< PreviousBIG PICTURE 10 EDGE | March 2025 Data Centers are the backbone of the digital economy DRIVING TRANSFORMATION Words by Anita Joseph Edge_Mar2025_10-11_Big Picture_13526447.indd 1024/02/2025 12:10BIG PICTURE EDGE | March 2025 11 In the era of rapid digital transformation, data centers have become the backbone of modern business operations. As enterprises shift towards cloud computing, artifi cial intelligence and big data analytics, the need for secure, scalable and high-performance data centers has never been greater. A data center is a facility that houses computing resources, networking equipment, and storage systems, ensuring seamless access to digital services. These centers support mission-critical applications, from e-commerce platforms and fi nancial transactions to healthcare records and smart city solutions. Without them, the digital economy would not function effi ciently. With the rise of cloud computing, businesses no longer rely solely on on-premises infrastructure. Data centers power cloud platforms enabling organisations to scale operations improve effi ciency and speed, and enhance collaboration. Additionally, artifi cial intelligence and machine learning require massive processing capabilities, which modern data centers provide with high- performance computing and low-latency networks. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, data centers play a crucial role in ensuring data protection. Advanced encryption multi-layered security protocols, and compliance with global regulations safeguard sensitive information. Enterprises leveraging data centers can mitigate risks associated with cyberattacks and critical data breaches. With growing concerns about energy consumption, the industry is shifting towards sustainable practices. Green data centers utilise renewable energy, energy-effi cient cooling systems, and carbon-neutral strategies to reduce environmental impact. As digital transformation accelerates data centers will continue evolving to support next- generation technologies, ensuring businesses remain competitive in an increasingly data- driven world. Whether through cloud expansion, AI integration, or enhanced security, data centers remain the driving force behind innovation, development and progress. Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, data storage, and processing power for businesses worldwide. They support emerging technologies like 5G, blockchain, and IoT, driving innovation across industries. As enterprises prioritise agility and scalability, data centers will continue to evolve, enabling smarter, faster and more effi cient digital ecosystems. Edge_Mar2025_10-11_Big Picture_13526447.indd 1124/02/2025 12:11NEWS 12 EDGE | March 2025 2024 A record revenue of AED 2,213 million, an increase of 24.3% compared to FY ‘23 Presight AI Holding PLC has announced its fi nancial results for the full year ending December 31, 2024. Presight’s FY 2024 results saw record revenue of AED 2,213 million, an increase of 24.3% compared to FY 2023 as the Company continued to reap the rewards of its comprehensive off ering, investments and growth in international operations. The strong performance refl ected in EBITDA as well, which grew 25.2% YoY to AED 635.4 million due to a favourable deployment mix in FY 2024. At its bottom-line, the Company reported net profi t after tax of AED 612.8 million, refl ecting an increase of 7.4% YoY in FY 2024, including a maiden year of Corporation Tax. Presight’s top-line performance came on the back of a growing proportion of multi-year contracts, strong new orders, as well as the Company’s expansion across international markets as it continues to extend its off ering to customers globally. Moreover, Presight’s highly liquid, debt-free balance sheet, with a cash and equivalents balance of AED 1.94 billion in FY 2024, provides ample fi nancial fl exibility to support operations and headroom to drive future growth and transformation. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Presight commented: “Presight’s full year results demonstrate strong execution against strategic objectives, namely international expansion, investing in capability and innovation, and growing through value-accretive M&A. At the heart of its business lies a commitment to leverage artifi cial intelligence to bring transformative benefi ts, across a diverse range of industries, that defi ne a safer and more sustainable economic future, and I am confi dent that Presight will continue to create value for all stakeholders in both the near and medium term.” Thomas Pramotedham, Chief Executive Offi cer of Presight, said: “The past twelve months have been transformational for Presight. From establishing ourselves as a critical AI and digital transformation partner across key state-owned enterprises in the UAE, to supporting governments and large enterprises in realising their strategic AI ambitions.” PRESIGHT HITS RECORD-BREAKING FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FY 2024 Exceeds analyst consensus with strong double-digit growth across revenue and EBITDA Edge_Mar2025_12-16_News_13526448.indd 1224/02/2025 12:12NEWS EDGE | March 2025 13 2025 The global object storage market is projected to exceed $20 billion CyberKnight has entered into a strategic reseller partnership with MinIO, a leader in high-performance object storage, to help enterprise and government organisations across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) overcome data infrastructure challenges in AI projects. As an authorised MinIO reseller, CyberKnight will introduce MinIO AIStor to businesses in the region, allowing them to unify their data within a single private cloud namespace while benefi ting from exceptional performance, scalability and cost efficiency. MinIO stands out as the only storage provider addressing a new class of AI-scale challenges in on-premises environments. According to the IDC, the object storage market has been growing at a rate of around 17% annually in recent years. By the end of 2025, the global object storage market was projected to exceed $20 billion. In addition, Gartner has predicted that by 2026, distributed object storage deployments will have tripled over the previous four years with 60% of these deployments being hybrid cloud deployments. As enterprises accelerate AI, machine learning, big data and analytics initiatives, they require hyperscaler-grade storage that delivers speed, fl exibility, and effi ciency without the high costs of public cloud services. MinIO AIStor is purpose-built to address these needs, off ering high-performance object storage designed for AI-driven workloads and large-scale data environments. Unlike traditional storage solutions, AIStor is architected using the same principles as hyperscalers, delivering industry-leading performance at a fraction of the cost of public cloud alternatives. “Our relationship with MinIO equips our partners with cutting-edge, deploy anywhere storage solutions that are fast, scalable, cost-eff ective and bridge the gap associated with fragmented cloud dynamics in the region including local data privacy, sovereignty and residency requirements. With unique and cutting-edge features like multi- cloud interoperability, Kubernetes-native integration, and advanced data management capabilities, together we can optimise storage infrastructure for modern, complex, AI-driven workloads,” said Wael Jaber, Chief Strategy Offi cer at CyberKnight. CYBERKNIGHT & MINIO LAUNCH HYPERSCALE AI OBJECT STORE MinIO AIStor off ers high-performance object storage designed for AI-driven workloads Edge_Mar2025_12-16_News_13526448.indd 1324/02/2025 12:12NEWS 14 EDGE | March 2025 SEE Institute, the leading hub for sustainability education, research and business incubation, has entered into a strategic partnership with Prototypes for Humanity, the global platform dedicated to supporting exceptional academic innovations with positive and defi nite social and environmental impact. This collaboration aims to advance sustainable practices and drive impactful innovation within Dubai and the broader nation of the United Arab Emirates. The partnership will focus on opening market access and providing technology validation opportunities for innovative projects within Dubai and the UAE. By leveraging each other’s expertise and resources, both organisations aim to identify and support joint innovation initiatives that align with their shared vision of sustainable development. This collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for transformative solutions and cutting-edge technology. The signing took place at SEE Institute, the fi rst net zero emissions building in the region, located in The Sustainable City, Dubai. As a model for sustainability and innovation, the institute is renowned for its commitment to promoting low-carbon living and accelerating climate action through professional training, public education, and research initiatives. Engineer Faris Saeed, Founder and Chairman of SEE Institute, said: “In an era of rapid technological advancement, fostering innovation and embracing cutting-edge solutions is essential to addressing environmental and societal challenges. This partnership ensures that sustainability-driven advancements keep pace with global needs, delivering real-world solutions that drive climate action and strengthen social and economic resilience. By collaborating with Prototypes for Humanity, we are creating a platform where the brightest ideas can thrive, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for sustainability-driven innovation.” Prototypes for Humanity, an initiative by the Art Dubai Group, supports academic innovators creating tangible solutions for complex challenges through a series of off erings, including the Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity programme. SEE INSTITUTE AND PROTOTYPES FOR HUMANITY JOIN HANDS Both organisations aim to support joint innovation initiatives that align with their shared vision of sustainable development 2025 Consolidating Dubai’s position as a global destination for tech innovation Edge_Mar2025_12-16_News_13526448.indd 1424/02/2025 16:55NEWS EDGE | March 2025 15 Dell Technologies has announced the opening of its fi rst merge and fulfi llment center in Saudi Arabia. Located in Dammam, the hub is engineered to handle up to 600,000 units per year, across all Dell’s product lines as customer demand grows and diversifi es. The Dammam center also features a second touch manufacturing facility for product customisation of Dell’s servers to ensure they meet specifi c customer needs. This makes the servers ready-to-use, reduces time-to-market, and enhances customer satisfaction. Dell has also relocated its Flat Panel Monitor Hub to the Dammam facility to serve local customers, off ering shipment deliveries within two days to reduce lead times and enhance operational excellence. The opening of the new facility represents a pivotal step in advancing the Kingdom’s ICT ecosystem. The Saudi facility is Dell’s fi fth in the EMEA region and reinforces the company’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 in driving economic diversifi cation through technological innovation. The strategic investment builds on Dell’s regional headquarters license to operate in Saudi Arabia and will support Saudi Arabia in creating new jobs across key logistics, manufacturing and technical fi elds, training local talent and nurturing a culture of innovation and creativity. H.E. Eng Haytham Alohali, the Vice-Minister of Communications and Information Technology said: “Dell’s decision to establish its Merge and Fulfi llment Center in Saudi Arabia highlights the Kingdom’s emergence as a regional hub for logistics and innovation. This facility will help create jobs and strengthen our local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities aligned with Vision 2030. Together, Saudi Arabia and Dell are building a dynamic and resilient digital economy.” Adrian McDonald, President – EMEA, Dell Technologies, said: “Opening Dell’s fi rst fulfi lment hub in Dammam marks a milestone in our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the future. By leveraging over 30 years of Dell’s supply chain expertise and knowledge, combined with investments in local talent, infrastructure, and training, we are dedicated to empowering local and regional businesses to thrive in a digital-fi rst economy.” DELL OPENS MERGE AND FULFILLMENT CENTER IN SAUDI This facility is Dell’s fi fth in the EMEA region and reinforces the company’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 600K Dell’s Merge and Fulfillment Center in Dammam can handle as many units Edge_Mar2025_12-16_News_13526448.indd 1524/02/2025 12:12NEWS 16 EDGE | March 2025 ServiceNow the AI platform for business transformation, has reaffi rmed its position as a leading enabler of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation with a series of AI-powered innovation announcements. Saudi-based Solutions by STC and global systems integrator Customizo have joined ServiceNow’s expanding partner ecosystem in MEA to accelerate the Kingdom’s innovation roadmap and Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. ServiceNow also unveiled powerful new agentic AI solutions to redefi ne productivity across every corner of a business and autonomously solve the most complex enterprise challenges. Made at LEAP 2025, the largest tech event in the region, these announcements build on ServiceNow’s previous $500 million investment in Saudi Arabia and showcase how the ServiceNow Platform is transforming businesses and enhancing effi ciency across key sectors. H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister, Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, highlighted the Kingdom’s role in global digital transformation, stating: “Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a leader in digital transformation. Through partnerships with global leaders like ServiceNow, we’re bringing this vision to life. ServiceNow’s AI-integrated solutions are fundamentally transforming the enterprise software industry across businesses in the Kingdom.” “LEAP is more than a tech event, It’s a testament to Saudi Arabia’s fast progress toward becoming a global innovation hub and we’re incredibly proud to play a part in this journey, advancing the Kingdom’s goals through innovation” said Saif Mashat, Area Vice President, ServiceNow Saudi Arabia, “Our team in the Kingdom continues to grow and we’re working closely with local and global partners and customers to deliver tangible results that help drive the country’s tech ecosystem.” With 2200+ partners actively servicing a diverse base of customers around the world the ServiceNow partner ecosystem accelerates enterprise transformation speed and ROI. This year, ServiceNow is building even deeper connections with Saudi businesses to expand its partner ecosystem capacity and accelerate its capabilities in the region. SERVICENOW EMPOWERS SAUDI ARABIA’S DIGITAL FUTURE This year, ServiceNow is building even deeper connections with Saudi businesses to expand its partner ecosystem capacity 2200+ Service Now’s partner ecosystem is actively servicing a diverse base of global customers Edge_Mar2025_12-16_News_13526448.indd 1624/02/2025 12:12UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI IN FINANCE April 29 2025 | Anantara Downtown Dubai SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTEROPINION 18 EDGE | March 2025 2025 more than 50% of technology budgets for AI Experts expect substantial investments to be made in business AI over the next few years. The International Data Corporation, for example, projects that spending on generative AI will reach $143 billion by 2027, growing at a remarkable CAGR of over 73%. This trend is also seen in a new YouGov survey Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President, SAP Middle East and Africa – South discusses data integrity and trustworthiness as a non-negotiable priority ENTERPRISE of UAE businesses commissioned by SAP, with around a third (33%) of the chief IT decision makers planning to allocate more than 50% of their technology budgets to AI in 2025. The primary driver for this investment, according to 46% of those surveyed, is to improve operational effi ciency. This is a reasonable expectation, given that UNLOCKING DATA’S POTENTIAL Edge_Feb2025_18-19_Opinion SAP_13542576.indd 1824/02/2025 12:00PARTNER CONTENT EDGE | March 2025 19 McKinsey research predicts generative AI will deliver an annual productivity boost valued between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion globally. However, I believe much of AI’s transformative potential will go untapped unless organisations can safeguard their AI investments with accurate, dependable data. The connection between proper data structuring within enterprise systems and the success of generative AI cannot be overstated. For businesses aiming to make AI a long-term driver of value, ensuring data integrity and trustworthiness is a non-negotiable priority. Trust is integral to the responsible deployment of AI and it also underpins accurate, real-time decision-making. In today ’s fas t- mov ing business env i ro nment , leader s need precise, data - driven insight s to make informed choices that align with strategic goals. R e liable data allo ws businesses to respond effectively to challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Conversely, poor data quality can result in costly errors and reputational damage. When users have confi dence in the outputs generated by AI applications, organisations benef it from heightened collaboration and creativity. This is why SAP is so focused on data quality, ensuring that data is reliable, free from bias and contextualised. This creates a solid foundation for broader AI implementation and encourages calculated risk-taking among stakeholders. ADVANTAGES OF DATA-CENTRIC STRATEGIES A strong data approach delivers several key benefi ts. First, enhanced competitiveness, as businesses leveraging high-quality data alongside advanced AI algorithms can make better decisions, gain strategic advantages, and achieve superior outcomes. Second, greater operational effi ciency because reliable, well-organised data facilitates optimised business Reliable data allows businesses to respond eff ectively to challenges processes, driving cost savings and operational improvements. Third, accelerated innovation and scalability as organisations can harness insights from a sound data strategy to identify market gaps, seize new opportunities and rapidly develop products or services that meet evolving customer demands. Innovative data management solutions also play a critical role in unlocking the full potential of AI. For instance, SAP Datasphere empowers businesses to transform their data fabric architecture, providing seamless access to insights across disparate data sources. If we take all of this into account, I believe it is clear that a holistic approach to data strategy, governance and preparation is essential for achieving AI readiness. Organisations that prioritise these principles are better equipped to unlock AI’s full potential, drive innovation, and uphold ethical standards. Edge_Feb2025_18-19_Opinion SAP_13542576.indd 1924/02/2025 12:00Next >