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AI on Cloud: End-User Adoption Trends in the Middle East and Africa, 2025

Publisher IDC
Published Jun 24, 2025
Length 14 Pages
SKU # IDC20145613

Description

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

Table of Contents

14 Pages

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

Learn More

Related Research

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