DUBAI, UAE — In an era of rapidly evolving digital landscapes, the UAE stands at the forefront of technological innovation, according to a recent report by Alteryx, Inc., an Analytics Cloud Platform company.
The latest research, titled “Defining the Enterprise of the Future” and based on data collected from 2,800 IT and business decision-makers globally, highlights the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping future enterprises.
This research offers valuable insights from the region’s business leaders, detailing their strategies, concerns, and AI’s transformative impact on the workforce.
The study emphasizes a dual force shaping the future of enterprises: innovation and regulation. In the UAE, nearly two-thirds (59 percent) of business leaders express their commitment to increasing investments in advanced technology.
The impact of AI is already tangible for 82 percent of respondents, and 45 percent are gearing up to invest in advanced technologies like AI to navigate the evolving market dynamics. This dual commitment to innovation sets the stage for a transformative journey.
There is no single solution to success, but the research highlights some key plays UAE business leaders need to hone in on to build a truly AI-driven enterprise. Regulation will play a key role in the successful implementation of AI and will be equally prioritized by leaders as innovation.
Karl Crowther, VP of MEA, Alteryx
However, as AI permeates all sectors and business functions, ethical considerations become increasingly prominent. The survey reveals that 47 percent of UAE business leaders express concerns about data privacy, 40 percent about transparency, and 36 percent about data governance.
This shift in focus from innovation to ethical considerations sparks a new conversation around regulation. Most UAE business leaders (87 percent) believe that rules and standards for AI usage, including generative AI, should be developed within their sectors as they transform the business landscape.
Organizations are reevaluating their hiring strategies in response to an increasingly complex, data-driven future. The research indicates that 73 percent of UAE business leaders consider it more important for employees to be multi-skilled rather than specializing in one area.
While hard skills such as AI and ML, computer software, and data analysis remain crucial, there is a growing demand for soft skills including digital literacy, team leadership, and critical thinking.
Karl Crowther, VP of MEA at Alteryx, offers valuable insights into these findings. “There is no single solution to success, but the research highlights some key plays UAE business leaders need to hone in on to build a truly AI-driven enterprise. Regulation will play a key role in the successful implementation of AI and will be equally prioritized by leaders as innovation,” he says.
Crowther emphasizes the importance of laying the foundations for generative AI. This requires accessible, self-service analytics and automation technologies that act as a force multiplier, enabling companies to confidently and safely advance on their AI journey.
Alteryx’s research findings paint a vivid picture of the future AI-driven enterprise in the UAE. With innovation and regulation as twin pillars, business leaders must navigate the ethical considerations surrounding AI while embracing its transformative potential.
As organizations prioritize multi-skilled employees and redefine skill sets for the future, the journey towards an AI-driven enterprise requires a delicate balance between technological innovation, ethical considerations, and a skilled workforce.