Latest news with #GulfRegion
Tahawul Tech
3 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
'This approach ensures that the partner's unique strengths are recognised and rewarded'
Renton D'Souza, Vice President, Comstor MEA and Priya Limaye, Partner Organisation Lead, Cisco Gulf Region discuss the value of the Cisco 360 Partner Program in this exclusive interview. How does Cisco 360 differ from the various programs Cisco has introduced throughout its 30-year history? Priya : The new Cisco 360 Partner Program represents the most significant evolution of our industry-leading partner program in nearly three decades. It is designed to accelerate the value partners bring to customers by better addressing their rapidly evolving and complex needs – modernising infrastructure, powering AI workloads anywhere, and keeping customers' organisations secure, resilient, and high-performing. The new program reflects a strategic shift in how Cisco and its partners create and deliver value for their customers in today's fast-paced, competitive market. What objectives does Cisco seek to accomplish with the rollout of the program? Priya : The program will redefine what it means to be a successful Cisco partner measuring value over transactions: how partners serve the needs and ambitions of their customers while harnessing the collective strength of Cisco's partner ecosystem in ways that drives growth. The program will elevate partners' stature with customers and upgrade the partner experience with simplified processes and new ways to plan and track performance. For the Cisco 360 Partner Program, we invited partners into the process early to help build it. Our focus is clear: helping partners achieve predictable and profitable growth. We are shifting incentives toward areas like technology innovation rooted in campus refresh, AI and security, software adoption, renewals, and deeper customer engagement to drive long-term success. How does Cisco 360 introduce a new way to measure partner value through its Partner Value Index? Priya : The Cisco 360 Partner Program introduces the Partner Value Index, a new framework that measures the partner's contributions across four key dimensions. First, it assesses the foundational aspect, which reflects the maturity of partner's lifecycle or managed services practices. Next, it evaluates capabilities, focusing on partner's investment in technical and other skills. The framework also considers performance, looking at how effectively the partner is able to land, retain, and renew customer value. Finally, it measures engagement, examining how the partner connects with customers throughout their journey. This approach ensures that the partner's unique strengths—whether in Security, Networking, Collaboration, Cloud & AI, Services and Observability, or across multiple portfolios—are recognised and rewarded. Which new designations are included in the program, and how do they enhance a partner's value to customers? Renton: Cisco is introducing two new partner designations—Cisco Partner and Cisco Preferred Partner—to replace the Gold, Premier, and Select levels. This change is designed to showcase partner investments and capabilities, helping customers select the best partner for their needs. As Cisco transitions to the 360 Partner Program, the focus will shift from traditional Architecture Specialisations to Solution-based Specialisations. Cisco is also creating next-generation Specializations for Preferred Partners to highlight their deep technical expertise in specific portfolios or across multiple areas. How is Comstor assisting partners to achieve a seamless transition to the Cisco 360 program? Renton: At Comstor, we are dedicated to helping our partners maximise the benefits of this program. We have been actively raising awareness through training sessions, webinars, and focused discussions during our channel events. Our sales and business development teams are working closely with partners to facilitate a seamless transition to the new program. Additionally, our teams are ensuring full alignment with Cisco to co-innovate and grow together. Image Credit: Comstor & Cisco
Al Jazeera
17-07-2025
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Trump hosts Qatar's PM for private dinner, meets Bahrain crown prince
President Donald Trump has hosted Qatar's prime minister for a private dinner and met with Bahrain's crown prince at the White House as part of a United States effort to address regional issues, including securing a Gaza ceasefire, and promote diplomatic ties with the Gulf region. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Qatari prime minister and a member of the country's ruling family, had a private dinner with Trump on Wednesday evening. Before this meal, Trump met with Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office. With little progress to share on the region's most pressing conflicts, including Israel's war on Gaza, Trump was more focused on Wednesday on promoting diplomatic ties as a vehicle for economic growth. Trump has lavished attention on the Gulf, a wealthy region where members of his family have extensive business relationships. In mid-May, he visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on the first foreign policy trip of his second term. While in Qatar in mid-May, Trump complimented its palaces and stopped at the Al Udeid Air Base, the biggest US military base in the Middle East. The base was hit by Iran after the US bombed the country's nuclear facilities, hours before a ceasefire was declared in the US-Israel-Iran conflict. One ballistic missile made impact, while others were intercepted. The visit culminated in deals worth at least $1.2 trillion, including a major transaction for Qatar Airways to buy 210 aircraft from Boeing. Another deal included purchases of drone and anti-drone technology from US defence companies like Raytheon, and investments in the US energy sector. Trump wants to use a luxurious Boeing 747 donated by Qatar as his Air Force One, saying he is tired of waiting for Boeing to finish new planes. However, the arrangement has stirred concerns about security and the ethics of accepting a gift from a foreign government. Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations, said 'the Gulf represents everything that Trump believes is right about the Middle East. 'It's rich, it's stable, it's populated by authoritarians with whom the president feels very comfortable,' said Miller. During his earlier meeting with Al Khalifa, Trump said: 'Anything they needed, we helped them. And anything we needed, they helped us.' Bahrain is a longtime ally that hosts the US Fifth Fleet, which operates in the Middle East. Like other Arab leaders, Al Khalifa is eager to highlight the lucrative potential of diplomatic ties with the US, including $17bn worth of investments. 'And this is real,' he said. 'It's real money. These aren't fake deals.' According to the White House, the agreements include purchasing US aircraft, jet engines and computer servers. More investments could be made in aluminium production and artificial intelligence. Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the crown prince's father, is expected to visit Washington before the end of the year. An important part of the relationship will be an agreement, signed on Wednesday, to advance cooperation on civilian nuclear energy.
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt like a perfect welcome': Khalid Al Ameri on his Malayalam film debut
When you think of Emirati pop culture, very few names capture your imagination quite like Khalid Al Ameri. For years, the content creator has chronicled the quirks and contradictions of life in the Gulf region with humour, heart, and an infectious sense of curiosity. But this weekend, when news broke that he would be making his film debut — of all places, in a Malayalam action-comedy — the Internet was set abuzz. Beyond just an influencer-turned-actor headline, it felt like a cultural crossover we didn't know we needed. Even more intriguing? The film, Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, is being produced by Dubai-based filmmaker Shihan Shoukath. A Cannes-recognised storyteller, Shihan's debut short film Deadline won Best Original Story at the World Film Festival. Since then, he has co-founded Reel World Entertainment, a production company rooted in cross-cultural storytelling. And with Chatha Pacha, the production house aims to set the tone for a bold new chapter in Malayalam cinema — one that straddles the line between nostalgia, larger-than-life madness, and a deeply rooted emotional core. 'I was having a conversation with Shihan about a crossover film when he suggested I fly over to Kochi and spend a few days on set, just to learn about the industry and how things work,' Khalid tells Khaleej Times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (@chathapachathefilm) 'That alone was exciting for me. I love learning more about the industry. But then he surprised me by offering a cameo in Chatha Pacha. I've never done anything like this before, so it felt like the perfect welcome to the industry," he adds. For Khalid, it was also about stepping into a world he'd long admired from afar. 'The South Indian film industry is such a rich, powerful world built on incredible creativity and storytelling. I feel lucky to have experienced even a small part of it.' Surprise collab or long-time brewing? Speaking of the collaboration, Shihan adds, 'Khalid's actually a good friend and we've been in conversation for a while now about doing something together, especially a Malayalam film. The more we spoke, the more it started to feel real. When Chatha Pacha came along, I just knew there was this perfect window where he could come in and make a moment truly memorable.' As for what that role actually looks like? 'Without giving too much away, what I'll say is, audiences are definitely going to get the Khalid they love, but also see him in a way they've never seen before,' he shares. Though brief, Khalid's appearance marks a meaningful cultural crossover — a further nod to the UAE-India artistic bond that continues to grow stronger. "His short cameo isn't just for the sake of it, it actually plays into the mood and the movement of the scene. And yeah, there's definitely going to be a cheer in theatres when he shows up, especially in the UAE!" Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, starring Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath (Dubai-based actor last seen in Marco), is slated for theatrical release later this year.
Emirates 24/7
10-07-2025
- Health
- Emirates 24/7
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs 1st robotic lung transplant in gulf region
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has made history by performing the Gulf region's first-ever robotic lung transplant, making it one of the five centres in the world to have performed this surgery. With this landmark complex surgery, two patients have now successfully undergone robotic lung transplants, marking a major milestone in the region's advanced surgical and organ transplant capabilities. Both patients had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as well as secondary pulmonary hypertension, a progressive condition that gradually scars the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. These surgeries were quite complex due to pulmonary hypertension, a condition that puts extra strain on the heart and lungs. To support the patients during the operation, the medical team used Veno-Arterial ECMO, a technique that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs while the damaged lungs are replaced. These life-saving surgeries would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of organ donor families, whose selfless gifts make such transplants possible. The hospital also acknowledges the critical role played by healthcare professionals from donor hospitals, the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation – HAYAT, the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, and the National Centre at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Further solidifying its leadership in regional transplant medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has surpassed a significant milestone this year, completing over 60 lung transplants since the relaunch of the programme in 2022, establishing itself as the most advanced and active centre of its kind in the region. These cases exemplify the programme's potential and underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global referral hub for patients with end-stage lung disease, including complex conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Bronchiectasis. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia ranks among top 3 globally in mega and giga-project volume: Report
Saudi Arabia has recorded a 643 percent surge in mega-projects since 2010, rising from 64 to 476 projects in 2025, placing it among the top three countries globally for such projects, according to a new report by UK-based global consultancy and construction company Mace. For giga-projects specifically, Saudi Arabia shares second place globally with India, with 43 giga-projects each, behind the United States, which leads with 88, the report titled ' The Future of Major Programme Delivery' said. The report classifies mega-projects as those with a capital value of $1 billion or more and giga-projects as those with a value of $10 billion or more. Overall, the US tops the chart with 1,663 mega and giga-projects (active and complete), followed by India (729), Saudi Arabia (577), and the UK (484). The UAE (233) is placed seventh after Australia (451) and Canada (331). The growth in Saudi Arabia is driven by the Kingdom's ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, which includes landmark projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya, King Salman International Airport, and New Murabba. The sectoral breakdown of Saudi Arabia's mega-projects includes: Energy and utilities: 178 Commercial and leisure: 110 Infrastructure: 75 Residential buildings: 71 Industrial: 42 Institutional: 42 High delivery performance The report said the Kingdom ranks among the most efficient globally in delivering energy and utility mega-projects, with an average project duration of under nine years from announcement to completion—matching timelines observed in the US, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. According to data presented in the report, the average delivery duration in Saudi Arabia for energy and utility, and residential building mega-projects, is around 8 years, indicating a high level of progress from announcement to completion. However, for infrastructure mega projects, the average duration is around 12 years. Incidentally, the Kingdom also has the sixth highest proportion of stalled mega-projects since 2010, highlighting the inherent complexity and risk in managing such large-scale undertakings. The Future of Major Programme Delivery' is based on analysis of a dataset of more than 5,000 mega and giga-programmes and projects around the globe. (Writing by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader) (
