By 2026, the Middle East’s technology landscape will be significantly influenced by the integration of artificial intelligence, cyber security, and substantial infrastructure investments amid varied regional growth. The global tech market is projected to grow by 10.2% annually, with the Middle East experiencing a slightly slower growth rate of 7.94%, reaching a market value of US$174.9 billion. AI is expected to evolve into a core enterprise platform, moving beyond experimental stages to become an integral part of business processes in sectors like government, finance, and energy. The convergence of AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) will further bridge digital and physical realms, enhancing real-time interaction capabilities. This trend is supported by significant investments in AI-ready infrastructure, with datacentres becoming crucial assets. As AI adoption rises, cyber security strategies are shifting towards adaptive, AI-enabled frameworks to counter increasingly sophisticated threats. Sovereign AI is gaining importance, especially for governments and critical industries, although its definition remains fluid. The success of cloud expansion in the region will depend heavily on the strength of ecosystem partnerships, with regional channel partners playing a pivotal role in determining the most influential platforms by 2026.
What will shape Middle East tech trends by 2026?
