NetApp Sees AI, All-Flash Storage and Security Driving UAE Data Growth in 2026
As AI workloads, big data analytics and security platforms continue to reshape enterprise IT, NetApp expects strong growth opportunities in the UAE storage market in 2026. According to Bassel Kassem, Country Manager for UAE at NetApp, the focus will be on high-performance all-flash systems, disaggregated architectures and advanced data security to help organizations meet rising performance, compliance and sovereignty demands.
What opportunities do you foresee for 2026, and how do you plan to leverage them?
In 2026, the UAE storage market will see strong growth driven by AI workloads, big data analytics, data lakes, and security platforms like SIEM that generate massive volumes of data. I see major opportunities in delivering high-performance, scalable storage solutions particularly all-flash systems and disaggregated architectures to support these data-intensive environments.
My plan is to leverage NetApp’s strengths in ONTAP, AFX architecture, and advanced data management while deepening partnerships with our ecosystem partners and focusing on compliance, security, and industry-specific use cases, positioning NetApp as a strategic enabler of the UAE’s digital transformation.
What major challenges did you encounter this year, and how did you address them?
One of the biggest challenges in UAE this year was the accelerated shift in customer expectations toward building AI-ready infrastructure, strict security measures, combined with strict data sovereignty requirements. Many organizations struggled to balance performance, compliance, and cost while modernizing their storage environments.
We tackled these challenges by introducing NetApp’s new disaggregated AFX architecture, which allows customers to scale compute and storage independently for better efficiency and flexibility. In parallel, we launched ransomware protection adoption campaigns, educating customers on NetApp’s integrated security features like SnapLock, immutable snapshots, and autonomous ransomware detection. These initiatives not only mitigate risk but also position NetApp as a trusted partner for a secure modern storage.
Can you elaborate on your strategic partnerships this year and plans for next year?
This year, our strategic partnerships focused on enabling hybrid cloud, AI, and secure storage solutions for the UAE market. We deepened collaboration with hyperscalers like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and AWS to deliver sovereign and hybrid cloud offerings, and worked closely with Cisco and F5 to integrate networking and application security with NetApp ONTAP.
We also partnered with NVIDIA and Intel to optimize AI and high-performance workloads on NetApp’s all-flash and disaggregated AFX architecture, and with Red Hat to deliver containerized storage for OpenShift environments. These alliances will allow us to address various customer needs for agility, compliance, and performance. We will continue to expand these partnerships and introduce more integrations across our product line.
What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2026?
In 2026, my priorities will be driving and targeting AI and high-performance workloads with NetApp’s all-flash and disaggregated AFX architecture, driving adoption of advanced security and ransomware protection solutions and strategic partnerships with technology leaders like NVIDIA, Intel, Cisco, F5, and Red Hat. These initiatives will position NetApp as the trusted partner for data-intensive environments such as AI, big data and SIEM platforms.
Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications in 2026?
Absolutely. In 2026, we plan to expand into adjacent markets and introduce innovative offerings aligned with the UAE’s digital transformation goals. Our focus areas include AI-driven workloads, advanced edge storage solutions for telecom providers in collaboration with hyperscalers, and cutting-edge data security technologies such as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Additionally, we will strengthen ransomware protection and other security initiatives to help customers meet stringent UAE compliance and regulatory standards.
How is your company approaching sustainability, digital transformation, or AI adoption in preparation for 2026?
NetApp is preparing for 2026 by focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and AI adoption. We’re reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient architectures like AFX, delivering intelligent data management solutions to accelerate modernization, and developing AI-ready storage platforms optimized for high-performance workloads and analytics. These initiatives position NetApp as a global leader in building sustainable, secure, and future-ready data infrastructures.
