As data becomes the lifeblood of modern organizations, Qlik’s agnostic platform spanning data integration, quality, analytics, and AI/ML enables enterprises to make smarter, faster decisions, no matter where their data resides. We spoke with James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer at Qlik, about how the company is helping businesses unlock AI’s full potential globally, while deepening its commitment to the UAE with the launch of Qlik Cloud on AWS bringing speed, sovereignty, and strategic growth to the region.

You’ve been in the industry for over 30 years. What is it about this moment in data and AI that really excites you, especially here in the UAE?

I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, started out at PwC, spent nearly a decade at SAP, and then joined Qlik. Honestly, I’ve never seen a more exciting time for data, analytics, and AI. The pace of innovation is incredible, and what really stands out is how committed governments and organizations— especially in the UAE—are to tapping into AI’s full potential. From big public initiatives to a thriving startup scene, there’s real momentum, and Qlik is right at the center of it all.

You wear many hats at Qlik—what does a typical day look like for you?

My role is about making sure our customers get real value from their data—using analytics and AI to drive meaningful outcomes. As Chief Strategy Officer, I help shape Qlik’s vision, build the right partnerships, and steer our growth strategy across areas like products, M&A, and even broader priorities like sustainability and diversity. I also spend a lot of time keeping up with market trends. It’s a busy role, but what I enjoy most is how cross-functional it is—it lets me connect innovation with real business needs.

Qlik’s mission is to help customers ‘do data differently.’ Can you unpack what that means in practice—and how your strategy role helps turn that vision into impact?

Our mission is to help customers get the most out of their data to tackle big, real-world challenges. When we say, ‘do data differently,’ we mean rethinking how data—structured or unstructured—is accessed and used, wherever it lives. On the strategy side, I work closely with our product teams to stay ahead of market trends, and with our services and customer success teams to ensure we’re truly partnering with clients. And that collaboration mindset is something I truly value—it makes Qlik feel like a trusted advisor, not just a vendor.

How do you ensure that your global capabilities align with the specific needs of markets like the UAE?

For Qlik, adaptability is key. We really focus on listening— whether it’s to our customers, partners, or the broader market. In the UAE, we’ve been active for years and have a solid customer base, which gives us valuable insights into regional needs. We also set up a global AI Council, including a member based here, who works closely with local companies and government entities. This helps us adapt our global strengths to deliver real, local value. It’s not just about the product—it’s about how we approach the market, offer training, and engage with the community to reflect local nuances.

With major shifts happening in analytics and data integration, particularly the surge in AI investments in regions like the UAE, how has Qlik evolved its technology to stay ahead of the curve?

Qlik has been in this space for over 30 years. From the beginning, it was about helping customers turn questions into insights by pairing human curiosity with machine intelligence. That is essentially an AI problem—and it has been core to our platform since day one. Over time, we’ve evolved our technology to be cloud-native on AWS, expanded our data integration capabilities, and made it easier for everyone in an organization, not just analysts, to access insights and take action. In markets like the UAE, where AI investment is booming, we’re in a great position to support that momentum. A key part of our strategy has been democratizing data access so that teams across all departments—sales, marketing, HR, finance, and more—can leverage it, not just analysts.

How does Qlik ensure it supports each organization’s unique data and AI journey without disrupting what’s already in place?

Our approach is simple—we’re here to enable, not disrupt. Every organization is on a different path with different needs, whether that’s industry-specific, company size, or their own pace of digital adoption. That’s why flexibility and openness are a big part of how we operate. We don’t ask customers to start over—we work with what they already have and help them get more out of it. A great example is in highly regulated sectors, where security and hybrid environments are a must. We meet them where they are, and build from there. That’s how we earn trust and become long-term partners.

Organizations are juggling data across cloud, on-prem, and even the edge—how does Qlik stay flexible enough to handle all that?

Data today is vast and varied. For years, most analytics solutions focused only on structured data; but about 80% of an organization’s data is unstructured. At Qlik, we do both. Our platform allows us to reach data wherever it is—in cloud apps, in on-prem systems, or even at the edge. That openness allows us to solve real-world problems, not just run analytics in silos. And we are not limited by any single cloud provider. Customers can choose what works best for them—AWS, Azure, Google Cloud—and we will be right there with them.

As someone steering strategy at a data and AI company, how do you personally approach using data to guide big decisions—and what advice would you give to leaders trying to cut through the AI hype?

As Chief Strategy Officer, I see data as the lifeblood of any organization, it’s behind every smart decision we make. At Qlik, we use our own analytics and AI technology to shape our strategies. We build a team with the capability to understand what problems we want to address the right use cases we want to drive, and what data we need to get there—and then making sure we can actually access that data. My biggest piece of advice? Don’t get swept up in the AI hype. Start with a real business problem. Then ask: what data will help me solve this, and how do I get it? Strategy isn’t something you set and forget. The best strategy leaders are the ones who stay humble, curious, and ready to pivot.

What recent launch or initiative is Qlik most excited about in the UAE?

We are announcing the availability of Qlik Cloud on AWS in the UAE. This is a big milestone. It enables innovation and AI-driven value while ensuring robust data sovereignty— customer data stays within the country’s borders. It also boosts performance and latency for applications running locally. This is a major step in helping our clients generate real-time insights and act on them with confidence.

What long-term plans does Qlik have for the region?

We are here for the long run. We are often asked, “Where will Qlik be in five years?” And the answer is simple, we will be right here, growing with our customers. We are expanding our partner network, building up our regional team, and investing in training and enablement. We have only just scratched the surface of what AI can offer, and we are committed to helping customers realize that potential through long-term partnerships. As the region continues its digital transformation, we want to be a steady, trusted enabler—helping organizations turn complexity into clarity.

Exclusive Interview with Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group

As the Chairman of Sobha Group, your leadership has been essential in shaping the company’s success in the UAE. How did you establish Sobha Realty as a top brand in the UAE’s competitive market?    

Success doesn’t come overnight, especially in a market as competitive as the UAE. When Sobha Realty entered the market in 2003, it was never about scale, it was about setting a new standard for excellence and quality. Sobha Realty has always been about building a track record of unwavering commitment, meticulous planning, and an unshakable belief that quality should never be compromised.

Sobha Realty today is well-founded in legacy; one that my father, PNC Menon, dedicated himself to establishing every day of his career. Before I inherited the reins as Chairman, I tried to absorb every lesson he imparted and the values that define Sobha Realty today. This foundation has allowed me to push the brand forward while staying true to what sets us apart.

At Sobha, we don’t just build homes, we create living experiences that last for generations. When buyers and investors choose Sobha Realty, they choose reliability, trust, and enduring values. Principles that we hold close to heart and that guide us in our journey, I truly believe that our market leading position is a result of our commitment to excellence but also the team’s collective efforts to embody the purpose driven attitude that drives Sobha Realty. We are here to help create lasting legacies, celebrating craftsmanship and focusing on our ethos “Art of The Detail”. Our people always have, and will continue to be, the driving force of our success locally and globally.

Can you share your insights on the key strategies that have been pivotal in scaling Sobha Realty from its inception to the prominent position it holds today?

Without a doubt, the key driver of Sobha Realty’s success has been our unique “Backward Integration” model. By overseeing every stage of the development process, from conceptualization to completion, we ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship and precision. Sobha Group has verticals across the construction and development process, with over 500 in-house architects and designers, more than 30,000 technicians in Sobha Constructions, and our glass façade and furniture factories across the country, that we leverage to deliver unmatched quality and ensure timely delivery. Our modular factory in Ras Al Khaimah is a prime example of this model, allowing us to produce high-quality components efficiently while maintaining full control over quality. This approach guarantees our ability to maintain a track-record of timely delivery of our projects.

Beyond construction, strategic location selection is now synonymous with Sobha Realty masterplans. Our developments’ locations are selected with Dubai’s urban vision and plan in mind, offering strong investment potential and long-term value gain. Additionally, our customer-first approach ensures our developments cater not just to market demand but to evolving homeowner expectations.

However, success in a competitive market such as the UAE requires robust collaborations. Our extensive network of channel partners has been instrumental in expanding our reach, enabling us to connect with the discerning buyers and investors who seek reliability and excellence.

Today, homeowners seek more than just a property, they want a lifestyle. How is Sobha Realty adapting to these changing expectations in design, amenities, and community living?

Homeowners today are looking for living experiences, not just spaces to live in. At Sobha Realty, we focus on creating homes that blend functionality with luxury. Our ‘Art of The Detail’ philosophy ensures every aspect, from spacious layouts to premium materials, enhances daily living.

Beyond residences, we build communities designed to create meaningful connections. Sobha Solis in Motor City for example has been designed to offer an active, wellness-focused lifestyle. With the world’s first Arsenal-branded gym, landscaped podiums, and wellness amenities, the project promises residents a rarified living experience at what is now considered the neighbourhood of the future. Sobha Siniya Island meanwhile takes the living experience to a new level, offering a natural island retreat that blends luxury with pristine nature.

We have also recently introduced Sobha’s first fully furnished residences, ensuring a seamless, turn-key living experience. As a leader in the luxury real estate sector, wellness-focused spaces, and waterfront communities, Sobha Realty continues to redefine modern living, bridging the gap where comfort, design, and experience come together effortlessly.

Given the challenges the real estate sector has faced in recent years, how have technological innovations and smart construction practices influenced Sobha Realty’s growth trajectory and helped the company remain resilient while scaling its operations?

The real estate landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve means embracing technology, and sustainable solutions that enhance our efficiency while keeping our promise of quality. The future of real estate will see a shift in how projects are executed, and we are already investing in cutting-edge technology to streamline processes.

At Sobha Realty, innovation is a core principle that drives every stage of our developments, from conception to handover. By integrating robotics into labour-intensive tasks, we can enhance precision, reduce human error, and improve overall efficiency, ensuring that every development meets an even higher level of quality.

As a masterplan developer, our commitment to sustainable innovation is evident in developments like Sobha One, the first project outside Singapore to receive the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification, reflecting our focus on energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and smart resource management. Additionally, at Sobha Siniya Island, we are looking ahead with future-ready infrastructure, such as incorporating helipads for air taxis in alignment with the UAE’s vision for next-generation urban mobility and pioneers of air taxi transportation.

By merging technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship, we redefine luxury real estate, providing the building blocks to develop smarter, greener, and more future-ready communities.

As Sobha Group continues to grow under your leadership, what do you see as the next big step for the company, especially in terms of sustainability and community development?

As we continue to strengthen our presence in the UAE, we are also setting our sights beyond, with upcoming expansions locally in Abu Dhabi and globally in the United States and Australia. These markets represent new opportunities to bring our signature craftsmanship and sustainability-driven approach to a wider audience.

However, I believe true growth is more than just entering new markets. Just as my father wanted before me when he was Chairman, I would also want to leave a lasting impact. Sobha Realty has always believed in giving back to the communities that have supported us and that will continue. Guided by the philanthropic vision of my father, our commitment is reflected in our education, community, and women’s empowerment initiatives. From building free schools and providing housing for families in need, to launching programmes that create opportunities for women, we are dedicated to fostering real change.

The Sobha Endowment University, for example, will make quality education accessible to all, as well as our pledge to build an Endowment University campus in Dubai for AED 400 Million, these initiatives reflect our dedication to empower youth. Beyond real estate, our partnerships with Arsenal FC and the International Cricket Council (ICC) represent a testament to a deep belief in the value of investing in youth development and sportsmanship on a global scale.

As we look to the future, we remain anchored by the values that define us: excellence, responsibility, craftsmanship, and a commitment to shaping a better world for generations to come.

Exclusive Interview with Naji Salameh, CEO, IT Max Global

In an era of rapid technological change, businesses are constantly challenged to stay ahead. In an interview that cuts through the noise of technological buzzwords, Naji Salameh, CEO of IT Max Global, breaks down the complex world of digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technological innovation. Drawing from his company’s experience across the Middle East and Africa, Salameh offers a pragmatic view of how organizations can adapt, secure, and leverage technology to remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Your quote, “Success is born out of impact” is powerful, so what kind of impact does IT Max strive to create?

IT Max Global was created with the basic objective of providing high quality solutions that will help our customers increase the revenue or reduce their cost. We aim to be a reliable partner to companies and organizations from both the public and private sectors. We work with our customers to help them cope with the rapid developments in technology and empower them to focus on their core business. To achieve this objective, we have onboarded a team of experts with wide range of expertise. This team works with our customers  to create a lasting impact on the way they service their end user customers.

What sets IT Max apart as the most versatile technology partner in the Middle East and Africa?

What distinguishes IT Max from other technology service providers is our exceptional team and strong service-oriented culture. Our team brings deep expertise in the domains we operate in, and we’ve cultivated a culture focused on delivering outstanding service at every touchpoint of the customer journey. This commitment has earned us a reputation for trust and reliability in the market.

How do you approach digital transformation in a way that delivers real business value?

In this day and age where everything is almost turning digital, any company or organization will get left behind without digital transformation. IT Max is well equipped with the expertise, as well as with products and services to help, assist and facilitate such transformation and enable an almost seamless shift to the digital platform. We emphasize not only the infrastructure and tools needed for transformation, but also how AI can be leveraged to automate processes, generate insights, and improve customer experience. We guide clients through the adoption of AI-powered platforms to ensure they maximize efficiency and decision-making accuracy.

 Included in that transformation is the training we conduct that will equip our customers with the knowledge and capability to operate more efficiently in the digital world thereby creating better efficiencies and reliability, which in turn adds real business value to our customers.

What are the biggest tech challenges businesses face in the MEA region today?

Among the biggest tech challenges faced by this region is security. In a highly digitalized and online connectivity of business processes, vulnerability to cyber attacks is probably the single biggest tech challenge, not just within the MEA region, but globally. In fact, just recently, the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government has confirmed that national cybersecurity systems have successfully thwarted cyberattacks targeting 634 entities, of which 30 are government entities, 13 are private, and the rest fall under other categories. This follows a similar event on January 17, 2025 when UAE cybersecurity systems successfully countered nearly 200,000 daily ransomware attacks. These attacks targeted several strategic sectors in both public and private entities, aiming to breach data and lock digital systems. The authority highlighted that emergency cybersecurity systems, in collaboration with relevant authorities, detected and preemptively countered these cyberattacks, identifying the hackers and their origins.

Another major technology challenge organizations face today is selecting and deploying the right artificial intelligence solution tailored to their specific business needs. The current IT landscape is saturated with a wide array of AI tools and platforms, making it difficult for businesses to navigate and make informed decisions. To tackle this, we have established a dedicated Innovation and AI team that works closely with our customers, guiding them in developing the right strategy and enabling them to fully harness the benefits and competitive advantages of AI.

How does IT Max tailor its solutions to meet unique client needs?

As a Managed Services and Security Services Provider (MSP and MSSP), we prioritize close collaboration with our customers to deeply understand their unique needs and requirements. Our approach starts with gaining a clear insight into their core business and the role technology plays in their daily operations, including how it supports their respective end-user customers.

We then conduct a thorough assessment of their existing technology infrastructure, with a strong focus on identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement—particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, performance, and scalability. Security is no longer optional; it’s a foundational element of any successful IT strategy, and we ensure our customers are protected against today’s ever-evolving threats.

This comprehensive approach enables us to design and implement tailored technology solutions that drive innovation, strengthen security postures, and accelerate digital transformation. As a result, we help our customers transform their workplaces, enhance operational efficiency, and boost overall productivity. Our unwavering commitment to partnership and results has earned us a remarkable customer retention rate of 99.99%—a true testament to the trust and satisfaction of those we serve.

What does “future-proofing a business” mean in your service approach?

Conscious of the rapid pace at which technology evolves, we ensure that the technology solutions we provide to customers have the flexibility and adaptability to keep pace with any future enhancements. This enables us and our customers to easily integrate or maybe even upgrade to any new developments that may arise at any time.

Future-proofing means building scalable, adaptable solutions that can evolve with the market. Whether it’s preparing for future integrations, new security threats, or emerging technologies, our solutions are designed with longevity and agility in mind.

What’s your vision for IT Max Global in the next 3-5 years?

Our vision in the next three to five years is anchored upon our mission to empower private and public organizations with IT solutions, managed services and digital transformation, so as to provide them with the bandwidth to focus on their core business. Through our success in our mission, will we be able to achieve our aspiration of becoming a leading, integrated technology partner that impacts customers with innovative solutions across all industries. So, in the next three to five years, our focus is to remain steadfast on our mission and service delivery excellence to customers in order to realize our aspiration of being the preferred technology partner of both the private and public sectors.

How important is it for companies like IT Max to champion women leaders in tech, and how are you contributing to that cause?

Gender equality is very important for IT Max. And for us, this is all about creating opportunities for personal and professional growth for everyone regardless of gender. Championing women in technology is not just something that women themselves must espouse. There must be a conscious and collective effort of everybody within the IT Max family to ensure that leadership opportunities in technology are available for everyone, again, regardless of gender or race. Accordingly, we at IT Max have built and nurtured a work culture that promotes such efforts and are proud to say that women at IT Max occupy key management positions and have been instrumental, not just in our success, but more importantly in the success and growth of our customers’ businesses.

Lastly, what’s your advice to companies beginning their digital transformation journey?

Start now. The digital age isn’t coming—it’s already here. Companies that delay transformation risk falling behind in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive environment. My advice is to begin with a clear understanding of your business goals and customer needs. Then, engage a partner who can guide you through the journey. At IT Max, we’re ready to walk that path with you—from strategy to implementation to training. Our role is to make transformation manageable, measurable, and meaningful. Increasingly, this includes helping organizations leverage AI-powered solutions—from intelligent automation and predictive analytics to enhanced customer experiences—ensuring that technology not only supports but amplifies business outcomes.