IBM Earns $3.5 Billion ROI From AI, Sees Growing Demand In Dubai And Region

IBM made over $3.5 billion in return on investment over the past two years by using artificial intelligence (AI) within the company, General Manager for IBM in the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, Shukri Eid revealed.

During Dubai AI Week, he told WAM that AI is now a top priority for many businesses in the region, helping them work more efficiently and boost profits.

Eid explained that IBM is helping businesses use AI effectively in areas like HR, supply chain, procurement, and app development by identifying use cases that deliver strong results.

He shared that AI is expected to grow even more powerful in the future, with the rise of AI assistants and agents that can understand situations and make decisions on their own, with little need for human input.

In Dubai and the wider Middle East, there is currently strong investment in AI infrastructure, tools, and models. Many companies in the region have now moved past testing and are seeing real benefits from their AI efforts.

Eid emphasized that to succeed with AI, companies need strong data systems and specialized, efficient AI models that improve accuracy and lower costs. He also stressed the need to balance innovation with security and reliability and said partnerships are important for speeding up digital transformation.

He shared results from a study by IBM and the Dubai Future Foundation, showing that 26% of organisations in the region have hired a Chief AI Officer, with this number expected to grow to 50–65% in the next two years.

Eid noted that organisations with a dedicated AI leader are seeing 10% higher returns on their AI investments. He also pointed out that the UAE was one of the first countries to create such AI leadership roles in both the government and private sectors.

He confirmed that IBM is dedicated to helping the UAE and Dubai become key players in global AI development. IBM is working with local partners like the Dubai Future Foundation, Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University to support this goal.

Dubai is hosting the AI Week from April 21 to 25, which brings together AI pioneers, innovators, decision-makers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries.