In The Spotlight
Cisco, a global technology leader driving innovation in AI-powered digital infrastructure, has announced plans to build sovereign AI infrastructure in Qatar.
Securing Qatar's digital future with sovereign AI
Cisco, a global technology leader driving innovation in AI-powered digital infrastructure, has announced plans to build sovereign AI infrastructure in Qatar.
This strategic endeavour is partnered with Mannai Corporation QPSC, operating through Mannai Technologies – Networking & ELV.
This collaboration brings together Cisco’s advanced capabilities in computing, networking, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management with Mannai’s deep-rooted local expertise. Together, they are addressing the rapidly growing demand for secure, resilient, and locally controlled AI environments. As governments and enterprises accelerate artificial intelligence adoption, placing greater emphasis on sovereign digital assets is now a strategic necessity.
The rising imperative of digital sovereignty
Digital sovereignty revolves around a nation's or an organisation's ability to maintain ultimate control over its digital destiny. This encompasses physical hardware, software ecosystems, and the sensitive data flowing through them. Recently, the acceleration of AI has amplified these concerns, introducing complex challenges regarding data privacy and the security of critical digital infrastructure.
To mitigate these risks, there is escalating demand for systems guaranteeing operational independence. Cisco’s Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio is engineered to meet these exacting requirements. The portfolio integrates advanced technologies across vital domains, providing a robust framework for organisations that refuse to compromise on data sovereignty.
Key components of this secure ecosystem include:
- Advanced networking: Ensuring reliable data transmission within strictly defined, locally controlled parameters.
- Robust cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive data against external threats and ensuring compliance with national regulations.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitating secure communication channels for internal government and enterprise teams.
- Comprehensive observability: Providing real-time insights into system performance and data flow.
These technologies are designed explicitly for customer-controlled environments. This includes support for on-premises setups and fully air-gapped deployments. By isolating critical systems, organisations ensure essential services operate autonomously without reliance on external networks.
A synergy of global and local expertise
The foundation of this newly announced sovereign AI initiative is a relationship spanning more than three decades of technology collaboration in Qatar. Mannai Technologies – Networking & ELV brings immense local knowledge to the partnership. Their invaluable contribution encompasses engineering, systems integration, and bespoke deployment expertise.
This local footprint complements Cisco’s extensive global portfolio. Navigating the multifaceted infrastructure requirements of sovereign AI is a formidable challenge, but their combined strengths create a clear pathway for implementation. Together, Cisco’s technology vision and Mannai’s on-the-ground capabilities provide a solid foundation for deploying resilient AI infrastructure.
Driving Qatar National Vision 2030
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond standard IT upgrades. For Qatar, the development of sovereign, AI-ready infrastructure aligns seamlessly with the nation’s broader digital transformation ambitions. These goals are encapsulated within the Qatar National Vision 2030, a developmental blueprint emphasising economic diversification and advanced technological enablement.
The demand for locally controlled AI environments is surging across foundational pillars of the Qatari economy. Cisco and Mannai are directly supporting critical sectors, including:
- Government services: Securing sensitive public data and ensuring the independent delivery of civic services.
- Energy: Optimising resource management and protecting vital national energy grids from digital disruptions.
- Financial services: Safeguarding financial transactions and maintaining the integrity of the banking sector.
- Healthcare: Protecting confidential patient records while enabling advanced, AI-driven medical research on local servers.
As Qatar prepares for its next phase of digital innovation, the ability to leverage artificial intelligence securely will be a defining factor in its success. This initiative sets a benchmark for how global tech innovators and local partners can collaborate to build sovereign digital infrastructure. Through an unwavering commitment to operational independence, Cisco and Mannai are ensuring that Qatar's digital transformation remains deeply innovative and rigorously protected.
Dubai Chambers has launched the "Chamber AI Hub", marking a significant milestone as the world’s first chamber-led Agentic AI marketplace.
Dubai launches world’s first agentic AI marketplace
The private sector in Dubai is experiencing a significant shift, embracing artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance competitiveness.
The integration of advanced technologies is no longer just an option; it is an absolute necessity as the global business landscape rapidly evolves,.
Dubai Chambers has launched the "Chamber AI Hub", marking a significant milestone as the world’s first chamber-led Agentic AI marketplace. This innovative platform enables companies operating within Dubai to access a suite of ready-to-use, specialised AI solutions designed to tackle a wide array of business challenges.
The initiative is a direct response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who aims to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI across the city's private sector.
H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: “Success in the transition to Agentic AI is measured not by technology adoption alone, but by how effectively companies use these tools to address business challenges and deliver tangible results. This is why we are connecting knowledge with practical application, building capabilities, and expanding access to specialised solutions and high-quality tools that help companies adapt to change and evolve the way they work. Through this approach, we are preparing a private sector that is equipped to respond to technological transformation and contribute to shaping the opportunities of the future economy.”
Key features of the AI marketplace
The Chamber AI Hub is designed to be accessible, practical, and highly secure. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem for businesses looking to integrate AI into their daily operations.
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Current offerings: The platform currently provides access to 22 specialised AI agents.
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Functional areas: These agents cover seven key areas: Compliance, Procurement, Operations, Finance, Sales, Human Resources, and Logistics.
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Future expansion: There are plans to expand the offering to a total of 100 AI agents.
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Specific tasks: The available solutions support tasks such as supplier discovery, evaluation of vendor proposals, monitoring supply chain risks, contract review, invoice matching, generating business proposals, screening resumes, lead scoring, and handling IT help desk requests.
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Sandbox environment: Companies can test any AI agent in a secure sandbox before full activation.
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Flexible pricing: Members receive complimentary credits to start, with options to transition to usage-based paid packages, along with competitive benefits.
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Management tools: Dashboards provide visibility into usage levels, costs, and success rates. A company admin portal allows administrators to monitor their teams’ use of the agents, and a readiness assessment helps determine preparedness.
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Compliance and security: The platform complies with UAE regulatory requirements, observing strict data privacy and protection standards. All data is hosted within the UAE, ensuring each company's information remains isolated.
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Language support: The AI agents support both Arabic and English.
A broader vision for Dubai's private sector
The launch of the Chamber AI Hub is part of a much larger programme overseen by Dubai Chambers. The ambitious goal is to enable more than 295,000 private sector companies and roll out the planned 100 specialised AI agents over the next two years.
Furthermore, the programme features specialised training tracks designed to educate 14,000 companies from various Business Groups and Business Councils. This training aims to empower them to effectively deploy Agentic AI technologies within their administrative and operational processes. The initiative also focuses on supporting the growth of companies that specialise in developing these AI solutions, thereby promoting knowledge-sharing and building robust institutional capabilities across the entire Dubai Chambers ecosystem.
Expo Centre Sharjah is gearing up to host SteelFab 2027, convening global manufacturers, investors, technology providers, and industrial decision-makers to access burgeoning opportunities across the UAE, GCC, and wider Middle East and North Africa.
SteelFab 2027 to connect global metalworking leaders in Sharjah
Expo Centre Sharjah is gearing up to host SteelFab 2027, convening global manufacturers, investors, technology providers, and industrial decision-makers to access burgeoning opportunities across the UAE, GCC, and wider Middle East and North Africa.
The upcoming edition reinforces the event's evolution from a conventional trade exhibition into a strategic industrial platform facilitating cross-border investment, commercial partnerships, and advanced technology adoption.
The metalworking and steel fabrication sectors across the Middle East are experiencing rapid modernisation, catalysed by heavy regional infrastructure, energy projects, and targeted national industrial strategies. SteelFab 2027 acts as a bridge uniting international industrial capability with high-potential regional markets.
Building on the commercial momentum of SteelFab 2026
The trajectory of the 2027 show builds upon the commercial outcomes and scale recorded during its 2026 edition. The previous event served as a major conduit for cross-border industrial trade, yielding commercial agreements, supply-chain tie-ups, and distribution network expansions through structured business-to-business meetings.
Key operational metrics and participant demographics from the previous edition include:
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Exhibition scale: Welcomed 350 exhibitors and more than 600 leading domestic and international brands spanning 25,000 square metres of space.
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Global footprint: Drew international participation from 35 nations, including major industrial markets such as the UK, Germany, China, Turkey, India, the UAE, Taiwan, Thailand, and Egypt.
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Export breadth: Hosted participating global manufacturing enterprises that export to more than 70 countries worldwide.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said: “SteelFab 2027 will build on the exhibition’s strong international momentum and further strengthen its role as a gateway connecting global industrial expertise with opportunities across the UAE and the wider region. By bringing manufacturers, investors, technology leaders and buyers together in Sharjah, the exhibition creates a highly effective environment for partnerships, knowledge exchange and sustainable commercial growth.”
“SteelFab contributes directly to Sharjah’s economic development by attracting international businesses, supporting industrial activity and strengthening the Emirate’s position as a destination for business tourism and specialised exhibitions. Its impact also supports the UAE’s industrial ambitions by encouraging high-value investment, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and connecting local and regional manufacturers with international markets and supply chains.”
Digital transformation and advanced industrial technologies
SteelFab 2027 will leverage the digital ecosystem introduced during the 2026 edition, which made history as the first trade show in the UAE and region to integrate AI-driven exhibition platforms. At the centre of this operational model is AetherEx, a proprietary digital twin platform designed to prolong market exposure for exhibitors beyond physical show dates. The system incorporates interactive virtual pavilions alongside real-time analytical dashboards that track buyer behaviour and gauge visitor sentiment.
Concurrently, the showcase maintains comprehensive coverage of heavy machinery, smart fabrication, and metalworking processes. Building on previous product displays, the event showcases next-generation solutions engineered to streamline industrial efficiency, such as:
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Next-generation steel production machinery, cost-efficient laser-cutting tools, and AI-driven manufacturing robotics for intricate fabrications.
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Heavy-duty CNC machines designed specifically for demanding oil, gas, and aerospace applications.
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Precision press brakes, metal-forming equipment, advanced laser-marking tools, and cutting-edge welding systems.
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Powder-coating setups spanning manual booths to automated systems, industrial curing ovens, pre-treatment tunnels, and specialised plant machinery for air-conditioning and electrical cabinet production.
SteelFab 2027 underpins Sharjah’s position as a pivotal trade hub and manufacturing gateway for the regional industrial economy by uniting digital twin technology with shop-floor machinery.