Proofpoint Launches Local Data Center in Dubai to Enhance UAE Cybersecurity

Dubai, UAE – Proofpoint, Inc., a cybersecurity and compliance solutions company, announced yesterday that its human-centric security offerings would be delivered through a new local data center in Dubai, UAE. The announcement was made during Proofpoint’s Protect Tour in Dubai, highlighted by a keynote from Sumit Dhawan, CEO at Proofpoint.

With more than 50% of UAE and KSA-based companies listed in the Forbes Global 2000 relying on Proofpoint, the company’s comprehensive, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions are trusted to protect organizations from today’s evolving threat landscape. Starting Q1 2025, Proofpoint’s solutions will help UAE-based businesses meet local data residency and regulatory compliance requirements.

According to Proofpoint’s 2024 Voice of the CISO Report, cyber threats continue to pose a significant challenge in the UAE. Despite this, the report reveals that 66% of UAE CISOs now feel prepared to handle cyberattacks, a sharp increase from just 43% last year. This rise in confidence is attributed to the growing adoption of AI-powered capabilities to defend against human error and advanced cyber threats.

Proofpoint’s investment in the region includes the deployment of AI-driven solutions, like Proofpoint Email Protection, which is powered by AI and machine learning to disarm complex attacks, such as email fraud, ransomware, and credential phishing. These solutions will be available through the new local data center, offering enhanced security while complying with in-country regulations.

Sumit Dhawan, CEO at Proofpoint, emphasized, “The UAE faces a rapidly evolving threat landscape, and our objective is to continue protecting even more companies in the region with innovative, AI-powered solutions. Our local data center underscores our investment in the region and our commitment to supporting its digital transformation.”

Proofpoint’s Regional Impact:

• Trusted by 50% of UAE and KSA-based companies in the Forbes Global 2000.
• Protecting over 1.2 million employees across the Middle East.
• A 20% growth in customer base in 2024, with further growth expected.
• Expanded regional workforce by 40% since 2019.
• Collaborates with over 550 partners across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.

Emile Abou Saleh, Vice President, Northern Europe, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Proofpoint, stated, “Organizations in the Middle East are at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, and we’re committed to providing the tools and expertise to safeguard their most valuable assets—their people. With our local data center, we are ready to offer industry-leading human-centric cybersecurity to more businesses in the region, while better meeting local customer needs.”

With the new local data center, Proofpoint continues to strengthen its commitment to regional cybersecurity, empowering organizations in the UAE to defend against the most sophisticated cyber threats.