Dubai Holding Real Estate has launched a new service to help eligible property buyers apply for long-term UAE residency, integrating Golden Visa and investor residency guidance into the home buying process at the sales centres of Meraas and Nakheel.

The service allows customers to receive in-person support on eligibility, documentation and application requirements while purchasing a property. Applications will be processed by an accredited visa service provider, with Meraas and Nakheel acting solely as facilitators, the company said on Monday.

The initiative is available to both new and existing customers purchasing properties across the developers’ portfolios.

Eligible real estate investors owning property, or a group of properties, worth at least Dhs2m ($544,600) may apply for the UAE’s renewable 10-year Golden Visa, subject to government approval and applicable regulations. The service also supports other investor residency pathways available to qualifying property owners in Dubai.

“By integrating the Golden Visa and investor residency process into the property ownership journey, we are empowering our customers with greater clarity and confidence as they choose their home,” Khalid Al Malik, chief executive officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said in a statement.

The UAE has expanded long-term residency programmes in recent years as part of efforts to attract investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

The initiative also aligns with Dubai’s Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to increase homeownership rates to 33 per cent, double the real estate sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to about Dhs73bn and increase real estate transactions by 70 per cent.

Dubai Holding Real Estate said the service is intended to simplify the property purchase process by providing customers with dedicated residency guidance while supporting brokers and sales teams through a more coordinated application process.

The company said all visa eligibility requirements, documentation, government fees and approvals remain under the authority of the relevant UAE government entities, with the developers providing facilitation services only.

In other news, Nakheel last week launched the next phase of Palm Central Private Residences on Palm Jebel Ali, releasing 222 beachfront homes across three low- to mid-rise buildings after what it described as strong demand following the project’s initial launch in October 2025.

The development forms part of the 13.4-km Palm Jebel Ali masterplan, which is aligned with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and D33 economic agenda.

Dubai is preparing to launch one of its largest seasonal tourism and retail campaigns as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 returns for its 29th edition, bringing more than 60 days of shopping, dining, entertainment, hospitality and family-focused experiences across the emirate.

Running from July 2 to August 30, 2026, the annual festival will once again transform Dubai into a vibrant summer destination under this year’s theme, “Make it a Dubai Summer.” Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the programme has been designed to stimulate consumer spending, support businesses across multiple sectors and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading retail and tourism destinations.

Visitors and residents can expect an extensive calendar featuring citywide promotions, major retail campaigns, live concerts, family attractions, culinary experiences, luxury shopping activations and hotel offers, alongside a series of new initiatives making their debut during this year’s festival.

Among the headline attractions are the return of the Great Dubai Summer Sale, Back-to-School promotions, Summer Restaurant Week, 10 Dirham Dish, Beat The Heat, Modesh World, exclusive hotel packages and attraction offers. This year’s programme also introduces several new concepts, including DSS Luxe Edition, Performing Arts Fest, Back-to-School Carnival, Win Your Home in Dubai, Dine Shop Win, and an expanded portfolio of raffles and shopping rewards.

Strategic focus on tourism, retail and economic growth

Officials said DSS 2026 has been carefully curated to deliver value for consumers while supporting economic activity across Dubai’s retail, hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors.

The festival will feature thousands of promotions across participating shopping centres, attractions, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, offering residents and international visitors compelling reasons to spend the summer in the emirate.

Retail continues to remain a cornerstone of the festival, with shoppers able to take advantage of two major shopping seasons. The Great Dubai Summer Sale will feature discounts of up to 90 per cent across participating retailers, while the Back-to-School campaign will offer promotions on school essentials, fashion, electronics and technology products ahead of the new academic year.

Speaking during the unveiling of the full programme, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said the festival continues to play an important role in supporting Dubai’s broader economic ambitions.

“Dubai Summer Surprises continues to play a vital role in enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for tourism, retail, and family entertainment. With DSS 2026, we are proud to present another exceptional programme that brings together world-class shopping, exciting experiences, and outstanding value for residents and visitors alike.

“Through a carefully curated calendar of retail campaigns, entertainment, gastronomy, hospitality offers, and family-friendly activities, DSS creates memorable moments across the city while supporting economic growth and strengthening Dubai’s vibrant retail and tourism sectors. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience a summer filled with rewards, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.”

His comments underscore the strategic importance of the annual festival, which has evolved into one of Dubai’s flagship consumer events, supporting businesses while encouraging both domestic and international tourism during the traditionally quieter summer period.

Opening weekend launches with concerts and live entertainment

The festival officially begins with a four-day opening celebration running from July 2 to 5, featuring concerts, cultural performances, immersive mall experiences and live entertainment designed to attract families and visitors across Dubai.

Participating shopping destinations will host interactive performances, musical showcases, dancers and roaming entertainment throughout the opening weekend, creating an engaging atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Among the musical highlights, Dubai Hills Mall will stage complimentary performances by Emirati artists Saif Al Ali on July 3 and Arqam Al Abri on July 4, showcasing a blend of traditional Emirati music alongside contemporary regional influences.

Meanwhile, City Centre Mirdif will welcome Iraqi pop star Rahma Riad on July 3, followed by Nassif Zeytoun on July 4, bringing internationally recognised Arabic music acts to Dubai shoppers during the opening celebrations.

Music enthusiasts will also be able to attend Samratna by Mohamed Al Bakri, taking place on 3 July at the New Covent Garden Theatre inside Mall of the Emirates, where audiences can enjoy an intimate Khaleeji musical performance featuring classic Gulf melodies and Arabic compositions.

Another family favourite arrives on July 4, with the Assem Sukkar Spacetoon Concert at JAFZA One Convention Centre, celebrating some of the most memorable Spacetoon theme songs that have entertained generations across the Arab world.

The opening programme also includes theatre, with audiences able to secure tickets for Khairan Resort, a light-hearted Kuwaiti comedy production being staged at Dubai Opera from July 3 to 4.

Modesh and Dana return as festival favourites

No edition of Dubai Summer Surprises would be complete without the return of the festival’s best-known mascots, Modesh and Dana, who remain among the biggest attractions for younger audiences.

Throughout the festival, the popular characters will appear at schools, leading attractions and participating venues across Dubai, entertaining families through surprise appearances and interactive experiences.

One of the biggest family attractions returns with Modesh World, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre from July 3 until August 23.

Designed as a fully integrated family destination, the attraction combines themed entertainment zones, interactive games, workshops, live performances and retail experiences. Visitors will have access to dedicated areas including the Fun Zone, Modesh Market and Family Zone, alongside complimentary entry to performance areas and selected activities.

Families will also have the opportunity to benefit from the Modesh Scholarship, which offers shoppers the chance to win one of 10 scholarships worth AED20,000 each through qualifying purchases at participating shopping malls across Dubai.

New experiences expand the festival offering

Building on nearly three decades of success, Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 introduces a series of new initiatives aimed at broadening its appeal while creating additional opportunities for retailers, hospitality operators and entertainment providers.

Among the headline additions is the debut of DSS Luxe Edition, a premium shopping programme designed to showcase Dubai’s luxury retail sector through exclusive previews, personalised shopping experiences, premium hospitality offerings, private brand activations and limited-edition collections.

The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued focus on strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading luxury shopping destinations while creating differentiated experiences for high-spending consumers.

Families will also benefit from the introduction of the Back-to-School Carnival, scheduled for August 7 and 8, which will feature interactive entertainment, live performances, children’s activities and educational experiences designed to build excitement ahead of the new academic year.

Supporting local entrepreneurship remains another important focus of the festival. Through a series of SME Pop-ups, homegrown brands and emerging businesses will be given opportunities to showcase their products across major retail destinations, helping increase visibility for local enterprises while offering shoppers access to unique products.

Meanwhile, the newly launched DSS Performing Arts Fest will transform participating shopping malls into entertainment destinations across three weekends between July 24 and August 16. Visitors can expect immersive themed performances featuring live music, dance productions, acrobatics, aerial performances, parades and interactive experiences designed to enhance the overall retail environment.

Shopping meets entertainment

Citywide activations continue to blur the lines between retail and entertainment, encouraging longer visitor stays and increased consumer engagement.

At City Walk, football enthusiasts can experience the LEGO FIFA Activation, an interactive attraction featuring football-themed skill challenges alongside creative LEGO building activities. Entry will be available to customers spending a minimum of Dhs100 at participating outlets.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, City Walk will also host the Dine Shop Win campaign, rewarding customers who spend Dhs100 with entries into raffle draws offering Dhs50,000 every two weeks, culminating in a grand prize of Dhs500,000 through the Dream Dubai app. The promotion runs until October 31, extending consumer engagement beyond the official DSS calendar.

Shopping rewards remain one of the festival’s biggest attractions.

The DSS Mega Raffles, organised in partnership with ENOC, will provide participants with opportunities to win a 2026 Dongfeng 007 alongside a share of Dhs500,000 in cash prizes through September 20.

Additional promotions include opportunities for shoppers at Dubai Festival Plaza to win an Exeed LX, while visitors to Mercato Shopping Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah will be entered into draws to win a Cadillac LYRIQ.

Further reinforcing Dubai’s long-standing reputation as the “City of Gold,” shoppers spending AED500 or more on jewellery purchases during DSS will be entered into draws to win a combined three kilograms of gold.

Festival organisers have also confirmed that additional citywide experiences under the DSS Experiences programme will be announced during the summer.

Culinary experiences take centre stage

Dubai’s globally recognised dining sector will once again play a prominent role throughout DSS 2026, with the return of two of the festival’s most successful culinary initiatives.

The expanded Summer Restaurant Week returns from July 13 to August 2, providing diners with specially curated menus and attractive pricing across many of Dubai’s leading restaurants.

The extended duration reflects growing demand from both residents and international visitors seeking accessible dining experiences across the city.

Participating venues will showcase specially designed lunch and dinner menus, allowing customers to explore Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape while supporting restaurants during the summer season.

Another returning favourite is the 10 Dirham Dish, which will run from August 3 to 30.

The initiative enables diners to enjoy selected signature dishes for just Dhs10 at participating restaurants across Dubai, encouraging consumers to discover new dining destinations while revisiting established favourites.

By making premium dining experiences more affordable, organisers hope to encourage greater exploration of Dubai’s increasingly diverse food scene while generating additional footfall for participating restaurants.

Entertainment programme targets diverse audiences

Entertainment continues to serve as one of the major pillars of Dubai Summer Surprises, with organisers unveiling an extensive programme of concerts, comedy, cultural performances and immersive family experiences throughout the festival.

Returning for its fifth season, Beat the Heat remains among the festival’s headline entertainment attractions.

Hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s concert series will feature performances by some of the region’s most recognisable artists.

The programme begins on July 11 with Egyptian rock band Cairokee, followed by Dystinct and Issam Najjar on July 18, bringing together Arabic musical influences with contemporary global sounds.

The series continues with Sultan Murshed and Talal Sam on July 25, followed by acclaimed vocalist Rasha Rizk on 1 August and Al Shami alongside Leen Hayek on August 8.

Festival organisers confirmed that additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks, further strengthening the concert line-up.

Tickets for the Beat the Heat concert series are available through Platinumlist.

Closing weekend to feature major performances

The festival concludes with another strong entertainment programme led by Kuwait’s legendary Miami Band, which will bring The Miami Show to Coca-Cola Arena on 29 August.

The concert marks one of the group’s biggest international productions outside Kuwait and celebrates more than three decades of musical success since the band’s formation in 1991.

Fans can expect performances of many of the group’s best-known hits, including Bastans, Ya Omri Ana and Ya Helwakom.

Tickets are currently available via Platinumlist.

Comedy fans will also have the opportunity to attend a live performance by Indian stand-up comedian Atul Khatri, who will perform at Emirates Theatre on August 29, presenting a mix of new material alongside audience favourites centred on modern life, relationships and everyday experiences.

Meanwhile, music lovers can enjoy the return of the Candlelight Concert at Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam on July 11, where audiences will experience classical interpretations of works by internationally renowned artists including Queen, Ludovico Einaudi and Hans Zimmer.

Across participating shopping destinations, including City Walk, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival Plaza, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, The Outlet Village and Bluewaters, visitors will also enjoy performances by local artists, family entertainment and immersive themed activations throughout the summer.

Among the highlights are the Madagascar Parade at Dubai Festival City Mall and the K-pop Demon Hunters Pop-Up at City Centre Mirdif, running from July 9 to 19.

Retail campaigns aim to boost consumer spending

Retail remains at the heart of Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, with organisers rolling out an extensive programme of promotions, exclusive offers and prize campaigns designed to encourage spending across multiple categories while reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading shopping destinations.

The retail calendar will be anchored by two major shopping campaigns. The Great Dubai Summer Sale, with dates to be announced, will feature discounts of up to 90 per cent, flash sales, exclusive brand offers and citywide promotions across participating retailers. Later in the season, the Back-to-School campaign, running from August 3 to 30, will focus on family essentials, school supplies, fashion, electronics and technology, complemented by themed entertainment and mall activations ahead of the new academic year.

Returning to the programme is the popular DSS Daily Surprises, with participating retailers unveiling one-day-only offers just 24 hours before they go live, encouraging shoppers to visit stores regularly throughout the festival.

Consumers will also have additional opportunities to win prizes through the Lucky Receipt promotion. Shoppers spending Dhs300 or more at participating retailers will be entered into daily draws, with 100 winners selected during the campaign and 10 prizes awarded each day.

Major prize campaigns add further incentive

One of the festival’s most significant additions this year is Win Your Home in Dubai, a citywide campaign jointly led by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai Chambers.

The initiative transforms everyday shopping into an opportunity to win property, with 12 residential units from Binghatti Developers available during the campaign, including a two-bedroom apartment as the grand prize.

The promotion reflects the growing scale of consumer reward programmes being introduced during Dubai Summer Surprises, while further strengthening collaboration between the retail and real estate sectors.

Festival organisers said participation from leading shopping centres, international brands and retailers across Dubai reinforces the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most rewarding retail destinations.

Beyond traditional discounts, shoppers can look forward to instant prizes, exclusive activations and life-changing rewards throughout the festival.

Additional themed retail campaigns will spotlight key consumer categories, including:

• Gold and Jewellery Flash Sale Weekend
• Electronics Flash Sale Weekend
• Beauty and Wellness Flash Sale Weekend
• Home and Furnishing Flash Sale Weekend
• Fashion and Accessories Flash Sale Weekend

Together, these campaigns are expected to generate sustained consumer activity across Dubai’s retail sector throughout the summer months.

More chances to win throughout the festival

Several shopping destinations will introduce their own exclusive promotions alongside the citywide programme.

Customers spending Dhs300 or more at Dubai Festival City Mall will have the opportunity to enter the Shop & Win campaign for a chance to win an MHERO vehicle.

Meanwhile, shoppers across selected Majid Al Futtaim malls can participate in the SHARE Millionaire promotion, which offers one of four bi-weekly prizes worth Dhs100,000, alongside a Jetour vehicle as the campaign’s grand prize at selected City Centre malls.

Visitors shopping at Mercato Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah will also have the opportunity to win a brand-new Cadillac through dedicated prize draws.

The rewards programme extends further with the Dubai Summer Surprises Digital Raffle, which allows shoppers spending AED200 at participating malls to enter draws to win one of 10 Exeed vehicles.

Across nine raffle draws taking place between July 2 and August 29, one lucky participant will also receive two Exeed vehicles as the campaign’s grand prize.

Collectively, these promotions are designed to encourage repeat visits to shopping destinations while delivering additional value to consumers during the festival.

Staycations and family experiences drive domestic tourism

Beyond retail, Dubai Summer Surprises continues to support the hospitality sector with an extensive range of staycation packages, attraction discounts and family-focused experiences.

Residents and visitors will be able to choose from hundreds of offers across hotels, resorts, attractions and entertainment destinations throughout the festival, providing affordable options for families looking to enjoy a summer holiday without leaving the emirate.

In line with the UAE’s Year of the Family, participating hotels and resorts will introduce enhanced family programming, including dedicated children’s activities, entertainment and experiences designed to encourage multi-generational travel.

Festival organisers said the initiative reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to positioning itself as a year-round destination offering experiences for every age group.

Residents will also benefit from a wide range of exclusive UAE resident rates across participating hotels and attractions, while visitors can choose from nearly 100 staycation and attraction offers, ranging from luxury five-star properties and all-inclusive resorts to affordable accommodation suitable for every budget.

Fitness and community engagement take priority

Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 also places a strong emphasis on health, wellness and community participation through a range of fitness initiatives designed to keep residents active during the warmer months.

Among the returning highlights are the popular Dubai Mallathons, which transform some of Dubai’s leading shopping centres into indoor fitness venues.

The programme features a series of indoor runs combining exercise with music, entertainment, prizes and family-friendly activities, providing residents and visitors with an accessible way to remain active despite the summer heat.

The initiative continues to demonstrate how Dubai’s retail destinations are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs that extend well beyond traditional shopping experiences.

Football fans can also look forward to FIFA World Cup-themed activations taking place across the city, offering immersive experiences, entertainment and community celebrations that add another dimension to this year’s programme.

Strong public-private collaboration supports DSS 2026

The scale of Dubai Summer Surprises continues to be underpinned by extensive collaboration between the public and private sectors.

DSS 2026 is supported by Commercial Bank of Dubai as the Key Sponsor, alongside a broad network of Strategic Partners, including Al Futtaim Malls, Al Zarooni Group, AW Rostamani Group, DHAM, Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim, and talabat.

Their collective participation reflects the importance of the festival in driving commercial activity across retail, hospitality, aviation, food and beverage, entertainment and tourism.

A summer festival that continues to shape Dubai’s visitor economy

Now entering its 29th edition, Dubai Summer Surprises has evolved into one of the emirate’s most significant annual consumer and tourism events, bringing together government entities, retailers, hospitality providers and entertainment partners under a single citywide programme.

With more than 60 days of shopping campaigns, live entertainment, culinary experiences, family attractions, hotel offers and rewarding promotions, DSS 2026 is expected to generate significant economic activity while encouraging residents and international visitors to explore everything Dubai has to offer during the summer season.

From luxury retail experiences and headline concerts to family attractions, dining promotions and multimillion-dirham prize campaigns, this year’s edition further reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global destination that continues to innovate its tourism and retail offering.

As the festival returns under the theme “Make it a Dubai Summer,” organisers are aiming to deliver not only exceptional value for consumers but also sustained momentum for businesses across the emirate, ensuring another memorable season of shopping, entertainment and discovery.

Expo City Dubai has partnered with Emirates NBD to introduce tailored mortgage and home financing solutions aimed at supporting buyers across its residential developments, as demand for structured financing continues to grow in Dubai’s property market.

The agreement will provide eligible buyers of Expo City Dubai properties with access to financing solutions for both ready-to-handover and off-plan homes, subject to standard banking and regulatory requirements. The partnership is designed to simplify the property purchasing process while providing greater payment assurance throughout development and delivery phases.

Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer at Expo City Dubai, said the collaboration reflects confidence in the long-term outlook for Dubai’s residential market.

“The collaboration with Emirates NBD reflects our shared confidence in the ongoing stability and strength of Dubai’s residential real estate market. These structured financing solutions support our investors on their path to home ownership, and offer greater clarity, convenience and reassurance when purchasing property within Expo City Dubai’s growing residential communities,” he said.

Yousuf Saeed Mohd, group head of priority and personal banking, and retail banking sales at Emirates NBD, said: “As a leading financial institution that continues to play a central role in Dubai and the UAE’s progress by financing strategic sectors, Emirates NBD is proud to partner with Expo City Dubai. Through this collaboration, we will provide prospective homeowners with innovative and competitive offerings, making their journey to owning a residence within Expo City Dubai’s vibrant community seamless and rewarding.”

He added that the partnership reinforces the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of Dubai’s real estate sector while advancing national development priorities.

The agreement supports Dubai’s wider ambitions for sustainable urban development and comes as Expo City Dubai continues its transformation into a fully integrated mixed-use city. The destination is expected to welcome its first residents by the end of the year.

Built around 15-minute city planning principles, Expo City Dubai offers direct metro connectivity, access to major highways and proximity to Dubai’s international airports and Jebel Ali Port. The development will feature parks, cycling and running tracks, schools, cultural venues, offices, dining outlets, recreational facilities and event spaces within a walkable community.

Dubai Municipality has launched what it describes as the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge, inviting designers, architects, researchers and technology innovators to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park using artificial intelligence.

Launched under the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative aims to combine AI, urban design and community participation to shape the future of public spaces.

The challenge explores how AI can support every stage of the design process, including site analysis, user insights, concept generation, scenario testing, design optimisation and visualisation, while ensuring that final design decisions remain human-led.

Participants are tasked with developing sustainable and practical master plans for Al Safa 2 Park that enhance accessibility, wellbeing, social interaction and quality of life. Submissions must demonstrate how AI tools were integrated into the design process, supported by data analysis, visualisations, technical drawings and a clear explanation of AI-assisted decision-making.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “The launch of the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead the future of urban innovation by combining advanced technologies with human-centred design. Under the leadership’s vision, Dubai Municipality continues to develop transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life, strengthen community participation and reimagine public spaces as integrated destinations designed around people and their daily needs.”

He added: “Artificial intelligence is not replacing human creativity in this challenge. It is being used as a tool to expand possibilities, deepen understanding and support better design decisions. Through this initiative, we aim to attract bold ideas from designers, researchers, students, startups and technology innovators, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for designing smart, sustainable and liveable future cities.”

The competition is open to professionals in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture and public space design, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, startups, AI specialists and technology innovators.

Entries will be assessed on criteria including AI integration, spatial intelligence, feasibility, sustainability, inclusivity, human-centred design and the ability to translate data into practical design solutions.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Parks play a direct role in shaping community wellbeing, social connection and everyday quality of life. Through this challenge, Dubai Municipality is exploring a new model for public space design, where artificial intelligence helps generate deeper insights into people, place, climate and use, while ensuring that the final outcome remains practical, inclusive and centred on human experience.”

The challenge carries a total prize pool of Dhs200,000, with Dhs100,000 awarded to the winner, Dhs65,000 for second place and Dhs35,000 for third. A panel comprising senior Dubai government officials and international experts in architecture, design, artificial intelligence and urban planning will evaluate submissions before shortlisted concepts are opened to community voting.

Applications are open until 15 August 2026 through Dubai Municipality’s dedicated competition platform.

A new phase of enterprise AI is emerging, one that demands attention at the very top of the organisation.

For years, companies throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa have experimented with AI by testing chatbots, piloting analytics tools, and exploring generative AI features. Some pilots have delivered incremental gains, while many others have stalled.

This year, AI can no longer be treated as experimentation at the edge of the business. It must become embedded at the core.

Embedded AI, intelligence that lives directly inside enterprise processes, is now one of the most powerful levers available to boards seeking profitability, productivity and long-term competitiveness. Embedded AI represents a profound shift from AI features to AI-native operations.

From AI Features to AI-Native Operations

In the past, AI sat outside core systems, relegated to dashboards, standalone analytics tools, or isolated pilots. Today, it is moving directly into transaction flows: inside ERP, supply chain planning, finance, procurement, HR and customer experience systems. Embedded AI is context-aware, action-oriented, and governed. It understands the role, process and underlying business data of tasks, triggers and automate processes, and operates within enterprise-grade security, compliance and data frameworks.

In practical terms, this means a CFO can receive automated explanations for financial variances directly inside the closing process. A procurement leader can generate intelligent category recommendations within sourcing workflows, and a planner can optimise production schedules in real time without switching systems.

Business leaders are confronted with a range of unique regional pressures. Demographic shifts in Europe, combined with regulatory complexity, are placing demands for higher productivity on smaller workforces. In the Middle East, national AI strategies and diversification agendas require faster innovation cycles, while in Africa, youthful talent and digital acceleration present enormous opportunity, but only for companies that can scale efficiently and govern complexity.

The case for embedded AI as board-level issue

Boards are broadly asking the same questions: how do we protect margins; how do we increase throughput without increasing headcount? and how do we move from reactive decisions to predictive ones?

Embedded AI answers these questions not as a technology initiative, but as a shift in operating model. In 2023 and 2024, AI initiatives were built for experimentation. Last year and in the year ahead, the focus has shifted to unified AI platforms built on clean data foundations, and delivering measurable business outcomes.

There is one consistent lesson across our customer base: AI only works on a clean foundation.

Embedded AI requires harmonised processes, standardised ERP systems and high-quality data. That is why clean core strategies and unified AI infrastructures are so critical.

AI-native enterprises are consolidating scattered pilots into governed platforms.

Without a unified approach, organisations face duplicated models, inconsistent decisions and uncontrolled risk exposure. With it, ERP becomes a strategic AI engine.

The measurable impact of embedded AI is already evident. In HR, embedded intelligence in SuccessFactors is enabling skills-based workforce planning directly within manager workflows, aligning talent decisions to strategic priorities. Across finance functions globally, AI-assisted explanations and reconciliation processes are reducing manual effort by up to 70% while improving transparency and auditability.

Board-level priorities

For boards and executive teams across Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, three priorities stand out:

First, treat embedded AI as part of core architecture, not as an optional feature.

Second, invest in clean data and standardised processes to unlock higher-value automation.

Third, measure AI success in terms of profitability, cashflow protection, throughput and resilience, and not by pilot counts.

AI is now a core lever of competitive advantage, but only when paired with process redesign, data discipline and an empowered workforce. In 2026, the companies that lead will not be those experimenting at the margins. They will be those embedding intelligence into the heart of their business, turning ERP systems into engines of prediction, optimisation and growth.