Zoho Reports Over 50% Growth in Middle East and Africa
Zoho Corp., a prominent global technology firm, has announced an impressive growth rate of over 50% annually in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) over the past seven years. This achievement was highlighted during the company’s participation in GITEX Global 2025, where it showcased its expanding suite of enterprise AI capabilities tailored for the region.
Showcasing AI Innovations at GITEX 2025
At GITEX 2025, Zoho presented its latest advancements, including the Zia LLM, its proprietary large language model, and enhanced Agentic AI solutions. These technologies are designed to assist enterprises and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in modernizing their legacy systems and accelerating their digital transformation journeys. Additionally, significant updates to flagship applications such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and Zoho Payroll were unveiled, featuring integrations specific to UAE banks and payroll systems.
Rapid Growth in the UAE
Zoho’s presence in the Middle East is expanding swiftly, with the UAE identified as its top-performing market in the region. Since its launch, the company’s local operations have experienced over 20 times revenue growth, driven by competitive pricing, localized software solutions, and a strong commitment to data privacy and sustainability.
Hyther Nizam, President of Zoho MEA, emphasized the importance of the UAE market, stating, “The Middle East, and especially the UAE, has been one of our most dynamic and rewarding markets.” He noted that many customers are now embracing enterprise-grade AI capabilities, which Zoho supports through its in-house large language models and agentic AI tools. These innovations help organizations create secure and cost-effective digital ecosystems aligned with their growth objectives.
Focus on Responsible AI Development
Zoho’s advancements in AI come at a crucial time when businesses in the UAE are moving past the initial excitement surrounding artificial intelligence. Companies are now seeking practical, secure, and privacy-focused applications. Zoho’s strategy revolves around developing B2B AI systems that prioritize ethical data practices, a philosophy the company refers to as “meaningful capitalism.”
Nizam further explained, “At Zoho, we believe in advancing technology responsibly. Our approach to AI emphasizes energy-efficient models, data privacy, and customer consent, ensuring that innovation remains both human-friendly and sustainable.” This commitment aligns with the UAE’s vision of fostering responsible and future-ready digital economies.
Localizing Products for the UAE Market
In addition to enhancing its AI offerings, Zoho is dedicated to localizing its products for the UAE market. This includes FTA-accredited accounting software and solutions that support the Arabic language. The company’s ongoing investments in regional data centers, partnerships with government entities, and training initiatives reflect its long-term commitment to empowering local businesses, from SMEs to large enterprises, with scalable and secure cloud technologies.
Modernizing Legacy Systems
GITEX 2025 also highlighted Zoho’s initiative to assist enterprises in modernizing their existing systems without complete replacements. Through its “Modernise Your Legacy Systems” initiative, Zoho enables businesses to overlay new digital solutions, such as mobile applications, portals, and analytics, on top of their older infrastructure. This approach enhances agility and customer experience while preserving core systems.
Future Growth Projections
Looking ahead, Zoho anticipates maintaining its double-digit growth momentum, with plans for continued expansion across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader MEA markets over the next two years.
FAQs
What factors contributed to Zoho’s growth in the MEA region?
Zoho’s growth can be attributed to affordable pricing, localized software solutions, and a strong commitment to data privacy and sustainability, particularly in the UAE.
How is Zoho addressing the demand for AI in the region?
Zoho is focusing on developing enterprise-grade AI capabilities that are secure, privacy-focused, and tailored to the needs of local businesses, helping them modernize their operations.
What initiatives is Zoho implementing to support local businesses?
Zoho is investing in regional data centers, forming government partnerships, and providing training initiatives to empower local businesses with scalable and secure cloud technologies.
Conclusion
Zoho’s substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa underscores its commitment to innovation and localization. As the company continues to expand its AI capabilities and support local businesses, it is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the region.
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