Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are global front-runners in deploying artificial intelligence (AI), with 98% using or planning to implement generative AI and 96% committed to broader AI/ML technologies, according to a new report.
The research, Rockwell Automation’s 10th State of Smart Manufacturing report, is based on feedback from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders worldwide, and indicates a shift from broad digital expansion to outcome-focused deployments.
Over the next 12 months, 68% of Middle East respondents plan to use AI for quality control, 61% for cybersecurity and 46% for energy management, rates the study says are significantly above European benchmarks.
Early returns are being reported, with 10% citing generative AI as their top-returning technology and 15% saying the same of cybersecurity platforms.
Cybersecurity has become foundational to digital strategy in the region. Some 98% of companies have invested in or plan to invest in cybersecurity platforms, while 44% are deploying countermeasures to mitigate rising threats. What’s more, 36% now view cyber risk as their top external concern, up from 27% last year.
On sustainability, 70% of firms cite efficiency as the primary motivator for ESG activity, up 33% year on year. Some 46% use ESG strategies to drive business outcomes and 42% apply AI/ML to monitor sustainability targets.
Workforce development is also moving up the agenda, with 43% prioritising upskilling, up 14% year on year and ahead of the European average.
“Middle East manufacturers are not just experimenting with smart manufacturing technologies; they are applying them to address real operational challenges,” said Ediz Eren, regional vice president, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Rockwell Automation.
“From cyber resilience to ESG performance and workforce engagement, the data shows a shift toward outcome-driven digitalisation.”
Rockwell said the regional findings reflect a tightening alignment between digital investment and measurable outcomes in efficiency, cybersecurity and sustainability.
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