en.Wedoany.com Reported - Softline stated that the UAE digital transformation market is expected to grow from $1.57 billion in 2025 to $3.29 billion by 2030, with major investments concentrated in the oil and gas, energy, and metallurgy sectors. Priority areas include AI-based services and industrial infrastructure protection.
The spending structure is shifting from equipment procurement to the adoption of intelligent services. AI and analytics are growing at an annual rate of 28.5%, while cloud services are expanding by 20.2%. Cloud infrastructure still accounts for 70% of the market, with the share of hybrid architectures increasing by 24.9% annually. Cybersecurity has become a mandatory budget item, and driven by the rise in industrial cyberattacks, this segment is expected to reach $1.29 billion by 2030.
In the oil and gas sector, 9.2% of the country's total digital investments are allocated to optimizing operations through AI. ADNOC has allocated $1.76 billion for projects, including $920 million for well digitalization and $340 million for the ENERGYai platform. The expected impact of scalable AI solutions is an added value of $500 million within one year. In the energy sector, operator DEWA plans to invest AED 7 billion ($1.9 billion) by 2035 to modernize the power grid, having already installed 2.3 million smart meters and launched a roadmap for transitioning into a "native AI utility."
The manufacturing sector is advancing digitalization under the government's "Transform 4.0" program, aiming to create 100 "Industry 4.0 lighthouses" by 2030. Support measures include an industrial application ecosystem valued at AED 5.5 million and financing through the UAE Development Bank, covering up to 70% of digitalization costs. Companies that complete digital maturity assessments using the ITTI methodology will receive a +5% bonus on the National Localization Index, thereby increasing their chances of winning government procurement contracts.
The market has shifted from pilot projects to systematic procurement with clear ROI metrics. Customers are no longer purchasing technology for its own sake but are investing in solutions that can scale to hundreds of wells, substations, or production lines. This has changed supplier requirements, prioritizing products with the highest integration, proven compatibility with industrial standards, local support, and clear ROI models. For Russian companies, this presents both a challenge (the need to adapt to local requirements) and an opportunity (niche solutions with quick returns are preferred over universal platforms).
The market is evolving toward a model where digital investments are evaluated based on returns, with enterprises expecting a 200% ROI from digital transformation. This shifts procurement logic, prioritizing solutions that offer rapid returns and are clearly linked to operational metrics. For suppliers, this means increased demand for proven niche products rather than generic platforms.
Alexander Rozhkov, Director of International Business Development at Softline, stated that the company operates in the UAE, where demand for enterprise software, cybersecurity technology, and fintech remains stable. Special economic zones such as Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi Global Market offer 100% foreign ownership, zero foreign exchange controls, and significant tax incentives. Flagship events like GITEX and GISEC provide direct access to C-level executives from multinational corporations. The establishment of digital commissioners and a neutral business environment also play a key role, with solution competitiveness being paramount. Deepened cooperation within the BRICS framework and a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the UAE further strengthen its position. Ultimately, Softline and its clients gain access not only to the vast local market but also to the Middle East and North Africa, India, and African countries.
