Dubai: Companies in the Middle East are showing varying levels of adoption of digital technologies such as cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT). A majority of enterprises (87 per cent) expect 5G to significantly impact their business, with 61 per cent planning to invest in 5G campus networks.
According to a research by Accenture and Microsoft, technology and connectivity infrastructure have become critical for businesses to accelerate digital transformation. The study titled, Unfolding the next growth chapter in the Middle East, revealed that 77 per cent of executives say they are planning to invest 3-10 per cent of their IT budget on advanced networks like 5G in the next three years. Further, 64 per cent of respondents from the oil and gas industry and 45 per cent from prioritizing 5G campus network investments
“The Middle East has emerged as a global forerunner in advanced connectivity, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE among the first countries in the world to deploy 5G networks,” said Giampiero Terzi, managing director of Accenture’s Communications, Middle East. “Today, regional governments are focusing extensively on the deployment of digital technologies as part of their economic diversification strategies, which are focused on harnessing knowledge-based digital economies with a thriving private sector.”
Amr Kamel, Global Partner Solutions Leader, Microsoft MEA, said, “Next-gen technologies will have a significant impact on business outcomes, and leaders must plan ahead to make the most of them.”
These are the four most recommended steps by tech-leaders:
1. Elevating the business case for next-gen technology solutions
2. Planning for workforce and cultural transformation
3. Building security into every step of the process
4. Identifying the right partners and platform for solution
