George Kurian, CEO of NetApp
Natasha Dury
In his first-ever visit to the UAE, George Kurian, President and CEO of NetApp, brings fresh perspectives on the company’s expansion and innovation strategies in the Middle East. With the increasing demand for cloud computing, data management, and digital transformation across industries, Kurian’s visit signifies the growing importance of the region to NetApp’s global operations. In this exclusive interview, Kurian shares his vision for the future of data management, the company’s role in cloud transformation, and how NetApp plans to support the UAE and the wider Middle East in their digital journeys.
What are your initial impressions during this first visit to the UAE, and how does it align with NetApp’s broader regional strategy?
The UAE has made a lasting impression on me as an exciting, rapidly evolving market committed to innovation, particularly in digital transformation and cloud computing. The country’s vision for smart cities, AI, and sustainability perfectly aligns with NetApp’s mission to unlock the potential of data for businesses. This visit reinforces the Middle East’s importance in our global strategy. NetApp is deeply involved in the region with strong teams and key partnerships across industries like the public sector, oil and gas, healthcare, and financial services. The region is a significant contributor to our global revenue, and we are committed to supporting its digital future.
What role does NetApp see itself playing in the region’s ongoing digital transformation?
Cloud adoption in the Middle East is accelerating, and NetApp is uniquely positioned to support this transformation. Our role is to help organizations manage data efficiently across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Our advanced cloud solutions enable businesses to optimize operations, increase agility, and drive innovation. We offer seamless data management and storage solutions, allowing enterprises to harness the power of their data—whether on-premises, in the cloud, or across multiple clouds. As companies move toward digitized operations, NetApp will remain a key partner in building scalable, secure, and robust data infrastructures.
How is NetApp innovating to stay ahead in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics?
The future relies on AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics, and NetApp is innovating by developing intelligent data solutions that simplify storing, managing, and analyzing vast amounts of data. Our intelligent data infrastructure allows businesses to access and use their data seamlessly, no matter where it’s stored. Our recent advancements in data services enable AI and machine learning workloads to operate at scale, empowering businesses to make faster data-driven decisions.
How does NetApp differentiate itself in a crowded cloud solutions market, particularly in the Middle East?
NetApp stands out by providing integrated data management solutions that work across multiple cloud environments. We offer flexibility, allowing businesses to manage data in public, private, and hybrid clouds without sacrificing performance or security. Our partnerships with leading cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure enable us to deliver optimized solutions that transform data into a competitive advantage, solidifying our leadership in the cloud market.
Can you share any upcoming initiatives or partnerships that NetApp is planning for the UAE and the wider Middle East?
We are closely collaborating with public and private sector organizations to accelerate digital transformation across industries. For instance, we are partnering with the oil and gas sector to drive efficiencies through better data management. In healthcare, we focus on secure, scalable solutions that enable providers to manage sensitive patient data effectively. We are also exploring partnerships with educational institutions in the UAE to foster talent in AI, data science, and cloud technologies.
With cybersecurity becoming increasingly critical as data grows in complexity and volume, what steps is NetApp taking to ensure data security and compliance for businesses in this region?
NetApp provides advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and stringent data governance frameworks to help businesses safeguard their data. Our cloud services come with built-in security features that ensure compliance with local regulations, including data sovereignty and privacy requirements. We also partner with cybersecurity experts to offer comprehensive protection against emerging threats.
What are the key trends shaping the future of data management and cloud solutions, and how is NetApp preparing to meet these future demands?
We are in the “Third Era” of data, where data is the key driver of innovation and growth. Key trends include the growing reliance on hybrid and multi-cloud environments, the increasing role of AI and machine learning in business decision-making, and the need for intelligent and automated data management solutions. NetApp is at the forefront of these trends, continuously innovating to make data more accessible, manageable, and secure.
