Cisco Partners reveals that over a quarter (26%) of its UAE-based technology partners expect AI-related technologies to account for 76-100% of their revenue within the next four to five years.
Additionally, 43% predict that demand for AI technology investments will surge by more than 75% during the same period. These insights are drawn from Cisco’s Global AI Partners Study, titled Bridging the Customer AI Readiness Gap – The Opportunities Ahead for Partners.
The report highlights a global trend where IT partners foresee a major shift in revenue driven by rising AI adoption, signaling a transformative phase for the tech industry.
Key Drivers of AI Growth
Cisco Partners identified infrastructure (26%), cybersecurity (26%), and sustainability management (11%) as the primary forces fueling AI demand. In the near term, 37% of UAE partners estimate that AI will contribute 26-50% of their revenue within a year, with expectations of even higher contributions in the longer term.
Ossama Eldeeb, Regional Director for Cisco’s Partner Organisation in the Middle East and Africa emphasized the importance of readiness: “As AI becomes central to business transformation in the UAE and the wider region, it’s crucial for our partners to have the skills and tools to lead this evolution. The study underscores significant opportunities for partners to drive AI adoption and deliver innovative solutions aligned with regional ambitions.”
The Role of AI Readiness
The Cisco Global AI Partners Study, based on insights from over 1,500 IT partners across 29 markets, builds on the findings of the Cisco AI Readiness Index, which exposed global gaps in infrastructure, data governance, and talent needed for effective AI adoption.
Cisco’s study highlights the vital role technology partners play in bridging these gaps and helping businesses prepare for AI integration.
Confidence and Challenges in AI Deployment
The study revealed strong confidence among Ciscos partners in their AI expertise, particularly in four key areas:
- Building scalable AI-ready infrastructure
- Ensuring adequate GPU resources for AI workloads
- Managing latency and throughput in data centers
- Navigating data privacy, sovereignty, and regional regulations
Despite this confidence, partners acknowledged significant hurdles, including:
- Limited experience with new technologies (69%)
- Insufficient knowledge of AI systems and processes (51%)
- A lack of available AI technologies (46%)
To overcome these barriers, partners are heavily investing in workforce upskilling. Nearly 74% are conducting internal AI-focused training or collaborating with external vendors for specialized programs.
Cisco’s findings highlight a clear path forward: with the right investments in skills and infrastructure, UAE technology partners are well-positioned to drive AI adoption and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
