Zoho launches Dubai and Abu Dhabi data centres as part of Dhs 100 million investment

Zoho Corporation has officially opened its first data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, fulfilling a Dhs 100 million investment pledge to boost local data sovereignty.

Zoho launches two data centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of Dhs 100 million investment
Facilities certified by Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) for government use
Hosts 100+ solutions from Zoho and ManageEngine for local storage
Zoho grew 38.7% and ManageEngine 20% in the UAE last year
Move supports UAE National Cybersecurity Agenda and Dubai Vision 2030

Zoho Corporation has officially launched its first Zoho UAE data centers, marking a significant step for local cloud adoption. This includes dedicated Zoho Dubai data center and Zoho Abu Dhabi data center facilities. This Zoho UAE investment of Dhs 100 million aims to boost Zoho data sovereignty UAE and local cloud adoption, fulfilling part of a pledge made in 2023.

This move allows businesses to store their data locally, addressing growing demands for data sovereignty in the region. The launch comes at a time of robust activity in the local business ecosystem, mirroring the momentum seen at major events like the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The launch

The two new data centers will host over 100 cloud-based solutions from the company’s key brands, Zoho and ManageEngine.

Crucially, the facilities have received the CSP Security Standard Certificate from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). This certification qualifies Zoho to serve government and semi-government entities, which often have strict data residency requirements. The centers are also compliant with major international standards, including ISO 27001 and CSA STAR Level 2.

Why Zoho UAE Data Centers Boost Data Sovereignty

For UAE businesses, the primary benefit is data sovereignty. By keeping data within the country’s borders, companies can comply more easily with local regulations and the National Cybersecurity Agenda. This is particularly relevant for sectors like finance and government, where data residency is often mandatory.

"With this move, Zoho Corporation will be enabling businesses to store their data locally, strengthening data sovereignty," said Shailesh Davey, Co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation. He noted that the investment aligns with Dubai Vision 2030, helping the emirate transition to a digital economy.

Zoho UAE Investment Drives Growth and Expansion

The investment follows a period of strong growth for the company in the region. According to the announcement, Zoho’s UAE operations grew by 38.7% in 2025, while its enterprise IT management division, ManageEngine, saw 20% growth. To support this expansion, the company increased its UAE employee count by 35% last year.

This trajectory reflects broader tech sector trends, where ecosystem players like Apple are seeing record growth in services and digital adoption. For Zoho, the growth has been driven by upmarket adoption, with a 48% increase in enterprise customers last year.

What’s next

Zoho plans to continue its investment in the local ecosystem. Over the past five years, the company has spent Dhs 80 million enabling digital transformation for over 7,000 businesses through partnerships with entities like the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). With the infrastructure now physically present in the UAE, the company aims to accelerate cloud adoption across both private and public sectors.

FAQs

Where are Zoho’s new data centres located in the UAE?

Zoho has opened two data centres, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. These facilities allow the company to offer local data storage and redundancy for businesses across the Emirates.

What is the purpose of Zoho’s UAE data centres?

The primary purpose is to enable local data storage, which strengthens data sovereignty and compliance with UAE regulations. This supports the National Cybersecurity Agenda and allows Zoho to serve government and semi-government entities that require data to remain within the country.

How much has Zoho invested in the UAE?

Zoho announced an investment of Dhs 100 million in 2023. This capital has been used to establish the new data centres and support digital transformation initiatives for local businesses.

Are Zoho’s data centres in UAE compliant with local regulations?

Yes, the data centres have received the CSP Security Standard Certificate from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). They are also compliant with international standards including ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27017, and CSA STAR Level 2.