This year, artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t merely a project or add-on — it’s becoming the backbone of tech systems. According to Deloitte’s Tech Trends 2025 report, “AI is being woven into the fabric of our lives. We’ll eventually think of it the same way we think of HTTP or electricity.” Deloitte
In practical terms, this means:
- Enterprises are shifting from “let’s pilot AI” to “how do we embed AI into everything we build”.
- AI is no longer just about generating text or images — we’re seeing agentic AI, systems that act autonomously, learn context, and collaborate with humans. McKinsey & Company+1
- For IT professionals — whether you’re in support, development or management — the message is clear: you’ll either adapt your skills to work with AI-driven systems, or risk being sidelined.
2. Regional Tech Accelerators: The Middle East Is Gearing Up
For those of us based in Dubai / UAE, this is especially relevant. The region isn’t waiting. According to PwC Middle East’s Emerging Technology Trends 2025 study:
- Innovation labs in the region are proliferating — organisations are setting up dedicated spaces to experiment with AI, robotics, immersive tech. PwC
- Immersive experiences (VR/AR) and physical robotics are making their way into sectors like education, tourism and logistics locally.
- The need for Arabic datasets, and culturally-aware AI, is a noted obstacle — meaning local talent and domain knowledge become distinguishing advantages. PwC
3. Infrastructure, Scale & the Hidden Bottlenecks
It’s easy to get excited about “AI everywhere”, but some of the most important work is behind the scenes. According to McKinsey & Company, global tech trends include:
- The surge in compute-intensive workloads (think large language models, advanced robotics) is stressing data centre power, cooling and supply-chain ecosystems. McKinsey & Company
- Region/nation-level tech competition is intensifying: chip fabrication, sovereign cloud infrastructure, local data-centres — all part of the new tech rivalry. McKinsey & Company
- For organisations in the GCC region, this means that tech strategy isn’t just about selecting the latest software, but also navigating infrastructure, regulation, regional readiness, and resilience.
4. Skills, Workforce & What IT Professionals Should Focus On
Given your background in IT support and aspiration for leadership roles, here are some actionable insights:
- Upskilling & reskilling matter. Reports such as from Wavestone list workforce transformation as a key trend: hybrid work tools, AI-driven collaboration platforms, and continuous learning will define success in 2025. Wavestone
- Support for AI-driven operations: As AI becomes core, IT support roles evolve — you’ll likely be supporting “systems that think”, “platforms that auto-heal”, and “agents that collaborate with humans”.
- Leadership mindset: Moving from “reactive support” to “strategic enablement” — envisioning how tech can drive value, not just fix problems.
5. What This Means for Tech Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Since you’re interested in IT business opportunities, here are some implications:
- Edge opportunities: With centralised scale dominating, there’s also a counter-wave of “compute at the edge” — smaller, domain-specific AI tools that run locally or on devices. McKinsey & Company
- Services & consultancy demand: Many companies will need help transitioning to this new tech stack — whether it’s embedding AI, modernising core systems, or building hybrid cloud/edge architectures.
- Localization & niche specialization: In the Middle East especially, customizing tools for local languages, behaviours, and regulations can be a differentiator (e.g., Arabic AI datasets, regional compliance).
- Risk-aware innovation: Being early can pay off, but infrastructure challenges, data governance, talent availability and regulation must be part of the plan.
6. Final Thoughts: How to Stay Ahead
- Start now: If you’re still “thinking about AI”, you may already be behind. Leading companies are embedding AI deeply and seeing measurable returns. Bain+1
- Adopt a hybrid mindset: Combine the “what’s new” (agentic AI, robotics) with the “what works” (robust infrastructure, data governance, skills development).
- Leverage your context: Being in Dubai/UAE gives you access to a fast-moving regional ecosystem, plus the global playbook — use both.
- Rotate your focus: As tech evolves rapidly, constantly revisit your own skill map: what you know, what you need to learn, what you can lead.