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The next phase of cloud: How AI, analytics, and the edge are redefining data management
The data landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Advances in analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing are not just reshaping how we think about data, but are also heralding a new era in how organisations use the cloud.
Cloud is changing. It has always been seen as a flexible, agile way to outsource data storage. But now it’s becoming the basis for entire business strategies. Cloud has the power to transform processes across a huge range of industries, but it’s also presenting new challenges around how organisations manage data. The only way to get full value from innovations such as AI and edge analytics is to underpin them with a modern data architecture.
Hybrid cloud strategy in the AI era
As organisations look to move AI from the lab to production, having the right hybrid cloud strategy in place is becoming critical. Decisions over whether data sets are best suited for on-premise or cloud environments are no longer IT decisions, but business decisions.
Due to its dynamic nature and ‘pay-as-you-go’ pricing, organisations can use cloud to offset the cost of optimising AI for real-life use cases. Once testing is over, the cloud-based model can simply be switched off and applied to an organisation’s data in production. By contrast, the up-front cost of running the same process on-premise is vast. Just a single cutting-edge GPU – which is designed specifically for running large language models (LLMs) – costs around $30,000. Organisations may need thousands of these to train and run a model, which quickly racks up a bill in the tens of millions.
However, with the impending introduction of AI-specific legislation and increasing data regulations, sectors such as banking and telecommunications, will feel obliged to run their AI models on-premise through necessity.
Workload analytics and gaining a deeper understanding of data can help to address these challenges. But with the right hybrid cloud strategy in place, running AI can be both compliant and cost effective.
Real-time decisions made at the edge
Beyond AI, cloud will play a vital role in supporting edge analytics. The proliferation of IoT devices across business sectors combined with analytics at the edge is revolutionising how businesses drive value from data. Edge analytics has already showcased its potential in critical applications, such as enabling the automatic dispatch of ambulances for patients with smart pacemakers or enhancing the safety of autonomous vehicles.
However, we are just scratching the surface of what edge analytics can achieve. As data volumes grow exponentially, the ability to process and analyse it close to the source is invaluable. This shift not only reduces latency but also paves the way for more immediate and impactful decision-making.
But the amount of data being reported back from IoT devices varies, making on-premise provisioning a challenge. Organisations would also need to build data centres close to the edge, across multiple locations across the network. This would add to both up-front and long-term costs. So, public cloud is a better option for edge analytics.
Driving real-time value from data at the edge can only be achieved if organisations can harness the power of their data. Collecting this data is one thing, but deriving actionable insights and rapidly delivering results is another.
Modern data architecture is crucial
The success of AI and edge analytics hinges on how effectively organisations can integrate them into their data ecosystems. So, organisations must adapt their cloud strategies to accommodate these business-critical advancements.
Laying the foundations of a modern data architecture must be the first step here. Whilst cloud will be the bedrock of utilising AI and edge analytics, some data will still need to remain on-premise. Organisations will also need to consider the scale of data under management. To show real value, AI and edge analytics both require and produce huge quantities of data. Naturally, the more data you have, the harder it becomes to manage.
By unifying their data via a holistic data platform, organisations will lay the foundations required to usher in this new era of cloud usage, enabling them to drive value from all of their data, regardless of whether it sits on-premise or in the cloud.
Heading into a new cloud era
As cloud continues to evolve in tandem with technologies such as AI and edge analytics, it is opening up new use cases for data. These innovations have the power to reshape the business landscape, enabling split-second actions or enhanced decision-making. But for data to continue to exert innate change in organisations, the way it is managed must also advance.
Those organisations that have built their cloud strategy around a modern data architecture will be well-placed to take advantage of the evolving tech landscape, paving the way for innovative data use cases.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

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