In today’s hyper-connected economy, the pressure on organisations to remain secure, agile, and digitally mature has never been higher. According to IDC, IT services spending in the UAE is projected to reach $3.02 billion by 2025, with managed services making up nearly 30 percent of this investment.
As enterprises across the UAE accelerate their digital transformation—adopting hybrid cloud environments, deploying AI, and navigating compliance frameworks—the need for expert-managed infrastructure and operations has become a strategic priority.
“Managed services were once seen as back-office support,” said Daljeet Singh, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development, iConnect IT Business Solutions. “But the rapid pace of digital transformation has made it difficult for organisations to manage complex IT environments on their own.”
What was once a cost-saving measure is now a strategic lever for innovation and resilience. Enterprises increasingly seek MSPs who can deliver outcomes that are aligned with their business goals—not just technical support. “They are seen as strategic partners who help businesses innovate, stay secure, and respond quickly to change,” explained Singh.
A key area where managed services have become especially valuable is cybersecurity. As organisations scale, their risk surface expands—creating new vulnerabilities across cloud environments, endpoints, and applications.
This is evident in the sharp rise in cyber threats across the Middle East, which accounted for 10 percent of global attacks in 2024—up from seven percent the previous year—with Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerging as primary targets, according to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2025.
“Managed security services help organisations build resilience by providing dedicated security experts who become a core part of their security function,” said Singh. “These professionals bring extensive cybersecurity knowledge and experience, ensuring businesses meet compliance requirements effectively.”
According to Singh, iConnect delivers this resilience by combining deep cybersecurity expertise with a commitment to staying ahead through continuous learning and the latest technologies. “Using the right and leading technology solutions is equally important to stay ahead of evolving threats,” he added.
“At iConnect, we stay continuously updated with the latest market developments and receive regular training directly from solution providers whenever new updates or technologies emerge.”
This proactive approach ensures iConnect clients benefit from the most current and effective security controls—reducing risk, supporting compliance, and enabling confident growth.
With experience across more than 200 Middle East enterprises, iConnect has developed tailored approaches for key sectors. “For government, data sovereignty and strict compliance with local laws are key. In BFSI, fast response, accuracy, and strong data protection matter most. Healthcare requires high system availability and patient data privacy. Our approach is always customised, blending industry knowledge with flexible technology,” said Singh.
AI and automation are raising the bar
Emerging technologies like AI and automation have reshaped managed services—transforming how support is delivered, issues are detected, and performance is optimised. “AI can now automate many routine tasks such as threat detection, incident response, and system monitoring,” said Singh. “This shift allows managed service providers to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive management, predicting issues before they impact business.”
For clients, this means faster response, reduced downtime, and more efficient IT operations. It also enables providers like iConnect to scale support rapidly while maintaining service quality.
Measuring ROI and what’s next
The value of managed services is now being measured through the lens of business impact rather than operational savings. While cost control remains important, enterprises are prioritising outcomes like enhanced security, faster incident response, and sustained uptime.
“Some clients measure ROI through efficiency gains, others through stronger threat protection,” explained Singh. “Preventing a breach that could have cost millions is a value that isn’t always visible but is absolutely critical.”
This shift reflects a broader redefinition of ROI—recognising the cost of inaction, reputational risks, and the advantage of agility. For iConnect, delivering ROI means translating technology investments into resilience, scalability, and peace of mind.
Looking ahead, the managed services market in the UAE is expected to move decisively toward strategic, value-led engagements. Enterprises are no longer looking for vendors—they want partners who can anticipate challenges, deliver innovation, and align with long-term goals.
“At iConnect, we focus on investing in the right platforms, building deep industry capabilities, and expanding our focus on cybersecurity and automation,” the executive shares. “We also ensure our teams are continuously trained on new technologies and real-world use cases. It’s not about reacting to demand—it’s about being ready before it arrives.”
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