Page 37 - Red Hat PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025

Article

Beyond the hype: Building long-term value with open and

scalable AI

By Anirban Mukherjee, Director of Solutions Architecture, MENA, Red Hat

7 October 2025 - With the introduction of advanced technologies such as artificial
intelligence (AI), machine learning and data analytics, both private and public organisations
across the globe are transforming how they operate, make decisions, and deliver value to
customers in real time. And in this race to harness the full potential of intelligent systems,
the true differentiator lies not just in using AI - but in building it strategically, securely, and

in alignment with long-term business goals.

This is where Open and Scalable AI becomes a game-changer. While off the shelf publicly
hosted AI services based on proprietary models promise quick wins, they often compromise
long-term control, compliance, and differentiation. Therefore, when it comes to long-term
business value, governance, and security, the real question is not simply how to use the
technology, but who owns it. This is particularly vital for the Middle East, where digital
transformation is rapidly accelerating, fuelled by ambitious government-led initiatives
aimed at positioning the region as a global innovation hub.

From Hype to Strategy

The Middle East is investing heavily in AI. According to PwC, the region stands to gain over
USD320 billion from AI by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge. National
strategies - from Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be the world’s first AI-native government in the
next two years under Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027 to Saudi Arabia’s
Vision 2030 - are accelerating digital transformation across all sectors.

Despite this momentum, many businesses in the region are still in the early to mid-stages of
adopting AI. Many executive teams eager in the Middle East are eager to embrace AI, but
internal IT departments often lack the tools, frameworks, and talent to do so securely and
effectively. As a result, organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors, exposing
themselves to risks such as shadow IT, data breaches, and a loss of strategic autonomy.