In 2025, technology leaders in the Middle East are ready to use smart tools to bring new ideas to different industries. A report from CIO.com says these tools, like advanced software and machine learning, will be important for improving government, healthcare, and banking.
The Middle East is quickly becoming a big name in global technology. Experts like Jyoti Lalchandani from IDC point out that the region is serious about using smart technologies in various areas. This highlights the key role of technology leaders in making these changes happen.
Spending on new tools is growing quickly. 5G networks are expected to get more funding soon. Blockchain systems will also likely attract more investment. Quantum computing is another area that will receive support. These funds will make the region’s technology stronger and more advanced.
At the IDC Middle East CIO Summit 2025, it was shared that 72% of organizations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are already using or planning to use smart technologies soon. This shows how quickly these tools are being adopted in the region.
In telecommunications, companies like Qatar’s Ooredoo are making big efforts by putting money into advanced systems. Ooredoo is planning to expand its data centers across the region. This will make Qatar’s technology infrastructure stronger. These changes will help Ooredoo compete with major players in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the data market.
Furthermore, the 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights report reinforces that almost 25% of businesses in the Middle East want to increase their cybersecurity budgets by over 11% this year. This proves that businesses are paying attention to the need for strong security alongside their smart tools.
Spending on advanced technology like AI, in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa was around $4.5 billion in 2024. This number is expected to grow to $14.6 billion by 2028. This sharp rise comes from the region’s push to build a digital economy powered by AI.
At Intersec 2025 in Dubai, the UAE highlighted its cybersecurity plans. Industry leaders talked about using smarter tools to tackle new security challenges. They also discussed how these tools could protect important systems and services.
Qatar’s Ooredoo is spending QR2 billion ($550 million) to make its regional data centers larger. The goal is to improve Qatar’s advanced technology systems. This will put Ooredoo alongside top players in the Gulf's technology and data sectors.
Saudi Arabia is changing how it works with global tech companies. Instead of just investing in these companies, it is now inviting them to work and grow inside the country. A new plan referred to as "Project Transcendence" is set to investing $100 billion to build data centers. This will support startups, and train more workers for the tech industry.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, a “spymaster”, is leading efforts to make Abu Dhabi a leader in advanced technology. The UAE is using its strong finances and partnerships to become a major force in smart technologies.
These changes show that technology leaders in the Middle East are working hard to bring new ideas, improve services, and stay ahead in the digital world.
At Intersec 2025, UAE’s cybersecurity efforts were a big topic during the first CISO Business Briefing. Industry leaders talked about how smart tools can handle risks better. They also shared how these tools help identify threats and protect key systems.
In 2025, Oracle launched a major initiative to empower the Middle East workforce in artificial intelligence. The program is set to certify 350,000 professionals in AI. Focusing on enhancing the region's technological capabilities.
Additionally, Egypt unveiled an updated AI strategy to establish itself as a key hub in the Middle East and Africa. Software spending in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to grow by 13.7% in 2025. Technology leaders are investing in tools that can create new things, showing the region’s focus on improving its technology systems and services.
Smart tools are also changing the role of technology leaders in the Middle East. According to Fast Company Middle East, pressure from inside organizations is pushing leaders to make smart tools a must. This gives these leaders more responsibility to oversee these tools and make sure they are used in the right way.