Abu Dhabi-based EDGE entity KATIM has announced a strategic partnership with Kerno Enterprises, the UAE’s first enterprise-grade IT hardware manufacturer. The collaboration aims to establish local manufacturing for KATIM’s critical network encryption products, reinforcing the UAE’s push for technological independence and data sovereignty in its core infrastructure.
Quick Facts
- Partnership between EDGE’s KATIM and Kerno Enterprises.
- Focus on in-country manufacturing of network encryptors.
- Aims to enhance the UAE’s technological sovereignty.
Bolstering National Data Security
The agreement, signed at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event, will consolidate the manufacturing and integration of sophisticated network encryption technologies within the UAE. This move is designed to give the nation greater control over its critical digital infrastructure, reducing dependency on external supply chains for sensitive hardware.
Didier Pagnoux, CEO of KATIM, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal. “This partnership is yet another step in the UAE’s mission for complete technological sovereignty. By manufacturing and integrating Gateway devices locally, EDGE acts as a cornerstone of national resilience, providing data protection even in the most sensitive, volatile, and vulnerable environments.”
Christopher Caswell, Co-Founder and CEO of Kerno, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing trust and security. “This partnership with EDGE and KATIM reflects a shared focus on strengthening the UAE’s control over its most critical infrastructure. It’s not just about performance, it’s about trust, security, and the ability to operate without dependency.”
From Sovereign Design to Local Production
The partnership’s initial phase will concentrate on producing the KATIM Gateway devices, specifically the portable X9001 and X9001-R models. These sovereign-grade, post-quantum resistant network encryptors are built to secure high-bandwidth data flows for core networks and data centers.
Production will later expand to include the X9011, a larger-scale data encryption solution. This transition from sovereign design and development to in-country manufacturing marks a significant step in building a complete, end-to-end technology ecosystem within the UAE.
About EDGE
Launched in 2019, EDGE is a UAE-based advanced technology group focused on developing disruptive solutions for the defence sector and beyond. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it consolidates over 35 entities across five core clusters, driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and national security.
About Kerno
Kerno Enterprises FZO is the first enterprise-level IT hardware manufacturer in the UAE. Based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Kerno designs, develops, and manufactures a portfolio of high-performance technology products, including AI servers and mission-critical storage systems, to support the UAE’s strategic objectives and advance local manufacturing.
Source: Zawya
