GSMA | MENA emerges as a global leader in business digital transformation, according to new GSMA report

Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are among the global leaders in digital transformation, and companies across MENA are scaling adoption of AI, 5G and cloud.

25 November 2025, Doha: The GSMA released the report today, Accelerate digital industries in the GCC and wider MENA region at the inaugural MWC25 in Doha, revealing that Middle East and North Africa (MENA) businesses are outpacing their global peers in adopting advanced digital technologies, supported by ambitious national digital agendas and accelerated investment in AI and 5G.

Based on a survey of more than 850 companies across 10 industries and eight countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, the study reveals that MENA companies are investing heavily in technologies that directly benefit people, from smarter healthcare and safer transportation to more efficient energy use and stronger cybersecurity.

Between 2025 and 2030, business spending on digital transformation will average 9.8% of revenue in MENA, a sign of confidence in the region's digital future. Within the GCC, this investment is already driving initiatives that make government services more accessible, support small business growth and create new opportunities for young digital talent.

Jawad Abbassi, Director of MENA at the GSMAsaying: “MENA has become a global benchmark in digital transformation. Companies here are deploying 5G, AI and IoT at a faster pace than many developed markets, driven by visionary government strategies and a private sector committed to long-term innovation. Sustaining this momentum will require continued collaboration between policymakers, operators and businesses to create enabling environments and digital infrastructure that make innovation thrive.”

GCC leads AI and 5G adoption

The report identifies the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a global leader in the deployment of advanced technologies.

• Qatar ranks first in enterprise use of AI, big data and private 5G networks.

• The UAE is a leader in the advanced use of cybersecurity, cloud, generative artificial intelligence and edge computing.

• Saudi Arabia leads IoT adoption and expectations for a rapid return on investment (ROI) period globally at just 3.3 years, compared to an average of 4.7 years in MENA.

Across the region, artificial intelligence, mobile connectivity and associated devices will account for almost 45% of all digital transformation spending, confirming the region's growing reliance on mobile-first smart technologies to drive competitiveness.

AI is growing rapidly in all sectors

AI has gone from experimental to essential: 39% of MENA companies already make advanced use of generative AI, with strong adoption in financial services, automotive and utilities. The impact of AI is expected to be significant across all areas of business, particularly safety, productivity and operational efficiency, underscoring its central role in MENA's digital future.

5G drives new industrial growth

5G remains a cornerstone of enterprise digital transformation.

• In Qatar, the importance of private 5G networks is among the highest in the world, supported by progressive regulatory frameworks.

• Automotive, utilities and logistics expect the biggest transformative impact from 5G IoT.

• The GCC is also leading the global rollout of 5G-Advanced networks, with operators in the UAE and Kuwait among the first in the world to launch commercial services.

MENA companies ready for next generation connectivity

While 6G is still years away, MENA businesses already expect 6G to enhance advanced AI capabilities, robotics and autonomous mobility, indicating the region is positioning itself early for the next phase of innovation.

Opportunities for operators and policy makers

The report highlights that 18% of MENA businesses already see telecom operators as their preferred partners for digital transformation, a higher proportion than the global average.

As businesses look for integrated, secure and scalable solutions, operators are well positioned to go beyond connectivity and act as long-term digital transformation partners, particularly in healthcare, financial services and the public sector.

Key findings of the report

• The 7 countries that spend the most on digital transformation globally are Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

• MENA companies spend 9.8% of their revenue on digital transformation (GCC 9.9%)

• Artificial intelligence, mobile connectivity and associated devices will represent 45% of total technology spending until 2030.

• Return on investment is expected in an average of 4.7 years (3.3 years in Saudi Arabia)

• 39% of companies already use generative AI at an advanced level

• GCC leads global 5G-Advanced deployments and IoT adoption

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About the report
Accelerate digital industries in the GCC and wider MENA region It is based on GSMA Intelligence's Global Digital Transformation Survey 2025, which collected information from 5,320 companies in 32 countries. The MENA sample includes 851 companies in eight countries and ten sectors, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, utilities and logistics.