Sep 24, 2026 · 4 min read
What the Gulf's AI agenda means for mid-market businesses
National AI programs are often discussed at the scale of governments and giants. The opportunity for mid-sized organizations is just as real.
Draft article. Replace with NUMO's own published piece before launch.
The Middle East is investing in AI faster than almost any other region. Gartner expects software spending in MENA to grow 13.9% in 2026, well ahead of global IT services at 5.3%. Saudi Arabia and the UAE account for most of the GCC's AI revenue.
Much of the attention goes to large national programs. But the shift reaches mid- and upper-market organizations too, often through their customers, regulators and competitors.
What is changing for mid-sized organizations
- Customers expect more. AI use among internet users in Saudi Arabia more than doubled in a year.
- Rules are tightening. Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law has been actively enforced since September 2024, with clear rules on cross-border data transfers.
- Talent is scarce. Saudi Arabia faces a shortage of tens of thousands of qualified technology professionals, which makes in-house hiring slow.
Where to start
The organizations moving well tend to pick one process where the business case is clear, build it properly with data protection in mind, and use that first result to earn the next investment. The advantage goes to companies that make the technology fit their business, not those that simply have access to it.