94% of UAE enterprises believe AI will enable long-term growth, shows SAP survey

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its ascent as a global technology leader, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of business growth. A recent YouGov survey commissioned by SAP highlights this trend, with 94% of UAE enterprises identifying AI as a critical driver of expansion. Impressively, nearly half (49%) of respondents expect significant returns on their AI investments within the next one to two years.

This optimism was evident at the SAP NOW AI Tour, hosted at the Dubai Expo Centre. The event brought together over 1,500 industry experts, public sector leaders, and business executives to explore AI’s transformative potential. The gathering underscored the UAE’s readiness to leverage AI for economic growth, aligning with the nation’s broader ambitions for technological and digital leadership.

“AI is already delivering tangible business value, and the UAE market is clearly ready to embrace its potential,” said Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE. He emphasised that while businesses view AI as essential, unlocking its full value requires strategic approaches.

From Experimentation to Real-World Applications

UAE enterprises are shifting from experimentation to implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable impact. Attendees at the SAP event explored cutting-edge advancements in business AI, including agentic AI, which enables autonomous decision-making and execution of complex tasks.

Another highlight was SAP’s collaboration with Databricks through the SAP Business Data Cloud. This partnership aims to eliminate data silos and enhance insights from structured and unstructured data, a pressing need for UAE businesses. According to the survey, 58% of enterprises plan to invest in data consolidation and quality improvement initiatives over the next year, reflecting the growing recognition that robust data strategies are essential for AI success.

Industry-specific AI applications are also gaining traction, with 76% of UAE enterprises adopting tailored solutions. These tools are helping businesses optimise operations, enhance customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages in their respective sectors.

Success Stories: AI in Action

The SAP NOW AI Tour featured several signing ceremonies and announcements showcasing AI’s real-world impact. Notable implementations included Al Futtaim and Al Ghurair Iron & Steel (AGIS), where AI has revolutionised business processes.

“Our recent collaboration with SAP has enabled us to reimagine how we approach sustainability and operational efficiency,” said B.S. Shetty, General Manager of AGIS. By deploying RISE with SAP Private Cloud edition and a tailored SAP Business Technology Platform solution, AGIS automated over 400 calculations, reducing operator time from 20 minutes to just three. This streamlined integration has empowered real-time insights, improved planning and manufacturing processes, and enhanced ESG reporting, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

The Path Forward

As AI adoption accelerates, the UAE’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification is evident. By prioritising strategic investments in AI and fostering collaboration through initiatives like the SAP NOW AI Tour, businesses are positioned to unlock the full potential of AI.

With success stories like AGIS leading the way, it’s clear that AI is not just a tool for growth—it’s the key to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future for the UAE.