Connect with us

News

Cloudfare heads to global hub Dubai for first office in Middle East

Spread the love

DUBAI, 26th May, 2022 (WAM) — More than 20 years since its establishment in 2000, Dubai Internet Ci

Published

on

Cloudfare-in-Dubai
Spread the love

WAM
May 27: More than 20 years since its establishment in 2000, Dubai Internet City (DIC) continues to be among the world’s preferred hubs for new economy companies, with several high-growth, high value-added, technology-enabled global firms recently choosing DIC to establish their regional operations.
The latest to join the ever-growing ranks of new economy companies making DIC their home is the American content delivery network and DDoS mitigation company Cloudflare.
Earlier this week, Cloudflare announced Dubai as its first office in the Middle East to support its growing EMEA operations, offering a base for the growing Cloudflare team in the Middle East and Turkey.
Cloudflare’s Dubai-based team will help the company grow brand awareness, acquire and support customers, and recruit new talent. Dubai’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem has helped it swiftly mature into a significant hub for new-age enterprises, including established multinationals, unicorns, and startups.
As the region’s leading tech hub, Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director of DIC, welcomed Cloudflare into DIC’s growing community, and said that he remains committed to offering Cloudflare the same enabling platform.
“Several sectors have undergone rapid digital transformations and have witnessed increased cloud adoption. This makes a secure and reliable digital infrastructure necessary, given the potential opportunities. Cybersecurity is critical for the tech sector, with the global cybersecurity market set to reach a value of $317 billion by 2027, according to Mordor Intelligence,” added Al Malik.

Cloudfare-in-Dubai

Image by Drajt from Pixabay

He also noted that DIC’s inclusive business environment, led by international players that have established their headquarters in the City, has helped make it a hub for IT companies and tech-savvy talent over the last 20 years.
Cloudflare has data centres in 270 cities across 100 countries worldwide, including 27 data centres in the Middle East and Turkey region. The company has doubled its EMEA team to about 700 employees over the last two years.
For the Middle East and Turkey region, Cloudflare will prioritise launching new data centres, increasing market share by building partnerships, and expanding its customer base and the local team to cope with the business growth to serve its customers better.
Earlier this month, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, directed the formation of a higher committee to prepare the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to contribute to enhancing Dubai’s position as a global hub for the technology.
The higher committee, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, will supervise technological developments in the emirate and oversee developments in the digital economy.
It will enhance Dubai’s status as the best city in the virtual space thanks to innovative services and its advanced regulatory and legislative framework. The emirate approved a new Virtual Asset Regulation Law in March to ensure investor protection and transparency.
Last year, Dubai issued over 72,000 new business licences, a growth of 69 per cent compared to 2020, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a global business and investment hub and reinforcing its status as a successful model for the recovery of the business sector.
In 2021, Dubai led the world in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) with a record number of 418 greenfield FDI projects.

Chief Storyteller – Abhishek Sengupta Storytelling has been at the heart of everything I’ve done for nearly two decades, whether it’s captivating audiences with breaking news, crafting compelling video narratives, or writing columns with just the right amount of sarcasm and spice. I’ve been an award-winning investigative journalist, content creator, media strategist, and accidental commentator on everything from falafels to foldable laptops. My career has taken me across 60 countries, four World Cups between two sports, and one unforgettable ‘journalistic’ saga. Along the way, I’ve produced over 1,000 minutes of multimedia content, interviewed corporate top bosses, grilled ministers, while helping UAE’s longest-running English daily Khaleej Times ride the digital wave. All along, I’ve only tried (and occasionally succeeded) in making audiences laugh, think, and occasionally say, “Wait, that was actually interesting” —proving that even in today’s world, storytelling isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, quirky, and kicking up a storm.

Health

Free mineral water for all: UAE startup to launch groundbreaking public hydration initiative

Published

on

Spread the love

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, UAE, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations that cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. 

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

Continue Reading

Health

Free annual check-ups coming for Filipino workers under new health initiative

Published

on

Spread the love

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

Continue Reading

Crime

UAE: Up to Dh2 million for social media violations under new media rules

Published

on

Spread the love

Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/