DEFINING INDUSTRIAL AI
IFS’s Hannes Liebe and Christian Pedersen on driving agile, intelligent industrial transformation
Kaspersky’s Timur Biyachuev
AVEVA’s
Deloitte
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@Copyright 2025 Insight
THE INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION
We are standing at a pivotal moment in industrial evolution—where intelligence is no longer simply about automating process, instead it’s about unlocking new potential, where technology augments human insight, and helps build more resilient, sustainable, and adaptive industries. In this issue, we explore how Industrial AI is laying the groundwork for this new era.
Our cover feature highlights IFS, where Hannes Liebe and Christian Pedersen share how the company is using AI to drive meaningful change across industries. With more than 200 AI capabilities embedded into its cloud platform, IFS is helping organisations optimise operations and make smarter, faster decisions. Today, the priority is applying AI in ways that deliver clear, measurable impact. As Liebe notes, “The real differentiator isn’t the AI engine—it’s how intelligently and contextually it’s applied.” In fast-growing markets like the Middle East, where governments are pushing for rapid industrial growth, this kind of practical AI integration is proving especially valuable.
Elsewhere, perspectives from AVEVA’s Jim Chappell also outlines that while Industrial AI can deliver significant returns—IDC estimates a 3.7x ROI for generative AI—the real value is unlocked only when it’s supported by a
strong data foundation, domain expertise, and a culture that embraces AI as a long-term strategic investment. And NETSCOUT’s Emad Fahmy issues a timely call for observability in remote industrial environments, where performance gaps can go undetected without full-stack visibility.
Also in this issue, we look ahead to the energy and urgency expected at GISEC GLOBAL 2025. We also spotlight the key players set to take the stage at the show, showcasing innovations that are shaping the future of cybersecurity, resilience, and digital trust in the region.
As Industrial AI becomes the backbone of modern enterprises, the message to leaders is to move early, scale smart, and stay grounded in business value.
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The UAE has been ranked as an ‘AI Contender’ in Boston Consulting Group’s 2024 AI Maturity Matrix, ranking among 31 global economies advancing in artificial intelligence readiness. The report highlights the nation’s robust digital infrastructure, strategic initiatives like the National AI Strategy 2031, and significant investments in AI talent and research.
Fuze secures UAE licence to expand into card payments
UAE-based fintech Fuze has obtained a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) license from the Central Bank, enabling it to offer card payment services to businesses across the country. This move allows Fuze to enhance its financial infrastructure offerings and support digital payment solutions in the UAE.
NTT DATA names new Regional Head for Technology Solutions
NTT DATA has appointed Hani Nofal as Senior Vice President and Regional Head for Technology Solutions in the Middle East and Africa. With over 27 years in the IT industry, Nofal will spearhead the firm’s digital and AIdriven growth strategy across the region.
CABSAT to return for 31st edition alongside Integrate Middle East
Set for 13–15 May at DWTC, the twin events will bring together global media, broadcast, and Pro AV leaders to explore AI-driven trends, immersive tech, and the future of content and communication. With over 450 exhibitors and 18,000 attendees expected, the shows will foster collaboration and showcase transformative solutions shaping tomorrow’s media landscape.
Smart Data & AI Summit returns to Riyadh
The second edition of the Smart Data & AI Summit will convene over 500 data and AI leaders on 5–6 May at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, exploring Saudi Arabia’s $100B Project Transcendence and Vision 2030 goals. The event will feature discussions on AI fusion, data mesh, and smart city innovation, underscoring the Kingdom’s push to become a global AI powerhouse.
IFS appoints Rahul Misra as SVP & MD for MEA
IFS has announced the appointment of Rahul Misra as Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In his new role, Rahul will lead IFS’s growth strategy across key MEA markets, scale the company’s regional presence, strengthen strategic partnerships, and elevate the customer experience.
UAE recognised as leader in AI readiness
AY
Amazefoto / Shutterstock.com
UAE approves AI-powered system to modernise lawmaking
The UAE Cabinet has approved the launch of the country’s first AI-powered legislative system, aimed at transforming how laws are developed and updated. The new system introduces a data-driven, proactive model to streamline legislative planning and adapt rapidly to global economic, technological, and geopolitical changes. The platform will integrate the largest national legislative database, unifying
federal and local laws, judicial rulings, executive procedures, and public services. Using AI, it will monitor global legal trends in real time, detect gaps in current legislation, and recommend timely updates. This could reduce the time needed to draft and revise laws by up to 70 percent.
“This new legislative system, powered by artificial intelligence, will change how we
This new legislative system, powered by artificial intelligence, will change how we create laws, making the process faster and more precise
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM
create laws, making the process faster and more precise,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
A new Regulatory Intelligence Office has also been approved to oversee the system’s implementation, working closely with government entities and private sector partners.
IMF recognises Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure leadership
Saudi Arabia has been recognised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its leadership in digital infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In its latest report, Digital Transformation in the Gulf Cooperation Council Economies, the IMF affirmed that
the Kingdom leads the region in the number of data centres.
The report attributes this progress to Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on data and artificial intelligence, led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), established in 2019. SDAIA plays a
key role in developing, regulating, and accelerating national AI and data initiatives in collaboration with various sectors.
The IMF highlighted milestones such as the launch of the National Strategy for Data and AI and the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Law—“both pivotal steps towards building a secure, dynamic, and globally aligned digital ecosystem.”
Saudi Arabia’s investment in energy-efficient, Uptime Institutecertified data centres was also noted, as these facilities underpin the Kingdom’s ambitions in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
Additionally, the IMF praised the rollout of digital platforms across critical sectors, citing their positive impact on service accessibility and quality of life, in alignment with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Juniper Networks advances AI-native data centre networking
Juniper Networks has announced strong momentum and industry recognition in data centre networking, driven by innovations tailored for the AI era. The company continues to enhance performance and economics for customers with new capabilities integrated into its AI-native platform, Mist AI.
“Juniper believes that our position in the latest Gartner reports underlines the strength of our core data centre value proposition,” said Praveen Jain, SVP & GM, Data Centre & AI, Juniper Networks.
“Our data centre team is firing on all cylinders with innovation and execution that supports the business needs of a diverse range of enterprise, AI and cloud provider customers globally.”
Juniper was named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Centre Switching and ranked highest in Enterprise Data Centre Network Build-Out in the Critical Capabilities report. It also secured a 44 percent share in the 800GbE OEM switch market, per 650 Group’s 2024 report.
Juniper introduced AI Load Balancing techniques like DLB, GLB, and RLB, enhancing Ethernet performance for AI workloads. Energy efficiency is also a focus, with LPO reducing optics power by up to 50 percent. “Juniper’s AI-LB solution is the right technology to get the greatest AI network fabric throughput,” said Daniele Cesarini of CINECA.
du, Microsoft inks $544 million hyperscale data centre project
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) has signed a AED 2 billion ($544.54 million) deal with Microsoft to build a new hyperscale data centre in the UAE. Announced during Dubai AI Week, the project aims to strengthen the country’s cloud infrastructure and support its ambitions in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The facility will be built and operated by du, with Microsoft as the primary tenant. Capacity will be delivered in phases, catering to growing enterprise demand for scalable cloud and data services.
“This deal represents a pivotal leap in our strategic goal to revolutionise the digital ecosystem of the UAE,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du.
The collaboration comes as the UAE accelerates efforts to position itself as a global tech and AI hub. Hyperscale data centres are critical for powering
large-scale cloud computing and AI workloads, making them essential to the country’s digital economy goals.
du currently operates five data centres across the UAE. The new
hyperscale facility will further boost national capabilities in data, AI, and cloud services, in line with the UAE’s strategy to compete globally in emerging technologies.
(LtoR) Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, du; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation; and Naim Yazbeck, GM, Microsoft UAE
“IN THIS ‘YEAR OF COMMUNITY,’ OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GISEC UNDERSCORES THE UAE’S COMMITMENT TO UNITING GLOBAL STAKEHOLDERS IN ADDRESSING
URGENT CYBERSECURITY
CHALLENGES—FROM SAFEGUARDING DATA
PRIVACY AND SECURING
CRITICAL NETWORKS TOCOUNTERING ADVANCED THREATS THROUGH AI-POWERED SOLUTIONS”
HE Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council
AI-driven solutions within the next 12 to 18 months, 80 percent of employees and executives say they already lack the time and energy to meet rising expectations. This disconnect highlights a critical inflection point: while the tools exist, organisational readiness is lagging. Nearly half of business leaders (46 percent) say they’ve already automated workflows in areas such as marketing and customer service, and the report spotlights the rise of “agent bosses”—employees who manage and delegate to AI agents. But a stark familiarity gap remains. Only 40 percent of employees are comfortable with AI agents, compared to 67 percent of leaders, underscoring the urgent need for upskilling.
What Microsoft’s report ultimately reveals is that the future of work will be defined not by AI adoption alone, but by how thoughtfully organisations integrate it—restructuring teams, reimagining roles, and rebalancing the human-agent equation. In a time of economic pressure and shifting workforce dynamics, Frontier Firms are a glimpse of what’s possible when technology and talent are aligned by design, not by default. For businesses willing to invest in capability, culture, and clarity, the opportunity is transformative.
67% vs 40%
The proportion of leaders that plans to roll out AI tools within 18 months
The share of organisations already fully automating workflows with AI agents
79%
The proportion of leaders who believe AI will boost their careers
The AI familiarity gap between leaders and employees 82% 46%
FROM INTELLIGENCE TO IMPACT
Hannes Liebe, President – Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East, and Africa, and Christian Pedersen, Chief Product Officer at IFS, how a bold, innovation-led strategy — backed by industrial AI, global expertise, and local execution — is powering smarter, more resilient industrial enterprises
With industries under pressure to transform faster and more intelligently, Hannes Liebe, President, Asia Pacific, Japan, the Middle East, and Africa, and Christian Pedersen, Chief Product Officer at IFS, share how an innovation-led, industry-first strategy — backed by industrial AI, global expertise and local execution — is helping build smarter, more resilient enterprises
What have been some of the standout milestones for IFS over the past year, and how are these shaping the way you create and deliver value for customers across global markets?
Christian Pedersen (CP): Over the past year, the most exciting development has been the launch of our next generation of solutions based on a native AI platform. We’ve fundamentally transformed our offerings to capitalize on AI, and the opportunity this creates for our customers is phenomenal. We recently kicked off our customer Connect event series in the UK, where we showcased what’s available today — not just future plans. The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive seeing the value of over 200 AIpowered solutions come to life, demonstrating IFS’s commitment to embedding AI across the IFS Cloud product suite. We are looking forward to continuing that momentum at the Riyadh leg of IFS Connect.
As
Hannes Liebe (HL): From my perspective, the major highlight was IFS’ acquisition of Copperleaf. It filled a crucial gap, enabling us to offer true end-to-end Enterprise Asset Lifecycle Management — from initial capital planning through to asset operation, service, and decommissioning.
For the regions I oversee — the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific Japan — which are dominated by asset-heavy industries, this capability is a real differentiator. It allows us to support customers across the entire lifespan of their assets, which is increasingly critical as industries rethink how they drive long-term value. Having it all in one platform also allows advanced technologies like AI to dramatically improve outcomes for our customers.
When you look at how these latest innovations are being embraced in places like Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore, or Kenya, the motion is very similar. These regions are moving fast, and the appetite for transformation is high. While there are certainly local nuances, our industry-specific approach — combined with local execution — is what makes it work so effectively across such diverse geographies.
Given the breadth of the regions you cover, how do customer priorities and technology adoption patterns compare between markets like the Middle East and Asia Pacific?
HL: I’d say there are more similarities than differences if you focus on the right dimensions. Firstly, IFS is industry-specific. Whether you’re a shipbuilder in the UAE or Australia, the operational challenges are largely the same. Industry focus transcends geographic differences. Secondly, emerging markets like the Middle East and APJ regions are fast adaptors of innovative technologies as they don’t have the legacy infrastructure issues that mature markets face. Technologies like Industrial AI resonate just as strongly in Saudi Arabia as they do in Japan or Kenya. The appetite for transformation is palpable. Finally, while we operate globally, we execute locally. Cultural nuances
Businesses increasingly recognise that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand — doing good means doing well
HANNES LIEBE
treated as a separate or optional layer — it’s embedded throughout the platform. By May, over 200 AI-powered capabilities will be live and seamlessly integrated into daily operations.
Within six months, I expect the conversation around “using AI” will disappear. Like expecting a graph to appear in an interface, AI will become invisible but indispensable.
We’re also advancing into agentic AI — digital workers embedded in workflows. For example, our scheduling agent continuously monitors work orders, weather, traffic, and technician availability to optimise schedules in real time.
Crucially, we give customers control over AI autonomy. They can begin with AI-generated recommendations, keeping humans in the loop, and gradually shift toward more autonomous operation as
trust builds. That flexibility is key to adoption at each customer’s pace.
HL: Building trust is absolutely key. Many of our customers prefer to begin by using AI as an advisor to their decisioning — e.g. assisting a human scheduler of service orders with optimisation suggestions but leaving the final decision to the human.
However, as they see the AI consistently making accurate and valuable recommendations, confidence naturally grows. Over time, we see customers becoming more comfortable allowing AI to operate independently in areas where it can have the biggest impact. That gradual, trust-based journey toward full autonomy has been very effective across the industries and regions we serve, and we have many customer examples, where this has happened.
future roadmaps or hypotheticals. It’s about moving beyond AI hype to demonstrate practical, embedded innovation delivering value now.
We also see a fast-growing talent pool in the region. At AI Week in Dubai, the momentum around AI adoption and skills development was striking. People here aren’t just imagining the future — they’re actively building it.
Beyond hosting platforms like IFS Connect, how else are you supporting national strategies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Vision 2031?
HL: We’re strongly aligned with the region’s national transformation agendas — whether it’s Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 or the UAE’s Vision 2031. These strategies focus on economic diversification, industrial growth, and digital innovation. These areas are where IFS is strongly positioned to contribute.
Take Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of establishing 10,000 new manufacturing companies, for example. This bold initiative reflects our core focus and mirrors our own vision of advancing industrial excellence through innovation and technology. With proven expertise across asset- and service-intensive industries such as manufacturing, construction, telecoms, and aerospace, IFS is ready to play a meaningful role in this transformation.
We’re also committed to talent development. As industrialisation accelerates, the demand for a workforce skilled in both operations and emerging technologies like AI continues to grow. We’re building an ecosystem to support the next generation of digital talent.
From enabling advanced manufacturing and smart infrastructure like NEOM to modernising ports and airports, our platforms can play a vital role in delivering national priorities. That shared ambition between IFS and the region makes this a particularly exciting and pivotal time for us.
As we look ahead to 2025, how is IFS evolving both in terms of market presence and product
innovation to meet accelerating customer demands?
CP: From a product and innovation standpoint, our focus is on bringing our AI investments to life in realworld, high-impact scenarios. Over the past year, we built a native AI platform and embedded over 200 AI-powered capabilities across IFS Cloud. Now, it’s about applied innovation — helping customers achieve tangible outcomes with AI integrated directly into workflows.
One of the most exciting frontiers is agentic AI — what we call digital workers. These are autonomous agents that can take actions, make decisions, and continuously optimise operations alongside human employees. Imagine every employee having an AI assistant handling tasks, surfacing insights, or executing actions independently.
Of course, these capabilities also introduce new governance requirements. As agents make decisions, organisations must ensure those actions are safe and policyaligned. That’s why we’ve built access control and governance directly into the platform — especially critical in industrial environments.
HL: Adding to that, I believe we’ll also see a shift in how organisations view AI. Today, the conversation is still focused on the technical aspects of AI such as the models, features, and capabilities. But AI is rapidly becoming commoditised.
The real differentiator won’t be the AI engine itself — it will be how intelligently and contextually AI is applied. That’s where IFS has a real edge. With almost three decades of deep industry experience, we know where AI can deliver the most value. At the upcoming IFS Connect in Saudi Arabia, this shift will be on full display. We’re going beyond futuristic AI concepts — instead, we’ll be demonstrating AI that’s working today, inside real organisations, delivering measurable results. When AI becomes that seamless and operational, it simply becomes part of how great work gets done.
The real differentiator won’t be the AI engine itself — it will be how intelligently and contextually AI is applied. That’s where IFS has a real edge
HANNES LIEBE
From a business perspective, the next 12–18 months are about scale — particularly in high-growth regions like the Middle East and Asia Pacific. We’ve opened a new HQ in Riyadh, are hiring local talent, and expanding our delivery and partner ecosystems, including signing a strategic agreement with Saudi Business Machines (SBM).
Saudi Arabia and Japan are now two of our fastest-growing markets — a clear reflection of how well our focus aligns with national transformation agendas. In 2025, we’re scaling that value further with strong local execution, trusted partnerships, and solutions built for the strategic direction of the markets we serve.
will be AIcapable. This shift will unlock new levels of personalisation, automation, and user-centric design, enabling PCs to anticipate needs, streamline tasks, and offer context-aware responses.
Another major shift is the convergence of work and personal use. With the boundaries between professional and personal life becoming increasingly fluid, especially in remote and hybrid work environments, Lenovo notes that the next generation of PCs must cater to both. The rise of gaming in the Middle East is a clear example: in 2021, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE had a combined 65.3 million gamers—a number projected to grow to 85.7 million by 2025. As digital natives expect their devices to support everything from spreadsheets to streaming and gaming, versatility will be a defining trait.
Sustainability is also becoming a core expectation rather than a niche preference. Lenovo points to growing pressure from both consumers and regulators to adopt more environmentally conscious design practices. From energyefficient components to the use of recycled materials, the PC industry is being reoriented toward reducing its carbon footprint. Devices in 2025
will increasingly reflect this shift, aligning with regional environmental goals and consumer expectations.
Security remains a critical area of innovation. As cyber threats grow in sophistication and frequency, Lenovo anticipates a wave of next-generation PCs that prioritise proactive, hardware-level protection. These machines will go beyond conventional antivirus software, offering biometric authentication, AIbased threat detection, and real-time system monitoring to protect users in an increasingly connected world. Finally, Lenovo highlights the growing role of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in mainstream computing. With the lines between physical and digital spaces continuing to blur, PCs are expected to serve as entry points to immersive experiences in areas such as education, collaboration, and digital design. Here are the five PC trends Lenovo expects to dominate in 2025:
1AI will be built into the PC experience
Lenovo forecasts that over 60 percent of PCs shipped by 2027 will be AI-capable. In 2025, AI integration will become a core feature, powering everything from predictive interactions and natural language inputs to real-time task automation and personalisation.
2
Work and play will converge
As hybrid work models become permanent and digital lifestyles evolve, PCs will need to support high-performance multitasking— whether for business, content creation, or gaming. The surge in
the regional gaming population underlines the demand for dualpurpose devices.
3
Sustainability will guide purchasing decisions
Environmental awareness is shaping consumer and enterprise priorities. Lenovo notes increased demand for energy-efficient designs and the use of recycled or low-impact materials, especially in regions aligning with ambitious climate goals.
4Security will be embedded, not added on
Advanced security features like biometric login, hardware-based encryption, and AI-driven threat monitoring will be standard. As attack surfaces expand, proactive, embedded defences will become essential to secure user data and privacy.
5
Hybrid reality will take root AR and VR capabilities will become more integrated into PC ecosystems. Lenovo expects applications in virtual learning, remote collaboration, and digital design to drive adoption, making PCs portals into immersive, blended physical-digital environments.
GISEC GLOBAL: SECURING AN AI-POWERED FUTURE
With AI-driven cybercrime and ransomware attacks surging globally, GISEC GLOBAL 2025 returns to Dubai from May 6–8 as the Middle East and Africa’s leading cybersecurity event. Held at Dubai World Trade Centre, the 14th edition gathers over 25,000 professionals from 160 countries and 750+ brands. The event aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community,’ championing collective efforts in AI and digital resilience. Here are some of the top players taking part at the event:
AmiViz to highlight innovations against evolving digital threats
AmiViz will highlight a range of cybersecurity solutions aimed at addressing evolving digital threats.
Joining AmiViz at the event are six technology partners: Sysdig, Threatcop, Bitsight, ExtraHop, RunZero, and YesWeHack. Their offerings cover areas such as cloud and container security, cyber risk management, network detection and response, human-centric security, and vulnerability management. Together, these solutions represent a comprehensive approach to modern cybersecurity challenges, from attack surface management to proactive threat identification.
“GISEC is a cornerstone event for cybersecurity in the region,” said Ilyas Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer, AmiViz. “It provides a unique platform for us to showcase our growing portfolio of innovative technologies and to connect with decision-makers looking to enhance their cyber resilience. This year, our focus is on helping organisations build proactive, integrated defences that are future-ready.”
At the stand, attendees will be able to interact with experts from each partner company, explore the capabilities of the featured solutions, and gain insights into how these technologies can support enterprise security strategies.
AmiViz’s presence at GISEC underscores its ongoing efforts to support enterprises in the region with integrated cybersecurity tools and expertise tailored to today’s threat landscape.
Where to find them: Hall 5, Stand B180
Check Point to underscore role of AI in cyber defence
“The UAE stands at the forefront of digital innovation and that also makes it a prime target for advanced cyber-attacks,” said Ram Narayanan, Country Manager, Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East. “Our commitment is not just technological. “Our commitment goes beyond technology. It’s about building trust, strengthening local partnerships and empowering organisations to shift from reactive defence to proactive cyber resilience.”
Check Point will focus on its Infinity Platform, which uses artificial intelligence and automation to deliver proactive threat prevention across diverse IT environments. In addition to its technology offerings, the company will share insights into how its partnerships are enabling tailored cybersecurity solutions for sectors such as government, finance, and critical infrastructure.
Visitors will be able to engage with Check Point’s regional experts and engineers to explore product capabilities and discuss cybersecurity challenges specific to the region.
Where to find them: Hall 6, Stand B60
Cisco to tackle AI security challenges
Cisco will participate in GISEC 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor, focusing on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of cybersecurity. Under the theme “Innovating where security meets the network,” the company will demonstrate how it is embedding AI across its security portfolio to improve threat detection, response, and resilience across cloud, endpoint, and network environments.
At GISEC, Cisco will highlight how it leverages AI and vast telemetry across infrastructure and applications to deliver more precise and proactive security outcomes. Visitors can expect insights into the company’s approach to integrating security into every layer of enterprise architecture, with a strong focus on automation, visibility, and real-time threat intelligence.
Check Point Software
Technologies will present its latest advancements in AI-powered cybersecurity and reinforcing its commitment to building cyber resilience through strategic partnerships across the UAE. The company will demonstrate how its technologies support organisations in securing networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and mobile devices against increasingly complex threats.
“GISEC serves as the ideal platform to discuss the new age of AI-enhanced cybersecurity, bringing together security leaders, innovators, and policymakers who are shaping the region’s cyber defence strategies,” said Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS. “Through our thought leadership and innovations, we are showcasing at GISEC, Cisco aims to equip organisations with the insights, research, and recommendations they need to build secure and resilient AI systems.”
The company has also released its State of AI Security Report, which outlines key threats and vulnerabilities introduced by the growing use of AI, along with original research on model exploitation and policy developments.
Where to find them: Hall 6, Stand B80
FadyYounes, Cisco
Ilyas Mohammed, AmiViz
Ram Narayanan, Check Point Software
emt Distribution to showcase advanced cybersecurity solutions
emt will participate as a Gold Sponsor at GISEC Global 2025, one of the Middle East’s leading cybersecurity events. The company will be joined by key technology partners including Heimdal, Progress, Resecurity, and SecureG, as it showcases a range of enterprise security solutions.
The event, set to take place from May 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will see emt engage with regional and international cybersecurity stakeholders, including CISOs, decisionmakers, and government representatives. The focus will be on addressing evolving cyber threats through resilient, scalable security strategies.
“We are thrilled to return to GISEC as a Gold Sponsor,” said Mo Mobasseri, CEO of emt Distribution. “Our mission is to empower organisations with cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and services. At this year’s event, we’re proud to showcase our latest innovations, each designed to deliver powerful protection for today’s digital infrastructures.”
Technologies on display will include unified network monitoring across cloud and hybrid environments, advanced traffic analysis, application delivery optimisation, threat intelligence platforms, digital risk protection, EDR capabilities, and patch and asset management tools. emt will also highlight privileged access controls and other threat mitigation technologies.
Where to find them: Hall 6, Stand B145
Huawei to exhibit AI-powered cybersecurity solutions
SeanYang, Huawei
Huawei will return as the Lead Strategic Partner of GISEC Global 2025 to spotlight its AI-driven cybersecurity solutions amid growing global concerns around securing digital transformation.
Sean Yang, Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Officer at Huawei, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with GISEC Global by becoming its Lead Strategic Partner for the 2025 edition. Huawei is committed to securing our shared digital future with
governments, industry organisations, standardisation bodies, and enterprise stakeholders.”
Huawei’s participation comes at a time when technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and AI are expanding rapidly, raising the urgency around digital trust and cybersecurity. At GISEC, the company will demonstrate its latest AI-native offerings, including Huawei Cloud’s 1+7 Security Defence System, the SecMaster cybersecurity centre, ransomware protection technologies, and SASE and EDR solutions under its Xinghe Intelligent Network Security portfolio.
Throughout the event, Huawei will host a series of workshops and forums on cyber resilience, AI-era data protection, and industry cybersecurity practices, bringing together global experts and stakeholders to address key security challenges.
Where to find them: Hall 5, Stand A180
ManageEngine to highlight unified security strategy
ManageEngine will return to GISEC Global 2025 for its 12th consecutive year, where it will present its latest advancements in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. This year, the company is placing a strong focus on unified security strategies, advocating a shift away from fragmented approaches that often leave organisations vulnerable.
“This year at GISEC Global, ManageEngine is advocating for a fundamental shift in cybersecurity strategy with the theme, Unified security for an evolving threat landscape—a call to action against fragmented approaches that leave organisations vulnerable to sophisticated threats. AI, once a nascent concept, has now become a dual-edged staple of cybersecurity, reshaping both offensive and defensive strategies,” said Nirmal Kumar Manoharan, Vice President of Sales at ManageEngine.
He added that data privacy remains a core focus for the company. “Our commitment to safeguarding not only our own data but also that of our customers has been deeply embedded in our organisational fabric since the inception of our product journey—long before recent cybersecurity discussions.”
At the event, ManageEngine will present new capabilities in its SIEM solution Log360, now a unified security platform with open APIs and developer ecosystem support. The company will also highlight updates to its identity security offerings, including FIDO2-based passwordless authentication in ADSelfService Plus and expanded integrations in AD360, reinforcing its identity-first approach.
Where to find them: Hall 4, Stand E10
Mo Mobasseri, emt Distribution
Nirmal Kumar Manoharan, ManageEngine
Nozomi Networks to highlight cybersecurity advancements for critical infrastructure
Nozomi Networks will participate in GISEC 2025, showcasing its cybersecurity solutions for operational technology (OT), industrial control systems (ICS), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company will demonstrate how its platform provides unified visibility, real-time threat detection, and streamlined compliance across increasingly interconnected IT and OT environments.
Among the latest updates to its platform, Nozomi Networks will present Nozomi Arc, designed to extend visibility to industrial endpoints; Guardian Air, which offers radio-frequency level monitoring to detect wireless threats; and Vantage IQ, a machine learning-powered tool to accelerate detection and response.
“Critical infrastructure in the Middle East is under growing threat as digitalisation connects once-isolated systems, exposing them to more aggressive cyber-attacks,” said Bachir Moussa, AVP EMEA, Nozomi Networks. “At GISEC, we’re showcasing how our AI-driven platform delivers unified visibility and real-time threat detection across physical, virtual and wireless environments – supported by strong local expertise through partners like HelpAG.”
The company will be joined by regional partner HelpAG to demonstrate joint solutions tailored to the needs of Middle East enterprises across energy, government, manufacturing, and utilities. GISEC also marks the debut of Luis Ferreira, Nozomi’s new Regional Sales Director for the Middle East, who will lead the company’s growth strategy in the region. Where to find them: Hall 2, Stand F62
can be safeguarded against evolving cyber threats.
“Our main focus at GISEC Global 2025 will be critical infrastructure, the lynchpin of economic progress and an increasingly popular target for threat actors,” said Sertan Selcuk, Vice President for METAP and CIS, OPSWAT. “Through our demonstrations and discussions, OPSWAT experts will show how our solutions directly address the latest cybersecurity challenges, especially the ongoing merger of IT and OT.”
OPSWAT’s team will also engage in live hacking sessions and thought leadership forums. On the first day, the company will host a session on the Dark Stage, exposing current threat vectors. On the second day, Founder and CEO Benny Czarny will speak on the Government Stage, arguing for a new approach to cybersecurity in light of AI-driven and encrypted attacks. On the Critical Infrastructure Stage, Director Kris Voorspoels will join a panel on IIoT security in the oil and gas sector.
Additionally, OPSWAT Academy will offer complimentary certifications to support regional upskilling aligned with the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Where to find them: Hall 7, Stand C55
Positive Technologies to demo cyber threat detection and AppSec tools
Positive Technologies will take part in GISEC Global 2025, showcasing its capabilities in application security, operational technology (OT) security, and cyber threat detection.
“We will focus on application security and operational technology security,” said Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies.
“Our team will share best practices for using PT Network Attack Discovery, which detects cybercriminal activity in network traffic and aids in incident investigation and proactive threat hunting.”
Where to find them: Hall 7, Stand D90 OPSWAT
At GISEC GLOBAL, OPSWAT will highlight innovations focused on securing critical infrastructure across IT and OT environments. The company will present a range of cybersecurity demonstrations, including its CIP Mobile Lab and a model Nuclear Plant Reactor, highlighting how interconnected systems
Visitors can expect demonstrations of advanced attack techniques, including DMA attacks used to bypass system defences and extract sensitive data. A tool for chip security analysis that simulates fault injection attacks will also be on display, with live demonstrations conducted by the company’s specialists.
Positive Technologies will host multiple activities in the event’s Hack-O-Sphere zone. These include Fixathon, where participants will practice identifying and fixing code vulnerabilities, a steganography challenge, a workshop on hacking physical devices, and a soldering session for building a small functional gadget.
to spotlight critical infrastructure defence
Sertan Selcuk, OPSWAT
Ilya Leonov, Positive Technologies
Bachir Moussa, Nozomi Networks
PRECISION MEETS PURPOSE
• Neural networks and reinforcement learning for planning and forecasting.
• Generative AI, which acts as a subject matter expert to help solve complex problems.
• Root-cause analysis and prescriptive guidance to support better decision-making.
• Genetic algorithms for automating design tasks like pipeline routing.
UBy Jim Chappell, Global Head of AI and Advanced Analytics, AVEVA
nboxing a new gadget? It’ll probably work right out of the box as long as you follow a few simple steps. In industrial settings, artificial intelligence (Industrial AI) is similarly easy to use. But like any technology, it works best with a foundational understanding of your operations—because every business is different.
Many executives envision AI as a completely plug-and-play solution that instantly transforms operations. But we know—even from consumer applications—that AI improves as it learns from your objectives, whether you want driving directions or are writing an email. Similarly, Industrial AI is a broad area with continuously maturing capabilities that grow alongside an organisation. It’s true power is unlocked by weaving it into every aspect of the business, from data strategy to domain expertise and cultural adoption, and then intertwining it with human expertise and a commitment to responsible practices.
Current headlines point to a multi-fold return on investment. IDC reported in January that Generative AI alone—just one type of AI technology used in industry—can yield 3.7x per dollar spent. But these gains come from the low-hanging fruit of productivity improvements. The survey notes how business focus is now moving to functional and industry-specific use cases, as more companies look to build tailored AI solutions over the next 24 months.
How different types of AI drive the future of work
AI has been a core industrial tool for over two decades, helping organisations make sense of operations data across the value chain. This enables human teams to collaborate more effectively and make smarter decisions—what we call industrial intelligence. AI enhances efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
As Industrial AI evolves, it’s being deployed in targeted solutions that boost both business performance and sustainability, accelerating progress toward Industry 5.0—where humans and intelligent machines work in harmony.
Today’s key Industrial AI technologies include:
• Machine learning for detecting performance issues and process anomalies.
• First-principles analysis and custom algorithms for optimising yield and efficiency.
The ROI that Generative AI delivers 3.7x per dollar spent
Source:IDC
• AI-driven supply chain insights to reduce costs and improve service.
• Vision AI for quality control in environments unsafe for humans. Together, these tools bring intelligence to every layer of industrial operations.
How Industrial AI helps businesses do more with less
While the same AI technology can be applied across industries, it must be tailored to each business to be truly effective. These customised solutions are already enabling teams to respond to real-time changes— delivering value where others have yet to realise AI’s full potential.
Power giants like Duke Energy use AI-infused IoT analytics to detect equipment failures and prevent costly downtime. In manufacturing, Nestlé ensures each jar of Nesquik tastes identical while cutting food waste by 10 percent, thanks to AI analytics and real-time cloud data. Companies like PXiSE and Talison Lithium are equipping frontline workers with AI tools to accelerate production and improve accuracy.
Even traditional processes are evolving: AI cameras now proactively detect failures, while intelligent scheduling assistants relieve planners of complex tasks so they can focus on high-value decisions. On the surface, these innovations automate processes—but they’re truly redefining agility and profitability.
Yet, for the vast majority of businesses, AI adoption remains a challenge.
Why we must equip industrial workers to make the most of AI
Without strategic integration, AI’s benefits remain unrealised. BCG research from October shows that only 22 percent of companies
investing in AI have moved beyond the proof-of-concept stage, and just four percent are creating substantial value.
This is often because businesses adopt AI without understanding that it must fit into existing value chains, evolve over time, and be guided by people.
AI success is human-centric. Skilled professionals are essential to refine models, ensure data quality, and scale insights responsibly. Algorithms reflect the data and objectives they’re given. Ultimately, it’s the human-AI partnership that distinguishes success from failure—making it critical to empower industrial teams alongside the tech itself.
Three’s the key when it comes to Industrial AI
The leaders in AI’s magic quadrant are companies that deploy domain-specific technologies customised to their operations and business
goals. Industrial AI thrives in organisations that:
• Develop a strong data strategy: AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. High-quality, well-governed data is indispensable to meaningful AIdriven insights.
• Leverage domain expertise: AI alone can’t solve business problems. Human experts must guide the implementation of AI models, ensuring they align with relevant, real-world industrial challenges and with sustainability targets.
• Foster cultural adoption: AI isn’t just a technical shift; it’s a mindset shift. Companies must invest in AI literacy across all levels to drive meaningful adoption and responsible use.
In industry and elsewhere, AI isn’t just a gadget to be unboxed and plugged in. Rather, it’s a growing, evolving capability that must be
AI success is humancentric. Skilled professionals are essential to refine models, ensure data quality, and scale insights responsibly
nurtured over time, with regard for evolving capabilities and in line with the organisation’s goals. Leadership must champion Industrial AI as a strategic priority, viewing it as a long-term investment and focusing on building internal adoption and expertise. Only then can industry enhance its operational efficiency while also building trust and resilience in our increasingly AI-driven world.
advancements with robust development programmes that foster leadership, creativity, and fulfilment. Otherwise, they risk losing out in a global labour market that prizes opportunity over mere stability.
Avoiding common pitfalls
Still, not all attempts at GBS transformation succeed. Lessons from other regions underscore the risks of poor implementation. Research from Socitm highlighted that fragmented governance, lack of clear objectives, and misaligned management cultures are the leading causes of failure in shared services.
The Middle East has a chance to avoid such missteps by building on existing insights. Clear governance models, tailored approaches to
diverse management styles, and an unwavering focus on measurable outcomes will be critical. Organisations must also invest in change management to ensure employees are on board with this transformation. Why here, why now?
The case for Digital GBS in the Middle East is compelling because it aligns seamlessly with the region’s current trajectory. Economic diversification demands operational excellence, and global competition for top talent necessitates modernisation. The momentum behind initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 has already put the scaffolding in place. Now it’s up to organisations to seize this moment to innovate, optimise, and lead on a global stage.
The Middle East is no stranger to turning ambition into reality. Just as it has pioneered advancements in urban architecture, clean energy, and digital governance, the region now has the opportunity to redefine what operational efficiency means. By combining cutting-edge technology with a people-centric approach, Digital GBS can become a centrepiece of this vision. The time to act is now. With bold leadership and thoughtful execution, the Middle East can not only catch up to global standards in shared services but set the benchmark for others to follow. After all, the future of work isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about creating systems that are as dynamic, resilient, and innovative as the people who power them.
DRIVING GLOBAL CYBER GROWTH
On the sidelines of GITEX Asia, Contributing Editor Ruchika Sharma sat down with Timur Biyachuev, Executive Vice President of Corporate Business at Kaspersky, to explore how the company is accelerating global enterprise cybersecurity through innovation, strategic priorities, and an integrated platform approach
How is Kaspersky evolving its corporate strategy to meet global enterprise cybersecurity needs?
When we develop our strategy, we focus heavily on shaping our product portfolio, which is a core component. This involves continuously analysing market trends, regional developments, technological threat landscapes, and regulatory changes.
Our primary B2B goal is to grow faster than the market and offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to a wide range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises and government
entities. We aim to provide security that protects all their assets, wherever their operations are located.
To achieve this, our main objective is to deliver a unified platform built around our XDR solution. This platform will integrate our strategic offerings such as SIEM, industrial security solutions, EDR, and threat intelligence. The idea is to provide a complete, complex solution that secures endpoints, networks, and the cloud.
In terms of network security, we are currently expanding into this space. We’ve recently introduced our SD-WAN solution to help secure remote and branch offices. This year, we’re taking a major step forward by launching our next-generation firewall, adding another crucial layer to our SecOps platform, which we plan to announce in various regions soon.
What key metrics or signals do you rely on to set priorities and steer Kaspersky’s global corporate growth strategy?
First of all, we have a very mature B2B portfolio. As a global company, we continuously analyse which international markets offer the most growth potential. While we operate worldwide, we focus our investments on the most promising regions.
When deciding which products or territories to prioritise for development, we rely on a core set of metrics, including revenue growth, profitability, and return on investment (ROI). These
metrics are applied both to individual product lines and to the overall B2B business. We also closely monitor marginality, ensuring that each product and region aligns with our strategic financial goals.
Importantly, we aim for revenue growth that significantly outpaces the general market. The cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly, and with the quality of our products and the depth of our expertise, we’re wellpositioned to capitalise on highpotential niches within this expanding market. For instance, more than 220 active SIEM customers in 22 countries and 93 percent customer satisfaction index reflect both demand and delivery capability.
How is your team driving innovation in go-to-market strategies to stay ahead in the cybersecurity landscape?
We have our vision and deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. I’d like to emphasise, although it’s often assumed, that we
Finesse’s Cyberhub 24×7: AI-powered cybersecurity for a resilient digital future
Pradeep Krishnan Nair, VP - IT Security, and Eljo J P –CBO & Director at Finesse, share how Cyberhub 24x7 is redefining enterprise security with an AI-first approach, securing generative AI and delivering 24/7 threat monitoring as a core part of digital transformation
W hat is Cyberhub 24x7, and how does it fit into Finesse’s overall digital transformation strategy?
Eljo JP (EJP): Cyberhub 24x7 serves as the cybersecurity backbone of Finesse, providing businesses with comprehensive, round-theclock protection against modern cyber threats. Its Cognitive Security Operations Centres (CSOC), situated in Dubai and Bangalore, deliver 24/7 monitoring, real-time threat detection, and rapid incident response to safeguard businesses
navigating AI & digital transformation. This dedicated cybersecurity pillar integrates seamlessly into Finesse’s three-pronged strategy of Advising, Enabling, and Securing. While Finesse’s other pillars focus on strategic advisory (1CXO) and implementation of digital solutions, Cyberhub ensures digital innovations remain secure from inception to execution, leaving clients to focus on their business. This integration demonstrates Finesse’s commitment to embedding security as a foundational priority.
How does Cyberhub 24x7, the cybersecurity pillar of Finesse, leverage AI to protect businesses from evolving cyber threats?
EJP: Finesse has envisioned cybersecurity with an AI-first philosophy that goes beyond supplementary applications to make artificial intelligence the foundational element of our security operations. Our Cognitive Security Operations Centre (CSOC) employs advanced AI analytics that continuously process volumes of security data to identify subtle patterns and behaviour anomalies that human analysts might miss.
Our machine learning models enable predictive security forecast trends in user behaviour, identifying potential vulnerabilities and addressing them before attackers can exploit them. When incidents do occur, our AI-driven automated response systems dramatically compress reaction times from hours to minutes, neutralising threats with minimal human intervention. This transformative approach allows organisations to maintain operational continuity even when facing sophisticated, multi-vector attacks. Customised threat modelling hunt for GEO/sector-specific attack vectors with relevant Threat Intelligence.
How does Finesse address the security challenges of generative AI while helping clients leverage its benefits?
EJP: Finesse recognises the dual potential of generative AI—its transformative power and inherent risks. Our comprehensive Gen AI security framework balances innovation with protection through clear governance policies and compliance measures. The Gen AI Broker/LLM Gateway acts as a secure intermediary between enterprise systems and AI platforms, offering real-time content filtering, prompt injection protection, and data sanitisation. It ensures transparency with full audit trails of all AI interactions. Our AI security assessments further evaluate data handling, model vulnerabilities, and attack vectors, enabling organisations to safely harness generative AI while
protecting sensitive information from evolving AI-specific threats.
How does Finesse ensure comprehensive security in cloud environments?
EJP: Finesse delivers multi-layered cloud protection through an integrated suite of technologies.
Our Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) provides visibility and control over cloud applications, while Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) continuously evaluates configurations against security best practices.
For advanced protection, our Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) secures the entire application lifecycle from development through deployment. These solutions work in concert to automate vulnerability responses, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance across hybrid and multicloud environments.
The system leverages AI to prioritise alerts based on risk impact, eliminating alert fatigue and ensuring security teams focus on genuinely critical issues. Additionally, our secure access solutions enable protected remote work without compromising security integrity.
What strategic approaches should organisations adopt to strengthen their security posture?
Pradeep Krishnan Nair (PN): To strengthen their security posture, organisations should adopt a multilayered strategy starting with AI-
Experience Finesse at GISEC GLOBAL 2025
Visit our booth at GISEC GLOBAL to experience hands-on demonstrations of our AI-powered cybersecurity ecosystem. Our experts will showcase the Cognitive Security Operations Centre (CSOC), AI-Driven Automated Incident Response capabilities, Gen AI Governance Framework, and Zero Trust Security with AI in action. Discover how Finesse’s innovative solutions can transform your cybersecurity strategy to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.
powered threat detection to identify and respond to risks in real-time. Implementing Zero Trust principles— such as microsegmentation, privileged access management, and adaptive authentication—helps reduce the attack surface. Strong data governance ensures compliance, while regular assessments like vulnerability scans and penetration testing expose weaknesses early. Equally important is employee awareness training to defend against social engineering. When combined with proactive threat hunting and continuous monitoring, these measures create a resilient, adaptive defence against evolving cyber threats.
Give an overview of your AI-based solutions and services offerings under Cyberhub.
PN: Finesse’s Cyberhub offers a suite of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions designed for modern threat landscapes. Our comprehensive suite integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to provide unparalleled protection for enterprises facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Core AI-driven operations
• Cognitive SOC: Our 24/7 centres in Dubai and Bangalore use AI and machine learning to monitor endpoints, networks, and cloud environments, enabling real-time anomaly detection and proactive threat response.
• Automated incident response: AI automates security workflows,
slashing response times and continuously improving through learning from incidents.
Specialised AI security
• Generative AI Security: Our Gen AI Governance Framework ensures responsible use, with a secure LLM Gateway offering prompt protection, data sanitisation, and content filtering.
• AI-enhanced zero trust: We advance Zero Trust with AI-driven micro segmentation, behavioural analytics, and adaptive MFA for dynamic identity and access management.
Cloud, Identity & Data Protection
• AI-enhanced cloud security: Using CASB, CSPM, and CNAPP, we monitor usage, fix misconfigurations, and ensure compliance with AIdriven automation.
• Digital identity & brand protection: AI scans the surface, deep, and dark web to detect brand misuse, impersonation, and leaked credentials.
• AI-driven data protection: Advanced DLP, Data Vault, and masking solutions use AI to detect and block data exfiltration and unauthorised access.
Assessment services
• AI/cybersecurity assessment: We evaluate your AI and cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and provide tailored, strategic recommendations.
(L-R) Pradeep Krishnan Nair, VP- IT Security, Finesse, Eljo J P – CBO & Director, Finesse
ARE REMOTE MANUFACTURING SITES BECOMING IT BLIND SPOTS?
By Emad Fahmy, Systems Engineering Director, NETSCOUT
Everything we use today –whether it’s a ceramic mug or a high-performance chip – started out as an idea. Manufacturing made it real. However, turning ideas into realities at scale requires precision, particularly in digitally transforming environments. As factories adopt automation, cloud-native platforms and distributed systems, maintaining visibility across remote operations has become a challenge.
We’ve seen this first-hand in regions with ambitious industrial transformation agendas. In the Middle East, initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Operation
300bn aim to boost GDP through smart manufacturing and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. These ambitions rely on one key factor: uninterrupted, intelligent, realtime observability across distributed operations.
Whether in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, the future of manufacturing is decentralised. MarketsandMarkets predicts the global smart manufacturing market will hit $46 billion by 2030, driven by trends like microfactories, edge computing, and AI. In the Middle East, it’s growing at a 15–20% CAGR, powered by policy and tech investments.
New manufacturing hubs—like KIZAD in Abu Dhabi or Jeddah’s Industrial City—are often remote, complicating visibility. Without on-site IT teams, issues like latency or system failures may go unnoticed until operations are affected.
Modern production relies on digital systems like manufacturing execution systems (MESs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms, often managed remotely. But without enriched observability, problems are hard to diagnose. Basic monitoring alerts after the fact. Enriched observability correlates logs, packets, and traffic behaviour to pinpoint root causes.
At one Gulf-based facility, packet loss from a local switch—not the cloud—was degrading performance. Only deeper visibility uncovered it.
As manufacturers adopt edge computing, containers and cloudnative architectures, full-stack visibility becomes non-negotiable. Without it, issues escalate silently until they disrupt production.
National strategies rely not only on smart machines but on smart infrastructure. Observability platforms are crucial to delivering the predictive maintenance, autonomous workflows and zero-downtime ambitions these initiatives demand.
According to EMA’s Network Management Megatrends 2024 report, organisations are shifting from reactive troubleshooting to proactive issue detection using tools like synthetic testing, deep packet inspection and real-time data correlation. This shift essential in industrial zones where on-site diagnostics aren’t always feasible.
Yet too many manufacturers fall into the “tool sprawl” trap – deploying too many disconnected monitoring systems that create confusion rather than clarity. The result? More manual errors, not fewer.
What’s needed is a consolidated observability approach – one that offers insight across all environments including cloud, edge, data centre and remote industrial sites. Whether it’s a smart production line in Dubai or a solar-powered microfactory in AlUla, observability without borders is now a manufacturing imperative.
By harnessing solar power, Qatar is creating an infrastructure that edges toward net zero, whilst addressing the power challenges caused by the need for high-energy cooling
to public services. Qatar’s vision of a knowledge-based economy also fuels the need for scalable, high-performing data solutions that can support everything from government operations to smart city applications, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing its digital landscape.
The National Vision strongly emphasises the development of digital infrastructure, positioning the data centre industry as an essential component in building a dynamic, innovation-led economy. By recognising the importance of digital infrastructure, the vision aims to create an environment where businesses can process vast amounts of data, develop cuttingedge digital products, and expand their services regionally. As these data centres enhance connectivity and support the digital ecosystem, they also cultivate a robust environment for all enterprises, nurturing a culture of collaboration and innovation across the board.
The power behind the data
It’s Qatar’s solar capabilities, however, that are central to meeting the energy needs of its expanding data centre industry. Take the Al Kharsaah plant as an example. It spans an area the size of 1,400 football pitches and features two million bifacial solar modules that benefit from automated cleaning technology to maintain their efficiency. This impressive facility is not only capable of powering thousands of homes but can also support the energy needs of data centres. By leaning into solar energy, Qatar allows its data infrastructure to grow while being considerate of its carbon footprint.
By harnessing solar power, Qatar is creating an infrastructure that edges toward net zero, whilst addressing the power challenges caused by the need for high-energy cooling. Cooling can be powered by renewable energy or fossil fuel sources, but the former offers a distinct advantage in Qatar’s hot
climate where sunlight is limitless. This approach sets a new standard for the region, demonstrating how natural resources like sunlight can sustainably fuel energy-intensive activity.
An ideal business hub
Qatar’s geographical advantage— sitting at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe—makes it increasingly appealing to businesses seeking proximity to global markets, allowing international organisations to establish a strong local presence while also benefiting from a stable, growth-oriented economy. Furthermore, Qatar’s investment in advanced data centre infrastructure signals to international companies that they’ll have access to the latest connectivity solutions—crucial as demand for dependable data services continues to grow.
For businesses interested in investing in Qatar’s data centre sector, a few key considerations can help them make the most of this thriving market. First, understanding the regulatory landscape and taking advantage of Qatar’s businessfriendly policies, such as incentives for economic diversification, can yield significant cost savings and a favourable market position.
Second, due to Qatar’s high temperatures, data centre operators need to ensure that their facilities are optimised for efficient cooling. Drawing on the country’s abundant solar power will be essential, as this affordable and green energy source supports the advanced cooling systems needed to handle both the high temperatures and increasing data demands.
Finally, partnerships with local stakeholders, including government entities, local technology experts and solar technology providers, can strengthen business operations and provide access to essential resources for sustaining data centres over the long term. With supportive policies and stable and low-cost energy supply, Qatar is positioning itself as a compelling option for organisations looking to expand their data infrastructure in a region primed for digital growth.
Photo Drive / Shutterstock.com
SYNOLOGY: DiskStation DS925+
Synology has launched the DiskStation DS925+ along with the DX525 expansion unit, aimed at professionals and businesses requiring scalable and high-performance storage solutions. The DS925+ is a 4-bay NAS powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B processor. It comes with 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable up to 32GB, and includes dual 2.5GbE ports for improved network throughput.
IBM has announced the launch of the z17 mainframe, available globally from June 18, 2025. The system is powered by the new Telum II processor, which includes an integrated AI accelerator capable of performing over 450 billion inference operations daily. Compared to its predecessor, the z16, the z17 delivers up to 50 percent more AI inference capacity.
Designed for high-performance enterprise workloads, the z17 supports configurations of up to 208 processors and 64TB of memory across four frames. A
key addition is the IBM Spyre Accelerator, a PCIe-based AI card with 32 AI cores, scheduled for release in Q4 2025. It enhances AI compute for use cases involving unstructured data and generative models.
Security features include AI-driven threat detection, automated data classification, and support for quantum-safe cryptography. The system integrates with IBM Vault for secrets management.
IBM z17 will also support z/ OS 3.2, which brings hardwareaccelerated AI, NoSQL databases, and hybrid cloud capabilities.
The unit also features two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for SSD caching or added storage pools. It delivers read speeds of up to 522 MB/s and write speeds up to 565 MB/s. The DS925+ supports expansion through the new DX525 unit, which connects via USB-C and adds five additional drive bays, bringing the total to nine and supporting up to 180TB of raw storage.
Both devices run Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system and support applications like Synology Drive, Active Backup
SAMSUNG:
Galaxy Tab S10 FE and FE+
Samsung Gulf has introduced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE+ in the UAE, expanding its tablet lineup with AI-enhanced features and larger displays. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ features a 13.1-inch screen—the largest in the FE series—offering a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 800 nits brightness. Both models come with slimmer bezels and IP68-rated durability. The tablets support multitasking and creativity, with performance upgrades allowing seamless switching between apps. A 13MP rear camera enhances photo
clarity, while the devices are now over four percent lighter than their predecessors. AI features include Circle to Search with Google, AIpowered note-taking tools, Object Eraser, and Best Face for group photos. The Galaxy AI Key provides instant access to personalised assistants. Creative apps like LumaFusion and Clip Studio Paint come pre-installed. Integrated with SmartThings and protected by Samsung Knox, the tablets offer a secure, connected experience.
