As governments and enterprises accelerate AI adoption, the focus is shifting from where data is stored to who controls access, usage and protection across AI infrastructure.
For years, discussions around AI sovereignty in the Gulf have centred on data residency—ensuring that information is stored within national borders. But as organisations deploy increasingly advanced AI models and infrastructure, data location alone is no longer sufficient to establish sovereignty.
The more critical question is who controls the data, how AI models access and use it, and what safeguards remain in place when multiple technology providers and infrastructure platforms are involved.
This distinction is becoming increasingly important for governments and enterprises seeking to unlock AI capabilities without compromising sensitive information. Keeping data within a country may address certain regulatory requirements, but it does not automatically guarantee control over access, processing, model interactions or the security of information.
At GITEX 2026, Jason Hammons, VP Systems Engineering at VAST Data, will discuss the changing relationship between AI models, infrastructure providers and enterprise data, and why organisations need to reassess what sovereignty means in an AI-driven environment.
Key areas of discussion include the distinction between data residency and sovereignty, the role and limitations of confidential computing, and the safeguards organisations should demand before placing sensitive workloads on AI infrastructure.
The discussion will also examine how enterprises can access advanced AI capabilities while retaining control of their most valuable information.
As sovereign AI moves higher on the regional agenda, organisations will need to look beyond the physical location of data and assess the ownership, governance and technical controls governing its use.
Meet VAST Data at GITEX 2026: Stand H15-D60, S15.
