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UAE businesses lead EMEA in AI-driven productivity gains, finds new IBM study
respondents said their organisations have achieved significant operational productivity improvements using AI, well above the regional average of 66 %.
In addition, approximately one in five respondents said their organisation has already realised ROI goals from AI-driven productivity initiatives, with over 44 % on average expecting to achieve ROI within 12 months across cost reduction( 40 %), time savings( 49 %), increased revenue( 41 %), employee satisfaction( 47 %) and increased Net Promoter Score( 43 %). new study from IBM has found that enterprises across the
A United Arab Emirates( UAE) are reporting some of the strongest productivity gains from AI in the Europe, Middle East and Africa( EMEA) region, with many expecting returns on their investments( ROI) within the next year.
The Race for ROI, a new IBM report produced in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed 3,500 senior executives across 10 countries, including 500 in the UAE. The findings show that 77 % of UAE
Further productivity benefits are expected from the introduction of AI Agents, with 93 % of UAE leaders expecting that Agentic AI will deliver measurable ROI within two years.
According to the study, business areas achieving the biggest AIdriven productivity gains in the UAE are software development and IT( 34 %), advertising and marketing( 33 %), account management( 30 %), customer service( 28 %) and procurement( 29 %). Executives reported the top three benefits of enhanced productivity as greater operational efficiency( 55 %), enhanced decision-making( 56 %) and augmented workforce capabilities, such as automating repetitive tasks( 55 %).
stc group completes first 7 GHz( 6G-enabled) band trial in MENA, setting a new standard for next-generation connectivity
stc group, a leading digital enabler in Saudi Arabia, has successfully conducted the Middle East and North Africa’ s first trial of the 7 GHz frequency band, a key component of sixth-generation( 6G) technology, in collaboration with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission and Nokia.
This pioneering trial assessed the potential of the 7 GHz band for 6G networks, strengthening Saudi Arabia’ s capacity to lead in global technology and innovation, reinforcing its position as a regional pioneer in digital advancement. enabling seamless cross-border trade, powering data-driven economies and attracting international investment.
With this milestone in 6G innovation, Saudi Arabia is well positioned for its role as a hub for advanced digital infrastructure, technology, commerce and economic growth in the region and beyond.
6G is widely expected to bring forth unprecedented opportunities, including ultrafast connectivity, smart city infrastructure, immersive digital technologies and nextgeneration industrial applications.
As technology providers worldwide prepare for the new wave of emerging technologies, early adoption of 6G will be crucial for
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