AI Reshaping The Business Landscape In Dubai And The Middle East: Insights From IBM

IBM has reported a significant return on investment, exceeding US$3.5 billion, from integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies over the past two years. Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM Gulf, Levant and Pakistan, highlighted this achievement during Dubai AI Week. He emphasised AI's strategic importance for regional organisations aiming to boost productivity and returns.

Eid explained that IBM assists businesses in identifying impactful AI use cases in areas like human resources and supply chain management. He foresees AI's influence growing with the rise of "AI assistants" and "AI agents" capable of making decisions with minimal human input.

The Middle East is experiencing significant investments in AI infrastructure and applications. Eid noted that last year marked a shift from experimentation to tangible returns on AI investments for many companies. This transition demands robust data platforms and efficient AI models to enhance accuracy while balancing innovation with security.

Partnerships are crucial for accelerating digital transformation, according to Eid. A study by IBM and the Dubai Future Foundation revealed that 26 percent of regional organisations have appointed a Chief AI Officer. This figure is expected to rise to between 50 and 65 percent within two years.

Eid pointed out that organisations with dedicated AI leadership roles see 10 percent higher returns on their investments. The UAE was among the first countries to establish such roles across public and private sectors, highlighting its commitment to AI-driven transformation.

IBM remains committed to supporting the UAE and Dubai's ambitions in global AI development. Collaborations with entities like the Dubai Future Foundation, Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University are central to this effort.

Eid concluded by stressing the need for specialised AI models that improve efficiency while maintaining security and reliability. As more organisations appoint Chief AI Officers, they can expect enhanced outcomes from their AI initiatives.

With inputs from WAM