Dell study finds AI, security and single-partner focus reshape UAE enterprise priorities

TahawulTech

Dell Technologies released findings from its Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026, conducted with Vanson Bourne. The survey covered 1,500 business and IT decision-makers in EMEA, including the UAE, as part of a global sample of 2,950 respondents in 35 countries. Research was carried out in June 2026 across financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, energy, utilities and the public sector.

Finding 1 – Economic pressure shapes technology strategy 82 % of leaders say current macro-economic conditions make them more selective about technology investments. 86 % prefer to meet more of their technology needs through a single strategic partner, and the same share are shifting investment toward partners with scale, ecosystem and supply-chain capabilities to move AI initiatives from pilot to production.

Finding 2 – Modern workplace tech as an AI enabler 98 % of respondents believe modern devices improve collaboration and productivity, while 66 % say outdated devices limit their ability to adopt new technologies, including AI-powered applications. 94 % of UAE leaders say AI-enabled PCs and modern endpoints will play an important role in future workplace strategy.

Finding 3 – Scaling AI requires stronger foundations 68 % of leaders are concerned about complying with government regulations when using data for AI, and an equal 68 % say security and compliance concerns have already slowed or delayed AI adoption. The same proportion reports that their infrastructure is not yet fully prepared to support AI and analytics workloads at production scale.

Finding 4 – Security is a baseline requirement 90 % of UAE business and IT leaders expect security to be included in every proposal from a strategic technology partner. 94 % say integrated data protection and cyber-recovery capabilities are important criteria when evaluating infrastructure platforms. 78 % expect their use of managed security services to increase over the next two to three years.

Perspectives Walid Yehia, Managing Director – South Gulf, Dell Technologies, said: “The message from business leaders is clear: the time for AI experimentation is ending, and the focus is shifting to execution. Organisations across the UAE need secure infrastructure, trusted data, cyber resilience and the right ecosystem of partners to scale innovation successfully.”

Our read: The study confirms that UAE enterprises are moving from fragmented, cost-focused buying toward consolidated, outcome-driven relationships that embed security and AI readiness at the core of technology decisions.