Over 1,500 IT partners from 29 markets participated in the Cisco Global AI Partners Study, a comprehensive double-blind study that provides insight into how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the revenue environment for IT partners globally. Over the next five years, AI-driven technologies are expected to make a substantial contribution to revenue streams, especially in the United Arab Emirates.
Growing Demand for AI in the UAE
Increasing Contribution to Revenue:
The demand for AI is expected to propel significant revenue growth for IT partners, according to Cisco’s report, Bridging the Customer AI Readiness Gap. According to 26% of surveyed partners in the UAE, within the next four to five years, AI-driven solutions will generate between 76 and 100% of their revenue.
Anticipated Increase in AI Investments:
Approximately 43% of partners anticipate that expenditures in AI-related technologies would rise by more than 75% during this time, with infrastructure (26%), cybersecurity (26%), and sustainability management (11%), being the main areas of focus.
Changes in the Revenue Mix:
Within the coming year, 37% of UAE partners expect AI to account for 26–50% of their total revenue. This contribution is anticipated to increase much more over time, keeping pace with the region’s swift technological development.
Developing AI-Driven Transformation with UAE IT Partners
Innovation and Readiness:
Ossama Eldeeb, Regional Director for Cisco’s Partner Organisation in the Middle East and Africa, said, “Our partners must have the skills and tools necessary to lead this shift as AI becomes a cornerstone of business transformation in the UAE and broader region.” The important chances for IT partners to lead AI adoption and help companies realise AI’s full potential are highlighted by Cisco’s report.
Encouragement of Regional Aspirations:
The UAE’s technical vision and Cisco’s dedication to innovation and partner readiness are complementary. The organisation wants to help businesses close preparedness gaps in personnel, governance, data management, and infrastructure by investing in solutions that have an impact.
Self-Belief in AI’s Potential and Overcoming Obstacles
Strong Confidence in Partners:
According to the report, partners have strong trust in using AI technology across the four main pillars of talent, data, governance, and infrastructure. Partners in IT are actively attempting to:
Create infrastructure that is AI-ready, flexible, and scalable.
Make sure there are enough GPU resources available for ongoing AI initiatives.
In data centres, maintain ideal latency and throughput.
Navigate regional privacy and data sovereignty legislation.
Getting Past Obstacles:
Notwithstanding their assurance, partners admit to difficulties such as lack of system expertise (51%), insufficient available technologies (46%), and difficulty implementing new technologies (69%).
Developing New Skills for an AI-Powered Future
Making Training Investments:
Upskilling is a top priority for UAE partners in order to tackle these issues. To improve AI-related competencies, nearly 74% of partners are working with outside suppliers or implementing internal training initiatives.
Getting Used to Growth:
These initiatives represent a proactive strategy for removing obstacles, guaranteeing that partners are in a strong position to fully use AI and support the UAE’s innovation-driven economy.
Closing the Distance with AI Preparedness
Cisco’s research shows how important IT partners are to helping companies close the AI readiness gap. The UAE will have a strong and AI-driven future thanks to the company’s continued efforts and partnerships, which should hasten the adoption of AI.

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