Top tech trends powering the Middle East's digital evolution by 2025

 
A. Several industries in the Middle East are poised for significant digital transformation and technology investments over the next few years. Governments and public sector organizations across the region, particularly in the GCC, will lead digital transformation with initiatives focused on smart cities, e-governance, and citizen-centric services. Digital health solutions, including AI-powered diagnostics, telemedicine, and health data analytics, will transform patient care in the healthcare sector. Investments in healthcare technologies will grow, driven by national health strategies and pandemic-driven innovation. The financial sector will see rapid adoption of digital payments, open banking, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Fintech hubs like Dubai and Riyadh will continue attracting global and regional players. In the energy and utilities sector, sustainability goals, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s Net Zero 2050, will drive investment in smart grids, renewable energy, and AI-driven energy efficiency solutions. The shift to personalized customer experiences will fuel investments in AI, logistics, and payment solutions in the retail sector. Finally, the oil and gas sector is also poised for substantial digital transformation and technology investments, with technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics increasingly used for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and operational efficiency.  

Q. How do you foresee artificial intelligence and machine learning evolving in the region in 2025? What specific use cases do you expect to become more widespread? 

A. 2025 AI and machine learning are expected to evolve significantly in the GCC, driven by national strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s AI Strategy. Governments and enterprises will leverage AI for economic diversification, operational efficiency, and enhanced citizen services. Some key use cases are: