Half of UAE tech leaders expect IT budgets to increase: KPMG study

A report by KPMG says 63 per cent of UAE CIOs rated data collection as their most successful digital offering. This compares to 42 per cent of global CIOs, the report adds.

Almost a third (29 per cent) of UAE’s digital leaders thought they were extremely effective in implementing enterprise-wide digital strategies, against the global average of 17 per cent, the survey shows.

Almost two-thirds of UAE digital leaders stated that the pandemic has likely permanently increased the influence of their role. As technology has become increasingly important over the last six to eight months, so has the role of the technology leader. According to 70 per cent of those surveyed by KPMG in the UAE, the pandemic has fostered a culture of inclusivity in technology teams—a full 20 per cent higher than the global average.

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The report also reveals that almost half of UAE respondents expect a slow recovery and are implementing a flexible, experience-centric technology transformation to emerge stronger from the crisis.

When it comes to talent, UAE technology leaders are seeking enterprise architecture skills above all else (30 per cent), followed by AI expertise (25 per cent). Globally, 35 per cent of the respondents believe that cybersecurity is the most sought-after skill.

“The coronavirus pandemic disrupted every sector around the world, and has catalysed digital transformation,” Farhan Syed, Partner, head of Advisory at KPMG Lower Gulf said. “While the pandemic may not have necessarily altered business strategies, it has reaffirmed the importance of data, cloud and cybersecurity. Technology is thus helping businesses to adapt and anticipate better in a volatile business environment.”