Supporting the country’s efforts to build resilient, locally developed digital infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi: Kerno, the UAE’s first enterprise-grade IT hardware manufacturer, is participating in the Make it in the Emirates Exhibition (MIITE) 2026, where it is showcasing locally developed compute infrastructure and outlining plans to expand its domestic manufacturing operations in response to rising regional demand for sovereign AI infrastructure.
The company’s participation comes amid growing regional emphasis on strengthening local technology capabilities and building resilient digital infrastructure. Kerno is exhibiting in the Advanced Manufacturing, AI and Industry 4.0 hall as part of broader efforts aligned with the UAE’s industrial development strategy.
Kerno’s approach focuses on localising key stages of the technology value chain, including research and development, manufacturing, deployment, and lifecycle support. The model is aimed at meeting increasing demand for infrastructure that supports data control, operational resilience, and alignment with national priorities.
Christopher Caswell, CEO and Co-Founder of Kerno, said: “MIITE is more than an exhibition — it is a statement of intent. Every year, it signals that the UAE is not content to be a passive recipient of global technology trends. It is determined to build, create, and own more of the critical capabilities that will shape its future.”
“Last year, we came to MIITE with conviction. This year, we returned with proof. With the soft launch of our manufacturing facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis in February, what was once a vision is now taking industrial form.
What was once a technical consideration is now a strategic imperative. Sovereignty in digital infrastructure is no longer only about performance — it is about resilience, control, and the ability to build critical capability at home.”
Fatma Sajwani, Chief Commercial Officer at Kerno, said: “We are seeing a real shift in the market. Customers are becoming more deliberate about where their infrastructure comes from, how quickly it can be delivered, who stands behind it once it is deployed, and the level of control they truly have over it.
More and more, enterprises and government entities are prioritising locally manufactured infrastructure not just for resilience, but for speed, accountability, and alignment with national objectives.
That is where Kerno stands apart. At MIITE 2026, we are not only showcasing products; we are demonstrating that world-class infrastructure can be built and supported in the UAE, with the credibility, capability, and long-term commitment this market expects.”
Central to this approach is Kerno’s manufacturing facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis, developed to serve domestic demand and strengthen the UAE’s technology manufacturing ecosystem. The site has an initial annual production capacity of more than 60,000 enterprise systems, with room for expansion. It features Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines, automated assembly systems, ISO 7 cleanroom environments for microelectronics, and advanced process monitoring systems.
The facility is expected to support local supply chain development, create skilled employment opportunities, and align with the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) framework.
At MIITE 2026, Kerno is showcasing a range of infrastructure solutions designed for enterprise and government applications. The OKAM line includes enterprise server systems based on Intel and AMD architectures, supporting diverse organisational workloads with options for localised configuration. The UQLEAD range focuses on high-performance computing systems developed for artificial intelligence and data-intensive applications, including model training and deployment, with an emphasis on data residency requirements. The OTAON portfolio comprises enterprise storage systems designed for secure data management, regulatory compliance, and controlled access. Additionally, the USOUL platform provides diagnostics, monitoring, and operational visibility to support infrastructure performance and maintenance across deployments.
Kerno’s participation at MIITE 2026 reflects broader national efforts to expand domestic advanced technology manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imported infrastructure.
