Welcome to the December edition of the Zoho MENA newsletter!

Hello Zoho MENA community,

December is here, and we're wrapping up the year with plenty of updates and exciting plans for the months ahead! November was filled with impactful events across the MENA region—from finance and technology to digital transformation and future workspaces—and we joined key gatherings that highlighted the trends shaping the industries we serve. In this edition, we’re sharing a recap of our engagements across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, where we connected with leaders, shared insights, and celebrated innovation.

Keep reading to explore the highlights, insights, and innovations that can power your journey into 2025!

November highlights: A packed month of events across MENA

November was filled with events across the region, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and experts. Here’s a look at where we’ve been and the connections we’ve made:

Saudi Arabia spotlight

Datacentre & Cloud Infrastructure Summit (DDCI) – Riyadh

On November 5-6, we were thrilled to participate in the DDCI Summit in Riyadh, where we joined key figures from across the data and cloud sectors. Over two days, we engaged with Saudi Arabia's leaders in digital transformation, sharing insights on infrastructure innovation, security, and the future of cloud technology.

Digitizing Kingdom – Riyadh

As an event partner, we were part of the Digitizing Kingdom event in Riyadh on November 12, a gathering that emphasized the latest trends in digital strategy for the Kingdom. This event underscored the rapid strides Saudi Arabia is making toward a fully digitized future, and we were proud to showcase our role in this transformation.

Celebrating excellence at the Customer Centricity Summit & Awards Middle East – KSA

We were pleased to be part of the Customer Centricity Summit & Awards Middle East in KSA, a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing organizations that prioritize exceptional customer experiences. The summit brought together industry leaders to exchange insights and strategies for building stronger customer relationships. Our team showcased how Zoho’s solutions enable businesses to deliver personalized and seamless customer interactions, solidifying their competitive edge in the market.

Navigate e-invoicing compliance with Zoho Books - Riyadh

?We recently hosted a one-day event in Riyadh, inviting our customers and those interested in Zoho Books to explore the next phase of e-invoicing regulations introduced by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in Saudi Arabia.

The event featured three key sessions, each focusing on how to seamlessly integrate Zoho Books with the latest updates, prepare for compliance, and streamline business operations. It was a valuable opportunity for attendees to understand the new requirements and discover how Zoho Books can simplify their processes.

UAE spotlight

World Finance Forum

On November 6, we joined the World Finance Forum in Dubai, where the finance community came together to exchange ideas and explore emerging financial trends. We connected with finance professionals and discussed how digital solutions can address evolving business needs in today’s dynamic financial landscape.?

100 CPO Summit & Awards

The very next day, on November 7, we attended the 100 CPO Summit & Awards in Dubai, celebrating excellence and innovation in procurement. It was inspiring to be among industry trailblazers and witness the recognition of outstanding achievements in procurement across the region.

Gartner CIO & IT Executive Conference – Dubai

From November 19–22, we participated in the Gartner CIO & IT Executive Conference in Dubai. The event gathered CIOs and IT leaders to explore the latest trends and strategies in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. We engaged with key decision-makers, sharing how Zoho’s innovative solutions can empower organizations to achieve their strategic IT goals in the face of digital transformation.

Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit – Dubai

?Big 5 Global

From November 26–29, we took part in Big 5 Global, one of the largest construction events in the UAE. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with construction industry professionals and showcase how our solutions streamline operations, ensuring projects run smoothly and efficiently.

Future Workspace Summit & Awards

To round off a busy month, we attended the Future Workspace Summit & Awards in Dubai on November 28. The summit focused on reshaping workspaces for the future, and we were excited to share our expertise on collaborative tools and remote work solutions that are transforming modern workplaces.

Mastering CX at the Customer Experience Workshop

We hosted?our Customer Experience Workshop in Dubai, the ultimate destination for mastering the art of delivering exceptional customer experiences across marketing, sales, and support processes. Over two dynamic days, attendees immersed themselves in engaging hands-on exercises, insightful learning sessions, and practical strategies to elevate their CX game. The event wasn’t just about knowledge—it was a blend of learning, interaction, and plenty of fun, leaving participants inspired and equipped to redefine their customer journey.

Middlesex University workshop

This month, we were delighted to welcome students from Middlesex University Dubai to our Dubai office for an interactive workshop. The session offered an exciting opportunity to explore Zoho’s suite of applications and how they empower businesses to streamline operations and drive innovation.

It was a pleasure to connect with these bright young minds, share insights into the world of business technology, and inspire them to think creatively about solving real-world challenges. We’re proud to contribute to shaping the future of tech-savvy leaders and look forward to even more impactful engagements in the future.

Strengthening ties with The Collective Hub Bahrain

For the past two years, Zoho has proudly collaborated with The Collective Hub Bahrain, empowering the country’s startup community with tailored software solutions designed to enhance efficiency and foster growth. As we renew our commitment, we’re thrilled to continue supporting Bahrain’s innovative entrepreneurs in their journey to shape the future. Together, we look forward to driving impactful collaboration and achieving even greater success in the years ahead.

Embarking on a promising journey with Dubai Racing Club

We’re excited to kick?off our partnership with the Dubai Racing Club, a collaboration set to unfold over the next two years. By working with one of the most prestigious names in equestrian sports, we aim to blend tradition with innovation, bringing our advanced solutions to enhance their operations.

This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering organizations across industries, streamlining processes, and fostering growth. As we celebrate the rich culture of horse racing, we look forward to leveraging modern technology to elevate the experience for all involved. Here’s to a transformative journey ahead!

Dubai Zust Tournament 2024

This month, we were excited to organize the Dubai Zust Tournament, an event that celebrated skill, teamwork, and camaraderie. The tournament brought together talented teams for a series of exciting matches, fostering connections and a spirit of healthy competition. We were thrilled to create an engaging platform for collaboration and community building, both on and off the field. We’re grateful for everyone who participated and made this event a success, and we look forward to hosting more such inspiring events in the future!

Bringing minds together

?We were thrilled to host an exclusive analyst roundtable dinner, where we brought together industry-leading analysts, key clients, and our president for MEA, Hyther Nizam, along with Zoho's leadership team. The evening was an invaluable opportunity to explore new possibilities, exchange insights, and strengthen connections, all in the spirit of shaping a brighter future.

MEA?Partner Community Meet 2024

?We were pleased to host another Partner Community Dinner, bringing together our valued Partners for an evening of collaboration, connection, and celebration. The event provided a platform to exchange ideas, reflect on shared achievements, and explore opportunities for future growth. From engaging conversations to moments of laughter and inspiration, the dinner highlighted the power of strong partnerships in driving success. We're forever grateful for our Partners' unwavering support and trust, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, creating meaningful impact, and reaching even greater milestones.

?Egypt spotlight

Cairo ICT

?We attended Cairo ICT, a cornerstone of Egypt’s technology and digital landscape, from November 17-20. Over four days, we connected with tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, highlighting our commitment to advancing technology in Egypt and showcasing our latest innovations.

Partnering for success

We also hosted our first MEA Partner Technical Workshop in Cairo, a two-day event packed with hands-on learning and collaboration on apps like Zoho Creator, Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, and Catalyst by Zoho. The sessions included building a mobile application from scratch, designing web apps, and creating custom widgets, equipping our Partners with advanced skills to deliver exceptional solutions.

?Kuwait spotlight

Empowering finance leaders at CFO Connect Kuwait

On November 20, we participated in CFO Connect Kuwait at the stunning Jumeirah Messilah Beach. Our team delivered an insightful presentation on Driving Financial Transformation with SaaS, showcasing how our innovative solutions empower financial leaders. Adding to the excitement, we were honored to receive an award recognizing our sponsorship of this impactful event. It was a remarkable day of knowledge sharing, networking, and celebration!

Qatar spotlight

Shaping the future of IT

We participated in the IDC Qatar CIO Summit 2024, centered around the theme of The Future of IT: Rethinking Digitalization for an AI Everywhere World. The summit brought together industry leaders to explore how AI is revolutionizing business landscapes. Our team engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared insights on leveraging Zoho’s AI-powered solutions, and connected with IT decision-makers shaping Qatar's digital transformation journey.

Jordan spotlight

Driving innovation at MENA ICT Forum – Jordan

?At the MENA ICT Forum in Jordan, we joined a vibrant community of innovators, leaders, and changemakers redefining the region’s tech landscape. From exploring the latest advancements in ICT to exchanging ideas on fostering digital growth, the event offered invaluable insights and connections. Our focus at the event was on demonstrating how Zoho’s tools can seamlessly integrate into businesses, enabling them to scale and innovate in a rapidly evolving market.

?Product spotlight

Add a Call button to your Google Business Profile posts with Zoho Social

?You can now give a more seamless experience to customers trying to reach out to your business immediately by adding a Call button to your Google Business Profile posts. This feature allows customers to connect with your business with a single tap, simplifying communication and eliminating the need for them to navigate to a different page or website to learn more. The convenience that users gain with the availability of an option to call you will also mean more conversions for your business.

Add a custom domain in Zoho Social to shorten long URLs

Shorten your long URLs by adding a custom domain URL shortener to Zoho Social and personalize them for your brand name. You can add the domain under Settings -> General Settings -> URL Settings. You can customize your URL further by adding a vanity name to make it recognizable and branded. Vanity names can be specific to your brand or a campaign and look more professional than generic domains. For example, if your vanity name is 'signup', your URL will look like this: www.zylkertravels.com/signup.

Vanity URLs are also easier to memorize and help with good SEO ranking, so more users identify and find the brand. It'll also help in bringing back repeat customers, increasing conversion rates!

?Once you've added the domain, you can shorten URLs either from the Settings page or directly from the compose window. You can also enable UTM trackers for your URLs to track parameters and monitor performance and clicks.

Zoho Cliq 6.0: Transforming team collaboration and productivity

?Seven years in, and we’re taking Zoho Cliq to the next level! Meet Zoho Cliq 6.0: Your team's new powerhouse for collaboration and productivity.

This latest release brings an array of new features designed to streamline collaboration, improve administrative control, and enhance mobile flexibility.

Key highlights of Zoho Cliq 6.0

Empowered administration With advanced admin controls like data loss prevention, file management, and quick bulk imports, Zoho Cliq 6.0 helps teams stay organized and secure.

Smart collaboration From rich text formatting to custom meeting branding, our enhanced collaboration tools ensure a seamless experience for every interaction and meeting.

Developer platform: Innovation hub Automate tasks with bot calls, visual charts, and upgraded schedulers, bringing a new level of efficiency to everyday work.

Peak performance Enjoy a faster, more reliable experience with improvements in call quality, video streaming, and app speed for a smoother workflow.

On-the-go efficiency Stay connected wherever you are with mobile-friendly features, including screen sharing, advanced search, and meeting controls.

Zoho Cliq 6.0 is designed to adapt to your team’s unique needs, helping you work smarter and achieve more. For a deeper dive into each new feature, explore our latest articles and see how Zoho Cliq 6.0 can revolutionize your work experience!

Get real-time insights on the big screen with the SalesIQ TV app

Want to keep your team in the loop with real-time business performance updates? The SalesIQ TV app is here to help! Now available on Apple and Android TV, this app gives you live visualizations of your business's key metrics right on the big screen.

Here's what you can expect

Real-time visitor monitoring: Track visitor activity across your website or app with a dynamic map view.

Comprehensive business dashboard: Monitor key KPIs like chat stats, team availability, customer feedback, top departments, and more—all updated every 2 minutes.

Customizable views: Tailor the dashboard to focus on specific departments or metrics that matter most to your team.

Why do you need the SalesIQ TV app?

With a shared view of business data, everyone stays informed, making collaboration and decision-making easier than ever!

Optimize your reports with custom categorization in Zoho CRM

With the latest release for Zoho CRM, you can now categorize report values into number-based or picklist-based columns, allowing you to tailor your data more effectively. This enhancement enables you to better organize and analyze your reports, helping you gain deeper insights and optimize your business operations. Whether you're tracking performance metrics or managing data categories, this new feature streamlines reporting, making it easier to track key business drivers and make informed decisions.

To learn more, visit the Categorize report values to optimize your business operations page!

Improve efficiency and user experience with quick actions in Zoho Desk's Radar iOS app

With the new quick actions feature in Zoho Desk's Radar iOS app, users can now perform tasks more efficiently and easily. Whether it's editing a dashboard, starring a view, changing the order of pins, or other actions, these tasks can now be completed faster, all in just a few taps. This enhancement streamlines your workflow, improving overall efficiency and making the app experience smoother and more intuitive.

Latest enhancements to Zoho Vault

Zoho Vault has introduced several key enhancements to improve user experience and security. Users can now access folders offline and create regular backups, adding convenience and reliability. In terms of security, a new login activity report allows users to track Zoho Vault login activities not only through the web version but also via the browser extension and mobile app, ensuring vigilant monitoring.

Additionally, reports have been significantly revamped, offering deeper, more comprehensive insights, and users can now filter their password searches by specific users or groups they've shared passwords with or received passwords from, making it easier to manage and review their password data.

Zoho Directory new releases

Zoho Directory has introduced several powerful new features to enhance user management and streamline workflows. Device reports are now available on the Reports page, providing quick insights into active devices assigned to users, currently enrolled devices, accounts with unsynced passwords, and devices running older agent versions. Additionally, bulk import support is now available for BambooHR, allowing users to easily import active users based on set criteria, with the flexibility to select individual users or import all at once.

Lastly, provisioning support is now enabled for the SDP On-Demand service, enabling automatic field mapping between Zoho Directory and ServiceDesk Plus for smoother user data synchronization across platforms.

See you next month!

Thank you for joining us for another exciting edition of our newsletter. We hope you found valuable insights and inspiration to drive your business forward.

Stay connected with us on Instagram, X, and Facebook for the latest news, tips, and events from Zoho MENA.

We look forward to bringing you more exciting updates and resources in our upcoming newsletters. Have a fantastic month ahead!

Warm regards,

The Zoho MENA Team