AI, digital transformation, and sustainability take center stage in regional initiatives
In 2025, IBM has accelerated its presence in the Middle East through a series of high-impact partnerships and technology deployments, focusing on artificial intelligence, digital modernization, and responsible innovation. From Saudi Arabia to the UAE, the tech giant is playing a vital role in transforming industries and preparing governments and enterprises for a smarter future.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, IBM is supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals through several key initiatives. One of the most notable is its collaboration with Riyadh Air, where IBM is providing advanced AI and consulting services to help launch the world’s first fully digital-native airline. The partnership aims to streamline operations and enhance the passenger experience ahead of the airline’s official launch in 2025. In the financial sector, IBM has joined forces with Arab National Bank and technology partner Ejada to implement its AI-powered Safer Payments platform. This system offers enhanced fraud detection and payment security across multiple channels. Additionally, IBM Consulting is leading a large-scale digital transformation program for Olayan Financing Company, focusing on modernizing business operations and asset management using SAP technologies.
United Arab Emirates
IBM’s presence in the UAE has also grown significantly this year, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. At the 2025 World Government Summit, IBM signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Future Foundation to establish Dubai as a global hub for AI development and deployment. The partnership is part of the city’s broader vision to lead in future technologies and smart governance. Meanwhile, IBM has also partnered with e&, a major global technology group based in the UAE, to deploy a comprehensive AI and generative AI governance framework. Announced at the World Economic Forum, this initiative is designed to promote ethical AI use and strengthen compliance practices across the company’s growing ecosystem of AI solutions.
Regional Commitment
IBM’s regional strategy is further strengthened by its investment in Client Engineering teams across the Middle East and Africa. With new hubs in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and beyond, IBM is empowering clients to rapidly co-create, test, and deploy cutting-edge solutions tailored to local market needs. These teams play a critical role in accelerating time-to-value and ensuring that organizations can adapt quickly to the evolving demands of the digital economy.
