AI and cloud computing are no longer separate technology initiatives they are converging into a unified strategy for innovation and scalability. This interdependence is shaping how enterprises in the MEA region invest, deploy, and derive value from both technologies. This IDC Perspective examines end-user trends relating to the adoption of AI on cloud in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The report is based on IDC surveys, primary research, interviews conducted in the region, and IDC FutureScape predictions."AI and cloud technologies are evolving together, with AI enhancing cloud-native systems and vice versa. Organizations in the MEA region are leveraging this synergy to drive digital transformation and co-innovate for competitive advantage. Enterprises in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly opting for local cloud providers that offer AI-enabled services without concerns around data residency requirements. This shows that users see cloud as the platform, but AI as the value driver, and compliance as the filter through which choices are made." — Nitesh Rathi, senior research analyst, IDC
Executive Snapshot
Situation Overview
AI Is Everywhere
National Focus and Local Investments Driving AI Growth in MEA
AI Is Accelerating Cloud Adoption
Early Signs of Preferences to Build AI on Private Cloud
The Cost of AI Is a Rising Concern
Integration, Sovereignty, and Skills Are Critical
Impact of AI on IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Infrastructure as a Service
Platform as a Service
Software as a Service
Advice for the Technology Buyer
Consider Cloud as the Foundation and Evaluate AI Solutions Designed for Cloud-Native Environments
Tie AI and Cloud Initiatives to Business Value Realization
Upskill Your Teams with the Latest AI Solutions
Choose Cloud Partners that Accelerate AI Innovation Across Use Cases
Consider Data Residency and AI Governance
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Related Research
Synopsis
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