A recent study by Dell Technologies and Vanson Bourne reveals key trends shaping digital transformation in the UAE. The Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026 surveyed 1,500 business and IT decision-makers, highlighting how economic uncertainty, AI adoption, and evolving regulations are influencing strategic technology investments, according to coverage by TahawulTech.
Economic pressures are driving UAE organizations to prioritize value and efficiency in technology spending, with 82% becoming more selective. This has led to a preference for consolidation, as 86% favor meeting more technology needs through a single strategic partner. Modern workplace technology is now seen as essential for AI readiness, with 66% of respondents stating that outdated devices hinder their adoption of new technologies.
AI adoption is advancing, but scaling is challenged by security, compliance, and privacy concerns, with 68% worried about regulatory compliance and an equal percentage reporting that these issues have slowed AI initiatives. Infrastructure readiness is also a hurdle, with 68% of IT leaders finding their systems unprepared for AI workloads. Cybersecurity is now a baseline requirement, expected to be embedded in all technology proposals, with 90% of leaders expecting security to be integrated from the outset.
The UAE's regulatory landscape, including the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection framework and the Personal Data Protection Law, reinforces the need for built-in security and resilience, making cyber readiness a board-level priority.
Source: TahawulTech
