UAE Businesses Are Leading the Way in Adopting AI Management Platforms

A joint report released by the Dubai Future Foundation and global company IBM has revealed the UAE's significant progress in adopting AI management platforms across its institutions. The findings show that 20% of UAE institutions are using these platforms, compared to just 12% globally, which reflects the accelerated pace of transformation towards organized institutional use of artificial intelligence within the country. The report, which gathered insights from over 1,000 senior executives across 20 regions worldwide and 23 economic sectors, clarified that UAE institutions aren't just experimenting with individual AI applications. Instead, they are actively building integrated systems to manage these technologies, which boosts operational flexibility, improves performance efficiency, and enhances institutions' ability to adapt to rapid changes. The report also highlighted that institutions in the UAE show higher levels of confidence in their ability to manage the complexities of AI compared to their global counterparts. For instance, 48% of senior executives in the country view the increasing volume of AI assets as a challenge to expanding its use, compared to 52% globally. The findings confirmed that institutions implementing effective AI governance frameworks are better equipped to scale their use of these technologies and achieve superior business outcomes, whether through increased return on investment, improved productivity, or enhanced performance efficiency. The report pointed out that 13% of UAE institutions apply comprehensive AI governance frameworks across all their initiatives. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, stated that the report's findings underscore the importance of accelerating the adoption of AI applications and expanding their use according to best governance practices. This aligns perfectly with the goals of "Dubai's Annual Plan to Accelerate AI Adoption," which aims to strengthen Dubai and the UAE's leadership in developing and deploying advanced technologies. He added that the ability to confidently scale AI uses while maintaining stability and continuity will be a crucial factor in supporting economic growth and enhancing the UAE's global standing in technology and innovation. For his part, Saad Touma, General Manager of IBM in the Middle East and Africa region, emphasized that operational flexibility and business continuity have become top priorities for institutions amidst rapidly evolving global challenges. He noted that effective AI management is now a key factor in achieving these goals and boosting institutions' competitiveness.