
Zoho Powers Up CRM for Everyone Platform with AI to Elevate Customer Experience
'Multiple people in an organisation need access to customer information, yet historically, CRMs have been relegated to only sales teams,' said Hyther Nizam, President Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho. 'As we democratise CRM with the launch of CRM for Everyone, we also need to build in capabilities that make it easy for anyone to build and extend CRM with simple prompts, without having to be an expert in the system. This is where Zia's advanced capabilities come in. Now, anyone can create capabilities, workflows, or reports in CRM with a simple prompt. They can also make their CRM look the way they want with Zia's image to design capabilities.'
Available across all MENA countries, the new enhancements equip MENA businesses with a powerful set of tools including expanded capabilities from Zia and the introduction of two major features: Connected Records and Connected Workflows. Together, these additions mark a significant step forward in making CX tools more intelligent, accessible, and collaborative across the entire organisation. Among the advanced Zia capabilities is Report Creation with Ask Zia, a new agentic feature where users can simply issue a prompt to generate a report. Zia then builds the report in real time, respecting the user's access permissions, and allowing the user to visualise and even interrupt the process to make changes before resuming. This is part of a broader rollout of agentic AI across
Zoho's platform. Similarly, Custom Module Creation enables users to configure their CRM setup using natural language, eliminating the need for code. Whether creating modules, modifying field types, or adjusting permissions, users can now tailor the system to their needs through plain-text instructions.
In the same spirit, Workflow Creation with Ask Zia allows users to design and implement custom workflows via simple prompts. Zia acts as an intelligent agent that executes the task on the user's behalf, greatly reducing the complexity of process automation. Meanwhile, Image to Canvas introduces a novel image-to-design function that transforms static visuals into dynamic CRM layouts, layering intuitive design over structured customer data.
Building on the foundation of CRM for Everyone, Zoho continues to reshape how teams collaborate across the customer journey. The introduction of Connected Records ensures that work and context are automatically linked across different team modules, so that customer information remains consistent and up-to-date across all touchpoints. In parallel, Connected Workflows serves as a coordination layer, automatically managing cross-functional processes spanning departments like sales, marketing, onboarding, finance, and legal. These features not only improve visibility and alignment across teams but also ensure that every customer interaction is informed, timely, and consistent from start to finish.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
16 hours ago
- Zawya
Zoho strengthens support for UAE's Tech Sector By partnering with DART
Dubai, UAE: Zoho, a leading global technology company, has announced a new partnership with Dart, a leading business ecosystem in Dubai, aimed at empowering founders from around the world to relocate, setup and scale their companies in the UAE. The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony between Premanand Velumani, Associate Director, Strategic Alliances Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Zoho, and Jack Mouzer, COO of Dart, at Dart's Dubai headquarters. As part of this collaboration, Zoho will offer $500 in wallet credits to eligible Dart members, providing them access to its suite of 55+ cloud-based business applications. The company will also lead dedicated workshops, product training sessions, and webinars to help entrepreneurs and early-stage tech businesses build and grow efficiently using Zoho's technology. 'Zoho has always believed in supporting businesses from the ground up,' said Velumani. 'Through this partnership, we aim to empower emerging tech startups in Dubai with the tools, knowledge, and local support they need to scale confidently. As the region's digital economy accelerates, we are growing more committed to being a long-term partner in this journey.' Commenting on the partnership, Jack Mouzer, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dart said: 'We're excited to be bringing Zoho's powerful suite of tools to our clients and community members. Zoho is a household name in software and systems, and their innovative products make it easier for businesses to hit the ground running in Dubai, whether they're startups building from scratch or established companies upgrading their tech stack.' This initiative is part of Zoho's broader 'Transnational Localism' strategy to invest in local ecosystems, particularly in markets like the UAE that are becoming regional hubs for AI, fintech, and digital innovation. With a strong focus on accessibility, privacy, and localisation, Zoho continues to be a preferred platform for thousands of businesses across the UAE and wider MENA region. About Zoho With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, including sales, marketing, customer support, accounting and back-office operations, and an array of productivity and collaboration tools, Zoho Corporation is one of the world's most prolific technology companies. With 100 million users around the world, hundreds of thousands of companies, rely on Zoho every day to run their businesses. Zoho respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Chennai, India. Additional offices are in the United States, India, Japan, China, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Columbia Threadneedle Investments appoints new sales head for the Middle East and Africa
DUBAI: Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the global asset management group, has appointed Keith Dixson as Head of Middle East and Africa (MEA) sales. Keith takes up his new role at Columbia Threadneedle on 1 July 2025 and will be based in Dubai. Keith started his career in the financial industry in 2006 and joins from Candriam, where he has operated as Head of International Development based in Dubai, leading the redevelopment of the firm's institutional sales strategy, including a range of new product launches. Keith will report to Florian Uleer, Head of Europe and Middle East Distribution, and is supported by the team in Dubai and the wider EMEA distribution and client management teams. Columbia Threadneedle has built a significant footprint across the Middle East over the last 20 years, having opened its office in Dubai in 2010. The firm serves the full breadth of clients in the region, including Sovereign Wealth Funds, family offices and third-party distributors. Most recently the regional team has seen strong business growth across its alternative investment strategies. Florian Uleer, Head of Europe and Middle East Distribution at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, commented: 'Keith brings extensive and valuable experience in building institutional client relationships, which we are confident will help drive our continued success with existing and new clients in the region, offering solutions from across our investment capabilities. Supported by the wider team, Keith brings excellent leadership and experience to help deepen relationships and deliver excellent service.' -Ends- About Columbia Threadneedle Investments Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a leading global asset manager, entrusted with £481bn[1] on behalf of individual, institutional and corporate clients around the world. We have approximately 2,300 people including approximately 550 investment professionals based in North America, Europe and Asia[2]. We offer our clients a wide range of strategies across equities, fixed income and alternatives, as well as specialist responsible investment capabilities and a comprehensive suite of solutions. Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global asset management group of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP), a leading US-based financial services provider. As part of Ameriprise, we are supported by a large and well-capitalised diversified financial services firm. Follow us on Linkedin Important information In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). In the UK: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the EEA : Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A. registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), Registered No. B 110242, 6E route de Trèves, L-2633 Senningerberg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, Registered address: Claridenstrasse 41, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. [1] Source: Ameriprise Financial Q1 2025 earnings release [2] As at 31 March 2025, Columbia Threadneedle Investments


Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Why MEA broadcasters are choosing evolution over revolution
The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving smartly, with broadcasters choosing technologies that meet current needs and prepare them for the future, building on proven foundations instead of starting anew. The broadcast industry loves to talk about revolution. IP workflows, cloud production, software-defined everything – the narrative often suggests that broadcasters need to tear down their existing infrastructure and start fresh. But here in the Middle East and Africa, I'm witnessing something far more pragmatic and, frankly, more intelligent: evolution over revolution. Working from our Dubai hub and supporting broadcasters across this vast, diverse region, I see firsthand how MEA operators are navigating technological change with a wisdom that comes from understanding their unique operational realities. They're not rushing to abandon proven technologies; instead, they're strategically adopting new capabilities whilst maintaining the rock-solid reliability that their audiences and stakeholders demand. The Reliability Imperative and Regional Diversity Consider the operational pressures facing broadcasters in our region. When Al Sharqiya covers breaking news across Iraq and the broader Middle East, or when Production Crew produces live sports coverage for Saudi Arabia's expanding entertainment sector, there's absolutely no margin for error. These aren't just business operations – they're critical communications infrastructure that audiences, governments, and sponsors depend upon. This reliability requirement shapes every technology decision. It's why Al Sharqiya chose our HVS-1200 switcher for their Dubai newsroom – not because it was the flashiest option, but because it delivers broadcast-grade reliability whilst future-proofing their investment with 12G-SDI capabilities ready for their planned Ultra HD transition. Similarly, Sharjah TV required absolute reliability for mission-critical government event coverage combined with creative flexibility for cultural programming, leading them to implement a sophisticated dual-switcher setup featuring the HVS-2000 as main and HVS-1200 as backup. These broadcasters needed technology that works flawlessly today but grows with them tomorrow. One aspect that outsiders often underestimate is the sheer diversity of our region. Technical standards, content requirements, infrastructure maturity, and production scales vary dramatically from country to country. A solution that works perfectly for a high-end sports production in Dubai might be completely inappropriate for a news operation in Lagos or a cultural programme in Cairo. This diversity actually drives innovation in interesting ways, pushing us to develop solutions that are genuinely flexible rather than one-size-fits-all. The Smart Hybrid Approach What I find particularly interesting is how MEA broadcasters are embracing hybrid workflows that blend traditional and next-generation technologies. Production Crew's new 12G-SDI outside broadcast unit exemplifies this approach perfectly. They wanted the creative flexibility of modern production tools, but they also needed the operational certainty that comes with native 12G-SDI infrastructure. This isn't about being conservative, it's about being smart. The 12G-SDI architecture provides immediate 4K capabilities with the simplicity and security that live production demands, whilst still offering pathways to IP integration when business cases and operational requirements align. The modular approach we see in products like our FA-1616HB-12G platform allows broadcasters to build exactly the functionality they need, whether they're focused on remote production with JPEG XS support, SMPTE ST 2110 implementation, or exploring new technologies like AI-assisted production. The most successful broadcasters I work with view technology as an enabler of content and business goals, not as an end in itself. This pragmatic approach is leading to some fascinating hybrid architectures: IP connectivity for remote collaboration combined with SDI infrastructure for mission-critical switching, software-defined capabilities for creative flexibility paired with hardware reliability for core operations, and AI tools for production efficiency integrated with proven broadcast-grade equipment for output quality. Building the Future Intelligently Perhaps most exciting is how this evolutionary approach is positioning MEA broadcasters for growth. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving massive investment in entertainment and sports production. The UAE continues to expand as a regional media hub. African markets are seeing unprecedented growth in local content production. Broadcasters who have built flexible, future-ready infrastructure, rather than cutting-edge systems that might be obsolete in two years, are best positioned to capture these opportunities. They can scale up for major events, adapt to new content requirements, and integrate new technologies as business cases develop. The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving rapidly, but it's evolving intelligently. Broadcasters are making technology choices that serve their current operational needs whilst preparing for future opportunities. They're building on proven foundations rather than starting from scratch. This evolution-over-revolution approach isn't just smart for individual broadcasters; it's creating a robust, adaptable industry infrastructure that can support the region's growing content ambitions. Whether it's covering major sporting events, producing cultural programming that reflects our diverse communities, or delivering the reliable news coverage that democracy depends upon, MEA broadcasters are proving that thoughtful evolution often beats dramatic revolution. The future of broadcasting in our region isn't just about having the latest technology – it's about having the right technology, implemented thoughtfully, supporting real operational needs and business goals. That's the kind of future I'm excited to help build.