• Home
• Technology

A recent “Innovation Catalyst Study” conducted by Dell Technologies reveals that companies in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a core pillar of their business strategies.

According to the global study titled “The State of Innovation and AI”, which surveyed 2,850 business and IT decision-makers worldwide, including 50 respondents from the UAE, around 92% of UAE-based organizations now consider AI an essential component of their corporate strategy. Additionally, 88% of participating UAE companies reported achieving measurable productivity gains and financial returns from their initial AI investments.

The study identified several key drivers behind AI adoption in the UAE. Data readiness emerged as a top priority, with 64% of organizations ranking AI-ready data infrastructure as a critical IT initiative. Meanwhile, 74% of companies plan to deploy AI locally through software and AI-enabled PCs within the next 12 months, reflecting growing concerns around data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.

Sustainability has also become a major motivator, as 92% of UAE firms recognize AI’s role in improving resource efficiency. Organizations are increasingly leveraging AI to optimize energy usage, enhance data center efficiency, and support circular IT practices.

Despite these positive indicators, the report notes that 78% of UAE companies face challenges in fully integrating AI across operations, while 30% remain in early or mid-stages of adoption. Persistent barriers include data security concerns, limited executive sponsorship, and difficulties integrating AI with legacy infrastructure.

The study further highlights three major obstacles slowing AI implementation:

• Skills gap: 100% of surveyed UAE organizations believe their teams lack sufficient AI skills, with 66% citing weaknesses in secure AI deployment.

• Security concerns: 72% worry about exposing sensitive data and intellectual property to third-party AI tools, while 80% struggle to balance innovation with cybersecurity risks.

• Infrastructure readiness: Many firms report insufficient computing power, limited AI-optimized hardware, and data protection challenges.

Encouragingly, the research points to growing alignment between AI innovation and sustainability goals. Companies are exploring AI-driven energy efficiency, intelligent data center management, and edge computing. Furthermore, 82% of UAE organizations emphasize the importance of external partnerships to enable circular IT solutions.

Commenting on the findings, Walid Yehia, Managing Director of Dell Technologies South Gulf, said:
“The State of Innovation and AI survey reflects a fundamental shift in how UAE organizations are embracing AI to drive innovation and growth. Businesses are moving beyond pilot projects and embedding AI into their core strategies. However, unlocking its full potential requires addressing critical challenges—from workforce upskilling to ensuring secure and collaborative AI implementation.”

Keywords: Dell Technologies, UAE, artificial intelligence, AI adoption, digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, data readiness, cybersecurity

Version Two – Concise Corporate & Technology News Style

Dell Study: 92% of UAE Companies Now View AI as a Core Business Strategy

A new study by Dell Technologies confirms that artificial intelligence has become a strategic priority for businesses across the United Arab Emirates.

The global “State of Innovation and AI” report, which surveyed business and IT leaders worldwide, found that 92% of UAE organizations consider AI a fundamental part of their business strategy, while 88% have already generated tangible productivity and financial returns from early AI investments.

Key drivers of adoption include strong focus on data readiness, with 64% of companies prioritizing AI-ready data infrastructure, and a growing shift toward on-device and local AI deployment, planned by 74% of organizations over the next year. This trend reflects rising concerns related to data security and regulatory compliance.

Sustainability is also playing a central role, as 92% of UAE firms view AI as a critical enabler for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact through smarter IT operations.

However, challenges remain. The study shows that 78% of organizations struggle to scale AI across their operations, citing skills shortages, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure limitations as key barriers.

According to Walid Yehia, Managing Director of Dell Technologies South Gulf, organizations in the UAE are moving beyond experimentation toward enterprise-wide AI adoption, but must continue investing in skills development, secure deployment, and modern infrastructure to fully realize AI’s value.