cReadiness redefines digital leadership in the Middle East
Can you share your key takeaways from the Digital Technology Survey at GITEX 2025 ownership issue. and how this aligns with Kyndryl’ s latest Readiness Report?
Both studies point to the same inflection point which is that the Middle East has moved from ambition to execution, but readiness is the constraint.
The GITEX survey shows three-in-four organisations are increasing digital investment and prioritising and data strategies. faster time-to-market and AI adoption. The Kyndryl Readiness Report reinforces this, revealing a readiness crossroads: although businesses remain optimistic
The Digital Technology Survey at GITEX 2025 and Kyndryl’ s latest Readiness Report tell a shared story of a region at a turning point: digital ambition is high and investment is accelerating, but execution, governance and resilience are lagging. As Middle East organisations race to adopt AI, modernise IT and scale innovation, the real differentiator is no longer spend; it’ s readiness, trust and the ability to turn intent into durable, secure outcomes. Adib Kilzie, Consult Leader for Kyndryl in the Middle East and Africa, explores the findings from the survey and report, discussing key takeaways and lessons learned.
about their readiness, leaders acknowledge systemic obstacles, with 91 % stating they struggle to keep up with the pace of technological advancement and 26 % cited complex technology environments as a barrier to scaling investments.
the paradox is not a budget issue, but a visibility and
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According to the GITEX survey, 25 % of leaders are unsure whether digital spending has increased, indicating fragmented governance and unclear accountability. The Kyndryl Readiness Report explains that as organisations in the UAE scale digital investments, 27 % cite regulatory or compliance requirements as barriers – highlighting the increasing influence of policy frameworks on cloud
Some of the common gaps we see include no single owner across cloud, security, data and AI portfolios( enterprise-level approach); weak FinOps and portfolio discipline across hybrid estates; funding disconnected
It’ s clear from this alignment that spend is accelerating faster than foundations, governance and skills. This gap is precisely where Kyndryl Consult operates – helping clients convert intent into durable outcomes by modernising the core, strengthening governance and sequencing transformation so innovation can scale safely.
The survey notes a paradox: three-in-four organisations increased digital investment, yet a quarter of leaders in the Middle East are unsure of spend. What do you believe are the governance gaps causing this funding uncertainty?
There are two sides to this; raising the budget required and monitoring how it is spent – I believe
Adib Kilzie, Consult Leader for Kyndryl in the Middle East and Africa