Dell Technologies' Mohammed Amin on scaling sovereign AI, from data residency to operational trust

Dell Technologies’ Mohammed Amin on scaling sovereign AI, from data residency to operational trust

Amin shares what comes next for sovereign AI, the implications of agentic systems and how organisations can close the gap between AI ambition and operational delivery.

Neesha Salian

09 September, 2026

Dell Technologies’ Mohammed Amin on scaling sovereign AI, from data residency to operational trust

Image: Supplied

The Gulf’s AI ambitions are moving into a new phase. From the UAE’s push to build massive AI infrastructure to Saudi Arabia’s plans to rapidly expand data centre capacity, billions are being committed to the computing power needed to support the region’s digital economies. The challenge now is turning that capacity into secure, scalable and trusted AI.

For Mohammed Amin, SVP, CEEMETA at Dell Technologies, sovereignty increasingly extends beyond where data is stored. It is about who controls the data and models, how AI systems are governed and whether critical infrastructure can remain resilient as AI becomes embedded across government and enterprise operations. He speaks to Gulf Business about what comes next for sovereign AI, the implications of agentic systems and how organisations can close the gap between AI ambition and operational delivery.

Sovereign AI is entering a new phase across the region. How is the conversation changing?

Sovereign AI is scaling rapidly across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (CEEMETA), fuelled by ambitious government mandates, national digital strategies and significant capital investment aimed at building greater local digital independence.

Today, the conversation is moving beyond where data sits to whether governments and enterprises can build AI environments that are secure, observable, resilient and ready for the next generation of AI.

That shift matters because sovereign AI is no longer only a policy or data residency discussion. It is becoming an infrastructure and delivery question: can organisations access advanced compute, retain control over data and models, govern how AI is used and scale innovation responsibly?

Across the region, organisations are navigating a unique landscape in which they must balance strict regulatory compliance with the agility needed to innovate.

What kind of investments are driving this growth across the region?

Across the region, sovereign infrastructure is scaling rapidly, with the UAE anchored by the multi-gigawatt Stargate AI campus and Saudi Arabia planning to develop more than 6GW of data centre capacity by 2034 to support sovereign AI workloads.

IDC expects AI spending in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) to reach $14.6bn by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 34 per cent.

This level of investment will only translate into long-term value if organisations can pair sovereign compute capacity with trusted data control, governance and resilience.

Why does sovereign AI need a new trust architecture right now?

With AI increasingly becoming the backbone of daily enterprise and government workflows, traditional IT security models are no longer sufficient to guarantee safety or compliance.

Sovereign AI needs a new trust architecture that provides the ability to prove where data lives, how models are trained or deployed, who or what can access the environment, how workloads are governed and how services remain resilient as AI becomes embedded in everyday operations.

This becomes even more urgent as AI moves towards agentic systems that can plan, coordinate and execute tasks across environments. These systems will operate continuously, interact with multiple applications and support decisions in more complex ways.

Sovereign AI infrastructure therefore needs to support not only data control, but continuous, observable and governed AI operations.

For CIOs and public-sector technology leaders looking to turn sovereign AI ambition into systems that can deliver, what are the key shifts that matter most?

First, start where the impact is highest. Organisations should begin where sovereign AI can deliver measurable value fastest, rather than treating it as an abstract infrastructure project. The focus should be on a clear outcome, such as faster services or better use of national data.

Second, match infrastructure to data sensitivity and workload demand. Not every workload runs in the same place. Sovereign AI environments must bring compute, storage, networking, resilience and energy considerations into a single operating model.

Third, build governance into that operating model. Transparency, accountability and alignment with regional regulatory frameworks from bodies such as the UAE’s AIATC and Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA need to extend directly into how systems are designed, deployed and used.

Fourth, prepare for agentic readiness by ensuring infrastructure can support always-on workloads across on-premises, edge and cloud environments.

Finally, make resilience part of sovereignty from the start. Organisations need the ongoing ability to restore trusted data, validate systems and maintain critical operations under pressure.

What ultimately defines success for organisations in the next phase of sovereign AI?

Sovereign AI is not just about where AI runs, but whether the full environment can be trusted to deliver.

The next phase of sovereign AI in META will be led by businesses that treat infrastructure, governance and resilience as one architecture, rather than three separate workstreams.

Ultimately, the winners will be those that can successfully move from data residency to operational trust, and from AI ambition to measurable, responsible delivery.

Interview Dell Technologies sovereignity AI

Got a Fazaa card? These UAE universities offer up to 25% off on fees

According to Fazaa, its student discount programme covers universities and other education providers alongside thousands of brands and locations across the UAE

Nida Sohail

09 September, 2026

Got a Fazaa card? These UAE universities offer up to 25% off on fees

University students and prospective students in the UAE who hold a Fazaa card can access a range of tuition-fee discounts and education benefits, with several institutions offering reductions of between 10 per cent and 25 per cent.

In some cases, the benefits also extend to eligible family members.

The discounts are part of the broader Fazaa programme, which provides members with preferential rates across education, travel, retail, entertainment and other services. According to Fazaa, its student discount programme covers universities and other education providers alongside thousands of brands and locations across the UAE.

For families facing rising education costs, these offers can be significant. Even a 10 per cent or 20 per cent reduction in tuition can translate into substantial savings over the duration of a degree. However, the terms vary considerably between institutions. Some offers apply only to new students, while others are limited to particular programmes or semesters. Several also cannot be combined with other scholarships or promotions.

Here are some of the key UAE higher-education institutions currently advertising Fazaa-related discounts.

Abu Dhabi University: Up to 25%

Abu Dhabi University is currently listed by Fazaa with a discount of up to 25 per cent on selected programmes.

Under the current offer, Fazaa cardholders can receive a 15 per cent discount on undergraduate programmes. Employees of the Social Security Fund (Fazaa) and individuals affiliated with the Ministry of Interior who hold eligible Fazaa cards can receive a 25 per cent discount on master’s programmes.

The offer is currently listed as available until January 1, 2027. Fazaa states that the discount is for new students and requires presentation of a valid Fazaa card.

For prospective students, the distinction between undergraduate and postgraduate study is important. The headline figure of 25 per cent does not mean every Fazaa member receives 25 per cent off every programme; the standard undergraduate benefit listed by Fazaa is 15 per cent .

Middlesex University Dubai: 25% tuition grant

Middlesex University Dubai is offering one of the more substantial Fazaa benefits, with a 25% grant on tuition fees for eligible Fazaa cardholders.

The offer applies to academic programmes and, according to the Fazaa listing, can also cover eligible siblings, children and spouses of cardholders. The university is required to apply the discount across the duration of study, subject to the programme’s terms.

The current offer is available for both the September and January intakes and is listed as valid until August 1, 2027.

Students must enroll as new students, provide the required documentation and maintain valid eligibility. The Fazaa grant cannot be combined with another promotion or offer.

This makes Middlesex University Dubai particularly notable for families considering private higher education, as the benefit is not simply an introductory first-semester discount.

Canadian University Dubai: Up to 20%

Canadian University Dubai is another institution offering a Fazaa-linked reduction.

Fazaa currently lists a 20 per cent discount against published undergraduate programme fees for eligible Fazaa cardholders and a 10 per cent discount against published graduate programme fees. The benefit also extends to first-degree relatives, according to the Fazaa listing.

The structure of the offer means undergraduate applicants potentially receive the larger saving, while postgraduate students receive a smaller but still meaningful reduction.

Students should check the university’s current fee schedule before calculating their expected saving, since the percentage discount is applied against the applicable published programme fees rather than representing a fixed cash amount.

Al Ain University: 20% for eligible bachelor’s students

Al Ain University has established a specific Fazaa discount for bachelor’s students.

Its 2025-2026 student handbook states that new students registering for bachelor’s degrees receive a 20% discount on credit-hour fees across the university’s specialisations, with the exception of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme.

Importantly, this is not necessarily an unconditional discount for the entire degree. To continue receiving the benefit, students must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 3.0 while registering for at least 12 credit hours. Summer courses and repeated courses are excluded.

This illustrates one of the most important points for students comparing Fazaa offers: the headline percentage is only part of the equation. Academic-performance requirements can determine whether a discount continues from one semester to the next.

City University Ajman: Up to 20%

City University Ajman offers Fazaa-linked scholarships of up to 20 per cent for selected undergraduate programmes.

The current Fazaa offer provides a 20 per cent tuition-fee scholarship for the Bachelor of Sociology and Bachelor of Psychology, subject to programme exclusions. It also provides a 10 per cent scholarship for the MBA programme.

The offer is limited to new students and is listed as available until July 16, 2027. Fazaa also states that the offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

For applicants interested in other degree programmes, this offer demonstrates why students should not assume that a university-wide Fazaa discount necessarily covers every course.

HBMSU: 20% first-semester reduction

Hamad Bin Mohammed Smart University, commonly known as HBMSU, lists a Fazaa and ESAAD cardholder benefit of 20 per cent tuition remission for the first semester.

The university’s current scholarship and discount information says that learners holding an ESAAD or FAZAA card, as well as eligible family members, may receive the 20 per cent remission. However, the benefit is specifically described as applying to the first semester of study rather than the entire programme.

That difference could have a major impact when comparing the overall cost of a degree. A 20 per cent first-semester reduction may look similar to a 20 per cent recurring tuition discount at first glance, but the total financial benefit can be dramatically different.

Al Dar University College: 25% bachelor’s scholarship

Al Dar University College is also listed by Fazaa.

The current offer includes a 25 per cent scholarship on tuition fees for all bachelor’s degree programmes, while the institution also advertises discounts of between 25 per cent and 50 per cent on training fees for other programmes.

Fazaa lists the current offer as available until April 16, 2027. As with other participating institutions, members must present a valid Fazaa card, and the offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

Exeed College: 20% on academic programmes

Exeed College offers Fazaa members a 20 per cent discount on Diploma, Bachelor, Master and Doctorate programmes.

The institution also offers Fazaa cardholders a substantially higher 50 per cent discount on training and continuing professional development courses, although this is separate from the academic-programme tuition discount.

The current offer is listed by Fazaa as available until February 1, 2027, and discounts cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

What students should check before enrolling

While Fazaa discounts can reduce the cost of higher education, students should look beyond the headline percentage before making an enrollment decision.

First, applicants should establish whether the discount applies to new students only. This is a common condition among participating institutions. They should also check whether the benefit continues for every semester or applies only during the first semester.

Students should determine whether the discount covers tuition only or extends to registration, laboratory, technology, examination or other university charges. At some institutions, the reduction is specifically tied to credit-hour fees.

Another important consideration is whether the Fazaa benefit can be combined with a university scholarship. Several current offers explicitly state that discounts cannot be combined with other promotions.

Academic requirements can also matter. Al Ain University’s policy, for example, requires Fazaa beneficiaries to maintain a minimum semester GPA to continue receiving the discount.

For students and families comparing UAE universities, the most valuable offer is therefore not necessarily the one with the biggest headline percentage. The duration of the discount, eligible programmes, academic conditions and restrictions on combining benefits can all materially affect the final cost of a degree.

Discounts Fazaa card university fees discount Fazaa programme

UAE ministry announces VAT rule changes: Key details for businesses

The changes are designed to simplify procedures and provide greater clarity for taxable persons, supporting voluntary compliance and helping reduce tax disputes

Nida Sohail

08 September, 2026

UAE ministry announces VAT rule changes: Key details for businesses

The Ministry of Finance has announced Cabinet Decision No. (149) of 2026, amending certain provisions of the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).

The amendments are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop its tax system, enhance transparency, improve implementation efficiency and align the VAT framework with international best practices.

The changes are designed to simplify procedures and provide greater clarity for taxable persons, supporting voluntary compliance and helping reduce tax disputes.

Among the key updates are technical and regulatory changes covering the supply and import of medical products, bringing the provisions in line with the UAE’s updated legislative framework for the healthcare sector.

The amendments also clarify provisions governing employee accommodation for input tax recovery purposes, providing greater certainty for businesses when determining their VAT obligations.

Changes to input tax rules

The updated regulation also clarifies the scope of the Capital Assets Scheme to ensure consistency with the provisions of the VAT Law.

In addition, the amendments refine the methodology used for input tax apportionment, with the aim of more accurately reflecting the nature of taxable persons’ economic activities. The existing methodology applicable to government entities and charities will remain unchanged.

The regulation further introduces provisions governing the VAT treatment of a single composite supply, taking into account the economic substance of the supply.

New provisions will also restrict the recovery of input tax where cash payments exceed thresholds to be prescribed in a decision issued by the Minister of Finance. The measures are intended to strengthen compliance and mitigate the risks of tax evasion.

The Ministry of Finance said the amendments reflect its continued approach to reviewing and enhancing

Dubai private schools rank among world’s top 10 in PISA 2025

Dubai’s private schools achieved an average score of 501 points in reading, ranking sixth globally

Rajiv Pillai

08 September, 2026

Dubai private schools rank among world’s top 10 in PISA 2025

Image: Getty Images/Image for illustrative purpose

Dubai’s private schools have secured a place among the world’s top 10 education systems across every area assessed in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, marking a major milestone for the emirate’s education sector and achieving a key target under the Dubai Education 33 Strategy.

The results place Dubai sixth globally in reading, eighth in mathematics and science, and ninth in computational problem solving, a new category introduced in the latest PISA assessment.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the achievement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to placing education at the centre of human development and future competitiveness.

“We begin the new academic year with an achievement that reflects the strength and continued progress of Dubai’s education system. Dubai’s private schools have ranked among the world’s best in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, reaffirming Dubai’s advanced position in the education sector and reflecting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s ambitious vision to establish Dubai as a global destination for educational excellence and quality, while providing the best educational opportunities for its students,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He congratulated schools, teachers, students and parents on the achievement, describing it as the result of a collective effort to build a globally competitive education system.

Sheikh Hamdan also directed the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to build on the results by accelerating the development of Dubai’s education system and further strengthening its position among the world’s leading education destinations.

Strong gains across all subjects

Dubai’s private schools achieved an average score of 501 points in reading, ranking sixth globally. They scored 511 points in mathematics and 522 points in science, placing eighth worldwide in both subjects.

In computational problem solving, introduced for the first time in PISA 2025, Dubai ranked ninth globally with 534 points, outperforming the OECD average by 34 points.

The assessment measures the ability of 15-year-old students to apply knowledge and skills in real-world situations and is conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Continued improvement

The latest results represent significant progress from the 2022 assessment, when Dubai’s private schools ranked ninth in mathematics, 13th in reading and 14th in science.

Since joining PISA in 2009, Dubai’s private schools have improved consistently across six assessment cycles, with average scores increasing by 37 points in mathematics, 22 points in reading and 36 points in science.

Emirati students post strong gains

Emirati students also recorded notable improvements compared with the 2022 cycle, increasing their average scores by 31 points in mathematics, 30 points in science and 18 points in reading.

Among the different curricula offered in Dubai’s private schools, students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) achieved the highest average scores, recording 557 points in science, 542 points in mathematics and 538 points in reading.

A total of 9,600 students from 168 Dubai private schools participated in PISA 2025, which assessed more than 760,000 students across over 90 countries and economies.

Dubai Private Schools

Fire breaks out at Musaffah factory, Abu Dhabi authorities respond

Abu Dhabi Police urged the public and media to rely only on official sources for updates related to the incident

Rajiv Pillai

08 September, 2026

Fire breaks out at Musaffah factory, Abu Dhabi authorities respond

Image: Adobe Stock/Image for illustrative purpose

Emergency response teams from Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority are responding to a fire that broke out at a factory in the Musaffah industrial area on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement posted on X, Abu Dhabi Police said the incident occurred in the ICAD 3 area of Musaffah on September 8, adding that specialised emergency teams were on site working to contain the blaze.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the cause of the fire or whether there were any injuries or damage to surrounding facilities.

Abu Dhabi Police urged the public and media to rely only on official sources for updates related to the incident, as response operations continue.

The Musaffah Industrial City (ICAD) is one of Abu Dhabi’s largest manufacturing and industrial hubs, housing factories and facilities across sectors including metals, construction materials, engineering, logistics and industrial services.

Further updates are expected as authorities continue their response and assess the situation.

fire Musaffah factory Abu Dhabi fire

10 things to do at Abu Dhabi Comic Con 2026

From John Cena to cosplay: Inside MEFCC 2026

Rajiv Pillai

08 September, 2026

10 things to do at Abu Dhabi Comic Con 2026

Image: Supplied

Looking for something different to do in Abu Dhabi this September? The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) returns to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13, bringing together celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, gaming, anime, collectibles and live entertainment for three days of pop culture.

Whether you’re a lifelong comic book fan, an anime enthusiast, a gamer or simply curious about the region’s biggest fandom event, here’s what not to miss.

1. Watch (or enter) the cosplay competition

One of MEFCC’s biggest highlights is its Cosplay Competition, where some of the region’s best costume creators compete for a share of an Dhs60,000 prize pool. The winning UAE team will also earn the chance to represent the country at the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) 2027 finals in Nagoya, Japan.

Visitors can also enjoy Cosplay Central, featuring meet-and-greets with international cosplayers Aokiji and Marmalade, as well as the popular Cosplay Catwalk.

2. Battle it out at the TCG Arena

Trading card game fans can compete in tournaments for Pokémon, One Piece and Magic: The Gathering. The arena features three days of tournaments, learn-to-play sessions and prizes for experienced players and newcomers alike.

3. Meet your favourite stars

Fans will have the opportunity to meet celebrities through photo and autograph sessions.

This year’s guest lineup includes John Cena, Mackenyu, Joonas Suotamo, Arden Cho, Pom Klementieff, Jacob Romero Gibson and Charithra Chandran.

VIP ticket holders receive Meet the Stars vouchers, while general admission visitors can purchase vouchers on-site, subject to availability.

4. Attend celebrity panels and live Q&As

The Main Stage will host celebrity interviews, fan Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes stories and community discussions, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from actors, creators and industry personalities.

5. Explore Otaku District

Sponsored by Crunchyroll, Otaku District celebrates anime and Asian pop culture with live music, J-pop and J-rock performances, karaoke, Random Play Dances, choreography workshops, quizzes, Janken battles and Asian street food.

6. Shop for exclusive collectibles

Collectors can browse exclusive merchandise including comic books, trading cards, Funko Pops, limited-edition figures, apparel and memorabilia from local and international retailers.

7. Meet artists and comic creators

Artist Alley and the Comic Creators Club provide opportunities to meet comic artists, illustrators and creators, purchase original artwork and even commission custom pieces.

8. Refuel at the Food Truck Park

Visitors can grab food throughout the day from vendors including Salt, Wingstop, Moshi and House of Pops.

9. Enjoy tabletop gaming

The Tabletop Zone offers board games, puzzles, giant games and interactive challenges for families and groups, with Game Masters available to introduce newcomers to different games.

10. Discover even more

Beyond the headline attractions, visitors can explore the Gaming Zone, Collectors Gallery, Bookworm Lounge and Festival Plaza, which features carnival games and family-friendly activities.

MEFCC 2026 takes place from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Standard one-day tickets start from Dhs160, while three-day passes are available from Dhs390. Children aged six and under enter free, while tickets for children aged seven to 11 are available at the venue for Dhs50.

Abu Dhabi Middle East Film & Comic Con Abu Dhabi Comic Con 2026 MEFCC