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How AI Is Shaping The Future Of The Middle East

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2025

The Middle East is undergoing a major transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). What once seemed like a futuristic concept is now a powerful force reshaping economies, industries, and daily life. As AI accelerates across the region, its potential to reshape sectors is becoming increasingly apparent.

IDC forecasts AI spending in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 29.7%, with the region expected to reach $6.4 billion by 2026. McKinsey’s estimates suggest AI could generate up to $150 billion in value for GCC countries, contributing more than 9% to their GDPs.

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To seize this opportunity, organizations across the region must act now, embracing AI and incorporating it into their operations to stay competitive and drive future growth.

A Region Ready For Change

Across the Middle East, governments are incorporating AI into their national strategies. The UAE, for instance, is a leader in AI adoption, with initiatives like the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) pushing AI research and innovation. These initiatives aim to make the UAE the world’s first fully AI-native government.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and various AI projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are also redefining urban infrastructure and service delivery. These include autonomous transportation programs and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Such projects are transforming cities, making them smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Transformative Potential For Organizations

AI’s real impact lies in its practical applications. For example, AI is being integrated into government services to enhance efficiency and improve customer experiences, transforming both public and private sector operations.

In addition, AI is helping various industries optimize their operations and customer engagement. With AI tools like chatbots, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making, companies are improving efficiency and driving new forms of value across sectors.

Overcoming Barriers To AI Adoption

Despite its promise, AI adoption presents several challenges. Organizations in the region often struggle with outdated infrastructure, inconsistent data, and a shortage of skilled AI professionals. To overcome these obstacles, businesses must invest in robust digital infrastructure and scalable AI solutions.

There is also a significant talent gap in the Middle East when it comes to AI. This underscores the importance of investing in education and training programs to cultivate local expertise and drive long-term innovation.

Moreover, data governance is key to ensuring that AI models work effectively. Proper data management is necessary to produce reliable, accurate results from AI systems.

Looking To The Future

As AI continues to advance, it is expected to become even more integrated into the region’s daily life over the next five years. Companies must align their AI strategies with their business goals to ensure sustainability and long-term success.

The Middle East is well-positioned to become a global leader in AI, with the UAE leading the charge. However, this requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and tech providers to foster inclusive growth that benefits all sectors.

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Cyprus Agriculture 2024: A Strategic Engine In The European Food Chain

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 25, 2026

Overview Of Cyprus Agricultural Output

Cyprus’ agricultural sector generated €426.04 million in gross value added in 2024, according to Eurostat. Although agriculture represents a relatively small share of the national economy, the sector continues to play a stable role in supporting rural activity and local production.

Insights From Eurostat’s Report

The figures appear in Eurostat’s December 2025 publication Key Figures on the European Food Chain, which tracks the agricultural value chain from production to consumption. The report evaluates value creation across farming, processing, distribution, trade, and environmental impact.

Comparative Analysis Across The EU

Across the European Union, agriculture accounted for 1.2% of GDP in 2024, slightly up from 1.1% in 2009. Countries with higher agricultural weight in their economies included Greece (3.2%), Romania (2.5%), and Spain (2.3%), reflecting stronger reliance on primary production.

Shifting Dynamics Within Member States

Eurostat data show that 15 EU member states recorded increases in the agriculture-to-GDP ratio. Greece registered the largest rise, followed by Latvia and Spain. Declines were observed in Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, and Croatia. In Cyprus, agriculture remains a smaller share of GDP but continues to generate measurable economic value for rural regions.

Broader Context And Economic Impact

At the EU level, the gross value added at basic prices for agriculture was recorded at €222.82 billion in 2024, compared to €246.95 billion in 2025. These figures, presented in millions of euros, capture the scale of agricultural output across the bloc. They also serve as a reminder that even in countries where agriculture represents a minor fraction of GDP, such as Cyprus, the sector plays a crucial role in sustaining economic and rural prosperity.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2024 data reflects not only the dynamic nature of the EU agricultural sector but also the ongoing importance of farming as a structural pillar within various national economies. Cyprus, despite its lower relative share, continues to harness significant economic benefits from its agricultural landscape, ensuring that its rural communities remain economically vibrant.