News

Zoho Opens First UAE Data Centers For Local Cloud Solutions

The new Dubai and Abu Dhabi sites are part of an AED 100 million investment in the UAE that hopes to answer data sovereignty demands.

Published

9 months ago

January 14, 2026

Nour Nasir

Zoho

Zoho Corporation has opened its first UAE data centers, a Dubai – Abu Dhabi deployment that lets the software group host more than 100 cloud products locally. The sites span Zoho’s business apps and its enterprise brand ManageEngine, and sit within an AED 100 million investment pledge the firm made to the country in 2023.

Co-founder and CEO Shailesh Davey called the launch part of a wider commitment to the market, saying the centers would let customers “store their data locally, strengthening data sovereignty, and supporting National Cybersecurity Agenda”. He also linked the move to digital goals under Dubai Vision 2030.

Certification from the Dubai Electronic Security Center clears Zoho to serve government and semi-government work. The facilities also carry ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27017 and CSA STAR Level 2 compliance marks. Zoho’s Dubai office holds ISO 27001. For public buyers across the GCC, these stamps are becoming non-negotiable as cloud procurement tightens.

The UAE has been a growth engine for the company. Zoho reported 38.7% expansion in 2025, a 29% lift in partners and a 35% bump in headcount. Customer-experience tools, VAT-compliant accounting software, low-code development and collaboration suites led adoption. Over five years, the firm has invested AED 80 million to help more than 7,000 local businesses through deals with entities such as the Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Culture, pushing harder into enterprise accounts, which jumped 48% last year.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Rolls Out Barq Ultra-Fast EV Chargers

Meanwhile, ManageEngine logged 20% growth in the UAE in 2025. Demand came from financial services, government and manufacturing. Adoption of its endpoint management, service management and observability products tracked a broader shift to cloud-first architectures, with hosted services growing around 35%. Davey said the combined portfolio would enable businesses of all sizes, and government and semi-government organizations adopt cloud technology for digital transformation in nearly every area of operation.

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News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

17 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.