The Tech Capital recently interviewed Henry Sutton, the Founder of the Gulf Data Center Association, and Stijn Grove, the Managing Director of the Dutch Data Center Association and Chairman of the KickStart Europe Conference, at the Touchdown Middle East Conference 2023 in Bahrain, a collaborative effort between the two organizations. The conversation began with a discussion about the extensive preparation and collaboration that went into organizing the conference over several months. Both exectuvies highlighted the natural synergy between their respective associations and the decision to join forces for the event. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between associations and the significance of connecting the Gulf region with Europe. Grove emphasized the need for closer cooperation among associations, noting the event as an official start towards that goal. Sutton stressed the significance of connecting the Gulf region with Europe, particularly in the context of emerging market dynamics and the potential for mutual growth and expansion. Gove also reflected on the adjustments required when organizing an event in Bahrain compared to the Netherlands, noting the successful turnout and the potential for further improvement. The interviewees highlighted the positive reception from international visitors, challenging stereotypes about the region, and the success of bringing the entire Gulf together for the conference. The discussion then shifted to the key themes and data points shared at the conference, with a focus on the evolving perceptions of the region and the energy and buzz surrounding the potential for business and expansion. Both Sutton and Grove underscored the importance of sessions that shed light on regional developments, including digital infrastructure and the clear vision for digitization in the Gulf. The interview concluded with a forward-looking perspective on the region's potential to become a global digital hub, positioned strategically between Asia, Europe, India, and Africa. The interviewees expressed optimism about the Middle East's potential to emerge as a new center of power in digitalization, with a focus on investment trends and the region's path towards global significance. +++ Follow us on: Subscribe: https://thetechcapital.com/register/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetechcapital_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tech-capital Instagram: https://instagram.com/thetechcapital_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Tech-Capital-101679965480510 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZ8yuPvtECZCwV2g9OkX1w #digitalinfrastructure #datacenter #thetechcapital #cloudadoption #cloudcomputing #datacentre #infrastructure #youleadwereport

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