Why AI is the perfect business partner for UAE SMEs

In recent years, the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth in its SME sector. SMEs now account for approximately 94 per cent of the companies operating within the UAE and generate 86 per cent of the private sector’s workforce showcasing their integral role in the country’s economic fabric.

The UAE’s leadership has demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing SME businesses, recognising their potential for innovation, job creation and overall economic prosperity.

We see another focus for the nation is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This presents a prolific opportunity for SMEs to leverage an array of AI tools, infrastructure and strategies placed by the government to drive business success.

Technological disruption

The UAE government has been at the forefront of driving AI adoption across various sectors. The launch of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 exemplifies the leadership’s pioneering vision to position the nation as a global AI hub. The strategy aims to establish a solid AI infrastructure, attract and nurture AI talent, and employ AI in key sectors. The government’s initiatives have led to significant progress, as AI is already predicted to contribute up to 14% to the UAE’s GDP, which is equivalent to Dh 352.5 Billion by 2030.

The revolutionary technology will aid the government’s aim of diversifying from an oil-based economy to a digitally powered one. We see that AI will transform the UAE’s business landscape by driving efficiency, enhancing, productivity, and potentially aiding the nation’s goal of digital services contributing 20% to UAE’s non-oil GDP in the next 10 years.

SME adoption

SMEs must recognise that AI is not a futuristic concept, but a practical tool that can strategically augment and automate their processes. Currently, there are many fascinations and fears around AI that stem from a lack of understanding or knowledge. This is hindering SME employees from taking maximum advantage of this potent technology.

There is an urgent need for business leaders to upskill their teams with AI and machine learning skills and software so they can be ready to optimise the potential of AI-powered tools.

Levelling the playing field

AI eliminates the disadvantage of SMEs having fewer resources and empowers them to level the playing field, compete with larger enterprises, and drive growth in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

This technology can support your business in various areas such as streamlining operations, optimising supply chains, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling data-driven decision-making all the while saving time, money, and resources.

However, as with any transformative technology, there are ethical and technical considerations that SMEs must bear in mind when implementing AI.

Treading carefully

Currently, AI is an evolving technology so while it can be a perfect business partner, it is far from replacing human involvement. For a successful AI integration employee moderation and oversight remain crucial to maintain ethical standards and prevent unintended consequences.

Ethically, businesses should prioritise transparency and accountability, ensuring that AI systems are fair, and unbiased, and do not perpetuate discrimination.

From a technical standpoint, SMEs must invest in robust data governance frameworks to ensure data quality, privacy, and security.

The visionary leadership of the UAE has rolled out federal laws in recent years which provide people control over their data. To support the nation in its mission towards safe and transparent data practices businesses need to have a clear understanding of the data they collect, the data they need, and how to derive meaningful insights.

These processes can ensure transparency, obtain user consent to build trust, and maintain positive brand perception. Collaborating with AI experts and data scientists can help SMEs navigate the technical complexities and develop tailored AI solutions that align with their specific needs.

A new era

The UAE SME sector stands at the precipice of a new era of growth and innovation, and AI is the perfect business partner to propel it forward. With the government’s unwavering commitment to AI adoption and simultaneously developing a competitive entrepreneurial landscape, the future is ripe with possibilities and SMEs need to act now and leverage the power of AI to stay ahead in the game.

Adam Taylor is the director of Marketing at IFZA

Watch: GB Talks: Aref Yehia – Head of Business Partnerships for Retail & E-Commerce at TikTok, MENA