The UAE is one of the few nations with both the ambition and the agility to implement AI at national scale. National programs and partnerships, including secure, end to end AI infrastructure initiatives led by players such as G42, are accelerating adoption across sectors.
The Cisco AI Readiness Index 2025 reveals that many UAE organisations are moving AI from pilots to production, with 23 percent have finalised their AI use cases and 17 percent possess a mature innovation process for their AI use cases. The question is no longer whether to adopt AI but how to operationalise it at scale with security and measurable impact. That starts with an infrastructure first approach that unifies compute, data and the network to support real workloads.
However, as adoption accelerates, existing architectures struggle to deliver the scale, low latency and resilience real workloads require. According to Cisco AI Readiness Index 2025, only 39 percent of UAE organisations say their infrastructure and data environments are ready for AI. To move beyond pilots, enterprises need modernised, AI native networking as the foundation for competitiveness.
Infrastructure demand is rising
The critical demand for AI-ready networking is underscored by Cisco’s 2025 networking research, where a staggering 94 percent of IT leaders expect AI, IoT, and cloud to profoundly impact networks. This necessitates an evolution from static infrastructures to dynamic, intelligent frameworks designed for complex AI workloads.
While AI workloads require vast amounts of bandwidth, ultra-low latency and the ability to adapt in real-time to fluctuating demands, all while remaining resilient; these are unique challenges that traditional architectures cannot meet. Overlooking these requirements may result in substantial drawbacks. According to Cisco’s networking research 77 percent of IT leaders reported experiencing major outages in the last two years, resulting in significant revenue losses. Such disruptions not only impact finances but also erode trust and hinder future opportunities.
The shift to AI-native secure networking
AI-native networking offers a transformative approach, prioritising automation, observability, and energy efficiency. These features are vital for digital competitiveness, streamlining operations, enhancing visibility, and addressing sustainability by optimising resource use and reducing carbon footprint.
Also, as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, networks must act as the first line of defence. Cisco Networking Research 2025 shows that 97 percent of UAE IT leaders believe an improved network will enhance their cybersecurity posture. AI-native networks go further than enhancing operational efficiency; they better safeguard data, applications and consequently reputation.
The business impact
Robust AI-ready networks yield substantial economic benefits, driving revenue growth and operational efficiency. According to Cisco AI Readiness Index 2025, over half of UAE leaders anticipate AI tools will significantly impact revenue, with 69 percent of UAE organisations already reporting gains in profitability, productivity, and innovation from AI adoption. Recognising this, 91 percent of IT leaders plan to increase networking budgets, viewing it as a strategic investment to fully leverage AI, not merely a cost.
Beyond IT: Networking as a strategic business imperative
Prioritising AI-ready networking is crucial for organisations and policymakers alike. The network has evolved beyond a mere IT concern to become a strategic asset shaping future economies and enterprises. Investing in flexible, intelligent, and secure networks unlocks AI’s full potential, drives efficiency, and ensures a sustainable competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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