Dubai Gets ‘Sovereign Speed’

Zoho Corporation is doubling down on the UAE’s digital future. With the launch of the new ManageEngine data center, the focus isn’t just on storage—it’s about sovereignty, security, and the next frontier of AI. Here are the key takeaways from this strategic investment according to Rajesh Ganesan, CEO of ManageEngine (full interview here):

• Agentic AI with Human Oversight: Zoho is transitioning toward autonomous systems that can manage massive data alerts (like in cybersecurity) while keeping humans in the loop for high-risk decisions.
• Ending Foreign Dependency: Tools like Zoho Maps offer a secure alternative to global providers, ensuring that sensitive location and usage data never leaves the UAE.
• Localized Peace of Mind: The facility is certified by the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), offering government agencies and private firms full regulatory compliance.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhuACeMpBD4

3 Key topics to keep in mind are:

Sovereign Speed

The core message is that local data centers allow for “regulatory velocity”—the ability for a country to move fast because their technology is aligned with local.

Talent Nurturing

Zoho’s strategy involves moving senior “anchors” from India to the UAE to hire and mentor local talent from the GCC region

Zoho Maps

A notable takeaway is Zoho’s push for “Zoho Maps” as a privacy-focused, locally-hosted alternative to Google Maps for UAE enterprises.

By keeping data within local borders, Zoho is helping bolster the region’s digital economy and reducing reliance on foreign entities.

How critical do you think data sovereignty is for the next phase of AI adoption in the Middle East?

ManageEngine Middle East and Africa

Zoho One ManageEngine Middle East and Africa

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