How are New Technologies Changing the Landscape of the Middle East?

The Middle East has been and remains one of the promising areas for the development of advanced technologies. This is confirmed by the fact that some Middle Eastern countries are developing their strategies for the development of the same Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 or SDAIA and Vision 2030 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Oman is not lagging behind, having launched Oman’s National AI Strategy in the fall of 2024. Qatar has also launched Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2023–2025.

Each of the countries selects their priority industries, which allows companies to decide which industry they want to invest in and where they want to develop. This gives a wide range of paths and opportunities for companies that want to grow.

According to statistics, the Middle East remains the place where many contracts are signed. MEED Projects project-tracking platform reports that a total of $264bn-worth of contracts were awarded last year, some 6.5% higher than the previous record of $248bn set in 2023, and more than double 2022’s $124bn number.

With advanced technologies such as Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, cloud systems, predictive analytics and forecasting, the Middle East region is experiencing and entering a new era of technological growth and development. These technologies are playing a key role in the digitalization of various fields, ranging from finance and healthcare to industry and energy.

As Chris Dukich, Founder of Display Now, notes, the financial, healthcare and energy industries remain the most digitized sectors, while agriculture and education lag behind. 

“The adoption of blockchain technology along with Artificial Intelligence has changed the way banking is viewed, as customers now have access to AI-driven attackers that are ready to prevent fraud.

In healthcare, the technology has seen widespread adoption and telemedicine, outside the pandemic, is also widely used for AI-assisted diagnosis.In the energy sector, AI and IoT deployments are increasing clean energy potential and optimizing power grids.” Chris adds.

Huib Maat, In-House Perfume at Pairfum London, notes the following: 

“The Middle East, particularly the MENA region, is undergoing rapid technological transformation. We are experiencing, first hand, how robotics and automation in 3PL warehousing and pick & pack services for e-commerce fulfillment are driving operational efficiency and accuracy. The integration of AI into robotic solutions is revolutionizing logistics by optimizing inventory & warehouse management and improving delivery processes. Currently, courier delivery solutions tend to be quite chaotic, as addresses are not always accurate and customers frequently change their mind about the delivery address. We expect that robotic and AI driven delivery solutions will be an ideal solution to this scenario.

In our view, adopting robotics, AI, and digitization in warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment is essential for businesses aiming to thrive in the Middle East’s dynamic and rapidly changing environment. We advise preparing internal operations today to ensure readiness and early adoption of the digital and AI revolution within e-commerce fulfillment solutions.”

First and foremost, of course, is AI in collaboration with Machine Learning, Data Science and Big Data, whose influence will extend to the government industry and the financial industry. 

In addition, there is no denying the deep penetration of technology in the oil and gas industry. For example, as noted by Ilya Smirnov, Head of AI / ML Department at Usetech: 

“AI, which we talk about a lot in today’s issue, is already being used in the oil and gas industry for complex analysis and workflow optimization. AI is helping to speed up processes that used to take a lot of time. As more companies become comfortable using AI in the oil and gas industry, they will strengthen their position and outperform the competition.”

The next trend is cloud technology and its integration into various industries.

In addition, we cannot forget about cybersecurity, which remains a priority. The Global Digital Trust Insights 2025: Middle East research notes that 73% of organizations in the Middle East view cybersecurity as a strategic asset.

The concept of “smart cities” does not leave many experts indifferent, and for good reason: in 2025 there are many summits and conferences on this topic. The concept, which previously seemed futuristic, is getting closer than ever before.