From Doha to Dubai: Exploring AI’s Rapid Rise in the Middle East

Over the past week, Babita Devi, Chief Commercial Officer for SKC Games Studio, attended the World Summit AI in Doha and was joined by Aka Aker, Regional Director, Middle East at the Global AI Show in Dubai, two events that highlighted the Middle East’s leadership in AI innovation. The region’s appetite for transformative technology positions it firmly in the Early Adopters segment of the Product Adoption Curve, where risk-taking and innovation drive rapid progress.

The Middle East: A Launchpad for Innovation

An example of this proactive approach is the Dubai AI Campus at DIFC Innovation Hub, the largest AI cluster in the region. Despite its recent launch, the campus is already fully booked, with plans to expand and accommodate a growing waitlist of companies eager to join. Offering a 90% subsidised commercial licence and an AI Transformation programme, it serves as a beacon for companies looking to scale in an AI-first ecosystem.

Practical Applications of AI

The Middle East’s adoption of AI isn’t just about exploring ideas—it’s about solving real-world challenges. SKC Games Studio’s AI platform, 1956 Individuals, is ideally suited for industries like visitor attractions, retail, and customer engagement, where creating personalised, interactive experiences is key.

For example:

• At visitor attractions, AI characters can provide multilingual guides, answer questions, and deliver immersive storytelling.
• In customer engagement, AI solutions can help businesses streamline operations, respond to queries in real time, and foster deeper audience connections.
• For events, AI can enhance experiences with fast check-ins, tailored recommendations, and seamless multilingual interactions.

By addressing these needs, companies can showcase the tangible value of AI while leveraging the Middle East’s readiness to adopt such technologies.

The Ethical Dimension

At the World Summit AI in Doha, ethics emerged as a central theme, reinforcing the need for responsible AI deployment. The rapid adoption of AI across not just the Middle East, but internationally, brings with it critical discussions around transparency, accountability, and fairness.  There was much discussion around how AI can be designed to serve humanity, while mitigating risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and unintended consequences.

Ethics is at the heart of 1956 Individuals, ensuring their AI solutions prioritise inclusivity, security, and cultural sensitivity. For example, AI characters can be programmed to align with local values while maintaining universal accessibility, providing meaningful and respectful engagement across diverse audiences.

Following the Market

The Middle East’s role as an early adopter offers unique advantages for businesses:

• Faster product validation with feedback from sophisticated users.
• Market credibility by succeeding in a region known for technological leadership.
• Scalability insights to refine solutions before entering broader markets.

By targeting markets like the Middle East, companies can refine their offerings and build momentum.

Where Will You Take Your Product?

The Middle East is emerging as a testing ground for the future of AI, but its influence extends far beyond the region. As you think about scaling your product, consider:

• Are you solving real-world challenges that early adopters want addressed?
• How can you position your product to meet the needs of innovation-driven markets?

The Middle East’s drive for AI integration isn’t just about keeping pace with technology—it’s about shaping its future.