How AI is Reshaping the Economy of the Middle East — and What It Means for UAE Businesses
In its recent article, Usetech highlights a powerful trend: systematic AI adoption is becoming a cornerstone of economic transformation across the Middle East. In the UAE, AI adoption among the working-age population has already reached 59.4%, while across MENA, more than 60% of companies are actively integrating AI into their operations.
Analysts forecast that by 2030, AI could contribute up to US$320 billion to the regional economy — with the UAE and Saudi Arabia expected to capture a lion’s share.
What this means for MENA businesses:
- Diversified growth beyond oil: AI drives productivity and operational efficiency across sectors — from manufacturing and energy to fintech, healthcare and public services.
- Real-world impact across industries: Construction, manufacturing, logistics, energy — industries vital for regional development — are seeing significant efficiency gains, cost-savings and risk mitigation thanks to AI-driven analytics and automation.
- Alignment with national strategies: AI becomes a key enabler of smart cities, sustainable infrastructure, and future-ready economies.
As the region moves from isolated AI pilots to large-scale AI-powered ecosystems, companies that embrace this shift now will be best positioned to lead tomorrow’s markets.
If you’re building a business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in MENA — this is a strong signal: AI is not just a future opportunity, but a present competitive advantage.