Saudi, UAE manufacturers lead GenAI adoption
Middle East's 98% regional AI adoption rate outpaces all markets
#UAE #SAUDI #manufacturing - Middle East manufacturers have achieved the world's highest adoption rate of generative AI at 98%, with quality control, cybersecurity and energy management driving investment priorities, according to a new report. US industrial automation giant Rockwell Automation's annual research spanning 1,500 global manufacturing leaders reveals regional firms are shifting from broad digital expansion to outcome-focused strategies, delivering measurable returns. The research found that 96% of Middle East manufacturers are committed to broader AI and machine learning technologies, significantly outpacing European benchmarks across key operational applications.
SO WHAT? - This research establishes the Middle East as the global epicentre of manufacturing AI adoption, demonstrating how regional manufacturers are moving beyond experimental phases to deploy AI solutions that directly address operational challenges and deliver quantifiable business outcomes, positioning the region as a blueprint for global industrial digital transformation.
Here are some key points about the new research report:
US industrial automation giant Rockwell Automation's has released its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report with input from 1,500 global manufacturing leaders.
According to the report, Middle East manufacturers achieved 98% generative AI adoption or planning rates, the highest globally, with 96% committed to broader AI and machine learning implementation across operational functions.
Quality control leads AI application priorities with 68% of regional manufacturers planning deployment over 12 months, followed by cybersecurity at 61% and energy management at 46%.
Cybersecurity investment reached 98% of regional companies, with 44% actively deploying countermeasures against rising threats, representing the highest global deployment rate for protective measures.
ESG-driven efficiency motivation jumped to 70% of firms, representing a 33% increase from previous year, with 46% now using sustainability strategies to drive business outcomes.
Return on investment validation shows 10% of manufacturers cite generative AI as their top-performing technology, while 15% identify cybersecurity platforms as delivering highest returns.
Workforce development priorities shifted significantly with 43% of regional respondents now prioritising upskilling initiatives, marking a 14% year-on-year increase above European averages.
Cyber risk perception elevated to top external concern for 36% of companies, rising from 27% in the previous year, reflecting growing awareness of digital vulnerabilities.
AI and machine learning deployment for sustainability monitoring reached 42% of regional manufacturers, demonstrating practical application of technology to environmental and governance targets.
ZOOM OUT - Rockwell Automation's global survey of 1,500 manufacturing leaders reveals an industry under extreme pressure from inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks, with 69% of non-adopters planning smart technology investment within 12 months. Manufacturers worldwide are deploying AI primarily for quality control, with 50% planning implementation and 43% prioritising product quality in sustainability programmes, while cybersecurity ranks as the third-biggest growth obstacle globally.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
