EXPERT SPEAK
AI is only as effective as the people implementing it.
The next leap comes with agentic AI, systems capable of making autonomous decisions – which will supercharge enterprise productivity. Combined with natural language processing, data is no longer the domain of analysts alone. Anyone, from the boardroom to the front line, can simply ask a question and get a clear answer, creating a more inclusive and data-literate workforce.
In the UAE, 82 % of business leaders already believe AI is shaping their organisation’ s potential. In the same vein,
76 % of UAE-based analysts say AI and automation tools have made them more effective and efficient.
Why IT professionals are key to driving this shift
AI is only as effective as the people implementing it. IT professionals are developing systems, ensuring governance and leading the charge towards digital-first operating models.
In a recent Alteryx study, 94 % of data analysts said their role now directly impacts strategic decisions, and 87 % noted increased influence over business outcomes. Nine in 10 data professionals in the region report that AI has already transformed their work.
This evolution means that IT professionals are no longer just gatekeepers of technology – they are strategic partners shaping the future of business. And as more employees from non-technical backgrounds engage with data, it’ s up to IT teams to create secure, accessible environments that democratise analytics.
The road ahead
The modern data stack is more than a technology upgrade, it’ s a shift in mindset. It brings together advanced architecture, AI-powered insight and human-centred innovation. In 2025, success won’ t come from simply collecting more data, but from creating agile systems and empowering teams to turn that data into action.
As AI adoption accelerates, IT leaders must rethink how value is generated across the enterprise. From optimising supply chains to predicting customer behaviour to delivering real-time personalisation, data is the engine that makes it possible. The leaders of tomorrow will be those investing today in both intelligent infrastructure and the people who can harness it. •
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