Samer Semaan, Distribution & Alliances Director, META at Pure Storage, spoke to Sandhya D’Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group, about the company’s commitment to partner development, Dubai’s evolving influence in the global tech landscape, and the growing adoption of subscription-based models that are transforming the future of data management.
How do events such as GITEX uplift the regional channel landscape, and how does Pure Storage contribute to that growth?
Dubai has become the hub of the future and GITEX acts as a gateway for new and emerging technologies, opening doors not only to the Middle East but also to Africa and the wider region. Every major tech company comes here to showcase the latest innovations, but what makes GITEX powerful is its ecosystem. Our business model relies heavily on this—our distributors, partners, and alliances. For technology to reach customers effectively, it must be communicated and delivered correctly. At Pure Storage, we take this responsibility seriously. Our large presence at GITEX reflects our belief in the platform’s value. We work closely with our partners, providing the right tools, training, and enablement programmes. It’s a two-way relationship—we learn from them, and they learn from us. This mutual growth ensures our ecosystem has the confidence and capability to take our solutions to market and drive meaningful business outcomes.
Global trends show that tech talent is increasingly moving toward Dubai. What are your thoughts on the city becoming a magnet for international professionals?
Dubai and the UAE are leading examples of countries that don’t just adopt technology—they embrace it early. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, smart-city initiatives, or sustainable innovation, some of the world’s most ambitious projects are happening here. The government’s commitment to digital transformation is unmatched. When you see this level of investment and ambition, it’s natural that global talent wants to be part of it. People recognise that innovation today often starts in Dubai before spreading to other markets. That’s why we’re seeing a steady inflow of professionals and entrepreneurs who view Dubai as the place to be.
Being at GITEX means being at the heart of global innovation. What’s your personal take on this year’s atmosphere?
GITEX is always special. I like to call it a “love–pain” relationship—we all love the energy, the opportunities, and the connections, but by the end of the day we’re completely exhausted! That said, it’s worth every bit of effort. GITEX gives us the chance to learn, collaborate, and exchange ideas with industry peers. What matters is that we follow up after the event—turning conversations into partnerships and opportunities. The key is to maintain the same energy and passion throughout the week.
Looking ahead to 2026, what will be Pure Storage’s top focus areas in terms of regional growth and technology?
Geographically, our main focus markets remain the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. We have strong on-ground teams and expanding operations in each. From a technology perspective, our top priority is driving awareness and adoption of our subscription-based business model. Subscription is the future—it offers customers flexibility, predictability, and peace of mind. With Pure’s model, customers pay only for what they use, enabling them to scale effortlessly. We believe this represents the future of technology consumption—simple, efficient, and aligned with how modern enterprises prefer to operate.
Image Credit: Pure Storage
