“While network video is increasingly replacing analog technology in larger installations, smaller video systems still rely heavily on analog cameras and DVRs,” said Baraa Al Akkad, Regional Sales Manager, Axis Communications Middle East. “With our new solution, we address a segment of the market that has previously not had easy access to IP video. Since Axis Camera Companion records all video in the cameras or encoders, the solution becomes very simple, reliable and cost-effective. Now even small business owners can enjoy the benefits of network video, such as excellent HDTV image quality, remote access to video and scalability,” he added.

The new solution allows small business owners to use HDTV network cameras to help them clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from anywhere – on-site or remotely over the Internet. The system supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control. Video clips and snapshots can be exported to colleagues and authorities, and the system supports third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video on leading smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android.

Unlike analog surveillance installations, Axis Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR), or even a computer. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera, and even if a network fails, the cameras keep recording. This reduces cost, simplifies installation, and makes the system more robust as there is no single point of failure.

The Axis Camera Companion solution consists of three parts: Standard Axis network cameras or video encoders with edge storage support for recording onto SD-cards; a free software client and third-party mobile apps used for viewing live and recorded video; and standard third-party network equipment such as routers, switches, SD cards and NAS devices. Existing analog cameras can be integrated via video encoders.

Addressing international investors and industry experts at Globe 2012, the biennial trade fair on business and the environment held from 14^th to 16^th March in Vancouver, Canada, Ghubash reiterated Dubai’s status as the “green gateway to the Middle East”.

Describing Dubai as a ready hub that can drive the regional growth objectives of companies in the renewable energy and clean-tech sectors, Ghubash added: “ENPARK’s participation at Globe 2012 is also in support of the UAE’s vision of shaping a Green Economy for Sustainable Development that was unveiled on 15^th January 2012. In line with this directive to build a green economy, ENPARK is working with the government of Dubai and other stakeholders to facilitate the growth of a green economy in the UAE.”

Saeed Ghubash Director ENPARK addressing the forum Spotlight

Ghubash’s presentation came during a special session Spotlight on Dubai on 16^th March. Dubai was represented by a six-party delegation under the banner of Dubai Green Economy Partnership, comprising senior representatives from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai FDI, Department of Economic Development, EPIC Dubai and ENPARK.

The delegation presented a consistent message to the international audience on Dubai’s strategic drive to move from “Do what we do best, better” to “Apply core competencies to new areas”.

Established in 2007, ENPARK is part of TECOM Investments’ Sciences Cluster that also comprises the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), the leading life-sciences park in the Middle East. Together, the two entities are committed to the consistent growth of Dubai’s knowledge-based economy through promoting the life sciences as well as the energy and environment sectors.

The agreement is part of STC’s commitment to its 20 million Qitaf customers and offers them the opportunity to redeem electronic coupons in all Alshaya International Trading Co. retail outlets across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Jameel Al-Molhem, CEO of STC, and Saoud Alshaya, Director of Alshaya International Trading Co.

Alshaya International Trading Co. is member of the Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise operator for over 55 of the world’s most recognised retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, NEXT, American Eagle, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, MAC, Claire’s and Footlocker.

The Qitaf programme has achieved tremendous success since its launch and has become the leading loyalty programme in the Middle East. With over 35 partners and more than 150 local and international trademarks, Qitaf serves the day-to-day retail needs of all of its customers across 3,300 outlets in Saudi Arabia.

The customer has always been the top priority for Qitaf; its partners are carefully selected and the programmes are structured to meet customers’ expectations and needs. With Qitaf, customers can transfer points to their loved ones or other customers and in return, take advantage of STC services or redeem the points at partners’ outlets.

To subscribe to the Qitaf programme for free, STC customers inside the Kingdom can contact the customer service center by calling ALJAWAL 902 or ALHATIF 907, or by sending 1818 via SMS to 902. To learn more about the Qitaf programme membership, customer can visit STC website or send 1880 to 902.

In his new role at DSOA, Hans is mandated to structure and establish the initiative as a leading regional incubator in the technology space. Additionally, he is responsible to drive the key objectives of the incubator such as nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting technology innovation and positioning Dubai Silicon Oasis as an ideal location for tech outfits.

Towards this end, Hans is responsible for reviewing and evaluating proposed business plans and to select the most promising ventures for funding. He will also lead initiatives such as coaching, mentoring and training of shortlisted participants to help them set up and run profitable businesses. In addition to this, Hans is charged with building up the incubator eco-system of partners, vital for the success of the incubator.

Shahla Abdul Razak Bastaki, Deputy CEO at DSOA said: “We are confident that Silicon Oasis Founders holds endless possibilities for individuals and businesses that thrive on imagination and creativity. Through the incubation centre we aim to nurture, encourage and support innovation. We are pleased to welcome on board, Hans, a veteran in incubation development. We are confident that he will contribute to achieving the objectives of the incubator.”

Speaking on his appointment, Hans said: “I am delighted to join Silicon Oasis Founders. Working with new ideas and seeing them realize as revenue generating businesses is extremely fulfilling. I look forward to interacting with the future innovators until they exit with viable financed models.”

Prior to joining DSOA, Hans founded and ran two technology companies in South America for five years. Later he served as the director of the Siemens Information Communications Networks’ incubator inMunichGermany. Hans played an instrumental role in building-up and transforming the incubator into a successful incubator through his business acumen, foresight and leadership. He successfully managed to spin-off its main venture, i250, which was his third company and financed through renowned venture capitalists. He led this entity in his capacity as CEO of a 22-member team.

Also in attendance was Osman Sultan – CEO, du, Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, Larry Wilson, Provost of Zayed University and Safia Saeed Al Raqbani, Chief Development and External Officer of Zayed University among other senior officials from Zayed University and du.

During the event, HE Sheikh Nahyan stressed upon the importance of community partnerships between universities and industry leaders, to give students invaluable experience in work-like environments prior to graduation, in line with the UAE leadership’s vision. HE Sheikh Nahyan also elaborated upon the uniqueness of Zayed University, and emphasised the ongoing, strengthening relationships between the institution and major societal entities.

HE Sheikh Nahyan valued du’s role in establishing and developing the laboratory, stating it as an important endeavour that will contribute to raising the educational performance levels of Zayed University’s students.

Dedicating the du multimedia lab to the students and the nation, HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “Education is a communal affair that requires integration and communication between social institutions and sectors. Nurturing the abilities of today’s students in a realistic work-like environment is vital to ensuring their easy integration into the workforce. With this multimedia lab, du has developed an essential tool to ensure that Zayed University’s College of Communication and Media Sciences students are given the very best start to their future careers.”

He pointed to the vital role played by Zayed University in the service of community institutions within scientific and educational aspects of the University programs offered to match the employment markets requirements.

The multimedia lab at Zayed University is part of du’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to support education through practical, vocational-oriented learning for students in the UAE. In 2011, the telecom company collaborated with Zayed University to provide technical support for the College of Communication and Media Sciences by developing multimedia labs on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses. As part of the opening ceremony, students at Zayed University had the chance to interview HH Sheikh Nahyan and Osman Sultan.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we support and embrace the talent of young Emiratis to help them realise their full potential. This partnership underlines our strong commitment to the community and demonstrates our dedicated approach to supporting education. By developing the multimedia lab in collaboration with Zayed University, we are giving students the tools that they need to go on and be successful in their future media careers,” said Osman Sultan. “I would like to extend my thanks to HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for officiating today’s ceremony, and to Zayed University for allowing us to collaborate in such an enriching way.”

Now officially open, the du multimedia lab facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure and software, for the benefit of the University’s students and faculty. du has created a channel exclusively for Zayed University, so that students can start broadcasting programmes and interviews.

On this occasion, a competition for students was also announced. Their entries will translate du’s fifth anniversary into a 55 second video, with winners to be announced soon.

According to recent research from CIFAS, the UK Fraud Protection Service, more than half of all fraud in the UK is Internet-based. Identity theft can result in fraud costing government, financial institutions and users millions of pounds a year.

CIFAS’ report shows that the Internet had become a hotbed of unauthorised account takeovers. Identity thieves are typically able to hack into accounts and gain access to valuable information much more easily  if passwords are simple to guess. In an effort to reduce the amount of complex passwords to be remembered, consumers often use default or easy to guess passwords and frequently re-use them for multiple sites and across multiple devices.  The threat of ID fraud is made even greater with a rise in keylogging malware which cyber criminals are using to  capture passwords as they are typed in by users in order to break into accounts.

Trend Micro DirectPass manages all passwords and login IDs in one secure location, automatically filling personal information into web forms accurately and safely. It offers online security through a safe browsing experience, protecting users from a broad range of network, keylogging and Trojan-based attacks, while blocking malicious browser plug-ins that can compromise system security.  The software features cloud synchronisation technology that enables users to access sensitive sites from virtually any device across a number of mobile operating platforms.

DirectPass monitors thousands of web sites to assess multi-layer login patterns and keep client software safe from the latest threats. It quickly, easily and automatically generates secure passwords that users don’t have to remember.  It securely stores confidential data related to an online account, along with any other confidential text data. Best of all, DirectPass is simple to use.

“There is always the chance that someone can get hold of your information without your knowing”, said Rik Ferguson, Director of Security Research and Communication at Trend Micro. “DirectPass offers consumers an extra layer of security against ID fraud when accessing sensitive online sites such as banks while removing the headache of juggling multiple passwords.”

Key features include:

Password management

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- Seamlessly login to web sites without the need to re-enter credentials – users only have to remember one password

- Automatically fill personal information into web forms accurately and safely

Online security

- A secure browser for banking or financial websites

- Mitigation against keylogging malware

- A text-entry feature to store private information that is completely protected

Sync & access

- Synchronise online credentials across multiple devices (PCs, mobile phones and tablets)

- Leverage the security and convenience of DirectPass from anywhere, on any device with a secure Internet connection

Availability

For PCs: http://www.trendmicro.com

For iPhone/iPad : http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/directpass/id480953348

For Android phone: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.trendmicro.directpass

For Android pad: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.trendmicro.directpass.pad

The Middle East and North Africa is estimated to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of PET bottles every month. However, studies indicate that only a third of that volume is currently being recycled.

Earlier this year, Dubai launched an initiative to provide as many as 3,700 free waste recycling bins to local households as part of efforts to reduce the amount of recyclable waste sent to landfills by 10 percent. According to Dubai Municipality, over 20% of the emirate’s waste comprises plastic rubbish.

The GPCA Summit will provide a platform to exchange best-practices and know-how, with a particular focus on end-of-life management of plastics. The conference aims at identifying business opportunities to convert plastic waste into a valuable and sustainable resource.

“The responsible disposal of plastic is a major concern: it is not the material that is harmful but often the behavior,” said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of the GPCA. “Many plastics are completely recyclable and have a much lower carbon footprint than other products deemed more sustainable. More needs to be done to establish an adequate recycling infrastructure, outlaw littering and raise awareness of the benefits of plastics – and these issues will be key topics for discussion at the Third Plastics Summit next month.”

Al-Sadoun added: “Recycling presents a significant opportunity for new businesses and employment. Globally, the industry is now worth over USD 500 billion and plastics represent a significant part of this. The Middle East is yet to develop many viable industries in recycling, but we are now seeing strong interest from regional businesses to learn more about the potential opportunities.”

In the GCC, lax attitudes towards littering and insufficient recycling capacity are tarnishing the image of plastics, despite the increased eco-friendliness of modern plastic products, Al-Sadoun said.

The GPCA believes a multifaceted approach is needed to address the challenges the industry faces, which will be examined during the Third Plastics Summit.

This requires legislation aimed at resource recovery through extensive recycling, and collaboration between industry, environmental groups and regional governments to proactively manage end-of-life issues with plastics. More education of the public is also needed to raise awareness of the benefits of plastics and to encourage communities to reduce, re-use and recycle.

Besides sustainability and recycling, the Third Plastics Summit, which last year attracted around 400 delegates from the Gulf and international plastics sector, will address a range of industry trends and topics.

Joining a number of high-level industry speakers at the event, Nick Kennoghan, Director of PIRA International, will present on the latest developments in food packaging, while Davies Shiba, General Manager, TUV Middle East, will discuss the relevance of quality and hygiene management systems.

Other sessions will examine plastics conversion in the building sector, and the role of innovation in the evolving GCC plastics sector.

Titled Plastics conversion: growth opportunities in challenging markets, the Third GPCA Plastics Summit will be held from April Third to 5^th at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Waste disposal: fast facts

- The per capita municipal solid waste (MSW) in the GCC is estimated to be 667 kilograms per person per year, of which 26%  is plastics. Current recycling rates are as low as 10 percent

- One tonne of recycled PET saves one and a half tonnes of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere

- Plastics which cannot be recycled are raw materials for Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. This is a growing business, with a current global market value of USD 3.5 billion. In 2011, there were 1,300 WtE plants globally

- The least eco-friendly form of waste disposal are landfills, the dominant method in the GCC. Associated problems include underground water contamination and emissions contributing to global warming

- The introduction of sustainable recovery initiatives in the region is beginning to take shape: Abu Dhabi introduced new tariffs for businesses, charging AED 225 per tonne of waste, prompting companies to reduce waste generation and consider recycling; Dubai is developing plans to build a 6,500 tonnes per day WtE plant to produce 150-megawatts of electricity.

Western Union Business Solutions, a subsidiary of Western Union, will offer the service through Emirates International Exchange, an  exchange house in the Middle East. Each SME holding an account will be assigned a nominated agent for regular and informed updates regarding currency fluctuations and exchange rates.

SMEs play an important role in the UAE economy. Approximately 200,000 SMEs are currently operating in the UAE, employing 86% of the workforce and generating 46% of the country’s GDP.  The country’s non-oil foreign trade grew 22% in 2011; and UAE companies expect to increase trade by over 5.5% annually over the next 15 years according to trade forecast data.

Highlighting the importance of the service, Jonathan Knaus, Vice President, Agent Sales & Implementation, Western Union Business Solutions said, “The growth and sustainability of SMEs is a critical component of the UAE’s dynamic economic expansion. But when it comes to cross-border payments, SMEs have generally been underserved.  Western Union Business Solutions understands this market and SMEs’ needs for cross-border regulatory and compliance expertise, multiple currency settlement options and broad availability, which we are able to offer through Emirates International Exchange.”

Traditionally known for its consumer-to-consumer payment services, Western Union entered the SME cross-border payment space with the 2009 acquisition of Custom House and the subsequent acquisition of Travelex Global Business Payments in 2011.  Now, Western Union Business Solutions is a leader in cross-border payments for all businesses, with a focus on SMEs.

Speaking at the launch event, Prrasad Katta, Regional Director – MEA, Western Union Business Solutions said, “According to The World Bank’s ‘Doing Business Report 2012,’ the UAE has been the leading country in the MENA Region for enabling cross-border trade for three consecutive years.  This is a direct result of the sustained efforts and investments by the UAE Government to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurs and SMEs to trade across borders.  In order for that trend to continue, SMEs need a fast, reliable and convenient cross-border payment mechanism, which hasn’t been readily available to them until now.”

Humaid Mohammed Shattaf, Chairman and Managing Partner, Emirates International Exchange added, “We have shared a strong relationship with Western Union in the UAE over the last seven years offering customers their core service of money transfer and remittance. We are extremely proud and happy to further strengthen our association and pioneer Western Union Business Solutions in the Middle East. The opportunity and need for such a payment solution is tremendous, and we are certain that this new product will definitely help SMEs in the UAE to benefit through convenient, fast and reliable payments.”

The Kingdom saw a number of successes in the last few months of 2011 as financial institutions such Notz Stucki and Altaira Middle East have set up in the Kingdom, increasing the number of institutions registered in the country to 415 as of 31^st January.

Among the financial firms that have registered in Bahrain during the course of 2011 are Canara Bank, AMP Capital Investors and Deloitte Corporate Finance.

Bahrain, which hosts today the First Euromoney GCC Private Banking Conference, has been a financial centre for over 40 years. The financial services industry in Bahrain employed more than 14,000 people at the end of 2010, of which two thirds were Bahrainis. Alongside the increase in the number of financial institutions, the financial sector in Bahrain continued to grow in the first half of 2011, expanding by 1.7% in the twelve months to June 2011 according to the Bahrain Economic Quarterly.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “We at EDB are very pleased by the strong performance of the financial sector over the last year.

“That these businesses are choosing Bahrain as their base for accessing the Gulf economies and the wider Middle East is testament to the strength of the local Bahraini workforce, the quality of the Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulation and the access we provide to the strong-growing Gulf market which is now worth over a trillion dollars.”

The EDB holds responsibility for Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and National Economic Strategy, which are designed to drive the private sector as an engine of growth, support further diversification of the economy and ultimately elevate national living standards by creating greater opportunities for all Bahrainis.

An important aspect of EDB’s mandate is creating the best conditions for attracting foreign direct investment. Bahrain’s commitment to liberal economic policies designed to increase growth was reflected earlier this year as it was ranked among the world’s top 20 most economically free nations and the most free in MENA by the annual Index of Economic Freedom, published by The Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal.

“The Change Initiative Dubai will be an exciting and convenient new flagship store for environmentally-friendly services and products. Never before has the opportunity to experience and purchase sustainable products been offered in a single location, nor such a breadth of class-leading solutions for homes and businesses alike,” said the company’s board member and leading global environmental advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The first company of its type in the region, The Change Initiative aims to do exactly what its name suggests: change behaviours by bringing together solutions and information that can help people make more responsible lifestyle choices.

“Global research indicates that increasing numbers of consumers are starting to appreciate the importance of adopting more environmentally-sustainable behaviour. The Change Initiative is reaching out to the growing community of people willing to factor sustainability into their purchase decisions and daily lifestyle,” said company CEO and founder Gundeep Singh.

The company’s 4,000 square-metre facility in Al Barsha will display a comprehensive range of solutions in five main categories. These span the Change Initiative’s Whole of Life business model: Energy, water, waste, food, and lifestyle.

Visitors to the marketplace will be able to learn about, try and buy solutions while gaining a vast amount of free information dedicated to encouraging more environmentally-responsible behaviour.

(L-R) Robert F. Kennedy with Gundeep Singh

Established in 2008, The Change Initiative has formed partnerships with global brands and multinational firms specialising in everything from sustainable cleaning products to solar panels, household appliances to building solutions.

A variety of leading business people and public figures from the around the world are also backing the company, including Loek Malmberg of the Skagen Group and Abdullah Mohammed Al Mazrui of Aramex.

“As a global commercial centre, Dubai is an ideal platform to launch The Change Initiative and further build our portfolio of business, knowledge and innovation partners, many of whom have based their Middle East operations in the emirate,” Singh added.

The Change Initiative is targeting up to 25 showrooms in the Middle East and Asia, and hopes to expand its 40-strong team to 5,000 employees over the next five years.