Zoho has strongly reaffirmed its commitment to data sovereignty in the UAE. They believe that hosting data locally isn't just a technical choice anymore; it's become a strategic necessity to keep up with the adoption of AI technologies and the implementation of privacy-related laws. In his statements, Haidar Nizam, Zoho's CEO for the Middle East and Africa, said: "The UAE is confidently moving towards widespread AI adoption, and we are keen to ensure our efforts align with this ambitious vision, built on a solid foundation of absolute privacy. As the country integrates AI into various aspects of life and work, maintaining data sovereignty through local hosting has become a strategic imperative to ensure control over the nation's digital future, as reflected in the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) of 2021." Nizam added that Zoho has always embraced a "privacy-first" principle from the start, never building its business model on advertising. He emphasized the company's commitment to all regulatory frameworks for data protection, ensuring data remains secure within the country according to the highest standards of safety and governance.
Related editorial
Sameh Zaghloul on Quantum Computing: Protecting Your Encrypted Data for the Future
Getting ready for quantum security isn't just a quick fix! It's about building "cryptographic agility," which means we can update or swap out encryption methods later on without having to completely rebuild our systems. This is super important for staying safe in the long run.
Mahmoud Tawfik: Why Zero Trust Security is Crucial in the Age of AI and Quantum Computing
It's not just about getting new security tools; the real challenge is changing how businesses think about risk. Cybersecurity needs to be a core part of every company's strategy, especially as we navigate the exciting new world of AI and quantum computing.
Gulf Economies and Startups: Staying Strong Amidst Global Headwinds
Even with global challenges like rising costs and supply chain issues, Gulf markets are proving incredibly resilient. They're adapting well to changes, showing their strength in a tough environment.
Infinity Secures $15M Funding to Usher in a New Era for AI Software
Infinity, a company focused on AI infrastructure, has successfully closed a $15 million seed funding round, reaching a $100 million valuation. The company is developing innovative software to enable AI models to run across various chip types, aiming to reduce reliance on dominant closed platforms and offer greater flexibility to chip manufacturers.