CzeCh RepubliCA gulf news sponsored supplement wednesday, may 29, 2019

The road toprogressThe Czech Republic’s tradition and

strength in design and technology helpdrive even stronger relations with the UAE

2In conversation with the Speaker

of the Czech Parliament

3Czech Ambassador to the UAEweighs in on bilateral relations

6Leading Czech CNC manufacturer

makes presence felt in the UAE

CONTENTS

CzeCh RepubliC2 Wednesday, May 29, 2019

The Czech Republic and theUAE share a number ofcommon basic interests,

which include promoting science,technology and innovation throughstrengthening bilateral cooperation.Trade between the two nations hasbeen growing steadily and nowstands at over $840 million.“We have observed with great ad-

miration the excellent economic andsocial development of the UAE and Iam happy that the exchange of visitsof high ranking officials followed bybusiness delegations from both coun-tries continues successfully,” saysRadek Vondracek, Speaker of Parlia-ment, who led the recent delegationto the Emirates.

Vondracek’s delegation followedthe visits of the President of theCzech Republic, Milos Zeman, to theUAE, in 2015, and the Minister of In-dustry and Trade in 2015 and 2017.The UAE Minister of Economy, Sul-tan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, accompa-nied by a business delegation, visitedthe Czech Republic in April, 2015.“In September, 2018, Dr Amal Ab-

dullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of theFederal National Council receivedme and we discussed the means ofdeveloping parliamentary relations

Radek Vondracek, Speaker of theChamber of Deputies of the CzechParliament, shares his thoughts onthe excellent bilateral ties betweenthe two nations

the desert using subsurface cultures.This will comprise the technologicalcore of the Czech national exposition.“The vision of sustainable economy

and society based on the knowledgepotential of UAE is very far-seeingand responsible. Carbon resourceswill not last forever and everyonemust be ready for that. The CzechRepublic also has a substantial shareof renewables in its energy mix anda very strong industrial base of com-panies involved in environmentaltechnology, including renewable andeco-waste technologies.”“I also see new possibilities for

boosting industrial cooperation inthe defence industry. Our defence sec-tor has a good reputation in the UAEand therefore a lot of potential forthe future. The main items are radarsystems, handguns, ammunition andcombat vehicle components. Many ofour companies have already proventhat they are best placed to workwith foreign partners in industrialproduction.”“I also appreciate the UAE’s ambi-

tious space research program whichis indeed commendable. The UAE isnow leading the Arab renaissance inspace exploration, covering not onlythe admirable Mars probe. But per-haps the main message I took fromthe UAE during my visit was themessage of Tolerance and peacefulcoexistence. It was something thatwe could all strongly feel and whichcame across in every meeting andevery moment of our stay.

between the UAE and the Czech Re-public in light of the desire of theirleaderships and governments to es-tablish further overall relations,” saysVondracek.A Memorandum of Understanding

was signed between the FNC and theCzech Chamber of deputies with theaim of promoting dialogue and co-ordination, exchanging opinions onissues of mutual interest, strength-ening communication between bothcountries, organising mutual parlia-mentary visits and events, and hold-ing bilateral parliamentary meetings.“The highlight of my visit was

meeting with Shaikh MohammadBin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Princeof Abu Dhabi and Deputy SupremeCommander of the UAE Armed Forc-es and His Highness Shaikh Moham-mad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of theUAE and Ruler of Dubai.“I now look forward to welcoming

Dr Al Qubaisi to the Czech Republicand hope she will be able to visit usthis year.”Reflecting the high priority the

Czech Republic places on further-ing mutual relations, the UAE wasamong the first countries visited bythe Speaker upon taking office. Hewas accompanied by a large businessdelegation, which was very satisfied

Helpingstrengthenbilateral ties

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with the outcome of their discussions.“The diversification of a national

economy is a long process and manyCzech companies can contribute tothe further growth and developmentof the UAE. Our successful industryand modern economy are now look-ing for a way into the world, and seek-ing new opportunities, markets andcooperation partners, especially inmachine-building, aerospace, nanotechnology, aerospace, transportationsystems, healthcare and education.”The Czech Republic will have an

impressive presence at Expo 2020with its grand pavilion located in theSustainability Zone. The pavilion de-sign refers to the revolutionary SolarAir Water Earth Resource (S.A.W.ER.)system, which creates water out ofair using solar energy and cultivates

● His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice President andPrime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai greets Radek Vondracek, Speaker of theChamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament during his visit to the UAE last year

Gulf News Archives

● The Czech Speaker led a largedelegation of Czech companies to theUAE last year. Seen here with ChristophDrenk of Prabos

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by iKrAM ShiKooh

CzeCh RepubliC 3Wednesday, May 29, 2019

By Ruqya Khan

In January this year, JiříSlavík was officially ap-pointed as the ambassador

of the Czech Republic to the UAE.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation, MoFAIC,received a copy of his credentials andwished him success in carrying outhis duties in strengthening coopera-tion between the two nations.Slavík has been proactive in build-

ing the liaison between nationsthrough productive collaborationswith various sectors of the commu-nity, industry and tourism. He says,“The UAE is a very important trade,commercial and economic partnerfor the Czech Republic. To illustratethat, bilateral trade between the twocountries is the highest from amongall the Arab countries. This is themain reason why Czech citizens fo-cus on the UAE for trade growth. Weestimate that there could be about2,000 citizens currently in the UAE.Most of them are in businesses. Someof them are with families. The sec-tors in which they are working areelectro-engineering, IT technologies,energy sector, chemical industries,defence, civil engineering, health,transport, glass, ceramics and theentertainment industry.”

Increase in tourismThe countries enjoy a mutually en-

riching and healthy flow of tourists.“The exchange of people is stronglysupported by the existing connec-tion and the connection is the bridgeof four airline companies flying be-tween the two countries – namelyEmirates, Fly Dubai, Smartwingsand Air Arabia. In summer we areexpecting more enhanced flightsso that the traffic flow is increasedfor people to conveniently fly to andfrom the Czech Republic.”Tourism between the countries

has been gaining popularity formany reasons. It is a short flight of 6hours and 20 minutes into the heartof Europe. “Many tourists come tothe Emirates as an ideal destination.It is safe and it has many experiencesfor the tourists to enjoy. The climateis complimentary to the Czech Re-public. The best time to visit here isfrom November to April when thetemperatures are lovely and that iswhen we have peak winter. Vice ver-sa in summer here when the temper-

Excellent bilateral connections to positively impact sectors such as tourism and education for both nations,says Jiří Slavík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the UAE

Building the liaison

Poland, Austria and even Slovakiaduring their trip. The country is safe,prices are competitive and the expe-riences are plenty to explore. Our na-tion is rich with history, sightseeing,nature, food, health retreats, sportadventures and good services at rea-sonable prices,” adds Slavík.

Flagship of growthEfforts are underway not just to

build on the tourism but also onbilateral connections in industryand education sectors. The Czech

atures are very high we have moder-ate temperatures that are a pleasantescape to enjoy the time in the CzechRepublic.”

The bilateral agreement, signed onMay 6, 2015, between the EuropeanUnion and the UAE, allows citizensof the UAE to stay in the Schengenarea without a visa for up to 90 dayswithin any 180-day period. “TheCzech Republic comes within theSchengen area and it is easily pos-sible for tourists to also visit neigh-bouring countries like Germany,

“Bilateral tradebetween the CzechRepublic and the UAEis the highest fromamong all the Arabcountries, reflecting theimportance of the UAEas a trade, commercialand economic partner.”

JiŘÍ SlavÍkaMBaSSaDOR OFTHE CZECH REPUBLICTOTHE UaE

Republic sees Expo 2020 as a flag-ship of growth. “The Czech pavilionis already being built on site. One ofour main attractions at the pavilionis the technology of capturing mois-ture from air humidity to convertinto usable water supply. We arebanking on this patented technolo-gy as our leading motive of the Expopavilion — water as the necessarycondition for sustainable life. Oncewe present our contribution at Expo2020 I hope that we will be able toestablish ourselves and our technol-ogy in the UAE and across the re-gion,” says Slavík.Since his appointment as ambas-

sador, Slavík has been witness tosome historic events in the region,such as the visit of Pope Francis. Healso saw 70 national athletes fromhis country participating in the Spe-cial Olympics, hosted recently in AbuDhabi. He spoke highly of the vision-ary leadership of the country in thesectors of education, sport, toleranceand space technologies. “These land-mark events showcase the fact thatthe country has futuristic goals andstrategies that are clearly defined. Itis a privilege to be part of this for-ward thinking region and grow to-gether in a positive frame of mind,”says Slavík.

● The best time to holiday in the Czech Republic is between the months of November and April. Tourism between both nations hasbeen booming thanks to excellent bilateral relations

CzeCh RepubliC4 Wednesday, May 29, 2019

With roots that go back to1860, Prabos plus a.s. hasbuilt a global reputation as

a manufacturer of quality boots forthe most demanding conditions. Thetraditional Czech company special-ises in producing a wide range offootwear for the military, police,safety and adventure sectors —where protection, stability and dura-bility are of the utmost importance.

Combat proven since many years,Prabos boasts an impressive list ofreferences that include the CzechArmy, German Bundeswehr andBritish Forces, as well as the Lithu-anian Army and Netherlands Air

Force among several others. In ad-dition, mine clearance operationsaround the world are known to puttheir trust in the Prabos range ofBlast Protective Boots.Prabos works closely with its cus-

tomers to provide technological andprofessional assistance in customi-sation, selection and after-sales ser-vice. In a recently established joint

venture with Afghanistan’s Harirodgroup, Prabos has opened a brandedshowroom in Kabul to cater to thespecific needs and requirements ofthe local market.The UAE market holds a lot of

promise for Prabos, which was partof a recent government-led businessdelegation from the Czech Republic.Says Christoph Drenk, Business De-

velopment Manager, “Our boots arebuilt to the highest EU and Czechquality standards. They are verydurable with a proven emphasis onuser protection as well as comfort.We believe this is what makes ourproducts well suited for the UAE andthe whole Middle East.”

The company is now exploringlocal collaborations in the UAE.Drenk adds, “We would like to part-ner with a strong distributor whocould be ably supported by our Ka-bul operation. We are also open tothe possibility of a joint venture fora production unit to be set up closeto the clients, for which we see a lotof potential.”

Prabos currently produces over250,000 boots at its headquarters inSlavicin using the latest Gore Tex andVibram technologies. For further in-formation contact Christoph Drenkon +420 602 367007; drenk.chris-toph@prabos.cz; www.prabos.cz

An enviable client roster helps Czech footwear manufacturer garner global recognition

Reliable protectionwithcombat-proven quality

How is the Czech BusinessCouncil helping facilitatebusiness for Czech com-

panies with the UAE?The Czech Business Council in

Dubai and Northern Emirates (CBC)is a non-profit association compris-ing Czech businessmen and profes-sionals active in the UAE. Licensedwith Dubai Chamber, it helps createa platform for Czech companies op-erating in the country.

Dr pavel Foubik, President, Czech Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, talks about theoraganisation’s role in promoting Czech business in the UAE

Helping promote Czechentrepreneurship in theUAE

How is CBC supporting Czech en-trepreneurship in the UAE?

In cooperation with Czech Tradein Dubai and the Czech Embassy inthe UAE, CBC helps support new andexisting companies. Besides sharingrelevant market information withnew entrants to the UAE, CBC alsoorganises meetings to share localknowledge and experiences.

CBC facilitates favourable condi-tions for sharing information andexperiences that are vital for doingbusiness in the UAE and supportingCzech companies entering the UAEmarket.CBC continually facilitates de-

velopment of bilateral busi-ness and cultural relations,economic activities, in-vestments and otherinitiatives between theCzech Republic andthe UAE. For more in-formation visit www.cb-cdubai.cz

How many Czech companiescurrently operate within the UAE,what are the key sectors?

In the UAE, the CBC currently hasmore than 300 members. Key sectorsinvolving Czech businesses here in-clude tourism and medical tourism,

the food industry, IT, electronics,power generation, machinery, crys-tal manufacturing and more.

What unique initiatives have youpromoted during this duration?

The Czech government request-ed me to establish an official

Czech Business Council inDubai and the NorthernEmirates, in 2014.

As Founder andPresident of CBC, Ihave helped createcommunication chan-

nels, published the Mem-bership Directory 2017-2019,

hosted government delegationsand extended the support of the CBCto various GCC nations, while alsoorganising the Czech-Emirati Busi-ness Forum in cooperation with theDubai Chamber of Commerce andIndustry.

● Dr Pavel Foubik receives the CBCLicence from Hamad Buamim, Presidentand CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerceand Industry

CzeCh RepubliC 5Wednesday, May 29, 2019

f you have been to DubaiOpera, the spectacular lightinstallations must defi-nitely have caught your eye.

Curated by master Czech glass andlighting brand Lasvit, every installa-tion is one-of-a-kind.

Lasvit is a combination of twoCzech words, laska, which meanslove and svit, which means light. Thebrand is built on three pillars – tra-ditional craft, innovation and design.Vadim Horna, Global Sales Director,Lasvit talks about the brand’s offer-ings.

Is glassmaking a Czech tradition?It is a tradition, going back some

800 years. The Czech Republic hasthe highest quality silica sandand other raw materials usedin glassmaking, so peoplelearnt the craft and passedit on to future generations.It’s a an industry close tothe Czech s heart. After1989, and the fall of commu-nism in the Czech Republic,the glass industry suffered,which is when Lasvit wasfounded and brought in anew perspective, engagingyoung talents and encour-aging them to explore more than justtraditional design, do something newusing the modern technologies aswell. Today, this trend is followed bymost companies. The Bohemian glassand crystal industry is flourishingonce again, something we contrib-uted towards and are proud of.

What are the current high-profileUAE projects the brand is in-volved in?

We recently completed fantastic in-stallations in the lobbies of W Dubai– The Palm and the Grand Plaza Möv-enpick hotels here in Dubai. We areworking on probably the largest everglass and lighting installation in theFashion Avenue of the Dubai Mallthat will be nearing completion in thenext weeks. I mean the largest in theworld and in the history. We also havea truly unique kinetic installation thatwill be performing in one very special

hospital in Abu Dhabi – details com-ing soon. We are the national partnerof the Czech Expo pavilion with anbreathtaking installation growing lit-erally out of the heart of the place. Of

course we also work on manyhigh profile private pro-jects which will remainconfidential. As alwaysin Dubai there is ex-ceptional projects inthe near future that wewill be able to tell more

about soon!

What are the trendsin lighting installa-tions globally, howmuch of it do we see

in the UAE?Firstly, a trend we embrace very

much is being eco-friendly in all as-pects from packaging to energy con-sumption.. Moving on to design, wework on creating artworks that arenot just decorative but mainly mean-ingful . The design is always rooted inthe space that it’s going to occupy, soit has to be connected to the heritageor the story of the place. For instance,in the Dubai Opera where the wholebuilding is designed to mirror a tra-ditional dhow, our installation is in-spired by the ocean spray as the ship’sprow hits the waves.

Another, slightly more technicaltrend is dynamic lighting, with eachlight source having its own address,helping to create some impressivelighting choreography. To sum thingsup, dynamic lighting uses low-energylight sources, creating technologi-cally advanced installations that are

telling a story. Last, but not least,we are proud to see our installationsare very ‘instagramable’ –people liketo take pictures of our artworks andpost them as these installations be-come the face of the property.

What is the creative process like?It is important for us to know the

project theme at the outset. For in-stance, at Dubai Opera it was mari-time history, while water was thepivotal theme for the Dubai Metro.We work together with an interiordesigner and architect, who togetherconceptualise the installation so thatit complements the theme. The actualdesigning process starts with a handsketch, before being developed into a3D model, which is then shared forclient approval. Once approved, wework towards project delivery.

How critical is R&D for the brand?Even a decade back, when the

Dubai Metro was launched in 2009,the installation we created was tech-nologically ahead of its time. Today,

installations can be controlled froma smartphone, and interactive techis a trend. Installations are not justpreprogrammed, but can respond in-tuitively to for example crowd move-ments. People can interact with thefeature, draw within the installationand colour it in different shades.R&D is vital in ensuring the qualityof the lighting, energy consumption,interactivity and various effects. Ourdedicated R&D team studies both theelectrical aspects as well as new hard-ware entering the market.

What are the other focus areasfor the brand, are there any ex-pansion plans?

In terms of products, we wish to ex-plore further the combination of craftand technology and continue beingthe leader who brings new ideas andinspiration to our clients and to theworld.In terms of client portfolio we work

more and more on private residencesand homes where attention to detailis of utmost importance. We love tocome up with narratives close to theclient s heart and contribute to theirhappiness in their new or renovatedvilla.Territorially, we are a diversified

group and enjoy our presence at allthe continents. And while Asia andthe Middle East are our biggest mar-kets with Dubai being a hub, we an-ticipate our next growth spurt to bein Africa. We have done a lot in In-dia too, with projects in Bengaluru,Mumbai and Kolkata, including sev-eral private residences for industrial-ists and celebrities.

Tradition and innovation provide a unique design language in creating Czech brand, Lasvit’s globally acclaimedlight installations, says its Global Sales Director,Vadim horna, while speaking to Krita Coelho in Dubai

In lovewith light

● Lasvit’s eye catching installations take pride of place in public spaces that are as diverse as the Grand Plaza Movenpick Dubai(above left) and the Dubai Opera (in picture, right), as well as in private residences within the emirate (below)

● Vadim Horna, GlobalSales Director, Lasvit

I

CzeCh republiC6 Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Vanad is a traditional,100-per-cent family-ownedCzech manufacturer spe-

cialising in the development and pro-duction of affordable modern design,high-performance CNC machines forprecise oxy-fuel cutting, state-of-the-art plasma technologies and fiberlasers that meet the highest qualityrequirements and allow the use ofthe most efficient technologies.Founded by MSc Luboš Miřátský

in 1994, the brand has managed toproduce a new line of machines attheir plant through continuous re-search and development over theyears. Vanad brings comprehensivecutting-edge solutions to domes-tic and foreign markets, flexibilityand variability in enabling to adaptstandard cutting machines to indi-vidual customer requirements andsubsequently propose thorough indi-vidual solutions. Ranking among theleading manufacturers and suppliersof CNC machines in the industry,Vanad’s long-term cooperation withleading suppliers of technologies forthermal cutting allows the companyto run one of the largest permanentdemonstration centres for thermalcutting in the Czech Republic.

Martin Miřátský, Business Direc-tor, Vanad, says, “Through swift deci-sion making and by doing everythingaccording to our best knowledge andconscience we hope to leave a legacyin the world of Czech machines.”The Vanad portfolio covers a range

of machinery including the VanadBluester with the 3D Plasma head,Vanad Proxima, the Kompakt, Su-prema, Kompakt Light, Arena, Mira,Miron, Miron Laser and the KompaktLaser.

Vanad machines are tailor-madeto offer a unique system setting thathelps improve production in termsof efficiency while being more user-friendly, distinguished by easy op-eration and fast data preparation.Equipped with a number of specialtools and instruments designedfor highly demanding cutting pro-cedures, Vanad’s unique solutionsprovide customers with a range ofutilities and subsequently, an oppor-tunity to acquire competitive marketadvantages.

Vanad uses the latest technolo-gies in order to guarantee the per-fect functionality of the machine,high durability and great dynamics,as well as maximum accuracy of theportal and cutting units, guided withhigh-quality wiping process of theguiding surfaces. These propertiespredetermine the utility quotient ofVanad machines within highly de-manding operations. Ondřej Miřátský, Technical Direc-

tor, Vanad, says, “No single VanadCNC machine is built the same, eachand every machine is built accord-ing to the customer’s requirement.Our advantage is that we have ourown development department,” saysMiřátský, “allowing us to adapt to eve-ry special requirement received fromour customers. We have solutions forbig companies as well as small pro-ducers in the field of metal work.” Va-nad is represented by its agents, whoservice major installations in the EU,Russia, the UAE, Australia, Canada,

Africa, the Philippines and Indonesia.Vanad CNC machines entered the

UAE three years ago and is repre-sented by Stadlers Corp FZE, with of-fices in Dubai and Sharjah that coveroperations in the GCC. The partner-ship with Stadlers sees Vanad provid-ing outstanding aftersales service,machine warranty and upgrade andrepair services, while establishing anongoing relationship with customersthroughout the product’s life cycle.

“The cooperation with Stadlersis an excellent partnership, helpingpopularise Vanad CNC machines inthe GCC,” says Miřátský.Vanad has also been active in the

local industrial exhibition space. “Wepresented the Vanad Kompakt Laserand Vanad Suprema at the Steelfab2019 industrial exhibition in Sharjahwith outstanding results, focusing onvarious industries such as oil and gas,metal fabrication, construction andmanufacturing, to name a few,” saysMiřátský.For more information email sales@

vanad.com or visit www.vanad.com

The proudly Czech owned and operated manufacturer has earned a global reputation for performance and reliability

Building one of the bestCNCmachines in the business

The Vanad Bluester machine (left) is used for heavy operations and allows cutting ofmaterial of thickness up to 400mm; Right: The Vanad Kompakt Laser

Shape Steel CZ 7 Vanad machines Oxy-fuel, plasma, laser For complete scale of cut parts

DITREX CZ 4 Vanad Proxima machines,one with 8 oxy-fuel torches

Plasma/oxy Steelworks, production of cut parts forpartner companies

TATRATRUCKS CZ Proxima 1x11m Plasma/oxy Military trucks

Diamant Unipool CZ Kompakt 2x10m Laser Swimming pools

Lenmontazh RU Proxima 3.5x54m Plasma/oxy Steelworks

PAO Severstal RU Proxima 3x13m Plasma/oxy Steelworks

Vanad’s biggest installations are in the CzeCh republiC and in russia

CzeCh RepubliC 7Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Imagine a villa that is notjust your home but doublesup as your obedient and

tireless servant. A family residencethat fulfils your wishes before theyare uttered. This is no fiction, thesehouses exist — not just in the US andEurope, but in the UAE as well.Dubai and Abu Dhabi already have

quite a few Smart Homes, courtesyCzech company, Smarteon. You maynot notice them at first glance con-sidering they look similar to otherbuildings, but consider stepping intoone and the difference will immedi-ately be tangible.For one, all devices automatically

react to your presence so you feelcomfortable and safe. The securitysystem, air conditioning, lights andshading, anything you want — workaccording to your needs, intelligent-ly and harmonically, as if you weresetting it all up with your hands.But you don’t do anything, allowingtechnology to work its charm.

A tempting futureWork on one of the latest Smart

Homes was recently completed insouthern Dubai, in the Green Com-munity, DIP1. The house-warmingparty was a great social event withdozens of interesting guests includ-ing successful businessmen, techno-logical visionaries and internationalcompany representatives. The cen-tre of attention, of course was thenew villa and its owners, the Culbertfamily."The Culbert family are an edu-

cated and busy people, and wishedfor more me time, freed from house-hold chores, all which was possiblethrough a Smart Home. However,every client has a different set ofpriorities. For some, comfort is criti-cal, while others value long-termsustainable solutions, such as anefficient water management," saysVojtech Dvorak, Project Manager atSmarteon Systems.“I am delighted that our two sons

are getting to enjoy the Smart Home.The house doesn’t care only for peo-ple, it also looks after our two cats,”says Kevin Culbert. To be precise,the house works much like a flawless

servant, who does not rest nor re-quires wages. Kevin’s residence nowworks on autopilot, or more precise-ly, much as a flawless servant does.

Make your dreams come trueThe Smart Home quite literally

works on autopilot, for instance au-tomatically irrigating the lawn whenneeded. If the owners are holiday-ing or away at work, the villa canmake pretend that they are present(occasionally turning the lights onor channeling some music throughthe home speakers) to discouragethieves.It also works as a doorman, so the

owner can communicate remotelyfrom anywhere via the mobile app in

case the house has a visitor waitingat the front door.Every Smart Home is unique, cu-

rated for an individual or a family. Sonow, let us forget about the housesthat exist and look into your future.Free your imagination and dream upyour ideal futuristic home and thespecial characteristics that will helpconvert your house into a home, allwith the help of some intuitive tech,of course.

About SmarteonSmarteon Systems is an interna-

tional project that brings the bestEuropean technologies in intelligenthomes to the UAE. It uses technologythat powers more than 60,000 homes

globally. The hardware is developedunder Austrian brand, Loxone, whilethe software is developed by a sisterfirm based in the Czech Republic.Its founders, CEO, Miroslav Pada-

lik, and CTO, Vojtech Zavrel initiallycreated the Smart Home conceptfor personal use before deciding toturn this into a business proposition,placing the brand’s mission frontand centre: Making comfortablehomes in a complex world. Besidesprivate residences, Smarteon hasalso worked on government projectsin Germany and Japan as well as inthe UAE.

Experience the Smart HomeCheck out Smarteon’s Smart Home

showroom at Dubai Investment Park1, The Market Mall, Green Commu-nity, Dubai. It’s open daily except onFridays, from 11am to 8pm. Alter-natively, call the project manager,Vojtech Dvorak, on +971 52 817 5278.For more information please visit

www.smarteon.ae

Successful people will soonlive in SmartHomes

Smart Home systems from Smarteon provide cutting-edge technology and peace of mind to residents

● Owner of Smarteon, Miroslav Padalik and local sponsor, Saif Al Shamsi inaugurateDubai’s first Smart Home showroom

● Project manager Vojtech Dvorak (left)and Kevin Culbert (right) started work ona new Smart Home last December

CzeCh RepubliC8 Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Darkov Spa is a leading spaand rehabilitation resort inthe Czech Republic and one

of the oldest iodine spas in Europe.Founded in 1867, Lázně Darkov, a.s.is located in Karviná, in the north-east of the Czech Republic.

Known worldwide for its excellentiodine-bromine brine, Darkov Spaspecialises in the demanding reha-bilitation of diseases of the locomo-tive and nervous system, especiallytraumatic and post-operative condi-tions, or the after-effects of strokeand other diseases.Expect only the best at Darkov

Spa, with complete and professionalservices that offer an individualisedapproach. Darkov Spa is well knownfor the quality treatment it offers us-ing iodine-bromine water, comple-mented with its professional staffand modern medical technology in-cluding robotic devices.More than 15,000 clients are treated

at the spa premises each year. TheDarkov Spa enjoys excellent brandloyalty in the Gulf as well, with morethan 1,000 clients being loyal patronsat the spa every year. Darkov Spa is abarrier-free complex of interconnectedbuildings with all assorted servicesbeing offered under one roof. Muslimclientele can also avail the services of aprayer room to offer prayers.

Three years ago the spa initiateda medical tourism project with plansto expand its range of services tomedical procedures (surgeries, com-

plex medical examinations, diagnos-tic programme etc.). It now worksclosely with leading medical facili-ties as well as the foremost experts inthe fields of neurology, orthopaedics,cardiology and gastroenterology.

THERMAL IODINE-BROMINE BRINEDarkov s natural healing source

is heavily mineralised hypertonicchlorosodic iodine-bromine mineralwater. With the concentration of io-dine being higher here than seen incoastal areas, the brine has a ben-eficial effect on the vascular systemand helps in the treatment of the lo-comotive and nervous system as wellas with skin diseases. A daily bath inthe waters is also part of a regimen

for local balneo-rehabilitation.So, what makes this iodine-bro-

mine brine so unique? The basic ef-fect of iodine is mediated via the ves-sels, practically making it the mosteffective natural balneological ele-ment. The iodine bath also offers ex-cellent therapeutic, preventative, re-generative and rejuvenating effects.And while iodine’s local antisepticand disinfecting effects are wellknown, its usage, more importantlyalso offers advantages to the thyroidgland and other hormonal organs.Darkov Spa is a partner of the

Czech national exposition at Expo2020. For further information contactdarkovspa@darkov.cz; Whatsapp:+420 603 299 171 www.darkov.cz

Darkov Spa enjoys excellent brand loyalty in the Gulf with more than 1,000 regional patronsbooking their services each year

Revolutionary services fromleading spa in the CzechRepublic

RObOT TheRApYRobotic rehabilitation significantly improves and strengthens the effect of classical rehabilitationmethods.A special form of exercise with robot assistance is of great benefit to patients, who achievesignificantly better results.

Darkov Spa uses the services of the following robotic devices:REOAMBULATORA top robotic anti-gravity walking trainer device, the Reoambulator (in picture)

enables diagnostics, stimulation and walking therapy. It is designed to train patients with neurological andorthopaedic disorders to walk. Darkov Spa is the only company in the Czech Republic to own the device.GLOREHA PROFESSIONAL 2 Amodern device used to rehabilitate patients with neurological or

post-traumatic hand injuries. It enables efficient, intense and early therapy.The device allows roboticallyassisted exercises based on feedback.FIT & SLIM PROGRAMWeight loss plans for everyone, which consists of day-by-day guide to help

you lose weight and get fit. The program essentially is a combination of a balanced diet under thenutrition specialist control, regular In Body examinations and individual rehabilitation.

● More than 15,000 clients are treatedat the Darkov Spa each year

CZECH REPUBLIC 9Wednesday, May 29, 2019

ComAp designs and manu-factures control productsfor power generation and

diesel/gas engines, along with asso-ciated accessories and software. It isleading the way in providing intelli-gent electronic control products andsolutions that are highly flexible, in-tuitive and scalable.

The brand is one of the world lead-ers in power generation control sys-tems, with more than 400 employeesglobally and a large distribution net-work consisting of more than fiftydistributors and eleven subsidiar-ies. ComAp has the largest Researchand Development department in ourindustry with 120,000 control unitssold last year and a 52-million-Euroturnover.Even though its main focus is on

single, paralleling genset or gas en-gine solutions, ComAp also providesATS controllers, controllers for themarine market, engine-driven ap-plications and mains protection. Itsdual-fuel solution, called bi-fuel usedin off-shelf genset conversion for die-sel-gas consumption and the hybridsystem solution for high efficiency ingenset applications that use renew-able energy, see great potential in theMiddle East.

SIGNIFICANTACTIVITYOne of ComAp’s first significant

activities in the Gulf dates backto 2005, while it was still workingthrough its distribution at the time.Its business has grown successfullysince with the region playing an im-portant role. However, to be a part ofmore prestigious regional projects,ComAp decided to open an office inthe UAE in 2013, a move that allowedthe company to stay closer to its cli-ents and provide them professionallocal support. ComAp’s Dubai-basedoffice is responsible for supportingthe entire Middle East region. Theoffice operations are headed by PetrGryc, Managing Director, ComAp a.s.(DMCC branch).ComAp has since been involved in

many projects mainly related to theoil and gas and construction sectors.It works either with genset packag-

ers, the system integrators, the panelbuilders, the rental companies orwith the end-users. ComAp is proudto be a valuable technology part-ner with the biggest and the mostprestigious companies in the globalpower generation industry. Projectsit’s been involved in include DubaiAirport, the Dubai World Islands, Ri-yadh metro, Mekka City, Universityin Riyadh, the TUWAIQ mega projectin Riyadh and others from both thegovernment and private sector.ComAp expects delivery of stand-

ards of the MRS, AMF, ATS or SYN-CHRONIZATION solutions for thepower generation market and con-stantly invests in the developmentand marketing of new, more ad-vanced technologies to help clientssignificantly reduce its OPEX ontheir gensets and their dependency

on diesel. On top of that, the firmstrives to reduce fuel consumption.

ComAp is currently involved in thedeliveryof its control systems for:● An InteliBifuel Solution: Weconvert a pure diesel genset to run atthe same time on 2 types of fuel, par-tially diesel and partially gas (whichis a much cheaper and cleaner fuelto run on). The InteliBifuel solu-tion is unique to the market, thanksto which customers can utilise theadvantages of cheaper and cleanernatural gas and replace the majorityof diesel in their generators. Its cus-tomers benefit from InteliBifuel so-lutions anywhere where diesel gen-erators are used as the main sourceof power, such as constructions sites,labour camps, factories or even oilrigs and offshore platforms where

associated gas can be used in a gen-erator rather than being flared.● AHYBRIDSolution: This is thecombination of diesel gensets and aphotovoltaic and/or windmill. A bat-tery storage (UPS) can also be partof the system. ComAp provides themaster control system to managethe whole hybrid site in the most ef-ficient manner.

TECHNICAL SUPPORTFor ComAp, proper technical sup-

port and after-sales service are con-sidered an inseparable part of anysuccessful business, reason why thebrand relocated its Prague HQ officeteam of senior engineers to its Dubaioffice. The relocated team brings sev-eral years of experience to the table,having worked with the companyHQ on global projects. Since ComApis implementing this knowledge intothe local market and following latestglobal trends within the industry,the Middle East will stay on top ofthe latest technologies.

ComAp looks forward to provid-ing regional clients the best qualityservices, being a long-term, trustfulpartner they can count on to partici-pate in the most ambitious projectsin the region.

ComAp’s thrust on using renewable energy in its systems ties its vision in with that of the UAEand the world to work towards a more sustainable future

Leaders in power generationcontrol systems

DIESEL

Gas tank

Diesel tank

Substitute up to 70%of Diesel fuel for gas

InteliBifuel

InteliBifuel DENOX

Genset

GA S

INTELIBIFUELSOLUTION

For more information please contactPETRGRYCTel: +971 50 744 8680petr.gryc@comap-control.comComAp a.s., DMCCFortune Tower, Office No. 2502JLT, Dubai, U.A.E.P.O. Box: 634263http://www.comap-control.com

CZECH REPUBLIC10 Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Built on centuries of tradi-tion and the unique art ofmaster glassmakers from

Crystal Valley, Preciosa honours thisheritage and craftsmanship by creat-ing innovative lighting products thatstand the test of time. Crystal Valley,in Bohemia, home to Preciosa Light-ing, is a region whose natural wealthand local craftsmanship and talenthave allowed the area’s glassmakingtraditions to remained unspoiled forcenturies. Today Crystal Valley isstill the most important region in theworld for the production of crystalchandeliers.“Preciosa has been cultivating

chandeliers in Crystal Valley, in theCzech Republic since 1724, ensuringthe glassmaking tradition continuesto burn brightly,” says Martin Fry-zelka, Managing Director, PreciosaLighting Gulf. “An important part ofthis cultivation is ingenuity and tech-nology; lighting alchemy for the 21stcentury. We place great importanceon engaging emotions to create theperfect light. This is something thatcan be felt when you are in the pres-ence of a Preciosa chandelier.”Preciosa’s lighting styles range

from individual luxury lighting to

dynamic and interactive installa-tions. As a global company, Preciosacooperates with designers worldwideto create exclusive lights that reflectour spirit. “Our historic chandeliersand contemporary projects can befound in hotels, resorts, fine restau-rants, luxury residences, cultural in-stitutions and on board yachts andcruise ships in locations as variedas New York, Hong Kong, Singapore,Dubai, Moscow and London,” saysFryzelka.The brand operates offices in 12

cities worldwide and its products canbe found in nearly 150 countries.

Local presenceOne of Preciosa’s most exciting

projects in the UAE, the Canopy ofLight dynamic installation in theMandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai,opened in February this year. “Weare very excited to be working on oneof the most anticipated properties onPalm Jumeirah, the Royal Atlantis,”says Fryzelka. The Palm Jumeirahwill also see Preciosa providinglighting installations at both theTaj Exotica Resort and Spa and theHilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Twoother properties coming soon andthat will feature lighting from thebrand include the Address Fountain

Views with three towers, and the TajResidences JLT. Non-hospitality pro-jects include a beautiful installationcombining nature and crystal, to beinstalled in the Bahrain Cardiac hos-pital, as well as fresh lighting for theAbu Dhabi airport.

Sectoral trendsLighting is moving into a more

experiential realm, following its his-toric purpose of providing light andits aesthetic support as a decorativeelement. “Many of our installationsfeature an interactive or dynamicfunction,” says Fryzelka. It’s thesetypes of installations that are grow-ing in popularity as designers seekto devise spaces that generate emo-tions and create memories, she says.“Our interactive and dynamic light-ing installations have really broughtawareness to people about the possi-bility of creating emotions and mem-ories from lights. This is a dream forus as Preciosa’s vision is to connectpeople through light.”

With technology constantly evolv-ing to bring new options, the brandis looking to combine these innova-tions with lighting, with the brand’sInnovation Team continually on thelookout for fresh ways to surprisepeople with light

Preciosa Lighting elevates the heritage of Bohemian crystal through contemporary lighting designs

Innovation shines through

● Preciosa’s installations, such as thisone at 118 Downtown are one-of-a-kind

● Preciosa’s Canopy of Light installation at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

“Our interactive anddynamic lightinginstallations have reallybrought awarenessto people about thepossibility of creatingemotions and memoriesfrom lights.”

MARTIN FRYZELKAMANAGING DIRECTOR, PRECIOSALIGHTING GULF