AI in the Gulf: Strategies Are Widespread, Readiness Is Not

How advanced is AI adoption in the GCC?

All six Gulf Cooperation Council countries have adopted or are developing national AI strategies. Among surveyed organisations, public bodies lead: over 90% have a strategy in place or in development, compared with 75% in the private sector. Customer and citizen experience is the top priority at 46%, and generative AI is the leading technology focus at 35%.

Where is the gap?

The report lists the same obstacles found elsewhere: data quality and technology readiness, funding that ends at the pilot stage, resistance to change, weak cross-functional collaboration and a shortage of people who can embed AI in daily workflows. Money and ambition are available; the foundations are catching up.

What should regional businesses do?

• Create a single data strategy with clear ownership before funding more pilots.
• Choose two or three use cases tied to customer experience and measure them.
• Set up AI governance, including an ethics or compliance forum, early.
• Train frontline teams alongside deploying tools, to reduce resistance.
• Work with partners who operate across the region and understand Arabic and English content.

Why does this matter for marketing and customer experience?

Customer experience is the leading AI priority, which means data on customers, conversations and behaviour is the raw material. Companies that unify it responsibly can personalise at scale; those that do not will find their AI tools produce uneven results.

Frequently asked questions

How many GCC organisations have an AI strategy?

Nearly 80% of surveyed organisations have built AI into their strategic plans, according to Roland Berger.

What is the biggest barrier to scaling AI in the Gulf?

Data quality and technology readiness gaps, alongside pilot-only funding, resistance to change and talent shortages.

Is the public or private sector ahead on AI strategy?

The public sector: over 90% have a strategy in place or in development, versus 75% in the private sector.

Which AI use cases do Gulf organisations prioritise?

Customer and citizen experience comes first at 46%, with generative AI the leading technology focus.

Sources

1. Roland Berger — 4 in 5 GCC organizations have an AI strategy
2. Deloitte Middle East — 2026 AI predictions

We summarise these sources in our own words. Figures come from the publishers named above and may be updated; vendor surveys can reflect the publisher’s interests.