we are excited about the possibilities in the run-up to the Expo 2020 and beyond,” adds Dr. Reem. “As the sixth-largest tertiary-care hospital, with 300-plus beds, we are located within densely-populated districts, with no comparable facility within range. We have the resources, capabilities, expertise, real-time and experience to provide unparalleled assistance and services.” In addition to the hospital’s curative, restorative and recuperative services for inpatients, the hospital is also fully equipped to manage triage, emergencies and contingencies, through critical-care units adhering to the highest international standards. A new, state-of-the-art, fully equipped medical tower is also under con-
struction as part of the Expo 2020 DHA Contribution and Support Framework. “The new medical tower will serve as infrastructural support to the hospital as well as the DHA and will be able to relay information in real-time. It will work to help supplement the authorities in mitigating and managing any emergencies,” explains Dr. Reem. “By being a part of the network of integrated hospitals available to the DHA at Expo 2020, SGH is best-equipped to offer visitors primary healthcare services, emergency services, and specialized medical services.” Saudi German Hospital Dubai has been chosen by the Dubai Health Authority as the EMERGENCY CENTER (EC) that will cater to the EXPO 2020 activities. As a tertiary hospital, Saudi German Hospital Dubai is fully equipped in managing multi-casualty cases during disasters and treating pediatric and adult polytrauma cases, also managing surgical emergencies, medical emergencies, gynecology and obstetrics, and pediatric emergencies. The Hospital is also accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), CAP, and JCI
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certified for cardiology department which reflects the international quality services of Saudi German Hospital Dubai; and the first hospital accredited by Planetree International Organization for Person-Centered Excellence Certification which represents the highest achievement in patient and family-centered care. The facility is designed with 300 beds capacity, which has a licensed helipad and staff accommodation within the hospital campus, which can respond immediately for any emergency and polytrauma cases. Saudi German Hospital Dubai provides the most advanced and state of the art technology, combined with exceptionally high qualified multinational and multilingual experts, deliver comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment modalities for patients with complex and critical health conditions.
Saudi German Hospital Dubai are consistent and in synchrony with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
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By being a part of the network of integrated hospitals available to the DHA at Expo 2020, SGH is bestequipped to offer visitors primary healthcare services, emergency services, and specialized medical services.
MEDICAL TOURISM
As a part of the Expo 2020 Healthcare Agenda, Dubai seeks to establish itself as a global hub for health tourism and innovation. With the DHA’s vision and strategy to utilize the expo to showcase healthcare services in the country, the SGH group will be participating in the medical dialogue that will be held in the country during the peak months of the Expo. The objectives and the greater mission of the
“The SGH group is perfectly positioned, through our hospitals, trained specialists and infrastructure to add to the attractiveness of the Emirate as a destination for medical tourism and innovation,” she adds. In addition to the Al Barsha hospital, the SGH multispecialty family polyclinic based out of the Umm Suqeim 3 district in Jumeirah also supports patients in providing the best medical
doctors and services. The recently opened Saudi German Hospital in Sharjah and Ajman are now also fully functional and serving patients. Dr. Reem also indicates that the group is evaluating Abu Dhabi and Al Ain as possible locations for further growth within the UAE. “This expansion falls under the directives of the DHA, where Dubai’s healthcare industry will see a quantum leap in the next few years, following the adoption of a strategic plan for growth in medical tourism. SGH is proud to be part of the initiative that builds 40 healthcare centers in the country by 2025,” Dr. Reem proudly adds. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
With robust community-welfare programmes imparting continual education, the hospital stays closely engaged with its patients. They help raise awareness within the country on healthcare issues like obesity, diabetic, and other lifestyle-related diseases. “The Saudi German Hospitals Group operates in the critical life-saving business. We take our responsibilities very seriously and are always prepared. To this end, we will continue to maintain high ethical and performance standards because, for us, every life matters. We are pledged to raising the overall health of people in the country,” pledges Dr. Reem.
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We take our responsibilities very seriously and are always prepared. To this end, we will continue to maintain high ethical and performance standards because, for us, every life matters.
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Digital Health Middle East 2020 | December 9th | Dubai The UAE looks to host a strategic medical technology conference, bringing together healthcare industry specialists to discuss the future of care and connected health. This December, technology in healthcare takes centre stage, as key stakeholders across the medical and healthcare industry meet to discuss the way forward at the Digital Health Middle East Conference. The one-day event offers an inspirational line-up of more than 25 worldclass speakers, 300 plus professional peers and leading local and international enterprises, to discuss industry best practices and network in a 1-2-1 setting. “Delegates get the chance to hear from powerful keynote speakers, top technology companies, start-ups, established healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, hospital staff and physicians, among other reputable thought leaders in caregiving,” explains Johan Ehrstrom, Senior Partner, hosting and organising the event. “We are looking to deliver an action-packed day filled with hands-on case studies, objective insights, real-world scenarios, in-depth learning and excellent opportunities to widen the horizons between participants, speakers and partners.” 2020 | PUBLICATION
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Delegates get the chance to hear from powerful keynote speakers, top technology companies, start-ups, established healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, hospital staff and physicians, among other reputable thought leaders in caregiving,”
The conference will not only deliver insights into the advancements in the medical world, but will also serve as a networking event for industry specialists. It seeks to address a future framework for delivering a system of integrated digital technologies into traditional hospital services to create a health ecosystem without walls.
“We have just seen the tip of the iceberg for harvesting the powers of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics affecting and influencing healthcare delivery. The agenda of the conference is therefore built in such a way so as to introduce delegates with the most recent advancements in medical healthcare. Our objective is to apprise delegates with accurate predictions so that they can integrate these future trends and technologies into their personal practices and healthcare enterprises,” adds Mr. Ehrstrom. The event, being held December 9th at the newly-opened Caesar’s Palace Bluewater’s Dubai, marks the UAE as the epicentre of medical healthcare in the region. It seeks to engage national and international delegates by presenting intelligent design, pioneering technologies, advance clinical services and personalised care to help improve patient outcome, reduce costs and prioritize prevention. The conference will help in connecting medical specialists with the technological-services end of the industry, to
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9 foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and strategies. “Participants from health and social care will all be meeting under one roof,” elaborates Mr. Ehrstrom. “Executives, hospital leaders, physicians, regulators, governmental department heads, federal division heads, technologists and future entrepreneurs will all be there. This conference will be a great place to meet and be part of the eco-system.” Delegates are invited to avail the discounted ‘early bird’ conference pass by registering before November 7th. Tickets include all materials and conference-related literature, access to the conference program, breakfast, lunch, refreshments and valet parking. Group discounts are also available to delegations. “The future of Digital Health is personalised care beyond the doctor’s office – anywhere and anytime,” adds Mr. Ehrstrom. “This conference is designed to help industry specialists build the future of care and network and gain from faceto-face interaction and relevant contacts,” he concludes.
For more information on the event, visit www.digital-health.me or call, +971 50 718 75 71
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Expertise you can trust
Mediclinic’s UAE Division in expansion mode and enjoying increased patient preference The outlook is robust for Mediclinic, the international private healthcare company, committed to science-based medicine coupled with a patient-centric approach to care, healing and recovery. Mediclinic International was founded in 1983 in South Africa by the pioneering and visionary Dr. Edwin Hertzog, a noted anesthetist and currently the Group Chair. It was his vision to provide enhanced, proven quality of medical care for patients and to establish the finest, ethical and trustworthy healthcare system possible. Mediclinic Middle East was conceived in the UAE in 2007 following the milestone decision to acquire a controlling interest in Emirates Healthcare Limited. This move was part of Mediclinic’s strategy to expand outside South Africa and internationalise its operations. Since its inception over 35 years ago, the internationally acclaimed hospitals and clinics group has demonstrated robust growth both organically and through multiple global well-integrated and good-fit accumulations. PRUDENT AND FAR-SIGHTED MANAGEMENT
The UAE, alongside Southern Africa (South Africa and Namibia) and Switzerland, constitutes one of the three operating platforms for the company. To spearhead the venture into this region, David Hadley, Chief Executive Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, the savvy, longtime, dependable company veteran with over a quarter-of-a-century of extensive, multidisciplinary industry experience with the company, was handpicked for this key responsibility. The Mediclinic Middle East CEO has since overseen an exponential growth of the UAE’s foremost medical services provider as it continues to make intense inroads in the UAE private healthcare system including the vital and highstakes acquisition of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Noor Hospital Group in February 2016. Under his stewardship, Mediclinic Middle East operates seven hospitals in the UAE with over 900 inpatient beds, including the sophisticated 150+-bed multipurpose Mediclinic Parkview Hospital close to the fast-developing Dubai South enclave within close proximity of the Expo 2020 site. It also runs more than 20 clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and 2020 | PUBLICATION
Al Dhafra in the sprawling western Gharabiya region of Abu Dhabi. HEALTHCARE EVOLUTION
“The current condition of the healthcare industry in the UAE is vastly different from what it was fifteen years ago before Mediclinic arrived in this country. Now we have better, more stringent standards, better enforcement of high-threshold regulations, extended coverage, and an increased number of professionally run healthcare facilities across the UAE,” explains the dynamic and articulate Hadley. UAE GROWTH POTENTIAL
A growth opportunity is to grow across the broader healthcare continuum. Mediclinic is well known for its primary and hospital care
but we are not into home care or long-term, palliative health care and we can considerably develop our wellness segment and we see these areas as probable growth sectors with our special offerings,” he observes. “We are also committed to research, education and harnessing new medical technologies. To this end we partner with local medical colleges and universities to develop superior quality healthcare procedures, rigorous treatments and verifiable therapies to ensure good, positive clinical outcome,” he assures. “Our highly qualified and experienced doctors are not incentivised on downstream activities, which constitute one of our USPs, so we welcome increased regulatory intervention in this regard. Our long term focus and ethical standards are uncompromisingly high and we fully intend to uphold these going forward,” he concludes.
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Dental Healthcare Moves Online UDENZ, A MULTISIDED DENTAL ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM, CONNECTS PATIENTS WITH DENTAL CLINICS THROUGH A CONVENIENT APP
UDENZ, a multi-sided dental engagement platform, connects patients with dental clinics through a convenient app Dr. Hisham Safadi, founder and CEO of UDENZ, believes that everyone has a fundamental right to a smile. Born and raised in Dubai, and himself a dentist, he has first-hand knowledge of the industry – both its strengths and weaknesses. “The dentistry world is very fragmented. There are more than 1.6 million dentists worldwide operating independently, forced to work on short notice by the current system of tariffs, settlements and insurances, and unable to achieve cost efficiency,” Dr. Hisham elaborates. “UDENZ works as an on-demand dental service platform and payment facilitator between patients and specialists, integrating proximity, booking, treatment specialties and services, insurance approval and fulfilment, all from the ease of one app.”
Connecting upwards of 4,000 dentists across 14 cities across the UAE and MENA region, the app has been downloaded 100,000 times, and used to book 32,000 appointments in just three years. Each registered practitioner on the platform is certified and thoroughly vetted before being added. “UDENZ fulfils a niche where pioneering technology and intelligent design come together with connected health and advanced services, to improve the patient clinical experience, while reducing cost and prioritising prevention,” Dr Hisham explains. “Our assurance is timely service, quality, pricing and environment,” he adds. The application aims to support dental practices by helping practitioners get more clients through a system that is mutually beneficial for both patients and dentists. Dentists can create dental offers, as well as receive and exchange educational materials, market-
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UDENZ fulfils a niche where pioneering technology and intelligent design come together with connected health and advanced services. ing tools, and general tips, to make themselves more attractive to users. As an application, UDENZ combines HealthTech, Fintech and InsurTech tools within the platform to stay ahead of the curve. The app was the first to introduce standalone dental insurance in partnership with local insurance companies in the UAE. It is also the first to develop a dental digital wallet that allows financial transactions through the platform. This sets up the platform perfectly in preparation for cryp-
to currency, which is slated for launch in Dubai soon. “The idea is to help dental practitioners gain more visibility. Point of sales or point of purchase systems are expensive and difficult for individual dental clinics to assemble,” explains Dr. Hisham. “UDENZ fills the void by creating a fully-automated marketplace that connects users with dentists, by easing the process through a preapproved and supported insurance-claim engine. Preauthorisation and approval for treatments therefore become smoother, as the app automatically connects patients with insurance, to clinics accepting them,’’ he adds. The startup application has upwards of 60,000 users from Dubai alone, and has logged more than 10,000 searches on its website. “UDENZ is such a huge success that through one platform-based interaction between patient and dentist, we have 100 percent return on investment,” says Dr. Hisham. Dr. Hisham believes that the UAE works like an innovation lab for startups, aggressively encouraging an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Incubated by FinTech Hive, in Dubai International Financial Center, and crowdfunded through Eureeca, UDENZ launched in February 2016. Since then it has recorded a 500% increase in users over 12 months. It currently has more than 150,000 users from across the region registered on the platform, and in 2017 alone, fulfilled more than 800 appointments worth USD 75,000. The platform’s success within the region encourages Dr. Hisham to grow the application across a wider network to incorporate more countries. “The future looks immensely promising, and for that I must truly commend the regulations and legal framework within the UAE that help start-ups grow and prosper,” he concludes. 2020 | PUBLICATION
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Up close & Personal with Fakih IVF Fertility Center A doctrine of patient-centered care, coupled with the latest technologies and treatments, delivering high success rates Being the first clinic to offer private IVF treatment in Dubai since 2011, Fakih IVF, established under the leadership of Dr. Michael Fakih, is currently the leading infertility, gynecology, obstetrics, and genetics center in the GCC. Projecting a 65 % regional market share, the center has a 65% success rate for women under the age of 35. Mrs. Wafa El Ali, General Manager at Fakih IVF said, “An infertility clinic draws its reputation from its success rates. What distinguishes us from others is our achievements and we are continuously improving our medical protocols and practices to ensure our quest for innovation of the best in reproductive healthcare reflects.” The staff at the center is constantly working to ensure optimal patient care round the clock. “Customer service is very important at Fakih IVF, the entire patient journey is extremely personal, and we ensure to make each patient feel that they are special,” Wafa said. With dedicated doctors and nurses, Fakih IVF ensures the availability of specialists 2020 | PUBLICATION
through flexible appointments and direct communication. “We always make sure that there is a human touch throughout the treatment process. Couples come to us with only one objective - having a child, and starting a family. Whenever there is hope, our mission is to ensure to go above & beyond our duties to do everything we can to make their dream of parenthood become a reality,” she added. Through genetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases, Fakih IVF has been able to mitigate genetic anomalies to deliver safer pregnancies.
Fakih IVF was also the first to introduce the EmbryoScope in the UAE, an incubator that allows sterile examination for developing embryos without exposure or stress from the external environment and facilitating a healthier embryo upon implantation. In addition to IVF-ICSI, IUI, male infertility treatments (including MicroTESE, TESA - Testicular Sperm Aspiration), and genetic testing services, the clinic also offers fertility preservation - the freezing of eggs and sperm. Retrieval and implantation of younger, healthier cells increases the chances of successful pregnancy in older couples who choose to delay pregnancy. Fertility preservation is also recommended for cancer patients who wish to have children upon completion of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. With clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Western Region in the UAE, and in Muscat Oman, the Group is also expanding its services to the rest of the GCC next year, helping bring IVF treatment and the joy of parenthood to more families.
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As often is the case, creating your company is a concurrence of circumstances. However, there came a time when the entrepreneurial ethos was awakened in me and I resolved to venture into business. Thierry Karim Louesse Managing Director, Founder Fractal Systems
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Thrilling audiences into a trance with ingenious, trendy technologies
Fractal Systems Dubai-based innovative company enthralls with mesmerizing mechatronics effects
Fractal Systems, in the words of its Founder-CEO, was conceived with the objective to invent and produce unique, impressive and creative kinetic displays, stunning performances, very often associated as Techno-Art. That pledge is embodied in the express manifestation and display, when sophisticated technology and creativity converge. Since its inception in 2011, privately owned Fractal Systems, headquartered in Dubai’s Production City (formerly IMPZ), has effectively made quite a spectacle of itself by excelling in events technology and emerging as the veritable, proven provider of turnkey solutions for breathtaking Techno-Art presentations and performances. Fractal Systems is the brainchild, an initiative of the enterprising Thierry Karim Louesse, its inspiring Founder-Managing Director, who comes with superb professional credentials. In a recent exclusive interview, the executive manager-turned-entrepreneur articulated his meteoric rise in the corporate world as well as the point of inflexion when the ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ in him was stirred up and he decided to set up his own company. Fractal Systems’ excels and its reputation is best evident in the field of Mechatronics systems, an advanced, multidisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the engineering of both electrical and mechanical systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering. Louesse’s extensive 25-year career through the ranks and to the highest executive levels has been meteoric and he has been associated with one of the biggest IT companies in the world. “As often is the case, creating your company is a 2020 | PUBLICATION
concurrence of circumstances. However, there came a time when the entrepreneurial ethos was awakened in me and I resolved to venture into business,” he recalls. “Our indigenously-developed dream systems comprise a mix of technologies like mechatronics, programming, microelectronics and 3D. Our systems are developed in-house, drawn from our expertise, experience and uniquely adapted to suit individual customer needs. Our systems find applicability for public events, museums, hotels and others landmarks. Our products are often equated with Techno-Art,” he explains.
who has been instrumental in bringing what at times appeared to be crazy and unrealistic ideas to fruition,” he asserts in characteristically IT parlance. In the vision of leaving behind him a long lasting successful company, in Dubai, Thierry Louesse forges a team of very talented young managers and put them under intensive training to get them ready by summer 2021. His 25-year-old son, Till Louesse, who graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and is in charge of R&D, is seen as having the potential to lead this enthusiastic team.
ENTREPRENEURIAL FORAY
GOOD CREDENTIALS
The latent entrepreneurial spark was ignited at a chance meeting with a government official. “In 2011, a state entity asked me if I would like to create my company with the objective to create landmark optics and extraordinarily lavish showmanship to celebrate and commemorate the 40th anniversary of the UAE Federation. I didn’t hesitate and within a month, Fractal Systems was born,” he notes. Louesse acknowledges the indispensability of his partner and friend Renaud Barbier in the success of this venture. “Renaud, my personal ‘Steve Jobs’, is an incredible engineer with extensive and eclectic knowledge of the industry
The company’s current team, about 100 and growing, comprises of full-time multitalented professionals who monitor and oversee every aspect of an event organization from conceptualization to commissioning. The average age of the company’s new niche of rigorously-trained managers is a youthful 25, and all employees are put through the paces at which they can develop themselves as per the company vision. The company’s laboratory is the crucible of new unprecedented ideas and breakthroughs. Creativity and innovation are at the very core and define the work ethic at Fractal Systems. The company presently has partnerships with
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six universities and welcomes 120 students each year for purposeful training and internship programmes. “These talented trainees constitute a huge reservoir of inventiveness and extraordinary ideas. They are malleable, eager to learn, raring to go and the promising ones get inducted into the company,” he states. “Every act, every presentation is a spectacular feat by itself, the result of close interface with our clients. Our meticulously-choreographed, dazzling, bespoke theme-based projects are flawlessly executed. Delivering impeccably manoeuvred performances every time, all the time, is the raison d’être of Fractal Systems,” he affirms.
“From an operational point of view, we develop in-house all the programmes necessary to animate our mechatronics systems as well as AR/VR and games available on IOS and Android platforms. We are presently developing drone technology and applications to be able to fly in a confined and closed environment. We are almost there,” he assures. He is also justifiably proud of Fractal Systems’ comprehensive services offering and capabilities in the 3D Content Creation, Application Development, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), Drones, Kinetic, Psychedelic and Strobe Lighting, Holograms and Augmented & Virtual Reality space.
FRACTAL FORGING FORTH Thanks to its growing clientele, Fractal Systems has witnessed an exponential growth since its inception. According to Louesse, a sizable 60% of business emanates from the UAE, 20% from the remainder of the GCC and 20% from the rest of the world. In his estimation the EXPO2020 and the 195 pavilions of participating countries provides enormous opportunities for all stakeholders involved. “We have been approached by over 30 countries to date to develop concepts and technologies for their pavilions. “ “The 2030 ambitious development plan of KSA represents as well, an enormous opportunity. As a consequence, Fractal Systems is opening an office in the Kingdom and will be fully operational beginning of November this year,” he observes.
Fractal Systems delivers an average of 150 projects each year. GITEX is on the top of our annual activity. But we are as well extremely active during Arab Health, CityScape, IDEX, WFES, ADIHEX, Gulfood, and other key exhibitions. “For the last-edition ‘Future Investment Initiative’, chaired by HRH Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we developed a unique 8-metre vertical structure made of 24 layers of LED which spin around an axis that resemble a DNA structure. The audience and attendees were fascinated,” he reminisces.
“Our goals are clear, unambiguous and ambitious. We project Fractal Systems as the must-go-to One Stop Shop for creativity and competitiveness for world wide events. Subsequently, we plan to develop a progressive business ecosystem involving major universities, the world of academia and event management professionals all working in unison and synchrony to deliver the finest outcomes, technological know-how and expertise,” he adds. “We are living in very exciting times. We are setting our sights ahead for upcoming major mega-events and meet the challenges and expectations of the organisers. We are committed to and focused on delivering the latest, turning point world-class results, effects and performances that will embellish the experiences of our clients and the attending public,” he concludes.
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Qarar: A Data Driven Business
Qarar’s mission is to become the Data Analytics Centre of Excellence Home-grown Data Science advisory empowers GCC companies to adopt analytics for effective decision making Making the right decisions in business is crucial. But how do you know which decisions are the right ones? Fortunately, science has the answer. And it lies in the past. Combining the power of raw data with software and expertise can provide a powerful analysis of past events, occurrences and behaviours to make accurate predictions of future outcomes. But where to start?
in data analytics, we offer end-to-end services to develop and deploy predictive customer insights, adaptable both on premises and in the cloud. Our close professional association with the largest regional credit bureau and access to vast sources of external data makes us uniquely placed,” explains Kamhawi. “Our pool of experts proficient in data science, financial and related subject matters coupled with local and regional know-how puts us in pole position,” he continues. BIG DATA EXPLOSION
The amount of data available nowadays is staggering. Companies constantly capture trillions of bytes of information about their customers created as a by-product of other activities. “That data is captured, aggregated, stored, and analysed. Organisations now compete on analytics not just because they can but also because they should. Those who don’t will be left behind,” observes Kamhawi. According to Kamhawi, applying analytics goes beyond churning through data and producing highly accurate predictive models. To this end, Qarar has developed the Qarar Modelling Services Framework (QMS) that helps clients through the entire process of the model development lifecycle. CHANNELING THE SIMAH CONNECTION
Fortunately, help is on hand to provide expertise and bespoke solutions. Dubai-headquartered Qarar, aptly meaning ‘decision’ in Arabic, is an advanced decision analytics company specialising in the development of predictive modeling, software and advisory services. Predictive analytics explains what is likely to happen and in today’s shifting, highly competitive landscape, any business sector requires foresight. These models can forecast developments from the likelihood a customer will default, product uptake, the price a customer will pay, how many items each will buy in a lifetime, what triggers will make people buy more, potential future profitability and more. TOWERING TITAN
At the corporate helm is Zaid Kamhawi, CEO, an experienced industry visionary tasked with overseeing growth and strategy at this specialist company that promises to make people’s experiences fuller and simpler while making businesses profitable and competitive. “As a specialist consultancy offering the finest technological solutions 2020 | PUBLICATION
“Qarar began as the data analytics arm of the Saudi Credit Bureau – SIMAH. This gave us deep knowledge in working with credit behaviours and applying our expertise in helping banks and financial services develop corresponding behavioural scorecards that can help them in decisions across the credit lifecycle of customers,” Kamhawi elaborates. “Our key focus is forwarding the analytics industry in the Middle East and GCC markets. We see strong growth and interest from the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets as the maturity level on the value of data is high in both countries,” he observes. Qarar also has offices in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, serving the Kingdom across multiple industry verticals, offering an entire suite of services. Kamhawi closes with an analogy. “Think of advanced analytics as you would a Formula 1 race car, which performs best when its support team has a real-time view of the vehicle’s health as it zips around the track,” he quips. With him in the driving seat, Qarar is well on the fast track to expansion.
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SPECTRAMI: SERVING THE ENTERPRISE-DRIVEN SPECTRUM
Redefining and Reinforcing Merit to Value-Added Digital Technologies Offering specialist end-to-end value solutions are at the core of Spectrami’s mandate
Spectrami has reinvented Value-Added Distribution (VAD) in its operational geographies by pursuing an ingenious approach with a Unique Vendor Extension Model (VEM) to channel empowerment through knowledge sharing, skill boosting, and introducing niche, pioneering technologies and solutions in multiple sectors across the enterprise-driven spectrum. From its spartan beginnings in Dubai in July 2011, Spectrami has advanced exponentially since its inception, forging remarkable international channel partnerships and currently serving in excess of 40 countries (and counting) globally through a network of offices across Europe and the Middle East and Africa. Spectrami is the brain-child of serial entrepreneur, pacesetter extraordinaire and IT industry veteran Anand Choudha, also the company’s CEO and President. Under Choudha’s stewardship, Spectrami was tasked with the clear directive to enhance ‘value’ within the value-added distribution domain. “Spectrami was conceived out of the necessity to bring a new dynamic and paradigm in our relationship with our clients across the IT Spectrum. We provide a range of embellished, specialist services in the realm of information security, data centre infrastructure and data communications networks among other offerings. It is our stated intent to provide solutions and work proactively and cohesively with our clients and not perceived to be vendors pushing boxes,” affirms Choudha. “To that end we decided to rejig our model as the Vendor Extension Model-VEM, where we desire to give the same professional experience a vendor would provide the customer for enterprise solution delivery in terms of multi-point engagement from sales, pre-sales, marketing, delivery and channel fulfillment,” he continues. THE SOLID QUARTET
For Choudha, Spectrami’s success spawned the creation of three autonomous, stand-alone companies. These were Amiseq and HIVE
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PRO. Consequently, the acquisition of NPC, a boutique VAD based in Frankfurt, Germany, Spectrami was able to make forays in Europe notably, UK, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. In the year 2016, the Abu Dhabi multi-billion dollar equity investment firm KBBO (Khalifa Omeir Bin Butti) Group invested in Spectrami with a plan to support the ambitious plan to become a global leader. “KBBO’s investment has proven to be a great catalyst for Spectrami. It has provided us the resource and muscle to soldier on, build us up as partners of choice and make inroads into various other geographies,” observes Choudha. HIVE BUZZ
One of the catalysts for Spectrami growth has been the ability to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. Spectrami had led the change by launching the ‘HIVE Platform’ for redefining the Cloud Distribution Strategy. “We understand the need to innovate and create a new distribution platform for manag-
ing and delivering cloud-based solutions to our customers. The Spectrami ‘HIVE Platform’, in association with HIVE PRO, provides the ability for vendors and resellers to track, centrally manage and distribute the licensed delivery mechanism as well as simplify operations with Zero Touch Intelligent Automation,” he notes. More innovations, improvisations and indigenization are in the offing as the Spectrami growth trajectory goes on the upswing, Surely, Choudha has his work cut out for him! 2020 | PUBLICATION
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Drone-Powered Solutions Industry, Mapping, and Everyday Life AVANT-GARDE DRONE TECHNOLOGY LEADS THE WAY IN CHANGES ACROSS INDUSTRIES.
Drones are a technology that capture the imagination of the general public due to their enhancement of everyday photography and videography. The wider commercial potential and scope of Unmanned Arial Systems is still in the process of being fully realized. Offering customer-oriented solutions through drone-integrated tech, UAE company Falcon Eye Drone Services (FEDS) is a game changer in the industry. Drawing on the UAE’s drive to foster innovation while supporting legal regulations concerning drones, FEDS has grown exponentially since establishment in 2014. The company offers tailored monitoring, including surveying and mapping services; applications for geological, archaeological, and environmentally endangered sites; as well as solutions for industries such as mining, engineering, construction and agriculture. First in the GCC to use drones in aviation, the UAE led the way in commercial customization. “As such, our biggest clients are government entities,” says Mr Rabih Bou Rashid, Managing Director of Falcon Eye Drones. “We have worked with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to map farm areas in the northern Emirates to draw a detailed 2020 | PUBLICATION
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We enable companies to accurately track project progress, manage resources more effectively, and reduce downtime. geo-agri database that allows for future intelligence gathering and planning.” This project mapped over 100,000 square kilometers with a resolution down to 2.5 cm. The study gathered data that detailed upwards of 41 features, including plant types, irrigating systems, biodiversity of surrounding animal and plant species, thermal imagining, heat signatures, as well as pest infestations, among others. Commercial drone technology involves innovative new research that aims to help shape policy within the UAE agro-environmental industry. In comparison to traditional survey methods, its AI and data science-based mapping, enables faster turn-around time, including higher accuracy and visual granularity. Drones also provide options in areas where
manual survey methodologies are unsafe. Compatible with the latest GIS software, data is available in orthomosaic, 3D, point cloud, contour, RGB, thermal, and multispectral detailing, which the FEDS team are expertly trained in reading and interpreting. Additionally, drone technology communicates data to other drones and devices within the same network - in real time. “We enable companies to accurately track project progress, manage resources more effectively, and reduce downtime,” explains Mr Bou Rashid. He adds, “Using drones enables companies to record images and videos for marketing purposes or management reporting, that can also be easily shared through cloud-based reporting.” As air spaces are opened further to commercial and civilian activities, Mr Bou Rashid estimates that the UAE could soon see drones used as a first-point of contact for data-gathering in emergencies, and increasingly replacing manual labor across the agricultural industry. “Within the correct legal framework, the possibilities for drone usage are endless. They could soon be a part of the natural environment; we’d be as comfortable seeing them as we are birds in the sky.”
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Solutions That Move Business Specialising in boutique organisational and management IT structures, Focus Softnet helps businesses run efficiently
With more than 27 years in the market, Focus Softnet is a specialist in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software solutions. The IT specialists have a direct presence in the UAE, with representation in 27 countries worldwide. ERPs and CRMs are the processing core of every business. At the organisational end, ERP systems centralise various aspects of the organisation, communicate internally within departments, and offer a 360-degree view of the business in real time. Equally, CRMs help businesses scale up through a personalised, client-centric process. With cloud computing, ERPs and CRMs have become even more efficient, giving organisations timely information and connectivity. “Focus Softnet has created its niche providing ERP and CRM solutions to small and medium-sized businesses,” says Sunil Mathew, Regional Chief Operating Officer at Focus. “With the Dubai Expo 2020 happening next year, we realise that a lot of newer companies will be coming into the region initially testing the waters. They will need to make smart investments, with the right solution partner, that can provide them value for their money. Every one of them will have ERP requirements.” This is the market where Focus Softnet is positioning itself. The company offers user-friendly applications and solutions both on-premise, as well as on a SAAS (software as a service) model. “Companies who wish to keep their expenses on the operational day-to-day functioning of the business through an OPEX model, rather than as capital expenses, can scale up and focus on growth and profitability.
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Focus Softnet has created its niche providing ERP and CRM solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Also, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), these initial capital expenses are hard to incur. This is where Focus Softnet comes in - to offer its ERP applications on a SAAS model, thus enabling organisations to pay on a monthly subscription basis,” elaborates Mr. Mathew. These boutique applications are cloud-based, and would not need supporting infrastructure, dedicated servers or networking.
“Essentially, a small enterprise, with three laptops and an internet connection can start a business. We install a customised plug-in and they’re all set,” he adds. With a direct presence in the UAE, Focus Softnet is able to align and collaborate closely with customers on what they require, so that the ERP solutions offered are more relevant to the market and to the customer. Launched in conjunction with GITEX this October 6th, Focus Softnet added a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) component to ERP solutions. The VUI (Voice User Interface) AIFA AI Engine, is a voice-activated interface that revolutionises the way users can interact with their enterprise systems. “The ERP landscape is changing very quickly. Everyone wants more. AIFA VUI make ERP interactions more convenient and interesting. It is now accessible from mobiles. And information that previously took days to analyse and use, now takes a fraction of a second,” elaborates Mr. Mathew. AIFA’s VUI allows control of various operations within an enterprise software space, making interpretation and analytics even more accessible and easier than ever before. Focus Softnet has always aimed on staying one step ahead of the market. Positioning itself as the go-to IT solution for SMEs, looking towards the future in the region, Mr. Mathew hopes to see even more advancement as organisations embrace Focus Softnet’s solutions for their ERP and CRM needs.
www.focussoftnet.com
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Revolutionising Heavy Goods Vehicles Intelligent Transportation Software to be introduced in the UAE with the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz new Actros by December 2019 When it comes to innovative tech, few sectors provide as much opportunity for substantial change as transportation. The past few years have seen ride share companies such as Uber, Lyft and Careem embrace data science, with intelligent software providing a seamless user experience, revolutionising the way we move around our cities. We’re beginning to see more and more innovative technology in our vehicles. The exchange of data between people and vehicles has led to cars becoming more connected to their driver and surrounding vehicles, reducing travel time and emissions, and increasing driver and passenger safety. A perfect example is the new Actros by Mercedes Benz, which boasts 60 innovative technological features and, “brings the future of heavy-duty trucks to the roads today” says Stefan Buchner, a member of the divisional board of Daimler Trucks and Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. EXCEPTIONAL VISUAL COVERAGE
The new Actros is the world’s first commercial vehicle to remove traditional mirrors optionally, instead leveraging two 15-inch cockpit screens on either side of the cabin, providing digital images from two high resolution cameras, in key positions. The MirrorCam, with 720 x 1920 HD resolution, gives Actros drivers an unparalleled 2020 | PUBLICATION
visual presentation of the road they’re navigating. This intelligent maneuvering does not only allow for safer reversing, reducing the possibility of damage, but reduces blind spots, a common cause of serious collisions, with telephoto lenses providing far wider visual angles. When turning regular and tight corners, a long view of the trailer automatically appears on screen, improving the field of vision, as well as distance lines providing real-time information about objects in the vicinity – providing a feedback loop that helps drivers make better decisions. If that wasn’t enough, the absence of wing mirrors actually improves aerodynamics and reduces fuel consumption. TAKING BRAKING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
The first generation of Active Brake Assist was launched back in 2006. Now, in its fifth iteration, Active Brake Assist 5 sets the bar for heavy vehicle road safety. This advanced automatic braking system, which is available on selected models, uses a combination of radar and camera systems that can detect other vehicles and pedestrians, and avoid collisions by decelerating, even bringing the truck to a standstill. It operates on a three-stage warning system. Once Active Brake Assist 5 detects the possibility of a rear-end collision, it immediately
informs the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond, the system automatically applies the breaks at 50% power. If the driver still doesn’t respond, the system initiates the full breaking system, activating the hazard lights for road users, bringing the vehicle to a full stop. INSTANT INFORMATION AND ENTIRELY INTERACTIVE
The new Actros has been designed to create a fluent, intelligent, and intuitive driving experience. The optional multimedia cockpit provides all essential information instantly. Split into three sections, the speedometer is positioned centrally, while brake pressure, fuel levels, and engine temperature information appear on the left. Touchscreen multimedia functionality is on the right side of the display, with phonebooks, audio options, and mapping, connecting to the driver’s personal device, removing the need to access phones - so drivers can fully focus on the road. With the new Actros, the commercial transportation industry in the UAE will shortly have future-ready, innovative vehicles that provide both road and load safety, through intelligent software with multiple functions, reducing emissions, and providing truck drivers with an unparalleled driving experience.
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There’s a focus on increasing efficiency for everyone, rather than merely increasing profitability Anders Nilsson Managing Partner in the UAE, Bird and Bird Middle East
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Bird & Bird Middle East is Ready for the Digital Business Future As businesses face digital disruption affecting everything from regulatory policy, data privacy, distribution and franchising agreements to intellectual property rights, Bird & Bird Middle East is ushering clients into a new era of emerging technology. For an industry that has traditionally been reluctant to adopt new approaches, law firms have found themselves navigating the trials and tribulations of emerging technology on behalf of their clients. International law firm Bird & Bird Middle East has taken the lead by working directly with regional and global brands to prepare, manage, and strategise their digital business future. As digitalisation causes the borders between industries to blur, innovative tech is affecting all levels of operation and each stage of corporate development. For example, rapid developments in artificial intelligence, big data, cloud services and the deployment of new media and telecommunications technology affects almost every industry, according to David Bintliff, partner and head of the Technology & Communications and the Media, Entertainment & Sports sector groups in the Middle East at Bird & Bird. “Disruption, digitisation, digital change, smart cities, digital health, AI, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, emergence into the data economy – all of these terms describe a fundamental change that all industries and areas of economic life face today” notes Bintliff. “The region itself is witnessing significant digital transformation. Economic diversification is driving focus on and investment in digital. The majority of 2020 | PUBLICATION
governments in the GCC have developed ambitious digital strategies. The region’s position as a digital and technology hub is no accident, but rather the consequence of forward-thinking government policy and prescient leadership”.
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Companies are facing technological challenges that were unimaginable only a few years ago. Global trends in innovative tech, especially those addressing data privacy, are also informing regional developments for both the private and public sectors. “In Dubai, the driver behind embracing technology, such as artificial intelligence, is to bring happiness to its citizens and residents,” says Anders Nilsson, managing partner in the UAE at Bird & Bird. “There’s a focus on increasing efficiency for everyone, rather than merely increasing profitability.” Whilst the UAE’s regulatory schemes continue to develop, the government is also actively addressing what Bintliff calls the “natural tension between regulation and innovation.” As regulatory laws for digital businesses vary
significantly around the world, the UAE has been able to experiment and create an ecosystem that incorporates established best practices from successful innovation hubs, like Silicon Valley. “Regionally, governments are exploring the US model for growth to find the balance between innovation and regulation,” he adds. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a good example of this approach in action. “Smaller fintech companies are excused from certain regulatory requirements until they scale up, which creates a conducive environment for growth that still benefits from effective and appropriate oversight,” Nilsson explains. Along with a willingness to embrace innovative tech, the UAE is actively positioning itself as a leader of the digital revolution. Through strategic investments in innovative tech companies and start-ups, as well as legislative advancements, the country is building a competitive environment that supports companies through their digital transformations. “The country is relatively young and has several advantages as businesses face the challenges of digitalisation,” Nilsson continues. “For example, in many areas, we don’t have the difficulty of overcoming legacy legal systems, which is a significant issue clients face in some other jurisdictions.”
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For example, the recent adoption of bankruptcy and competition laws, as well as a value-added tax (VAT) system, will lead to more transparency and predictability, and thus more inherent trust from companies and consumers. For data privacy, Bintliff notes that the Dubai International Financial Centre’s new data protection law for financial services companies could be an indication of increasing regulation in this area. “I understand the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is looking at implementing a data protection law, similar to EU’s introduction of GDPR, as part of the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy. That would have significant implications on the processing, handling, storage and distribution of data in the UAE”. Dispute resolution is also undergoing a series of innovative developments. Sophisticated investigations to explore matters thoroughly are quickly becoming the standard, whilst internal policies and guidelines have gained a new level of importance. However, with any innovative technology comes inevitable disruption. Increasingly, businesses also face challenges to their intellectual property rights in various forms, including counterfeiting, which directly impacts brand reputation. Companies then find themselves
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with the difficult task of managing their online reputations, whilst struggling to counteract bad actors in a battle that often pits digital approaches against each other. “With the ease of doing business online internationally, we’ve seen more companies recognising their brands and other intellectual property as a valuable asset that needs protection,” says Melissa Murray, partner and head of the Intellectual Property practice in the Middle East at Bird & Bird. “For this reason, our trademark team is seeing more companies that understand why it is critical to file their trademarks in jurisdictions across the region.” Murray explains that distribution and franchising agreements have been affected in unexpected ways by innovative tech. For fashion companies, tackling unlicensed online shopping portals, which may be trading counterfeit products, is proving business-critical as customers post their impressions online for immediate consumption. “These online shopping platforms are directly affecting brands that have to defend themselves from tech, by using tech,” Murray explains. “New technology, such as AI influencers marketing through unlicensed and unauthorised channels, pose a real challenge for brands,” she explains. AI’s relatively easy scalability and deployment across digital
platforms, especially social media spaces, has left companies searching for ways to protect their online (and offline) reputations, as well as intellectual property. Companies are facing technological challenges that were unimaginable only a few years ago. To succeed in this new landscape of innovative disruption, businesses require commercially conscious legal guidance from forward-thinking firms like Bird & Bird to thrive in the business world of tomorrow.
ABOUT BIRD & BIRD LLP
Bird & Bird LLP is an international law firm which supports organisations being changed by the digital world or those leading that change. We combine exceptional legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, to help clients achieve their commercial goals. We have over 1300 lawyers in 30 offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, as well as close ties with firms in other parts of the world. If you want to find out more, visit www.twobirds.com. 2020 | PUBLICATION
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Changing the Way People Live Becoming a global citizen is more accessible than ever Bashar Daoud, managing partner of Bluemina, wants everyone to know that immigration is a thing of the past. “We’re keeping away from the term immigration,” he says. Instead, the company is helping their clients become global citizens through citizenship and residency programs that open up the world to Arab investors. As an international marketing agent for popular Caribbean nations, a government-approved and licensed firm, and member of the Investment Migration Council, Daoud believes Bluemina is perfectly positioned to help the region’s residents become global citizens. In operation for over two decades, the company is at the forefront of citizenship- and residency-by-investment programs. With six offices, over 15 country programs, and over 11,000 success stories, the company has been a leading firm in global citizenship since its beginning. Daoud’s father founded the company in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which he refers to as “the birthplace of immigration.” He goes on to say, “As immigrants ourselves, my father started this business – a family business now being structured as a firm – for anyone who wants second citizenship or residency services.” Like his father, Daoud believes that people in the MENA region seeking new opportunities should be able to explore their options when thinking about their future. “Options are out there,” he says, “and there are solutions for each and every person.” In fact, in the MENA region alone, 2019 has seen a 15% increase in demand for citizenship-by-investment compared to the previous year, demonstrating an eager interest in available opportunities. He notes that there has been a particular surge in interest for citizenship-by-investment through Caribbean island nations, which accounts for 65% of demand. Bluemina is an international marketing agent for these countries with special insight into the attraction for investors and regional residents, particularly the balance between available benefits with costs and timeframe. For a quicker path to many of the benefits 2020 | PUBLICATION
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Bluemina is prepared to help individuals and families achieve their dreams of becoming global citizens. offered by second citizenship, residency-by-investment programs give investors freedom of travel, the right to reside, and often access to health and educational benefits, “without the obligation of residing in a country,” Daoud explains. Malta’s program, which grants EU residency and many other benefits to recipients, is particularly popular in the Arab world, accounting for 45% of all applications submitted. Other options include programs in Cyprus, Greece, and Portugal. Bluemina provides guidance for its clients on choosing specific citizenship- and resi-
dency-by-investment programs. Providing an example, Daoud describes how a businessman may want to expand across borders, as well as open an offshore banking. In another example, an Egyptian family may explore second citizenship in a Commonwealth country for their children who hope to continue their studies in Europe or the U.K. Having established connections with over 15 countries, including Malta, Cyprus, several Caribbean countries, and the US, the company provides its clients a smooth and transparent process as they begin their transformation from single nationality to global citizenship. Bluemina also works to improve programs across the world. As part of the Investment Migration Council, the company recently attended a meeting in Geneva, explains Daoud. He describes a panel he participated in where governments shared ideas and thoughts on how to increase investment options in their countries and attract foreign investors through citizenship- and residency-by-investment. Daoud explains that there are many ways of obtaining a citizenship- or residency-by-investment, either by contributing to a country’s fund, or investing in real estate. With numerous opportunities for both countries and investors, it’s firms like Bluemina that create that synergy. With more people in the region interested in citizenship- and immigration-by-investment than ever before, Bluemina is prepared to help individuals and families achieve their dreams of becoming global citizens. Having expanded across Jordan, Erbil, Baghdad, Cairo, Ramallah, and Dubai, the company continues to open offices across the region to serve clients practically and effectively, as they seek travel, education, and living opportunities for themselves and their families. “With us, people can come to a well-organised, specialised firm and get the best residency and citizenship solutions in an efficient and swift manner,” Daoud concludes.
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INNOVATION THROUGH INTEGRATED LIVING FOR A NEW GENERATION Venture capitalist Sultan Banaja invests in people to build and sustain enterprises that facilitate modern living
In a country where approximately 60 % of the population is under 30, Sultan Banaja, the mind behind Ideas Capital Enterprise, is the perfect example of a dynamic new breed of entrepreneurs. The 27 year-old epitomizes the dynamic new breed of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, under the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, focused on a vision for the future that incorporates change and progress. Working in conjunction with the national Saudi Vision for 2030, and the Crown Prince’s driving the world to Invest in Saudi, Ideas Capital Enterprise sees itself supporting the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. “As young investors, our role is to grow and diversify this market further, hand in hand with the drive of our leadership under King Salman and Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman.” With a string of successful ventures to his name, including a Saudi- and UK-based digital marketing company, Concepts, a sneaker store at City Walk Dubai, Leaves and Vines, an F&B outlet that promotes healthy lifestyle and nutrition, and Vibes co-working space for up-andcoming headliners like himself, Sultan has his finger on the pulse of Saudi’s new generation. “We understand the amalgamated needs of youngsters,” he says with confidence. Sultan’s name is also behind Pulse, one of the first female fitness studios in Jeddah, heralding “a new era of female movement and empowerment in Saudi,” he notes. “Within the same retail area, Pulse’s proximity with Vibes as well as Leaves and Vines, reflects the modern, integrated lifestyles of young Saudis.” With a view to enhancing their quality of life and after identifying the sectors most attractive to the younger generation, Ideas Capital was born. Partnering with brother Majed Banaja and cousin Abdellatif Banaja, the trio brings together 11 years of diverse investment experience abroad, as well as combined expertise in the areas of law, business development, and strategy, to help build Saudi’s SME and start-up community.
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A lot of the businesses we have undertaken and made profitable are because of the commitment and passion the people brought to it.
“There is a lot of focus in Saudi right now toward SME and new start-ups,” says Banaja. “These enterprises need infrastructural support, as well as guidance and business knowhow to take them from the initial bootstrapping stage to the next level. This is where the company’s holistic approach comes in,” he adds. Officially launching in 2017, Ideas Capital Enterprise is a bold step away from the security of the family business Sultan was to join. Making a unique name for himself and the company is important to the young entrepreneur. “We invest not just in ideas, but also in people,” says Sultan. “A lot of the businesses we have undertaken and made profitable are because of the commitment and passion the people brought to it,” he adds. Working in conjunction with the national
Saudi Vision for 2030, Ideas Capital Enterprise sees itself supporting the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping forward-thinking business minds in the region grow intelligently. As a private growth-stage fund in the GCC, Ideas Capital looks at the larger potential of an enterprise within Saudi Arabia, and Middle East, bringing experience and expertise to help start-ups grow. “Having gone through the initial stages of building multiple businesses, we provide advisory and critical operations support,” Sultan states. “Additionally, for any new business, connecting with the right people becomes important. This is where our network comes in. We facilitate your business through the right introductions.”
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From left: Aifaz Mohammad, Aijaz Mohammad, Mohammed Ashraf (Chairman) seated, Aizaz Mohammad
AAA Freight Services Chemical Logistics Company in JAFZA The company has carved a niche for itself in the local market, running state-of-the-art, dangerous-goods storage facilities. Established in 2006, AAA Freight Services is an integrated logistics provider, specialising in a wide range of warehousing, transportation and supply chain management solutions. Proud to call itself a UAE enterprise, the company operates out of a 10,000 sq. metre, hightech licensed warehousing facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).
meet a variety of transit requirements for charters, heavy loads and customised options for the automotive, fashion, healthcare and food industries, among others. “As large volume handlers, we are in a position to offer customers extremely competitive freight rates across multiple locations. Backed by solid international alliances, we aim to be the one-stop service provider to ensure effective and practical solutions to customer requirements,” Aizaz Mohammad adds.
CHEMICAL WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION
AAA’S FOOTPRINT IN AFRICA
The growth of the company, along with its reputation for handling a range of hazardous materials, has won it a coveted position in the chemical logistics sector. With the specialised JAFZA license, AAA is one of few players in the industry delivering the service. Managing Director, Aijaz Mohammad explains, “Our chemical storage solutions, supported by a network that extends to picking and packing goods, can be suited to a wide range of customers, including traders, manufacturers and distributors.” Using advanced-safety, environmentalprotection and quality-control systems, the company ensures complete handling of a range of chemicals, including flammable, corrosive, toxic, and temperature-sensitive goods. FREIGHT FORWARDING
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The company’s tremendous growth and expansive range of services, as well as their geographical reach, are a testament to its professionalism. “We strive to be the best in whatever we do and always go the extra mile to find new and efficient systems to stay ahead of the competition,” Aijaz says. AAA established its presence in the East African markets through Somaliland. The com-
pany provides procurement solutions for the sector and the neighbouring land-locked EastAfrican markets, enabling access to maritime highways connecting Africa to the Middle East and Europe. AAA’S GATEWAY TO EUROPE – SPAIN
AAA has successfully established its business presence in Spain – a strategic location for the land-sea-air hub linking Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It extends services toward freight management and contract logistics, targeting the primary export commodities within the chemical and automobile industry. “We can confidently export to St. Petersburg, Russia, or import from Sydney, Australia,” Aifaz Mohammad says assuredly. PROFESSIONALISM AT ITS CORE
With over a decade in the industry, AAA brings an unquestionable reputation to the logistics and shipping sector. “We understand that in this high-tech age, speed and accuracy of information are vital,” concurs Chairman Mohammad Ashraf. AAA’s fully-automated hub centre is equipped with the latest technology and communication systems. Covering the globe, AAA is equipped to provide service on any continent, in any city. GULF NEWS SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT
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Innovation in Home Appliances Drives Sustainable Growth Innovation is the cornerstone of Groupe SEB production and marketing strategy to ensure consumer wellbeing Groupe SEB holds an impressive 160-year history of innovation, acquisition and growth in the world of small home appliances and cookware. Today, present in over 150 locations globally, and launching more that 250 new products annually, Groupe SEB brings in a yearly revenue of €6.8 billion. Considered a pioneer of innovation in the market, the group’s interests include cookware, linen care, personal care, food and drink preparation, electric cooking, housekeeping and home comfort. An extensive and staple portfolio of international brands, such as Tefal, Rowenta, Krups, Moulinex, Lagonstina, and many more, ensure consumers are provided with both choice and quality. Continuing this commitment, Groupe SEB acquired German brand WMF in 2016, giving the company a foothold in the coffee-making appliances category and access to yet another consumer base. Managing director of Group SEB Middle East, Shonila Misra aptly describes the company as “transversal,” as its product line cuts across diverse aspects of not only consumer needs but, more importantly, “today’s consumer lifestyle.” She notes how the company manufactures and carries products that help consumers enhance their day-to-day lives, from effective indoor air purifiers, which guard against the rise of 2020 | PUBLICATION
allergens in our environment, to high quality blenders, which offer a quick, easy and healthy breakfast solutions that also meet current nutrition trends. “We are catching every aspect of consumer life, with innovative solutions, so that consumer needs are met in a sustainable fashion,” says Misra. Commenting on the growth of tech and data science in consumer products, Misra states that when it comes to Groupe SEB’s household items, “innovation is in the DNA of the organization. If we’re not innovating, we’re not growing.” Many of the company’s products are already ‘connected,’ such as autonomous vacuum cleaners for offloading laborious chores. “The day-to-day life of consumers is a source of inspiration. We’re at the forefront of these needs, and so want to be close to consumers through social listening so we can meet consumers where they need us,” says Misra. Such a consumer-centric approach also creates value for Group SEB’s retailers, which in turn means the company can continue to invest in and design new products with original solutions for the market. Not only are Groups SEB’s products lifestyle focused, they are also environmentally friendly, and the innovation in their manufacturing is geared towards reducing environmental
impact and improving sustainability. “We’re focused on the footprint we leave behind and have taken suitable steps to adhere to global guidelines. Not only does this happen at the production level, it’s also with the products we offer. For example, products such as on-thego bottles, mugs and storage containers help consumers use fewer disposable solutions and reduce food wastage,” says Misra. With respect to appliances, Groupe SEB is a pioneer in reparability. 93% of the company’s electrical products are substantially repairable, while 75% are completely repairable giving consumers the opportunity to continue using their appliances and help them reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, 85 % of its electrical products are recyclable. “These are issues of a global level,” says Misra, and “we strive to save the planet’s resources by using more recycled materials and extending product life cycles.” Groupe SEB’s core values are making consumers’ everyday lives easier and helping to ensure their wellbeing. “Our innovation draws on market trends and consumer expectations, as relevant innovation is about launching the right product in the right place at the right time,” concludes Misra.
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We are focused on the environment and sustainability and as part of its corporate strategy; the company is committed to the Circular Economy. We want the building industry to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Radovan Endel General Manager, Peikko Middle East
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PEIKKO GULF: PRESENTING A NEW WAY TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT
Bringing new smart efficiencies, safety measures and speed to the construction industry Leading the way; forerunners to new trends in building products and processes Peikko’s benchmark integrated trademark composite beams DELTABEAM® are increasingly being used by construction companies in the Middle East. With significant expertise and experience in the construction arena, Peikko provides a faster, safer and a more efficient way to design and build. The company’s pioneering and dependable ways to develop a range of construction modules for buildings, from simple structures to massive complex projects, is rapidly catching the attention of builders. The Lahti, Finland-headquartered family-owned multinational company was founded in 1965. It has since leapt into prime position, presenting a faster, safer and more efficient way to design and construct. Peikko Gulf is a joint venture between the Peikko Group Corporation and Rashed Abdul Rahman Al Rashed & Sons Group, a Saudi Arabian trading and industrial conglomerate. Peikko Gulf currently has production facilities in Ras Al Khaimah and operates under the banner Al Rashed Peikko in the Kingdom. The company commenced operations in the region in the summer of 2008. Slovakia-born Radovan Endel is General Manager, Peikko Middle East, and oversees the company’s operations in the wider region. With a tenure spanning over a decade with the company, Radovan has previously held various positions in technical and management leadership roles in the manufacturing and electromechanical sectors. PEIKKO PRIMACY
In an interview, Radovan highlights the role of Peikko in the field of construction and structural design. “Globally, Peikko is delivering innovative solutions for precast element connections, cast-in-situ connections and components. Our integrated, proprietary composite beams DELTABEAM® are a core part of and indispensable to wind turbine foundations in the Wind Energy sector,” he notes. “With all those applications and systems, we are providing faster, more efficient and reliable ways to build in the construction sector 2020 | PUBLICATION
for the benefit of all stakeholders involved. We are proud of our over five decades of experience and our corporate heritage and values are firmly rooted in this family owned company,” he affirms. Peikko currently has over 1800 employees globally; manufactures in 10 countries and its products are available in excess of 35 countries. MULTIPLE USAGES
According to Radovan, Peikko’s clientele is wide and varied. “Our clients are architects looking for freedom in design, construction companies willing to gain reliability, safety and speed as well structural designers, precasters, flooring specialists, developers, investors and energy industry specialists among others.” He points out to the solid reputation of Peikko that has served the company well as it makes strong inroads in the construction sector worldwide. “We are confident, believe in optimum performance, professionalism and are responsive to our clients’ needs,” he observes. Peikko products meet the demanding requirements of its customers. “We have a strong focus on R&D and in many cases have developed more cost-efficient, more durable, more reliable alternatives. Our goal is to influence and serve our customers comprehensively from the choice of technical solutions through construction to the use of the building,” he says.
even the purpose of a building. This can even extend the building’s lifespan,” he reiterates. ADVANTAGE PEIKKO
“Peikko was the first company to conduct extensive research and devise a system for the usage of vertical structural elements. In case of precast connections, the main advantage of Peikko system, with proven verification of the capacity and safety, is that temporary supports are no longer needed and thus the construction process can be greatly accelerated. It is no longer necessary to wait for the injection materials to get hardened; it is possible to maintain the continuity of seamless work without stoppage,” he states. Construction is the largest sector in Middle East, accounting for more than US$ 1tn of big and small project investments. Our present pipeline span projects across the residential, commercial, hospitality and energy sectors. We are confident about the future and are fully expecting to be significant partners in more key
STANDARDISATION
“In order to get specific knowledge, we actively participate in standardisation work with the cooperation of leading research institutes. We are global, yet think local. We understand the importance to ensure that our products meet local regulations and sustainability requirements”, assures Radovan. “One of Peikko’s best known applications-DELTABEAM®, creates flexible and open spaces that enable the changing of layout and
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projects in the region and globally. “The strength of Peikko is that we have key points as a strong technical and strong global presence on the construction market. This gives us the opportunity to quickly understand the special needs of the different local markets and develop technical solutions that respond to those needs,” he assures. TRUSTED PARTNER
“At Peikko, we are mindful of the financial and technological pressures in the construction market as a result of increased competition and other industry challenges. We have proved and vindicated our presence in this region and as construction partners we have earned the trust reposed in us by our customers.” “When you work in the construction industry, your work is testimony. You see evidence of your job every day from the project you are presently working on, the one last worked to the project you are hoping to get next. It is our goal to ensure our customer’s ambitions and vision to succeed and take shape in concrete, quite literally.”
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SUSTAINABILITY
Peikko Group is committed to sustainability. “Sustainability and the circular economy are becoming top priorities. The construction industry will have to respond to enormous pressures for efficiency and sustainability. Demands are increasingly being made not only on capabilities and speed of the construction process, but of the whole lifecycle management of buildings, starting from planning to eventual demolition or re-use of structures,” he states. “Precast will definitely be the main construction method in the future, world-wide. I believe that the building industry’s main concern will be the most efficient use of the already existing construction materials and most likely we will find new ways of using the materials and making them more resistant and environmentally friendly,” he continues. “We are focused on the environment and sustainability and as part of its corporate strategy; the company is committed to the Circular Economy. We want the building industry to be a part of the solution and not the problem,” he concludes.
PEIKKO GULF’S NEW FACTORY IN RAS AL KHAIMAH Peikko Group is about to commence its steel and composite structures manufacturing in its new, sprawling modern factory premises in Ras Al Khaimah. The land leasing agreement for the new 11,500sqm plot was signed in October 2017 between Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and Peikko Gulf. It is located close to Peikko’s current factory and warehouse premises, enabling easy scalability and ready access. The factory will use the latest technology and automation to raise the production capacities of the connection items and DELTABEAM® Slim Floor Structures. The new manufacturing unit has an optimal layout with provision for increased production and scope for future expansion. Peikko needs to build new capacities “Strong local presence is crucial to fulfil our customers’ tight delivery schedules. Operating in the Gulf region is strategically important and an attractive market for us,” he asserts.
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American University of Sharjah building UAE’s data science knowledge – contributing to the rise of smart cities Dr. Fadi Aloul, head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at American University of Sharjah, discusses how big data is transforming UAE cities into smart cities. We spoke to Dr. Aloul to learn why AI is the economic future of UAE, and the role education plays in integrating digital technology with industry. This interview has been edited for length.
What position is the UAE in to support the development of smart cities?
What Makes A City ‘Smart’?
Building a smart city is safeguarding economic activity for the future. But is there a tipping point where smart city tech adversely impacts residents?
A smart city improves quality of life and makes it livable using technology. Technology can be applied to any field today – from health, to security, to transportation. The goals are reducing cost of living, time-saving, and helping us make daily decisions that are efficient and safe for citizens and government.
What are the key issues for building a smart city? A smart city is linked to AI. The UAE inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Strategy as part of Smart Government, making data ‘the future oil’ and AI ‘the future electricity’ of the region. Everyone has to utilise data science in their businesses to learn and make wiser decisions. While AI is over 50 years old, it has made significant impact today due to supporting advancements in technology, including large amounts of data, fast network speeds, unlimited storage, powerful processing, and numerous IoT sensors streaming data. 2020 | PUBLICATION
The enablers for smart cities are in place. We’re dealing with a generation accustomed to 24/7 data-streaming. This is not a fashion trend: data science is a must. If organisations don’t use data to improve their services, they’ll run out of business.
Uber, for example, has disrupted the taxi industry. Here, we see technology playing a role in providing key services. And, it’s not like people are resisting these changes – they are migrating toward them.
How does AUS prepare graduates for contributing to the creation of a smart city? The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest at AUS, with 500+ students – 35% of which are women – and is highly equipped, including smart classrooms and labs complete with the latest technology, and top faculty and instructors. Our graduates are highly employable and have joined the workforce with local and multinational companies both in UAE and abroad, and started
their own businesses. We continuously improve curricula to meet market needs. Our industry-sponsored graduation projects, exchange programs, internships, certifications, and high school camps bridge the gap between theory and practice. By the time they graduate, students are innovative entrepreneurs, attractive to the market, which in turn pushes the city to become ‘smarter.’ Every field requires awareness of smart technology; AUS is therefore offering up-todate data science education to students across many disciplines. In addition to the computer science programs available, the university has also recently launched a minor in data science through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in conjunction with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Data-related courses offered through AUS’ Department of Marketing and Information Systems have also recently been updated to reflect emerging trends. AUS executive programs help professionals exploit advances in data science to the benefit of their organization. The goal is to introduce science to a breadth of learners, helping them effectively use technology to problem-solve. Investing in human capital in a knowledge-based economy is key for the UAE’s success, and AUS is contributing to the realisation of a future driven by big data. www.aus.edu
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A Driving ‘Eathos’ of Quality, Sustainability and Growth Eathos is committed to sustainable growth accross the Middle East and beyond.
Headquartered in Dubai, Eathos is a highly specialised restaurant-operating platform that offers local and international franchisors strategic access to customers across the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. With presence across three regions, the company currently represents four restaurant brands with a network of more than 41 branches, and an employee base of over 750 people. “Unique food concepts, based on outstanding quality products with a track record of sustained growth, is at the heart of the company,” explains Andy Holman, Chief Executive Officer of Eathos. With more than 35 years of international restaurant expertise across 30 countries, he credits the company’s passion for serving exceptional food, along with a commitment towards sustained growth, as their formulae for success. He believes that it is this philosophy that makes Eathos the perfect franchisee partner to launch and strategically develop successful dining concepts. Eathos has three strategic business approaches: Partnering with International operators to acquire & grow existing franchises, partnering with established regional operators keen to grow faster than they have current capability to, and lastly, building their own concepts through both physical & virtual brands. The latter, developed specifically for the delivery market, hopes to create an online restaurant brand that is free of brick and mortar constraints. Organically expanding as opportunities arise, Eathos also looks towards acquisitions. “In many cases, businesses reach a point of inflection after the founder(s) have established a few outlets but lack the capital or expertise to get to the next level – we look to partner with them. We make an acquisition of a majority share in the business, work along2020 | PUBLICATION
side them and then affect an exit for the founders and take full ownership,” Andy elaborates. Joga is one such example. Positioned in and around offices and commercial areas, where people are looking for a quick bite, Joga is perfectly poised for growth. Originally a juice bar, the brand operated four outlets within the UAE serving a range of healthy sandwiches, wraps salads & daily hot dishes. After coming under the Eathos umbrella, a new location has been added at Emaar Square and two new branches are scheduled to open soon, with further locations being considered. This is the same formula that Eathos has successfully applied to the other three franchises with the company, SushiArt, Kababji, and Tortilla, to make them recognisable brands across the region.
Speaking of growing trends within the GCC, Andy explains that while the idea of healthy eating has long been a consideration for consumers, it is gaining traction at a faster pace nowadays as people understand food quality on a more educated level. “People want to know more about what they are putting in their mouths. Previously, it was functionally about calories and fat count, but now consumers are also interested in the supply chain, ethical responsibility and the environmental sustainability of the product supply chain.” He believes that this social and ethical awakening is now being palpably felt across the restaurant business, where brands are looking to align with partners who are socially and environmentally mindful. “We are a unique restaurant group in the way that all of the menu items served at our stores start the day as raw ingredients which have, to the best of our ability and knowledge, been sustainably sourced,” he explains. “From the many thousands of products we purchase, less than 10 are fully-finished, processed foods that a factory has made on our behalf in any of our four restaurant brands. Eathos is committed to serving natural, healthy, ‘made to order’ food to our customers.” With environmental consciousness rising globally, Eathos restaurant brands are also working hard to reduce their carbon & sustainability footprint. Andy acknowledges that this requires making changes in delivery & packaging options. “ We aren’t yet 100% single use & plastic-free but that’s the goal we’ve set to be reached by Expo 2020, through a change to biodegradable ‘pulp’ packaging & cutlery,” he adds. Eathos is relentless in its pursuit of good food, with the customer in mind. Their team is backed by seasoned private equity professionals, with a longstanding history of achievements in the food and beverage industry, as well as leading regional groups with strong networks across the platform’s key markets.
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