Industry analysts warn that IT leaders in the UAE must prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) or risk falling behind in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. According to a survey conducted by Equinix, 77 percent of IT leaders in the UAE believe their existing IT infrastructure is ready to meet the demands of AI technology, outpacing the global average of 58 percent and the EMEA average of 51 percent.

The UAE has been witnessing widespread adoption of AI across various industries, reflecting the country’s preparedness to accommodate this transformative technology. AI has gained significant traction in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors, thanks to breakthroughs and advancements in the field over the past year.

Kaladhar Voruganti, Senior Technologist at Equinix, emphasized the criticality of integrating AI into organizations, stating that those who fail to capitalize on its potential may fall behind their competitors. The survey revealed that globally, 85 percent of IT decision-makers are seeking to leverage AI’s advantages and are already utilizing or planning to use it across multiple key functions.

In the UAE, AI adoption is most prominent in IT operations (97 percent), followed by cybersecurity (95 percent) and sales (95 percent). However, IT leaders in the EMEA region expressed the most uncertainty (49 percent) regarding their infrastructure’s ability to support AI needs compared to leaders in Asia-Pacific (44 percent) and the Americas (32 percent).

Alongside digital infrastructure upgrades, the survey also highlighted the importance of education and collaboration in empowering IT teams to optimize AI deployment. As a result, 52 percent of organizations planning to expand their IT teams are seeking AI and machine learning expertise.

Kamel Al-Tawil, Managing Director at Equinix MENA, credited the UAE’s visionary leadership for the country’s comfort in embracing AI across various business functions. He highlighted that the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in 2017 with the aim of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031, has laid a strong foundation for AI adoption in the country.

Industry analysts warn that IT leaders in the UAE must prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) or risk falling behind in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. According to a survey conducted by Equinix, 77 percent of IT leaders in the UAE believe their existing IT infrastructure is ready to meet the demands of AI technology, outpacing the global average of 58 percent and the EMEA average of 51 percent.

The UAE has been witnessing widespread adoption of AI across various industries, reflecting the country’s preparedness to accommodate this transformative technology. AI has gained significant traction in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors, thanks to breakthroughs and advancements in the field over the past year.

Kaladhar Voruganti, Senior Technologist at Equinix, emphasized the criticality of integrating AI into organizations, stating that those who fail to capitalize on its potential may fall behind their competitors. The survey revealed that globally, 85 percent of IT decision-makers are seeking to leverage AI’s advantages and are already utilizing or planning to use it across multiple key functions.

In the UAE, AI adoption is most prominent in IT operations (97 percent), followed by cybersecurity (95 percent) and sales (95 percent). However, IT leaders in the EMEA region expressed the most uncertainty (49 percent) regarding their infrastructure’s ability to support AI needs compared to leaders in Asia-Pacific (44 percent) and the Americas (32 percent).

Alongside digital infrastructure upgrades, the survey also highlighted the importance of education and collaboration in empowering IT teams to optimize AI deployment. As a result, 52 percent of organizations planning to expand their IT teams are seeking AI and machine learning expertise.

Kamel Al-Tawil, Managing Director at Equinix MENA, credited the UAE’s visionary leadership for the country’s comfort in embracing AI across various business functions. He highlighted that the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in 2017 with the aim of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031, has laid a strong foundation for AI adoption in the country.