As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the Middle Eastern corporate landscape, a new report from EA Mena warns that businesses are falling behind by treating AI as a mere IT project rather than a core strategic imperative. While many organizations are eager to integrate new technology, leadership teams are often failing to provide the necessary oversight. The data highlights a disconnect, with over half of board members feeling that their AI investments have yet to deliver meaningful results, largely because these initiatives lack consistent governance and high-level strategic direction.

To bridge this gap, experts suggest that AI must become a permanent fixture on boardroom agendas rather than an occasional talking point. Although regional CEOs report that they are embedding AI into their workflows, actual employee adoption remains strikingly low. Alister Wellesley, CEO of EA Mena, emphasizes that the real challenge lies in organizational readiness; leadership must move beyond procurement and actively drive accountability and integration throughout the entire company to ensure that AI truly fuels competitive advantage.