UAE Boosts AI Investments for Compliance and Cyber Resilience

UAE organizations are significantly increasing their investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance data compliance and cyber resilience, according to a recent study by Veritas Technologies. The research highlights that 98% of UAE organizations have seen a boost in awareness and active usage of AI-driven tools following the appointment of 22 Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers in Dubai. With compliance being a top priority, 73% of organizations now review their AI usage policies annually. Furthermore, 52% are actively investing in AI to improve their response times to cyber-attacks and develop new strategies for mitigating cyber threats.

The study reveals that 45% of UAE organizations plan to accelerate their overall AI investments in the next 12 months, recognizing the crucial role AI plays in bolstering data security and meeting regulatory requirements. Johnny Karam, Managing Director & Vice President of the International Emerging Region at Veritas Technologies, stated that as threats like ransomware and data breaches rise, UAE organizations are increasingly turning to AI to ensure both cyber resilience and data compliance.

The UAE government’s proactive approach to technological adoption is fostering an environment conducive to AI integration. The recent appointments of Chief AI Officers have prompted 98% of organizations to take action regarding AI adoption. Additionally, 58% of organizations report increased awareness of AI compliance regulations, while 54% have received better sector-specific guidance on optimizing AI efficiency.

Despite these advancements, compliance risks still exist, with 29% of organizations unsure about their data’s compliance status prior to the appointment of Chief AI Officers. Alarmingly, 34% of employees admitted to using public AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard, unknowingly increasing the risk of sensitive data exposure. In response, 24% of UAE organizations have restricted AI usage to private models, mitigating potential compliance and data security risks.

The study indicates that 49% of UAE organizations consider data security risks, such as ransomware and data loss, their top concern, a significant increase from 37% last year. Notably, 99% of respondents recognize AI’s potential to enhance cyber resilience, with 57% highlighting its ability to expedite the identification of cyber threats, leading to faster and more effective responses.

AI is also seen as a valuable tool for enhancing the skills of IT teams, with only 5% of respondents viewing AI investments as a means to downsize Cyber Security teams. Instead, 43% of organizations believe that automating routine tasks allows senior executives to focus on strategic initiatives, ultimately driving long-term growth and innovation.

Compliance remains a critical driver for AI adoption, with 73% of organizations reviewing their AI usage policies annually to align with stringent local and international regulatory standards. Additionally, 90% of organizations have implemented AI compliance frameworks, demonstrating a commitment to responsible practices. As regulations evolve, robust compliance strategies are essential for secure and future-proof AI adoption.

Veritas is committed to addressing the need for simpler, smarter, and faster recovery solutions, particularly in the UAE, where the adoption of AI for business continuity is rapidly increasing. As organizations streamline operations and reduce recovery times, AI-driven strategies are set to play a pivotal role in enhancing data security and compliance in the region.