Gulf Cryo became a reference point for innovation and dependability in the industrial and medical gas sector of the MENA region. Started by Salim Huneidi in 1953, the company began operation under the name Kuwait Oxygen and Acetylene Company (KOAC), opening Kuwait’s first gas manufacturing plant. This visionary move not only satisfied the booming demand for industrial gases in Kuwait but also formed the building blocks of a multi-national conglomerate to specialize exclusively in gas supply. It is now running over 30 subsidiaries across 13 countries, becoming a great leader in the gas journey started with an acute feeling of the local market. He worked as an agent for an international steel structure and construction company, and he found a huge gap in the supply of cuts and welding gases for industrial activities. Filling this gap was the purpose behind the establishment of KOAC in 1953, when he built the first plant for the separation of oxygen in the Arabian Gulf. One of the most memorable instances of early company history is its agreement with the Kuwait Oil Company, which enabled KOAC to take over KOC’s oxygen plant, which was quite small in size. Hence, the demand for industrial gases from local sources will always be there, but the deal with the Kuwait Oil Company laid the groundwork for the future expansions and success of Gulf Cryo.

In 1971, it established the Kuwait Industrial Gases Company (KIGC) in Shuaiba Industrial Area as a step in strengthening the company’s potential to be able to offer its product to the oil and refining sectors. A dedicated pipeline for nitrogen to connect the company directly to the KNPC refineries was developed so that the flow of supply remains constant and as an integrated part of the industrial structure of Kuwait. Such was achieved not only to solidify Gulf Cryo in the local market but also open up pathways towards significant growth in the years leading up to 2017.

During the 2000s, Gulf Cryo continued to expand in operations as it developed into a holding company, expanding its MENA region footprint. The company, Gulf Cryo Qatar, was established in 2006. In 2008, Gulf Cryo Saudi Arabia was established. Investments and acquisitions were seen strategically, such as when Investcorp invested in the company by taking a 20% stake in 2009. The establishment of Gulf Cryo Oman and Gu Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan showed the direction that would be taken by the company and solidified its position among the major regional gas suppliers.

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Gulf Cryo. The company works with EQUATE Petrochemical Company to introduce Kuwait’s first commercial CO₂ recovery plant. Beyond innovation, these efforts highlight a focus on environmentally sustainable practices within the gas industry.  Another sustainability-related area the company focuses on is through O₂ recovery projects and developing four CO₂ hubs in Dubai, Kuwait, Dammam, and Amman to enhance the carbon management landscape in the region.

Gulf Cryo has a vast portfolio of industrial gases that include acetylene, air, argon, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. There are also suites of medical gases, which include medical oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air-a vital requirement for health services. Quality commitment can be seen in Gulf Cryo as the company adheres to international standards that are ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and OHSAS 18001:2007.

By using state-of-the-art technology, sustainability, and keeping customers satisfied, surely it will continue its legacy of excellence and propel the next generations in driving the gas industry forward.

The Global Fighting Championship, or GFC, was a strong presence in the combat sports world of the Middle East, hosting a series of adrenaline-charged events from 2014. GFC is known for attracting elite talent, and the lineup included powerful fighters, such as Moroccan-Dutch superstar Badr Hari and kickboxing icon Peter Aerts. Thrilling action from fighters into the ring characterized these fights as each showed unique skills and strategies in their fight for a top spot in the championship. Held in Dubai, such events attracted viewers from far and wide as the city further cements its status as a growing center for sports and entertainment.

Each GFC event consisted of a heavy-weight 4-Man Tournament where the prize was an AED 1 million. This tournament format also added a new excitement because the strongest contenders would advance through an extremely fast progression of high-stakes matches. Besides the tournament, GFC held seven “superfights” where international kickboxers and MMA fighters tested their skills in highly publicized bouts. The GFC events were building up toward eight planned fight series, a grand prix leading to an impressive $1 million prize, upping the stakes with every performance by each fighter.

Dubai World Trade Centre was the venue for the first GFC Fight Series in the combat sports scene for May 29, 2014, to be remembered. Badr Hari trashed Australian Peter Graham into submission during the last show of the series, thus emerging as the overall winner of the series. The event was highly publicized and presented with legendary announcer Michael Buffer and commentators like Michael Schiavello adding to the show. Dewey Cooper, Stefan Leko, and Erkan Varol were some other fighters who added excitement to the night.

The GFC Fight Series II happened on October 16, 2014, at Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium with Ismael Lazaar defeating Sem Tevette in the final. Though marred by a couple of last-minute changes, for example, the injury that forced Melvin Manhoef out to pave the way for Tevette, this tournament was equal to an intense experience. Badr Hari was scheduled to fight Patrice Quarteron in an exhibition match, though after Quarteron had been removed from the contest owing to unsportsmanly behavior, Hari then fought Arnold Oborotov and knocked him out in the first round. This fight epitomized GFC’s commitment to offering the best fights, whereby they fought for whatever stumbled into their way.

April 2015 saw GFC return to the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium for its third fight series. This would feature the names Zabit Samedov and Danyo Ilunga but the most notable appearance, of course, was for Gökhan Saki as he would face off Sebastian Ciobanu for the main event. How much more GFC made its reputation grow with a spectacular fight night as superstars battled their way for a place in the grand prix.

Although GFC did exceptionally well, the fights still brought controversies to itself because of the hype regarding Badr Hari and Patrice Quarteron. Many fans got excited due to the social media taunts thrown at Hari by Quarteron, but Quarteron’s acts made him not compete with the other fighter scheduled, while Hari played it off, saying the theatrics didn’t matter; it was all about being ready in the ring.

The Global Fighting Championship left its mark in Dubai and the Middle East to attract many fans and fighters into the exciting realm in which only the best could be called victorious. Through the stages of high-stakes tournaments, international matchups, and all the dramatic rivalries of GFC, it did much more for Dubai than increase its presence in the world of fight sports, thus paving the way for upcoming MMA and kickboxing tournaments in the region.

GEMS Education is a visionary initiative, starting as a family-owned school in Dubai to become one of the largest private school networks around the world today. Founded by Sunny Varkey, the company has continued to build its mission on providing quality education to a diverse global student base. GEMS today operates over 60 schools in the Middle East, North Africa, and other places committed to excellence in academics and sensitivity towards cultures. The exceptional journey that GEMS Education undertook, its philosophy, and its effect on the minds of the learners are discussed further in the article.

GEMS Education had begun its journey as a small tutorial centre all the way back in 1959 initiated by Indian educators Mariama and K.S. Varkey. They answered a need for English language education to the children of expatriates who were flooding into Dubai following the discovery of oil in 1966. Sunny Varkey then took it over and under the banner of the Varkey Group, expanded this network adding schools that were offering all sorts of curricula-Indian, American and British. GEMS is distinctive in the private education arena because of its network of schools that is diversified in terms of education at various price points and serving communities around the world.

Its approach has always run along cultural awareness, academic rigor, and holistic development of students. Empowering students to thrive in multicultural environments, instil universal values, and prepare them to become international citizens’ lies in the philosophy of the company. Based on the policy of inclusiveness and diversity, GEMS schools have adopted the curriculum according to local conditions by collaborating with various agencies in the host country. Such practice has been of essence for the successful entry into the markets and good relations with the host countries.

Global Education Management Systems was officially incorporated in 2000 as GEMS, establishing its name and establishing its operational expansion. This expansion led to school institutions being set up throughout countries around the world, starting from the United Kingdom and extending into Africa, Asia, and America. In the MENA region, GEMS has primarily contributed to filling the needs of the rapidly increasing expatriate population. Significantly, in 2012, it became one of the World Economic Forum’s Global Growth Partners, considered one of its most prominent destinations on the world education map. GEMS Education has also received many awards over the years. In 2012, it was Education Company of the Year at the Gulf Business Industry Awards. The Efficiency Index also made it a hit on a “study on the world’s education systems ranked based on value for money.” Such initiatives help place GEMS Education in a good light among its private and public educational spheres as having critical input about efficiency systems across schools all over the world.

GEMS Education Solutions is a consultancy arm that GEMS launched in 2011. The consultancy aims to offer advisory services across UK, Africa, and Asia. It has been helping governments and non-profits along with various projects regarding the accessibility and quality enhancement of education in developing regions. For example, the “Making Ghana Girls Great” (MGCubed) initiative of its consultancy has set up distance learning classrooms throughout Ghana, for the first time an interactive learning program in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Leadership skills and community commitment are the bedrock of what GEMS Education schools focus on, along with academic achievements. Students are encouraged to contribute actively to their local and global communities through active social responsibility. For instance, the Emirates Innovative Teacher Award, launched in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, seeks to recognize those teachers who personify such ideals- a yardstick for teaching excellence in the UAE.

Through its commitment to quality and adaptive approach to education, GEMS Education has demonstrated the power of private schooling within cultural gaps; in building an informed and compassionate global citizenry. This legacy, based on the original Varkey family values, is inspiring the future of education on continents. Plans for further extension, the GEMS model of academic excellence balanced with cultural inclusivity now offers a pathway for other educational institutions seeking to make a lasting, meaningful impact.