GITEX Global 2025 marks a defining chapter for Planview as the company strengthens its foothold in the Middle East with the launch of its regional headquarters at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). In conversation with Tahawultech.com, Vishal Dhawan, Managing Director and President – Asia Pacific & Middle East, outlines the company’s mission to accelerate digital transformation through AI-enabled connected work platforms and strategic partnerships. With over 30 clients already in the region, Planview’s local presence will enhance customer engagement and governance across large-scale transformation projects. Dhawan also reflects on Dubai’s growing stature as a global hub for innovation, capital, and technology talent.
How would you describe the energy and excitement at the event this year?
The buzz and excitement are incredible. We’re thrilled to be part of GITEX Global 2025, especially this year, as Planview has reached a new milestone by establishing a presence in the UAE.
What can we expect from Planview at GITEX this year?
Interestingly, our brand icon is the falcon—and we’ve now landed in the land of falcons. We formally launched our operations and office last week at DIFC. One of the main reasons for setting up in the UAE is our existing customer base—over 30 clients in the region. Having a local presence allows us to be closer to them and strengthen our relationships. Globally, we work with more than 3,000 customers across industries in project and portfolio management, strategic portfolio management, and value stream management. With the Middle East witnessing massive digital transformation, this was the perfect time for us to establish ourselves here.
You oversee APAC and the Middle East—a broad and diverse region. What common themes do you see across these markets?
There are a few strong trends. First, every organisation today is undergoing some form of transformation—mostly digital—and yet, 70–75% of these transformations fail or fall short of expectations. That’s why customers are seeking platforms that offer end-to-end visibility, governance, and control from strategy to execution.
Secondly, there’s a lot of buzz—and FOMO—around AI. Everyone wants to understand its potential. Planview has long invested in AI and is, in fact, the industry’s first AI platform for connected work. As large language models mature, the focus is shifting to identifying the right use cases.
Finally, we’re witnessing a transition in the nature of work—from traditional or hybrid models to product-based operating models. Whether in banking or e-commerce, organisations are building digital assets, and the question now is how to shift effectively from project to product operating models. Overall, digital transformation in the region is truly on steroids.
Are there any partnerships or MoUs being announced at GITEX?
Yes. We already have a strong global partnership with AWS and are working with them to set up a local data centre in the region. This will allow us to serve our customers better and address data sovereignty requirements. Once AWS launches in Saudi Arabia, we’ll follow with our own data centre there — planned for Q3 next year. In addition, we’re collaborating with major global systems integrators such as Accenture, EY, and Infosys, along with boutique partners, to build an ecosystem that supports our growth and customer success across the Middle East.
As a global leader managing such diverse markets, what’s your take on Dubai’s evolution as a hub for digital innovation and global talent?
Dubai has truly become the epicentre of capital investment and innovation. Organisations here are leapfrogging digital adoption because they don’t carry the burden of legacy systems. This enables them to embrace new technologies faster. Dubai and the wider Middle East are now setting global benchmarks in areas like AI and crypto. This momentum is attracting global capital, talent, and technology leaders to the region.
Image Credit: Planview
