DUBAI: Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword—it’s now a business powerhouse. IBM says its AI technologies have generated over US$3.5 billion in returns over the past two years alone, spotlighting how AI business in Dubai and the region is accelerating real growth.
Speaking during Dubai AI Week, Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, said AI has become a key driver of productivity and ROI for regional companies. IBM is working with organisations to identify high-impact AI use cases in HR, procurement, supply chain, and app development.
The future? Smarter “AI agents” that can think contextually and act with minimal human input.
According to Eid, investments in AI business in Dubai and the broader Middle East are booming—from infrastructure to app deployment and advanced models. He noted that companies are shifting from experiments to real-world returns. “More organisations are seeing meaningful impact,” he said.
However, getting the AI shift right means using solid data platforms and efficient models that reduce cost while maintaining innovation and security. Eid added that strong partnerships are vital for scaling AI effectively.
An IBM study with Dubai Future Foundation shows 26% of organisations now have a Chief AI Officer, a figure set to reach up to 65% in the next two years. These leaders are already delivering 10% higher AI returns, proving the value of focused leadership.
The UAE is leading the charge—among the first countries to adopt AI leadership across both public and private sectors. Eid said IBM is proud to support this mission through collaborations with Dubai Future Foundation, Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.
AI business in Dubai is not just the future—it’s now.
