Southcomp Polaris & Sophos launch strategic partnership in Morocco to accelerate AI-powered cybersecurity
Bouznika, Morocco – 17 September 2026 – Southcomp Polaris, part of Mindware, and Sophos officially launched their partnership in Morocco today during an exclusive partner event held at The View Bouznika, bringing together key players from the Moroccan IT and cybersecurity ecosystem. The launch marks the first step in a broader collaboration expected to progressively extend to other markets within Southcomp Polaris’ regional footprint.
Held under the theme “Unified Defense, Natively Built for AI – A New Era of Cybersecurity”, the event highlighted the shared ambition of Southcomp Polaris and Sophos to strengthen access to advanced cybersecurity technologies and create new growth opportunities for partners across the Moroccan market.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and Artificial Intelligence reshapes both attack and defense strategies, organizations require security solutions that provide greater visibility, faster detection and coordinated response across their environments. Throughout the morning, Sophos experts presented how the company addresses these challenges through an integrated approach combining AI, threat intelligence and human expertise, including a live cyberattack simulation illustrating how modern security technologies can detect, contain and neutralize threats.
Following the conference and networking lunch, the afternoon was dedicated to an exclusive golf initiation session set against the surroundings of Bouznika – a more informal environment for partners, Sophos experts and Southcomp Polaris teams to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships beyond the traditional conference setting.
Philippe Cahez, Country Manager, Southcomp Polaris Morocco, outlines the future possibilities unlocked by the partnership with Sophos. Photo credit: Southcomp Polaris
A strategic partnership starting in Morocco
Morocco represents the first stage of the collaboration between Southcomp Polaris and Sophos. Building on this initial launch, the partnership is intended to progressively expand into other countries within the Southcomp Polaris footprint, creating a broader platform for partner enablement, cybersecurity expertise and business development across the region. This signature opens new opportunities and horizons across French-speaking North, West and Central Africa, as well as Djibouti and Sudan.
By combining Sophos’ cybersecurity technologies and expertise with Southcomp Polaris’ market knowledge, distribution capabilities and established partner ecosystem, the two companies aim to help organizations strengthen their cyber resilience while enabling partners to expand their cybersecurity capabilities and develop new business opportunities.
“Morocco represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving technology market, where cybersecurity has become a strategic priority for organizations across all sectors. Through our partnership with Sophos, we aim to provide our partners with access not only to leading cybersecurity technologies, but also to the expertise, enablement and support they need to develop their business and address their customers’ evolving security requirements. Morocco is part of Southcomp Polaris’ footprint which covers a total of 20 countries across North, West and Central Africa – a strong platform to build on this momentum as our collaboration with Sophos progressively expands across these markets.” said Philippe Cahez, Country Manager, Southcomp Polaris Morocco.
“The launch of our partnership with Southcomp Polaris represents another step in expanding the Sophos ecosystem in Morocco. Organizations are increasingly looking for integrated, proactive and AI-powered approaches to cybersecurity, and our partners have a critical role to play in delivering these capabilities. By combining Sophos’ cybersecurity innovation with Southcomp Polaris’ local market expertise and partner network, we look forward to helping organizations strengthen their cyber resilience while creating new opportunities for our partners” said Zouhair Slaoui, Regional Manager – French-Speaking Africa, Sophos
On the left, Philippe Cahez, Southcomp, with Zouhaïr Slaoui, Regional Manager French Speaking Africa, Sophos and Yash Mehta, Senior Distribution Manager, Africa & CIS, also from Sophos. Photo credit: Southcomp Polaris
Building a stronger partner ecosystem
Beyond access to technology, Southcomp Polaris and Sophos will focus on building a sustainable partner ecosystem through technical and commercial enablement, go-to-market support, knowledge sharing and joint business development initiatives – a focus reflected in a dedicated session on partner programs and go-to-market strategy held during the launch event.
This combination of technology, business discussions, networking and shared experiences reflect the broader philosophy behind the partnership: building a strong cybersecurity ecosystem based not only on innovative solutions, but also on collaboration and long-term partner engagement.
With this launch, Southcomp Polaris and Sophos reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Moroccan channel through technology expertise, partner enablement and business development initiatives designed to address the next generation of cybersecurity challenges. The partnership is officially launched – and the next chapter will be built together.
Zouhaïr Slaoui (Sophos) presents at the event. Photo credit: Southcomp Polaris
Southcomp Polaris, part of Mindware, is a value-added technology distributor operating across several markets in Africa. Through partnerships with leading global technology vendors, Southcomp Polaris provides its ecosystem with innovative technology solutions, technical expertise, partner enablement and go-to-market support to help address evolving business and digital transformation requirements.
About Sophos
Sophos is a global cybersecurity company protecting organizations through advanced security solutions and services. Its portfolio combines endpoint, network, cloud, email and identity security with managed detection and response capabilities, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, threat intelligence and cybersecurity expertise to help organizations detect and respond to evolving threats.
Building a place where no one has to figure out their growth alone
Learning and Development was already part of Midis. What needed to change?
There were good initiatives in place, but they lacked a common thread. Development conversations happened, but they didn’t always lead somewhere concrete. And learning was still seen, too often, as a one-time event, a single course or workshop, rather than something ongoing. The shift we wanted to make was about embedding growth into how people actually experience working here every day, linking it directly to performance, to individual goals, and to where each person wants to go next. No one should have to figure out their growth alone here. It’s about making learning a natural part of the job, not something separate from it.
What were the first concrete steps?
A few pieces moved at the same time. We rolled out a learning platform across the Group, focusing on active engagement rather than just handing out login access. We also reactivated Individual Development Plans within the performance cycle, turning development conversations into real actions rather than just good intentions. Alongside that, we introduced assessment and development centers. These are structured programs where leadership capabilities are evaluated through real-world simulations, and it’s the kind of experience where you leave knowing exactly what your next step looks like. Each piece was deliberate, and together, they pointed toward something much bigger: the launch of Midis Academy.
What is Midis Academy?
It’s our answer to a question every growing organization eventually faces: how do you develop people consistently, at scale, in a way that actually connects back to the business? The Academy is the platform we’ve built to make sure that support is there for everyone. It brings together four pillars, Onboarding, the Fresh Graduate Program, the Management Development Program, and Ongoing Training & Development, forming one coherent experience. The goal isn’t just better training classes. It’s about building a stronger talent pipeline, ensuring faster readiness for critical roles, and fostering a culture where personal growth is simply part of everyday work.
Tell us about the Fresh Graduate Program.
It started in Qatar two years ago, led by the local HR and business team, and has since become one of the Academy’s foundational pillars. The program places high-potential graduates into structured tracks aligned with their roles, combining hands-on experience with defined learning pathways and continuous mentoring. Progress is closely tracked throughout, and high performers are considered for full-time roles at the end of the cycle. It’s a pipeline designed to produce real professional outcomes, not just a nice first job experience.
And the Management Development Program, what makes it different?
It’s a six-month journey, not a two-day course. The MDP runs across two tracks, one for emerging leaders, and one for those already in a leadership role, because development should meet people where they are, not treat everyone the same. Monthly learning blocks alternate between the practical and the strategic, focusing on immediate application: translating what’s learned into real business impact. It’s the kind of program that changes how people lead, not just how they talk about leadership.
You’ve also introduced Cornerstone as a new learning platform. What does that bring?
Cornerstone is a meaningful step forward in how we deliver growth opportunities across the Group, and we’re extending access to all employees progressively over next year. The biggest difference is coherence. Everything lives in one place, learning history, development plans, progress, and connects directly with myMidis on SuccessFactors. Development and performance become part of the very same conversation, not two separate tracks. The content covers technical, professional, and behavioral skills across all levels, designed to be completely flexible and built around the individual’s schedule, not the calendar.
What does success look like to you? “One connected ecosystem where learning, performance, and career progression aren’t separate, isolated conversations, but part of the exact same journey. Success is when development is completely embedded, visible, measurable, and consistently enabling our people to grow and perform at their best. We’re not entirely there yet, but we’re moving with real intention.”
MDS for Computer Systems signs a strategic collaboration with MOZN
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 14 – MDS for Computer Systems (MDS CS) today signed a strategic collaboration with MOZN, combining MDS CS’s regional expertise in digital transformation, data & AI, systems integration, and complex project delivery with MOZN’s advanced AI capabilities.
The agreement was signed at the Money20/20 Middle East summit. The three-day global financial technology conference, now in its second year, was held at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham.
“Our partnership with MOZN marks an important step in expanding our AI capabilities across the region. By combining strong local expertise with innovative AI solutions, we’re well positioned to help enterprises and government organizations accelerate their AI journey and unlock new opportunities” said Ali AlShankiti, General Manager, MDS CS.
MOZN offers powerful AI products serving banks, telecom, insurance companies, and enterprises across the region. Together, MDS CS and MOZN will jointly pursue enterprise and government opportunities through AI solutions development, implementation and integration, account alignment, co-selling, and regional market development.
MDS CS will collaborate on AI consulting engagements, AI projects, and AI agents, helping customers translate AI opportunities into scalable, production-ready solutions with measurable business impact.
Founded in 1982 by Sheikh Mohammed Mansour Al-Rumaih as Mideast Data Systems, today MDS CS is a well-known and highly reputable organization with a team of professional engineers and technicians, with a large base of satisfied customers, including significant numbers of large turnkey projects.
MDS CS takes a highly professional approach to meeting each of its customers’ unique business requirements. Its commitment in terms of financial investment and customer support is aimed at a long-term relationship with its customers.
Midis Group showcases AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation leadership at GITEX Nigeria 2026
At GITEX Nigeria, Midis Group brought together our affiliate companies, global technology leaders, and strategic allies to show what is possible when expertise, innovation, and technology unite behind a shared vision. Our Local Office teams played a significant role at the event. Across Nigeria and the wider continent, Local Office experts are advancing transformative technologies, building strategic partnerships, unlocking new opportunities – all with the advantage of deep local knowledge of the relevant emerging markets.
Africa remains one of the world’s most dynamic, fast-growing technology markets, and Midis Group is proud to be part of that journey. With HPE operated by Selectium, IBM operated by MIBB, MBCOM VMware Division, Quest Software, and Cohesity working side-by-side within the Midis Group ecosystem, and all present at GITEX, we are creating a space where diverse capabilities converge around one shared goal: accelerating Africa’s digital future.
“Emerging technologies create impact when global expertise meets deep local market understanding,” said the GITEX Nigeria team on the event LinkedIn profile. “We welcome Midis Group as Emerging Technology Partner, supporting enterprises with world-class technology, specialist expertise, and integrated solutions designed for complex, fast-growing markets.”
“Through its extensive technology ecosystem and regional capabilities, Midis Group is helping organisations modernise infrastructure, strengthen operations, and turn advanced technologies into measurable business outcomes.”
The team from HPE operated by Selectium at their booth. Photo credit: Midis Group
The event comprised two main phases: the exclusive Government Leadership and AI Summit (August 31-September 1, in Abuja), focusing on digital and AI governance, and the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo (September 2-3, in Lagos), the largest tech gathering in West Africa with over 200 exhibitors across various industries. Midis Group was pleased to serve as the Emerging Technologies Partner for the four-day event.
On September 3 at the Tech Expo, Midis Group led the industry conversation with an executive-level roundtable, Building Nigeria’s Trusted Digital Economy — Securing the AI-Driven Enterprise: Infrastructure, Cybersecurity & Resilience. The executive-level, market-relevant conversation addressed the priorities of organizations across financial services, government, telecommunications, energy, healthcare, and other critical sectors in Nigeria and the wider African market.
A big question was the catalyst for the roundtable: ‘How can Nigerian organizations accelerate AI adoption while building the infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection and resilience required to create a trusted digital economy?’
As the Roundtable kicked off, everyone was welcomed by moderator, Osato Agubata, Service Sales Manager, HPE operated by Selectium, who made opening remarks and set the tone for the discussion to come. Osato was followed by her colleague from HPE, Oludare Ishola, who presented about AI-Ready Infrastructure, Secure Hybrid Cloud, Edge-to-Cloud Operations & Infrastructure Resilience.
Cheikhouna Diop from IBM operated by MIBB followed with his talk about AI-Powered Cybersecurity, Threat Detection & Response, Trusted AI, Data Security & Governance. Next, there was a change of direction to a discussion about Secure Private Cloud, Workload Protection, Private AI, Zero Trust & Application Modernization, led by speaker from VMware, Emmanuel Adeogun.
Albert Truter, Senior Sales Engineer, Africa from Quest Software, then explored Trusted Data, Identity Security, Identity Threat Detection & Response, Governance & Cyber Recovery. His contribution was followed by Herve Evonlah, Regional Manager West and French Speaking Africa at Cohesity, talking about the importance of AI-Powered Data Security, Data Protection, Threat Detection, Cyber Recovery & Enterprise AI Resilience Across Hybrid, Cloud & SaaS Environments.
A final word came again from Osato Agubata, along with a Q&A session to round off the event.
Talking business at the MBCOM/VMware stand. Photo credit: Midis Group
Midis Group affiliates had plenty of good feedback about their presence at the event in Lagos:
“It was great to experience this momentum with our colleagues from Midis Group. Our joint presence demonstrated both the Group’s regional reach and strength, and our shared ability to turn vision into action,” said a spokesperson on the MBCOM, VMware Division LinkedIn profile.
“The energy is high, the conversations are happening, and we’re excited to connect with customers, partners, and technology leaders across Nigeria and beyond” wrote IBM operated by MIBB on LinkedIn.
Networking at the IBM by MIBB stand. Photo credit: Midis Group
“GITEX Nigeria 2026 made one thing clear: Nigeria’s digital future isn’t a distant ambition. It’s already being built – and the challenge now is to ensure secure, resilient and scalable digital infrastructure. That’s where we come in. With the right expertise, technologies and local capabilities, we can help organizations turn enormous potential into real progress. It was great to experience this momentum together with our colleagues from Midis Group. Our joint presence demonstrated not only the reach and strength of our Group across the region, but also our shared ability to turn vision into action” wrote a spokesperson from MBCOM – VMware Division on their LinkedIn profile.
Local Office harnesses Midis Group’s expertise and deep market knowledge to retain and grow your presence in emerging markets, and manage operational complexities. Our tailored and exclusive approach simplifies your go-to-market strategy across these territories. Building new markets is challenging due to diverse legislation and tax regimes, access to talent, and economic uncertainties that can hinder growth. We offer turnkey solutions that can address multiple goals and minimize cost.
The space between the rules
A conversation with Daniel Pharaon, SVP – Internal Audit at Midis Group, on what compliance really means, and what it quietly builds in markets where integrity is always being tested.
1. Most people think compliance is about rules. But rules are Legal’s territory. What is compliance actually about, and why does that distinction matter?
The confusion is understandable. Legal’s job is to interpret rules, to tell you what the law says, where the boundaries are, and how to defend the organization if those boundaries are tested. That’s essential work. Compliance is something different, it’s about building the conditions under which employees consistently do the right thing even when no rule explicitly covers the situation in front of them. Compliance operates in the space between the written rules and what’s happening on the ground. That space, especially in our markets, is enormous.
In practice, that means compliance is fundamentally about culture, judgment, and trust.
It’s about, for example, whether a sales manager in a high-pressure quarter knows, instinctively, where the line is on a client gift. That’s also why we try to keep these conversations real inside Midis, with examples, not theory. And the return on that shift? It’s largely invisible, but it’s very real. In the short term, it becomes visible for a competitor who makes the other choice. In the long term, it’s when our reputation for integrity wins us major clients and vendors. Midis’ history has borne that out.
2. AI is entering our workflows. What do most leaders underestimate about what that means for compliance?
Most leaders are asking the right question: ‘how do we use AI responsibly?’ But they’re framing it too narrowly, I think. The conversation tends to focus on data privacy and output accuracy, but those are only the surface layer. What’s really underestimated is the accountability gap AI creates inside existing processes. When a human makes a decision, there’s a person, a judgment call, a traceable rationale. When an AI-assisted process produces an outcome, that accountability chain gets lost. Who owned that decision? What assumptions were baked into the model? These are compliance questions, and most governance frameworks weren’t designed to answer them.
3. What does maintaining a high level of integrity actually require, and what has it built over time that couldn’t have been built any other way?
It requires consistency under pressure. Anyone can maintain standards when environments are stable and margins are comfortable.
“The character of an organization reveals itself when the deal is large, the timeline is short, and there’s someone across the table suggesting that this is not how things work here”
Maintaining that standard means having clear frameworks, visible leadership, and an environment where raising a concern is treated as a contribution, not a friction point. It means being willing to walk away without drama or apology – reflecting a position, not a limitation. What that builds over time is trust at scale, with partners, regulators, clients, and the people inside the organization itself. Vendors know a commitment from Midis means something. Internally, top talent chooses organizations where they don’t have to compromise their judgment to succeed.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Ultimately, the compliance standard is a talent standard. It shapes who stays, who thrives, and the quality of judgment embedded across the company. That’s a competitive asset you simply cannot buy.
It accumulates, slowly and deliberately, and becomes a genuine competitive asset in markets where trust is always being tested.
4. The compliance map across emerging EMEA keeps shifting. What does it look like right now, and what signal are you watching that the rest of the business probably isn’t?
Right now, the map is characterized by three overlapping dynamics: regulatory acceleration, enforcement maturation, and geopolitical fragmentation.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Regulatory acceleration, particularly in data protection and AI governance, is the most visible, but it’s not the most consequential. Enforcement maturation is the quieter shift, but arguably the more consequential one. Markets where enforcement was historically light are now building institutional capacity, better-resourced regulators, cross-border cooperation, a greater willingness to use enforcement as a signal of institutional seriousness. The risk profile has changed, even if the written rules haven’t.
Geopolitical fragmentation adds a further layer; the realignment of trade relationships and competing regulatory blocs mean compliance decisions increasingly have a geopolitical dimension that didn’t exist five years ago.
But the signal we’re watching most carefully, and which I think is genuinely below the radar for most of the business, is the evolution of third-party and supply chain liability frameworks across the region. Several jurisdictions are moving toward models where your compliance exposure extends to the conduct of partners, agents, and distributors within your ecosystem.
Due diligence on a new partner isn’t a one-time checkbox at onboarding anymore, it’s an ongoing obligation with potential legal consequence. Organizations still running static, event-triggered reviews, are building a vulnerability they may not see until it’s tested. That’s where we’re spending time today.
MDS System Integration Group showcases regional digital transformation portfolio at LEAP 2026
Riyadh, KSA –MDS System Integration Group took part in LEAP 2026, held from 31 August to 3 September at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, showcasing the group’s portfolio of solutions shaping the Kingdom’s digital future.
The group’s main booth brought together several of its entities under one roof: Mohammed Mansour Al-Rumaih (MMR KSA), MDS for Computer Systems (MDS CS), Total Technical Triangle, KAZA Co. Ltd, QuanTech SAL, and Innovatech Systems. Over the course of the four-day event, each entity presented a piece of the solutions the group is bringing to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey, drawing steady engagement from visitors, industry leaders, and decision makers across the floor.
eSolutions Saudia joins IBM at a separate booth
The eSolutions Saudia team at their booth with IBM. Photo credit: MDS SI
Alongside the group’s main presence, eSolutions Saudia, part of MDS SI, took part in LEAP 2026 through a separate dedicated booth in partnership with IBM. The joint booth drew continued interest from visitors throughout the event.
MMR KSA and Integrated Dawiyat sign partnership agreement
MMR KSA & Integrated Dawiyat partnership agreement signed: Sami Abi Esber, centre. Photo credit: MDS SI
The group’s participation at LEAP 2026 also marked the signing of a new partnership agreement between MMR KSA and Integrated Dawiyat, strengthening technology and digital transformation solutions in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Sami Abi Esber, President of MDS System Integration Group and Board Member at Midis Group; Said Alaloul, General Manager at Mohammed Mansour Al Rumaih (MMR KSA) Western Region; and Bahaa Adden Hindi, Technical Director – Data Centers Operation and TFM at MMR KSA. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to driving innovation and delivering value across Saudi Arabia’s growing digital landscape and represents a continued collaboration between the two organizations in the years ahead.
A strategic meeting with Lenovo on the sidelines of LEAP 2026
From the left, Sami Abi Esber; Salman Faqeeh; Ali AlShankiti, and Osama AlHaj-Issa. Photo credit: MDS SI
On the sidelines of LEAP 2026, Sami Abi Esber, President of MDS System Integration Group, along with Ali AlShankiti, General Manager of Innovatech Systems Part of MDS SI, met with Lenovo’s management team, Salman Faqeeh, Vice President at Lenovo and General Manager for Saudi Arabia, and Osama AlHaj-Issa, Head of Channel – Value at Lenovo, to discuss opportunities for collaboration and explore how the partnership can continue to grow across the region.
A strong showing across the Kingdom’s digital landscape
Across its four days, LEAP 2026 gave MDS System Integration Group and its entities the opportunity to connect with visitors from across the industry, present the breadth of the group’s capabilities, and build on the momentum of its growing presence in Saudi Arabia’s technology sector.
MDS System Integration Group is an experienced and agile Digital Systems Integrator that analyses, assists, and accelerates business growth with a team of 3,600+ professionals, holding over 1,400 technology and 250+ service delivery certifications, and serving a diverse clientele of more than 5,800 customers.
MDS SI ranked #1 by IDC on “IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC.”
The Group holds 60 affiliates across the Middle East and Turkey with presence in 11 countries and 18 cities, effectively driving digital and business sustainable transformation across enterprises and industries.
MDS SI, part of Midis Group, is committed to driving business excellence by utilizing world-class technology solutions, backed by the most powerful ecosystem.
From the middle, everything is visible
“It is less about moving products and more about creating confidence.”
We sat down with Philippe Jarre, President of Mindware, to talk about what it means to sit in the middle of the chain in today’s world.
Q1: You sit in the middle of the chain. What does that feel like from where you stand, and how do you hold the chain together when it’s pulling in every direction?
Our position is unique because we have visibility that neither side has. Vendors see global production and strategy. Customers see their own projects and budgets. We see the entire ecosystem. During periods of disruption – whether supply shortages, geopolitical tensions, currency volatility or sudden shifts in demand – every participant naturally tries to optimize for themselves. Vendors want forecast accuracy, partners want flexibility, customers want immediate availability.
Our role is not simply to move products, it is to absorb volatility
That means providing transparency instead of surprises, investing in inventory when others hesitate, financing partners when liquidity becomes constrained, and constantly sharing market intelligence in both directions. The trust we have built over many years allows us to have difficult conversations early. Sometimes we tell vendors what they don’t want to hear. Sometimes we tell partners to slow down rather than over-invest.
Our objective is never to maximize one transaction. It is to preserve the health of the entire ecosystem because if one link breaks, everyone ultimately loses
Q2: Africa and the ME/Gulf are both growing fast – what do these two regions teach each other?
The Gulf teaches you the power of speed. Governments make decisions quickly, digital transformation is ambitious, AI investments are accelerating, and customers expect immediate execution. Africa teaches you resilience. Markets can be incredibly dynamic, infrastructure varies significantly, currencies fluctuate and every country requires a different operating model. Success comes from adaptability rather than standardization. Managing both regions forces you to avoid simplistic leadership. You cannot apply one playbook everywhere. What both regions share is entrepreneurial energy. Innovation often happens because constraints force creativity. Leading across both has taught me that resilience is not about resisting change – it is about building organizations that learn faster when the environment changes around them.
Q3: At what point did you stop trying to plan around turbulence and start building a business that runs inside it?
Probably during the 2008 crisis when I was working for IBM. Like many companies, I initially viewed disruption as temporary. I kept expecting markets to normalize. Eventually I realized something important: Normalization was no longer a strategy. Instead of asking, “When will things become stable again?” I started asking, “How do we become successful even if instability continues?” That fundamentally changed my business approach and I then tried to apply it at Mindware during Covid. We diversified vendors and technologies, strengthened our services capabilities, invested more heavily in cloud, AI and cybersecurity, improved forecasting with data analytics, and built much greater financial flexibility. As a leader, I also changed. I became less focused on having perfect answers and more focused on helping the organization make faster decisions with imperfect information.
Today, agility is a competitive advantage in itself
Q4: In difficult environments, trust is tested – how do you maintain alignment?
People don’t expect leaders to eliminate uncertainty. They expect leaders to eliminate confusion. That means communicating far more frequently during difficult periods than during stable ones. Internally, we share what we know, what we don’t know and what actions we are taking. Transparency creates confidence. We also decentralize decision-making. Markets move too quickly for every decision to come from headquarters. Externally, consistency is critical. Partners and vendors remember whether you stood by your commitments during difficult periods. Sometimes protecting long-term trust means accepting lower short-term profitability. Those decisions always pay back because trust becomes a strategic asset that competitors cannot easily replicate.
Q5: You’ve watched competitors make decisions under pressure – what separates those who emerge stronger?
Companies that emerge stronger don’t simply cut costs. They invest selectively while others retreat. During turbulent periods, many organizations reduce inventory, reduce talent, reduce innovation and become defensive. We took a different approach. We continued investing in strategic growth areas like AI infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity and specialized technical capabilities because we believed those markets would accelerate once confidence returned.
Photo credit: Midis Group
The decision I’m most proud of was continuing to invest in people
Talented employees are difficult to replace, and culture becomes even more valuable during uncertainty. When markets recovered, we were ready to grow immediately because our capabilities had actually become stronger while others were rebuilding.
Q6: If turbulence is the new normal, how does the distribution model need to evolve?
Distribution is evolving from logistics to intelligence. Twenty years ago, value came from moving products efficiently. Today, products are increasingly available everywhere. The real value comes from helping vendors and partners navigate complexity.
Ultimately, distribution becomes the platform that accelerates innovation across the ecosystem. The companies that succeed won’t be the ones with the biggest warehouses. They’ll be the ones with the strongest data, the deepest expertise, the best financial capabilities and, above all, the highest level of trust. For many years, distributors were measured by how efficiently they moved boxes. Today, we are measured by how effectively we move ecosystems. In a world where technology changes every month and geopolitical uncertainty is constant, our role is no longer to reduce friction in the supply chain – it is to create confidence. Confidence for vendors, confidence for partners, and confidence for customers. That’s what modern distribution is really about.
Forward Thinking
“Governing trust is now more important than protecting systems”
François Van Deventer, Director & CTO Emerging Markets, Midis Group Local Office, on what Cybersecurity must become in the AI era
Enterprise AI has moved well beyond productivity. It is now embedding itself into our business processes, our enterprise applications, our data analysis, our software development cycles, and increasingly our operational decision-making. AI isn’t just assisting from the side; it is becoming part of how organizations run. The value of AI grows as it moves closer to what makes an organization unique: its competitive advantage, its institutional knowledge, its data. That is also where the risk becomes most significant. When AI becomes part of the operating layer of the business, Cybersecurity must become the trust layer.
BEYOND THE FIREWALL
For many years, cybersecurity was often discussed in terms of infrastructure protection: securing networks, endpoints, servers, applications, and data. Although these remain essential, enterprises are more distributed whilst being more connected, and more intelligent. We all want choice – to work from anywhere and from any device, but our applications span cloud, SaaS, data centers, and legacy systems. Identities across an organization now include not only employees and contractors but also service accounts, APIs, and increasingly AI agents.
“In the AI era, cybersecurity is no longer only about protecting our systems. It is about governing trust: who or what can act, what they can access, and whether that behaviour is legitimate”
THE ATTACK HAS ALREADY EVOLVED. HAS THE DEFENSE?
Attackers understand this change and they are moving faster every day. They rely more on identity abuse, exploiting cloud and SaaS environments, targeting edge devices, and using legitimate tools and access paths to avoid detection – outside of the obvious malware approaches. It is not enough to only rely on a standard secure log-in approach to our systems – They begin with a compromised identity, a trusted application, a misconfigured permission, an unmanaged device, a vulnerable edge system, or an employee unknowingly sharing sensitive information with an unmanaged AI tool. This is why the Cybersecurity conversation must change. It is no longer enough to ask, “Is this system protected?” We must also ask: Who or what is acting? What data can they access? Is this behaviour expected? Is the decision explainable? Can we contain the impact? Can the business continue to operate if trust is abused? More importantly, can we see what is happening? These questions become more urgent as AI moves deeper into enterprise workflows.
THE RISK YOU DIDN’T APPROVE
Adoption of AI does not wait for a managed transformation program. It enters through the daily behaviour of knowledge workers, and the blind spots it creates are real: sensitive information placed into unmanaged tools, teams adopting AI before security, compliance, or legal are involved. Another point of concern is that vendors may embed AI into their products without enough transparency around data use, model training, retention, or access controls. AI will work through the systems people already use today: browsers, SaaS platforms, virtual desktops, enterprise applications, internal repositories, and regulated business applications. That means security cannot treat AI as something separate from the business. AI must be governed where work already happens. AI needs to be appropriately governed based on what it can do, what data can be reached, what decisions it can influence, and when & where a human must remain in the loop.
“Security should not become the department of ‘no.’ It should help the business get to ‘yes,’ safely”
The answer cannot simply be to block everything. A more practical approach is a safe and managed transformation program: clear acceptable-use policies, approved AI platforms, data classification, identity controls, monitoring, user education, vendor governance, and human review for high-impact decisions.
GOVERNING THE NEW DIGITAL WORKER
AI security is not only about defending against AI risk. It is also about using AI carefully to improve the security function itself. Maturity around AI security can be framed around three priorities: protect AI, utilize AI, and govern AI.
Protecting AI means securing the AI models, its prompts and data, agents, any integrations, APIs, plugins, and business workflows that make AI useful.
Using AI within security teams means applying it where it can help teams analyze alerts, investigate faster, summarize threats, and improve response – without removing human judgement or accountability.
Governing AI means bringing AI use into the open – knowing where it is being used, what data it touches, who owns the use case, and whether the risks are understood and managed.
RESILIENCE IS THE NEW BENCHMARK
No organization can assume it will prevent every attack, mistake, or misuse of technology. But mature organizations can see clearly, respond quickly, limit impact, recover confidently, and continue serving their customers. In the AI era, resilience becomes the real measure of Cybersecurity maturity.
“The organizations that succeed will not simply be those that deploy AI the most. They will be those that make AI secure, visible, governed, explainable, and resilient”
If AI is becoming the operating layer of modern work, Cybersecurity must become the trust layer that allows innovation to move faster, safer, and with greater confidence.
Digital graphic: Midis Group
CA MENA strengthens its cybersecurity portfolio with DECE software partnership
Dubai, UAE, August 2026 – CA MENA, part of the Midis Group Local Office, has announced a strategic partnership with DECE Software, further strengthening its cybersecurity offerings and reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive, data-centric security solutions across the region.
DECE Software empowers organizations to take control of their data through an AI-driven data management and security portfolio. At the core of this offering, GEODI data security posture management combines intelligent data discovery, AI-powered classification, enterprise search, masking, remediation, and policy-based protection to identify sensitive information, understand its context, and manage its entire lifecycle. Across cloud and on-premises environments, DECE Software helps organizations transform fragmented data into visible, governed, secure, and compliant information assets.
The collaboration enhances the CA MENA value proposition by introducing complementary data classification capabilities and extending support for organizations operating across hybrid, and most importantly on-premises environments.
“This partnership reflects our strategy of building a best-in-class cybersecurity ecosystem around cybersecurity solutions, integrating complementary technologies that expand deployment flexibility, address evolving customer requirements, and maximize the value of existing investments. Through this collaboration, we continue to empower organizations across the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe, with innovative, integrated security solutions that strengthen cyber resilience, simplify data security, and help customers protect their most critical information with confidence” said a spokesperson for CA MENA.
As organizations continue to operate across increasingly diverse IT infrastructures while facing evolving regulatory and compliance requirements, the need for comprehensive, data-centric security has never been greater.
Together, CA MENA and DECE Software will deliver a complementary approach to data security by combining intelligent data discovery, classification, and protection to improve data visibility, enrich data context, and strengthen policy enforcement across complex enterprise environments. This flexible deployment model enables organizations’ on-premises infrastructures to adopt consistent data security practices while preserving a unified security architecture centered on a market-leading platform.
CA MENA is a leading technology company specializing in enterprise software, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and digital transformation and mainframe software solutions across the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the CIS region. Through a strong ecosystem of technology partners and channel organizations, CA MENA enables enterprises and government organizations to address complex business and security challenges with innovative, enterprise-grade solutions.
Elevating trusted digital governance in the AI era
On July 10, more than 50 government leaders, policymakers and technologists gathered at the Conrad Athens for the Citrix Executive Forum on Digital Governance hosted by MiCloudSW, Citrix’s strategic partner across Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East and an affiliate of Midis Group. The question on the table: how does a country move fast on AI while building the secure foundations that public trust depends on?
On the day of the event, the ensuing conversations reinforced a shared vision that AI innovation and cybersecurity must advance together to create lasting value for customers. The shift from the traditional laptop to intelligent AI agents is shaping a new model of work, in line with the strategy presented at the Citrix Executive Leadership Forum.
Modernizing the existing installed technology base securely, without disruption, is real work for any government IT function — and the forum’s conversations kept returning to the same theme: AI innovation and cybersecurity must advance together.
Pierpaolo Taliento: embedding AI deeply means agents have to inherit an organization’s cybersecurity protocols exactly as an employee would, no shortcuts, no exceptions. Photo credit: Citrix
AI as collaborator, not disruptor
In his presentation, Pierpaolo Taliento (GM, EEMEA, MiCloud Software) framed artificial intelligence as a collaborator, noting that AI agents will adhere to each organization’s strict cybersecurity protocols. He compared it to the arrival of electricity, explaining how the value of a new technology multiplies when it’s embedded directly into where and how people work. This approach doesn’t require a full overhaul of a company’s core, but it does change how we securely access data.
Citrix continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to the Greek market through sustained investment and innovation. As highlighted by Vicky Rentzepi, Director of Sales & COO, MiCloud Software EEMEA, the company has maintained a strong R&D (Research & Development) presence in Patras since 2012, following the acquisition of Bytemobile. Rentzepi emphasized that strategic local partnerships play a vital role in fostering innovation, enabling Citrix to leverage regional expertise while contributing to the growth of Greece’s technology ecosystem.
Vicky Rentzipi: Citrix is committed to growing partnerships within the Greek digital landscape. Photo credit: Citrix
Managing ageing equipment remains a key issue for digital transformation in the government sector
Worldwide, 448 million computers are still running Windows 10 – an operating system that was no longer supported after October 2025. In Greece, around 22% of desktop computers are still relying on Windows 10 (Statcounter – Global Stats).
Francois van Deventer (Director & CTO – Emerging Markets – Eastern Europe | Turkey | Middle East | Africa, Cloud Software Group) and Fanny Kofina (Principal Account Technology Strategist at Citrix – Cloud Software Group) highlighted the Unicon OS solution acquired from Citrix in January 2025 that could be an answer to keeping older machines working sustainably.
Unicon OS was acquired by Citrix in January 2025, as a solution for extending the life of aging PCs. By repurposing older machines as secure virtual desktop access points, the lightweight operating system helps organizations modernize user experiences without investing in large-scale hardware refreshes.
Citrix gathered 50+ business and public sector leaders for the event. Photo credit: Citrix
Real-world organizations in Greece validated how centralized, secure management works in practice. Vangelis Dimas outlined the transformation of the National Cadastre – Greece’s modern digital property registry cut service points from 400 to 100, while infrastructure is now centrally managed by just ‘1.5 people’ in the IT department. In the same spirit, Thanasis Zygomitros from EYDAP explained how a small team supports 500 concurrent users through Virtual Apps, rolling out disaster-recovery solutions on Azure and keeping a constant watch using the UberAgent tool. EYDAP (the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) is Greece’s largest water utility.
Challenges for the Greek Ecosystem
Despite rapid technological advances, many people still lack basic digital skills, creating a significant barrier to innovation, productivity and growth. Giota Paparidou is President of the Board of Directors for SEPE (the Federation of Hellenic ICT Enterprises in Greece) – she highlighted the major issue of outdated equipment in the public sector and cautioned about the pressures facing small and medium-sized businesses, which make up 94% of the Greek market. Since many can’t absorb additional costs for digital infrastructure, it’s increasingly critical for strategic partners to provide centralized, secure solutions.
Technology advances are driving immediate structural shifts, making investment in reskilling essential. Unemployment has dropped to 8.1%, with 563,000 people finding work compared with 2019, while the return of 473,000 Greeks through targeted incentives is strengthening the workforce.
Niki Kerameus tells about the innovative and increasingly successful JOBmatch app. Photo credit: Citrix
Government leading from the front
The Ministry of Labor is leveraging artificial intelligence, with Minister Niki Kerameus focusing on the JOBmatch app. This is an innovative app and platform commissioned by Greece’s Public Employment Service (DYPA), designed to directly connect job seekers with businesses in the tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage sectors. The app has now completed more than 100,000 job matches in the tourism and food service sectors. At the same time, the digitization of 153 million handwritten social-security stamp cards is nearing completion, with machine learning speeding up pension processing.
Virginia Kokios, Legal Advisor at the Special Secretariat for Long-Term Planning, underscored the need to design systems with data control at the core, marking the shift toward AI-Augmented Government. As the European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act) is gradually moving into full effect, adoption of AI tools – which in Greek businesses stands at just 8.9% – must follow the principle of compliance by design, building in cybersecurity from day one.
Her presentation highlighted that the future of Artificial Intelligence is not only about the adoption of new technologies, but also about creating the necessary conditions for their safe, reliable and responsible use, focusing on trust, data governance and digital sovereignty.
Virginia Kokios: adoption of AI tools must follow the principle of compliance by design, building in cybersecurity from day one. Photo credit: Citrix
MiCloudSW Ltd. (an Affiliate of Midis Group) is Cloud Software Group’s Strategic Partner for the majority of Africa, Eastern Europe and Middle East. A leading technology partner providing managed IT services and consultancy, system integration, cloud and data center capabilities, infrastructure, software, and hardware solutions, the Midis Group serves customers through a network of 170 companies across 70 countries.
This expansive network, coupled with the in-territory skills and support infrastructure within the Midis Group, will ensure partners and customers get the backing needed to define and implement superior technology deployments. Regional resellers and distributors in these territories will get fast and easy access to their Cloud Software Group products (the majority of the Citrix and TIBCO solutions), through MiCloudSW, benefiting from its extensive local market knowledge, expertise, and in-country resources. Find out more here
MMR celebrates 25 years of strategic partnership with CommScope
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – MMR, part of the MDS System Integration (MDS SI) group, is celebrating a landmark 25-year strategic partnership with CommScope. This milestone highlights ongoing digital infrastructure growth and provides a continuing foundation for delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions to enterprises across the region.
The 25-year anniversary marks a significant milestone in MMR’s journey, highlighting the organization’s ability to continuously deliver high-performance infrastructure, support regional digital transformation, and maintain a long-term strategic alliance with a global technology leader.
The milestone is celebrated by senior representatives and teams from both organizations, reflecting on a shared history of successful project delivery, mutual trust, and a commitment to customer success in the Saudi market.
Building a legacy of collaborative success
The integration of CommScope’s industry-leading technologies with MMR’s deep local expertise continues to provide businesses in Saudi Arabia with robust solutions capable of meeting evolving technological needs while improving data communications, support systems, and network infrastructure.
By leveraging this long-standing relationship, the organization is better positioned to empower enterprises, optimize connectivity, and enhance overall operational efficiency for its customers.
The ongoing partnership also establishes a strong foundation for future technological deployments, enabling MMR to further enhance its offerings in power solutions, electro-mechanical installations, and digital infrastructure as business requirements evolve in the Kingdom.
A strategic partnership with long-term potential
Beyond the initial 25 years of success, the milestone represents the continuation of a broader strategic relationship between MMR and CommScope. Yazid Irshaid, General Manager at MMR, said:
“Reaching this 25-year milestone with CommScope is a proud moment for all of us. This is a milestone made possible through collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared vision for delivering exceptional technology solutions. Thank you to CommScope for being part of this journey; we look forward to many more years of success together.”
As one of CommScope’s key strategic partners in the region, MMR presents significant opportunities for future collaboration across advanced technology portfolios, supporting the organization’s continued focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and business innovation.
Supporting future growth through digital transformation
As organizations across the region continue to modernize business processes and invest in digital technologies, robust network infrastructure has become a critical component of long-term business success. By maintaining this strategic partnership, MMR is investing in a relationship that not only addresses current connectivity requirements but also provides the flexibility and scalability needed to support future growth.
The 25-year milestone further reinforces MMR’s position as a trusted technology provider for organizations in Saudi Arabia seeking to modernize operations, optimize infrastructure, and accelerate digital transformation through industry-leading solutions.
Founded in 1983 by Sheikh Mohammed Mansour Al-Rumaih, MMR started its activity by hiring highly qualified staff with thorough experience in the relevant and specialist fields of Power Solutions, Electro-Mechanical Installations & Support Systems, Computers and Data Communications.
Today, MMR, part of MDS System Integration (MDS SI), is a well-known and reputable organization which has successfully served more than 1,000 customers including successful completion of 100 plus large turnkey projects. MMR is an organization dedicated to a professional approach in order to meet customers’ requirements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its commitment in terms of financial investment and customer support is aimed at a long-term relationship with its customers.
Mindware partners with Jamf to accelerate Apple device management and security across UAE, Bahrain & Jordan
Mindware, a leading value-added distributor (VAD) in the Middle East and Africa, has announced a strategic partnership with Jamf, the standard in managing and securing Apple at work. Under this agreement, Jamf has appointed Mindware as an authorised distributor to expand the reach of its Apple device management and security solutions across the regional markets of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Jordan.
Mindware was chosen for its deep understanding of reseller requirements and a proven legacy of reliability and service excellence spanning more than 30 years. The partnership enables Jamf to scale its presence across strategic markets in the Middle East by leveraging Mindware’s extensive network of resellers and system integrators.
Through this collaboration, Mindware will distribute Jamf’s full commercial portfolio, including Jamf for Mac, Jamf for Mobile, and Jamf for K-12, alongside training, certifications, and value-added services to support partners.
As regional organisations increasingly adopt Apple devices within enterprise environments, the demand for purpose-built Apple management and security solutions continues to grow. This partnership comes at a pivotal time, enabling businesses to securely manage, deploy, and scale Apple devices while enhancing user experience and maintaining compliance.
Mindware will play a central role in enabling Jamf’s reseller ecosystem by delivering a comprehensive set of value-added services. The objective is to equip partners with the expertise and tools required to effectively position and deploy Jamf solutions.
The partnership addresses a significant market opportunity driven by rising Apple adoption, employee choice programmes, increasing cybersecurity requirements, and the shift toward remote and hybrid work environments. It also supports growing demand in key sectors such as financial services, government, education, and aviation.
Jamf strengthens Mindware’s portfolio by introducing a dedicated Apple-native management and security platform. Unlike cross-platform tools, Jamf is purpose-built for Apple environments, offering same-day operating system support, deep integration with Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, and advanced capabilities in threat detection, compliance, and zero-trust access.
Nicholas Argyrides, left, and David Helfer, right. Photo credit: Mindware, Jamf
“Our partnership with Jamf represents a strategic step in strengthening our endpoint and cybersecurity portfolio” said Nicholas Argyrides, Vice President – Gulf & East Africa at Mindware. “As Apple adoption continues to accelerate within enterprise environments, our role is to enable partners with the right solutions, expertise, and support to meet this demand. Together with Jamf, we are committed to building a strong, scalable ecosystem that empowers organisations to securely manage and maximise their Apple environments.”
“UAE, Bahrain and Jordan represent a significant and fast-growing opportunity for Apple in the enterprise,” said David Helfer, Chief Revenue Officer at Jamf. “Organisations in these countries are increasingly choosing Apple devices for their workforce, and they need a management and security platform that is purpose-built for Apple to realise that investment. Mindware’s reach, regional expertise, and track record make them exactly the right distribution partner to bring Jamf’s platform to scale across the region. We’re excited about what we can build together.”
The partnership will officially go live in July 2026, with a structured rollout plan that includes partner onboarding, enablement programmes, and joint go-to-market initiatives such as launch events, co-branded campaigns, and MDF-supported demand generation activities.
Through this collaboration, Mindware and Jamf aim to empower regional organisations with a unified, Apple-native platform that simplifies device management, enhances security, and supports modern, distributed workforces.
Mindware, a leading IT distributor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, takes pride in offering top-quality global brands to over 7,500 partners with legal entities in 13 countries. With a rich history dating back to 1991 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Mindware’s unwavering commitment spans over three decades, empowering businesses with cutting-edge IT solutions, AI technologies, and fostering digital transformation. Mindware’s comprehensive offering encompasses a selection of leading brands in infrastructure, networking, security, storage, and artificial intelligence solutions.
As part of its Value-Added Distribution (VAD) methodology, Mindware goes the extra mile to provide supplementary value-added services to its reselling partners including pre-sales consultancy, implementation services, local technical support, AI enablement, marketing enablement tools, and multiple channel-enabling programs. Supported by strategically positioned logistic centres in key locations, Mindware ensures seamless distribution across all channels, efficiently catering to the needs of its esteemed partners and customers in both traditional IT and emerging AI landscapes.
Al Jazeera Investments selects MDSap and SAP SuccessFactors to transform HR operations across nine legal entities
Dubai, UAE – MDSap, the SAP consulting and implementation arm of MDS System Integration Group, today announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Al Jazeera Investments LLC to implement SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central and SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll across nine legal entities within the organization. The implementation will support more than 5,000 employees and provide a unified, scalable HR platform to support the company’s future growth and workforce transformation objectives.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Al Jazeera Investments’ digital transformation journey, enabling the organization to modernize HR operations, streamline workforce management, and establish a centralized system for employee and payroll processes across its business portfolio.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organizations. Representing Al Jazeera Investments were Rashid Lootah, General Manager IT; Abdul Razak, IT Executive; and Mirna Mahfouz, Group HR Manager, alongside members of the company’s leadership, IT, and HR teams. Representing MDSap and SAP were Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director, SAP UAE; Tony Achkar, EVP and Managing Director, MDSap; Tony Toutoungy, Regional Head of SAP Practice MENA, MDSap; Amr Awaad, Regional Sales Director ME South, MDSap; and Asad Ghayas, Account Manager, MDSap.
Building a scalable HR foundation
The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central and Employee Central Payroll will provide Al Jazeera Investments with a modern cloud-based HR platform capable of supporting its growing workforce while improving efficiency, governance, and visibility across HR operations.
By consolidating employee data and payroll processes within a single platform, the organization will be better positioned to standardize operations across its legal entities, improve workforce planning, and enhance the employee experience.
The project also establishes a strong foundation for future expansion into additional SAP SuccessFactors modules, enabling Al Jazeera Investments to further enhance talent management, learning, performance management, workforce analytics, and employee engagement capabilities as business requirements evolve.
Signing the partnership agreement. Photo credit: MDSap
A strategic partnership with long-term potential
Beyond the initial implementation, the agreement represents the beginning of a broader strategic relationship between Al Jazeera Investments, MDSap, and SAP.
Tony Achkar, EVP and Managing Director of MDSap, said:
“We are proud to partner with Al Jazeera Investments on this important transformation initiative. The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors will provide a scalable and future-ready HR foundation that supports the organization’s long-term growth objectives. This engagement represents the beginning of a strategic relationship, and we look forward to supporting Al Jazeera Investments’ broader digital transformation ambitions through additional SAP solutions and innovations in the years ahead.”
As one of MDSap’s key strategic accounts, Al Jazeera Investments represents significant opportunities for future collaboration across SAP’s broader portfolio, supporting the organization’s continued focus on operational excellence, scalability, and business innovation.
Supporting future growth through digital transformation
As organizations across the region continue to modernize business processes and invest in digital technologies, human capital management has become a critical component of long-term business success. By adopting SAP SuccessFactors, Al Jazeera Investments is investing in a platform that not only addresses current HR requirements but also provides the flexibility and scalability needed to support future growth.
The project further reinforces MDSap’s position as a trusted SAP partner for organizations seeking to modernize operations, optimize workforce management, and accelerate digital transformation through industry-leading enterprise solutions.
MDSap, part of MDS System Integration Group, is a leading SAP consulting and implementation partner serving organizations across the Middle East and EMEA region. With more than 30 years of experience and over 300 organizations served, MDSap helps enterprises accelerate digital transformation through SAP solutions spanning ERP, human capital management, analytics, finance, and business technology platforms.
About Al Jazeera Investments LLC
Established in 1999, Al Jazeera Investments LLC is a leading UAE-based investment company with a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, construction, industrial, food, transportation, concrete, and other strategic sectors. Through its portfolio of companies and investments, the organization continues to drive business growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation across the region.
HPE operated by Selectium achieves strong impact at the Fifth Intelligent Data Conference
Intelligent Data is the annual event hosted by HPE, operated by Selectium, and serves as the company’s largest gathering of channel partners, business decision-makers, technical experts, stakeholders and industry partners. Now in its fifth year, the event provides a platform to showcase HPE’s latest innovations, strengthen business relationships and share valuable insights into emerging industry trends.
Held once again at the Kaptol Boutique Cinema & Bar in Zagreb, Croatia, the conference brought together more than 200 delegates from across the regional technology ecosystem. Attendees took part in expert-led business and technical sessions focused on how organisations can successfully achieve digital transformation. HPE partners also had the opportunity to connect with one another, hear updates on the latest strategic developments and network during the informal afternoon programme.
Martin Moser from HPE welcomes delegates to the event. Photo credit: HPE, operated by Selectium.
The conference opened with remarks from Martin Moser, GM and VP, East Central Europe, HPE, followed by a welcome from Boštjan Kosi, Director, HPE, operated by Selectium.
Three keynote sessions then explored key pillars of modern technology transformation, focusing on networking, cloud and artificial intelligence. Tomislav Lukačević, HPE Networking & Servers Presales Consultant, presented ‘Networking – Connect & Protect.’ Bruno Funduk, HPE Storage Presales Consultant, and Mladen Vukadinović, Solutions Sales Specialist, delivered ‘Cloud – Modernize & Optimize.’ Denis Stanarević, Solution Portfolio Lead for Data Services Platforms, HPE, presented ‘AI – Automate & Accelerate.’
After the morning coffee break, awards were presented to valued local partners by Robert Mikulin, Country Sales Manager, Croatia, and Irena Čengić, Channel Manager Croatia, both from HPE, operated by Selectium.
Goran Slijepčević presents his insights at Intelligent Data conference. Photo credit: HPE, operated by Selectium.
Importantly, the event welcomed major partners from across the IT landscape. A prominent afternoon speaker was Goran Slijepčević, Sales Manager Adriatic at Commvault, who presented ‘Recovery after the cyber-attack – how to achieve it?’
Further sessions from HPE, operated by Selectium, completed the programme. The event concluded with closing remarks from Robert Mikulin, Country Sales Manager Croatia for HPE, operated by Selectium.
“We are proud that for the fifth year in a row, we have gathered a large number of users and partners and together we have exchanged experiences, ideas and views on the future of data and technology” said a spokesperson for the company on LinkedIn.
“With a large number of users and partners, we presented novelties in the field of networks, artificial intelligence and data storage. It was a pleasure to show how HPE Networking is creating a new generation of self-driving networks for a superior online user experience with agentic AI technology. Thank you all for your participation, great conversations and the energy you brought. See you again next year!”
The HPE, operated by Selectium team and speakers join together at the end of Intelligent Data. Photo credit: HPE, operated by Selectium.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium serves as the local representative of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in Bulgaria, Croatia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia and Slovenia. It is a renowned technology company with a comprehensive range of high-quality IT solutions, services, and products designed to assist customers in optimizing their IT environments. It provides innovative technologies that empower organizations to transition to a hybrid infrastructure, safeguard and manage business data, and foster increased productivity and essential agility in the market. In today’s business landscape, these capabilities are indispensable for successful operations.
iSTYLE accelerates its vision for Apple Premium Retail in Romania
iSTYLE Romania continues to shape the future of Apple retail nationally through three strategic store developments: the transformation of iSTYLE Cluj store from Iulius Mall into the first Apple Premium Partner store from outside Bucharest, the opening of iSTYLE Arad, and the expansion of the retail footprint in Iași with a second location. On July 24, 2026, iSTYLE will also open the first Apple Premium Partner store in Timișoara, the main economic, social and cultural center in Western Romania.
Together, these milestones reflect iSTYLE’s ambition to grow alongside its communities and to elevate the Apple experience in Romania’s most dynamic cities. Through these strategic investments, iSTYLE continues to build a strong, future-focused retail network in the nation, driven by innovation, quality, and a deep commitment to customer experience.
“These store developments are more than openings or upgrades; they reflect our belief in the potential of each city and in the communities we serve,” said Dragos Vrinceanu, Country Manager, iSTYLE.
“Whether we are entering a new market, strengthening an established one, or elevating a store to Apple Premium Partner status, our goal remains the same: to inspire people and bring them closer to the best of Apple technology through meaningful, premium experiences” added Dragos.
iSTYLE Cluj – interior view. Photo credit: iSTYLE
iSTYLE Cluj, Iulius Mall: Apple Premium Partner
Situated in the northwest of the country and Romania’s second-most populous city, Cluj is a major academic, cultural, and tourism hub. The development of the existing iSTYLE Cluj store in the Iulius Mall into an Apple Premium Partner site represents a defining moment for the brand. This evolution is a clear recognition of Cluj’s potential as a technology and innovation hub. Importantly, iSTYLE Cluj is the first Apple Premium Partner store outside of Bucharest, bringing a truly premium Apple retail experience to a wider audience across the country. Designed in line with Apple’s global standards, the store offers an immersive environment, in-depth product demonstrations, and premium consulting services tailored to both individual and professional users.
The opening of iSTYLE Apple Premium Partner store in Cluj was designed as a multi-day experience, thoughtfully built around connection, education, and celebration — reflecting both the store’s new status and the vibrant spirit of the local community.
One day prior to the public launch, iSTYLE Cluj hosted an exclusive, invitation-only SMB event, dedicated to business partners and SMB customers from the region. The private session focused on showcasing Apple solutions and tailored services for companies, highlighting how Apple technology can support productivity, collaboration, and growth for small and medium-sized businesses. The event offered attendees a closer look at the specialized consulting, device management, and ongoing support services available to business customers, reinforcing iSTYLE’s role as a long-term technology partner for the local SMB ecosystem.
The team at iSTYLE Cluj relax at the grand opening event. Photo credit: iSTYLE
On Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 AM, iSTYLE Cluj officially opened its doors to the public with a dedicated launch event. Customers were welcomed into the redesigned space, centered around discovery, interaction, and inspiration. The event was hosted by Alex Grecu, a well-known Romanian radio personality, who guided visitors through the opening moments and contributed to the energetic and engaging atmosphere of the day.
A highlight of the opening day was a series of four dedicated workshops, led by multiple speakers and special guests. The sessions covered a range of creative and practical topics within the Apple ecosystem, offering attendees hands-on insights, real-life use cases, and inspiration across different areas, from productivity to content creation. The workshops reinforced the Apple Premium Partner concept in Cluj as more than a retail destination, positioning the store as a space for learning, dialogue, and creative exchange within the community.
To mark the occasion, iSTYLE Cluj introduced exclusive, one-of-a-kind offers, available only during the opening period. Designed especially for launch-day visitors, these promotions added a celebratory dimension to the experience and rewarded customers who chose to be part of the milestone moment as the store opened.
Apple fans enjoy the atmosphere at the opening of iSTYLE Arad. Photo credit: iSTYLE
iSTYLE Arad: bringing the Apple experience to a new city
The opening of iSTYLE Arad marks the brand’s first store in the city, representing an important step in expanding access to Apple technology in western Romania. As an Apple Authorized Reseller, the store offers customers the latest Apple products, expert guidance, and trusted services — all designed to make innovation more accessible and inspiring. This new location reinforces iSTYLE’s mission to be closer to customers and to support creativity, productivity, and connection through technology.
The staff team at iSTYLE Iași wait calmly to welcome Apple fans as the store opens for the first time. Photo credit: iSTYLE
iSTYLE Iași: growing together with a strong community
With the launch of a second store in Iași, iSTYLE strengthens its presence in one of Romania’s most vibrant and fast-growing cities. This expansion underlines the strong relationship built with the local community and responds to increasing demand for Apple products and services. The new Apple Authorized Reseller store enhances convenience and accessibility, offering customers an elevated retail experience supported by knowledgeable specialists and a complete Apple ecosystem.
iSTYLE, a proud member of the Midis Group, is the largest network of Apple Premium retail stores across 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain under the K-tuin brand. Since launching its first store in 1999, iSTYLE has grown into a global leader in Apple retail, boasting more than 140 locations in the EMEA.
This includes 69 stores across CEE and 31 in the MENA, offering customers a premium shopping experience with expert guidance and top-tier service. Additionally, its sister company, K-tuin, further strengthens its presence with 46 stores across Spain, ensuring Apple enthusiasts have access to unparalleled service and the latest innovations.
MDS Storage Solutions & MDS System Integration Group achieve double win at Dell Technologies Gulf Executive Partner summit & awards
Dubai, UAE – MDS System Integration Group, the systems integration arm of the Midis Group, today announced a landmark double win at the Dell Technologies Gulf Executive Partner Summit and Awards 2026, held from June 23-26, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Leading the achievements, MDS Storage Solutions, part of MDS SI, claimed the prestigious Partner of the Year South Gulf award, while MDS System Integration Group was named the Marketing Partner of the Year. Together, these accolades highlight the Group’s comprehensive technical expertise, robust go-to-market execution, and deep commitment to technology partners and clients across the region.
The annual Dell Technologies Gulf Executive Partner Summit and Awards is a premier event in the regional technology sector, celebrating partners who deliver outstanding performance, business impact, and innovation across the Gulf.
Photo credit: MDS Storage Solutions
Partner of the Year, South Gulf: MDS Storage Solutions
The Partner of the Year, South Gulf award honors exceptional business performance, deep technical expertise, and proven customer success across the South Gulf territory. As a premier enterprise systems integrator in the UAE, MDS Storage Solutions is highly regarded for designing and deploying advanced, tailored enterprise data center solutions (encompassing servers, storage, backup, networking, and cybersecurity).
“Winning the Partner of the Year, South Gulf award is a proud moment for MDS Storage Solutions and the entire Group. It reflects our relentless dedication to technical excellence and our proven ability to deliver complex, future-ready data center solutions” said Hadi Nader, Executive Vice President, MDS System Integration Group.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our end users for their continued trust, and to Dell Technologies for their invaluable partnership in making this happen. Together, we remain committed to empowering our enterprise customers across the region” added Hadi Nader.
This recognition reflects the organization’s highly qualified engineering team, profound technical capabilities, and consistent success in implementing mission-critical environments that support the digital evolution of regional enterprises.
Marketing Partner of the Year: MDS System Integration Group
The Marketing Partner of the Year award recognizes a partner who has established stellar brand alignment with Dell Technologies, executing strategic, high-impact campaigns that drive measurable market awareness, engagement, and pipeline growth across the region. MDS System Integration Group’s award emphasizes its excellence in translating complex technology offerings into clear, valuable solutions for the market.
Caroline Kazanjian, Group Marketing Director at MDS System Integration Group, commented: “Being named Dell Technologies Marketing Partner of the Year is a recognition of the strength and depth of our partnership. At MDS SI Group, we believe that marketing’s core role is to create the conditions for sustainable business growth, building market credibility, accelerating pipeline, and positioning our joint capabilities where they matter most to our clients. This award is equally a tribute to the marketing team whose dedication turned strategy into measurable impact. It reinforces our commitment to driving this partnership forward with the same ambition.”
A Landmark Milestone for the MDS SI Group
These dual honors reflect the combined strength of the MDS SI Group, proving its capability to deliver top-tier technical solutions alongside world-class strategic marketing. For an organization with decades of regional leadership, this double victory cements a long-term partnership with Dell Technologies built on mutual trust, outstanding performance, and shared regional goals.
MDS System Integration Group is the systems integration arm of the Midis Group. Having been in the market for more than five decades, MDS SI Group has extensive experience in delivering the most innovative technologies and empowering enterprises across the Middle East and Turkey.
MDS SI has been ranked #1 by IDC in terms of IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC. Comprising 60+ companies spread across 11 countries and 18 major cities, MDS SI Group serves 5,000+ customers through 3,000+ professionals in sales, pre-sales, implementation, tech support, and more.
The Group provides complete turnkey solutions covering Digital Transformation (Cloud, AI, Data Management, Automation, Analytics), Data Center Infrastructure Services, Managed Services, Cybersecurity, Business Solutions, Professional Services, End User Computing, Mobility and Communications, Enterprise Infrastructure, Technical Services, Site and Power Solutions, ELV and AV, and Mobile and Containerized Data Centers.
MDS Storage Solutions (MDS SS), part of MDS System Integration Group, is a leading enterprise Systems Integrator in the UAE, leveraging long experience in the region and providing excellent service through a highly qualified, trained, and experienced team of engineers. Since its inception, MDS SS has focused on integrating and delivering customized advanced enterprise Data Centre Solutions, including servers, storage, backup, network, and security across the Middle East. Regional coverage is an indicator of the company’s experience, strengths, and ability to grow, manage, and support various types of projects and environments.
MDS awarded EcoVadis Bronze Medal for sustainability performance
Mideast Data Systems (MDS) LLC has been officially awarded the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, recognizing its strong sustainability performance and unyielding commitment to responsible business practices.
EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted and widely recognized providers of business sustainability ratings. Its comprehensive framework evaluates organizations across four core pillars: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. The assessment is based on internationally recognized sustainability standards and evaluates the effectiveness of a company’s policies, actions, and reporting practices.
MDS achieved an overall score of 69/100 and ranked in the 77th percentile globally, outperforming 77% of companies assessed by EcoVadis – a truly impressive performance and a great tribute to the work of the MDS Sustainability Team.
The achievement, announced on June 5, reflects the significant progress made in strengthening sustainability management systems, enhancing governance practices, improving transparency, and embedding ESG principles across the organization.
Commenting on the achievement, Khaled H. Nehme, Project Director at MDS, said: “The EcoVadis Bronze Medal is an important milestone in our sustainability journey and reflects the dedication of our teams across the organization. We are proud of the progress achieved and remain committed to continuously improving our sustainability performance and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”
MDS is part of MDS SI Group, whose sustainability vision is to integrate responsible environmental, social, and governance practices across its diverse operations, while driving long-term value creation and positive impact for stakeholders
SOLEC Solar Energy Systems joins the MDS Site & Power Group, part of MDS System Integration Group
Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 22 – MDS System Integration Group today announced that SOLEC Solar Energy Systems has joined the MDS Site & Power Group, further expanding the Group’s capabilities in renewable energy, solar power solutions, and sustainable infrastructure.
The addition of SOLEC reinforces MDS SI Group’s commitment to supporting organizations as they pursue energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term operational resilience. With its expertise in solar energy solutions, SOLEC enhances the Group’s ability to deliver a broader portfolio of power, infrastructure, and energy services that address the evolving needs of businesses and public sector organizations across the region.
“SOLEC strengthens the Site & Power Group’s ability to support customers with innovative solar energy solutions that help reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to environmental goals” said Ghassan Abdel Rahman, Executive Vice President of MDS Site & Power Group. “Integrating SOLEC’s capabilities into the Group means customers benefit from access to a comprehensive range of services that combine renewable energy expertise with established power and infrastructure solutions.”
A group photograph as SOLEC joins MDS Site & Power. Photo credit: MDS Site & Power
Supporting the region’s sustainability ambitions
The move reflects MDS SI Group’s ongoing strategy of investing in specialized technologies and expertise that create long-term value for customers. By expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector, the Group is better positioned to support organizations as they navigate the transition toward more sustainable and resilient operations.
Together, the Site & Power Group and SOLEC will continue to deliver innovative solutions that help customers address energy challenges, strengthen operational performance, and achieve their sustainability objectives.
SOLEC Solar Energy Systems specializes in solar energy and renewable power solutions, helping organizations implement sustainable technologies that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term energy objectives.
MDS Site & Power Group, part of MDS System Integration Group, delivers specialized solutions across power infrastructure, energy management, critical facilities, and related technologies. Through its expertise and portfolio of services, the Group helps organizations build resilient, efficient, and future-ready environments that support business continuity and sustainable growth.
A conversation with Daniel Pharaon, SVP – Internal Audit at Midis Group, on what compliance really means, and what it quietly builds in markets where integrity is always being tested.
