SAP: 81% of UAE Enterprises See AI Driving Real Results

SAP will bring together business and technology leaders at SAP Connect UAE this month to explore how artificial intelligence is delivering tangible business outcomes across operations, as organizations move from experimentation toward more structured, large-scale adoption.

The event, taking place at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, on 12 May, will focus on how companies can translate Business AI innovation into practical impact across core business functions, from finance and supply chain to human resources and customer experience.

New SAP-commissioned YouGov research of chief IT decision-makers in the UAE indicates that AI is already delivering measurable value. More than eight in 10 respondents (81%) said their AI initiatives are meeting or exceeding expectations, while nearly half (46%) reported that their organizations are approaching AI investment strategically and enterprise-wide, rather than through isolated initiatives.

“Organizations in the UAE are entering a new phase of AI adoption, where the focus is shifting from experimentation to delivering consistent, business-wide outcomes,” said Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE. “What is particularly notable is the emphasis on aligning technology investment with workforce readiness, ensuring that Business AI is embedded into everyday processes in a way that is scalable, responsible, and grounded in real business needs.”

The research also highlights a strong and balanced approach to workforce transformation. Half of respondents said their organizations are upskilling or reskilling employees at scale, while 50% are providing targeted AI training for specific roles and 49% are hiring new AI-focused talent. This reflects a growing recognition that long-term value from AI depends not only on technology, but also on the people and skills required to use it effectively.

Zeineddine notes that the findings suggest that AI adoption in the UAE is becoming increasingly mature, with the majority of organizations already scaling AI across multiple functions or embedding it at an enterprise-wide level. This shift is enabling companies to move beyond isolated use cases and toward more integrated, end-to-end processes.

SAP Connect UAE will feature discussions with SAP experts, customers, and partners on how organizations can build on this momentum and ensure AI delivers sustained business value in an increasingly complex and fast-moving environment.