Sovereign data centers are crucial for bolstering cybersecurity and economic strength, with Siemens backing the UAE’s digital sovereignty, data protection, and ethical AI vision, according to its top executive.
Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens Middle East, highlighted that sovereign data centers not only boost cybersecurity and resilience but also establish the UAE as a key regional hub for reliable digital infrastructure and data-driven expansion.
“We ensure sensitive data is securely hosted within the UAE’s sovereign data centers, adhering to local regulations. Our AI solutions follow the UAE’s ethical standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability, reinforced by strong cybersecurity, encryption, and secure-by-design practices,” Struve shared with BTR in an exclusive interview.
Struve noted that Siemens has been a vital part of the UAE community for decades, delivering essential solutions for the nation’s major infrastructure projects.
“Our deep understanding of local challenges, coupled with global expertise, uniquely positions us to tackle key priorities like improving both physical and cybersecurity, building resilience through a varied supply chain, and advancing technology transfer to develop local competencies in critical technologies,” he added.
Policy, Governance Alignment
Regarding Siemens’ policy on data sovereignty aligned with UAE initiatives, Struve stated Siemens is a strong proponent of data privacy, fully complying with in-country data sovereignty rules and regulations.
“This commitment shapes our approach to local data housing and hosting, ensuring sensitive information stays within national borders. By using local cloud solutions and implementing strict cybersecurity measures, Siemens supports the UAE’s data protection policies.
“Additionally, we invest in Emirati talent by providing training on the latest industrial cybersecurity technologies and actively partnering with critical infrastructure leaders to meet required standards,” he said.
The UAE is developing sovereign data centers as part of its digital transformation and data sovereignty strategy, with initiatives like du’s National Hypercloud with Oracle and Abu Dhabi’s cloud system with Microsoft and Core42. Key players include du, G42, Moro Hub, and local providers like Khazana Data Centres, creating hyperscale, sovereign cloud zones to manage data within national borders and meet regulatory compliance, balancing global engagement with local control.
UAE’s Balance Model
Struve emphasized the UAE model as a unique blueprint for secure data sharing, balancing regulation and innovation. It ensures leadership in future technologies by deploying Sovereign Wealth Funds to invest in AI and clean energy.
Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens Middle East, said sovereign data centers not only enhance cybersecurity and resilience but also position the UAE as a leading regional hub for trusted digital infrastructure and data-driven growth.
“Simultaneously, it secures digital sovereignty by building indigenous technological capabilities (like national AI models) and enforcing strict data control laws, such as sovereign cloud systems, ensuring sensitive data remains under national jurisdiction. This model shows a nation can be a global tech hub while remaining digitally self-reliant.”
He said Siemens aligns its policy to support the UAE’s pursuit of global leadership in digital governance and AI readiness.
“The partnership emphasizes local investment and sharing Siemens’ global expertise in advanced technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through dedicated efforts in human capital development and technology transfer, Siemens remains a loyal partner in the UAE’s national innovation agenda,” he said.
To scale AI, he indicated three key elements — proper infrastructure, the right data language, and a strong ecosystem for safe data sharing. Therefore, sovereign data centers are becoming a cornerstone of the UAE’s digital strategy, ensuring data security, local governance, and compliance with national regulations.
“As the UAE speeds up its digital transformation and AI goals, these facilities provide the trusted infrastructure needed for hosting government platforms, smart city systems, and advanced analytics while protecting critical information,” Struve concluded.
Advance-tech Demo at GITEX
This year at GITEX, Siemens showcases how merging cutting-edge AI with deep domain expertise and high-quality data is transforming critical systems across industries — from smart grids to efficient factories and sustainable buildings.
“Our booth demos highlight tangible examples of advanced technologies like AI, digital twins, and IoT driving productivity and sustainability progress across vital sectors like energy, data centers, and manufacturing,” said Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens Middle East.
