2025 will be the year of AI maturity in the enterprise. The evolution of AI has reached a point where increasingly, AI-powered agents will have the capabilities that make them indispensable to knowledge workers. This opens the door for Agentic Automation – a new level of AI support from which employees and companies will be able to benefit reliably for the first time.

UiPath (NYSE: PATH), a leading agentic automation and AI company, sheds light on what to expect in the coming year in its AI and Automation Trends 2025 report. UiPath’s predictions are based on extensive market analysis, current developments in AI research and experience from working with over 10,000 companies worldwide.

“AI has long since left the status of a trend behind. 2025 will be the year in which it establishes itself as an indispensable work tool in many industries through agent-based automation,” says Zakaria Haltout, Area Vice President MEA at UiPath. “The latest Astra Tech study reveals that in the MEA region, 65% of organizations are prioritizing AI-driven strategies, particularly in finance, government, and healthcare. As companies focus on addressing scalability and integration challenges, Agentic AI is poised to accelerate digital transformation and redefine operational efficiency.”

Autonomy within orchestration

The trends that lie ahead are undoubtedly linked to the development of technology. It is therefore a good place to start when analyzing the expected direction its use will take.

Trend I. The rapid development of AI agents that autonomously understand, plan and operate within complex workflows.

Prediction: Agent-based AI will allow companies to automate complex processes with minimal supervision, increasing productivity and opening up new opportunities for industry-specific automation solutions.

Preparation: Subject at least one process to agent automation. Passivity stifles innovation, so it is worth joining the pioneers in agentic AI or at least keeping a close eye on their activities.

Trend II. With the development of agent-based artificial intelligence, orchestration is becoming increasingly important.

Prediction: In order to realize the full potential of agentic AI, businesses will need a dynamic infrastructure that enables humans and robots to collaborate with agents. Additionally, it will need to enable their creation, deployment, as well as monitoring of their activities with transparency and compliance.

Preparation: Create a plan for the introduction and scaling of an agentic AI environment, taking into account the need for human oversight and the role of RPA robots as the ‘hands and feet’ of new agents.

New business strategies

Next year’s changes will not only affect the technology behind AI itself, but also the ways in which it can be used in a business context. Organizations will be rethinking how they approach problems such as technology debt or the lack of a concrete strategy when implementing AI.

Trend III. Executives are disillusioned with spending millions on AI without the expected results. Companies that implement AI without clear strategies to measure and demonstrate ROI will struggle to justify the costs.

Predicion: Companies need to develop procedures to track and measure the impact of AI on key business outcomes such as productivity, cost savings and revenue growth. The role of business technology providers will also increase. One of the most widespread uses of AI are ‘copilots’, which help employees with various office tasks. These are being developed by major enterprise technology providers such as Microsoft, GitHub and Google and are yielding excellent results. For example, UiPath has created Autopilot for Developers, which reduces automation development time by 75%.

Preparation: A greater focus on AI ROI measurement tools and strategies, a thorough analysis of the company’s use of the technology and training in the use of embedded tools such as copilots.

Trend IV. Heads of technical departments are turning to AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) tools to streamline operations, automate routine tasks and improve system reliability.

Prediction: As organisations increasingly rely on complex digital infrastructures, many are struggling with technology debt – accumulated inefficient processes and outdated systems that can slow down innovation or increase the cost of operations.

Preparation: Investing in AIOps can prove invaluable for managing technology ecosystems more effectively. This will reduce short- and long-term technology debt, while freeing up resources to drive innovation.

Regulatory landscape

Trend V. Escalating regulation: global lawmakers are working to control the power of AI.

Prediction: The AI Act introduced by the European Union could result in the first fine related to artificial intelligence. The EU is spearheading the introduction of increasingly restrictive regulations on the technology. This could discourage investment in AI within the EU and stifle growth, or alternatively become a model for legislation in the US, UK and Asia-Pacific, which the AI research communities are still waiting for.

Preparation: Implement robust data governance and adequate security measures, prioritise transparency as well as comprehensibility of AI algorithms and establish clear accountability structures for AI-related decisions.

The world of sports is undergoing a technological revolution, and at the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). Sports teams and organizations can gain insights into athlete performance, injury prevention, and tactical strategies by using AI. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way athletes train and compete. AI algorithms can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that would be difficult, if not impossible, for human analysts to detect. This data-driven approach can help athletes optimize their performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

One of the most significant applications of AI in sports is player performance analysis. By tracking metrics such as speed, acceleration, and heart rate, AI can provide coaches with detailed insights into an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to develop personalized training plans and improve overall performance.

AI can also play a crucial role in injury prevention and recovery. Analyzing data on factors such as workload, sleep patterns, and nutrition can identify potential risk factors for injuries,  enabling coaches and trainers to take proactive measures to prevent injuries and optimize athlete recovery.

Additionally, AI-powered wearable devices can monitor an athlete’s vital signs in real-time, alerting coaches and medical staff to any potential issues. This can help to minimize the severity of injuries and accelerate the recovery process.

One of the most famous examples of AI and data analytics revolutionizing sports is the Oakland Athletics baseball team. The team, led by General Manager Billy Beane, used advanced statistical analysis to identify undervalued players and build a competitive team despite a limited budget.

While not explicitly AI, the statistical analysis and data-driven approach used by the Athletics laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of data analytics in sports. The book “Moneyball” and the subsequent film adaptation popularized the concept of using data to gain a competitive edge. While the specific techniques used by the Athletics may not be as advanced as modern AI applications, the core principle of using data to make informed decisions remains relevant.

AI is not only transforming the way athletes train and recover but also the way games are played and watched. An in-depth analysis of vast amounts of data on player performance, team tactics, and historical match statistics can provide coaches with valuable insights into optimal strategies. Furthermore, AI is enhancing the fan experience.

As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the world of sports. From personalized training plans to predictive analytics, AI is poised to revolutionize the way athletes perform and fans experience the game.

By Stephen Gill, Academic Head of School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Dubai
With an increased reliance on a sophisticated digital ecosystem, the Middle East is poised to witness an unprecedented surge in technological advancements. From finance and healthcare to energy and retail, several sectors and industries are set to undergo a profound transformation, driven by the rapid acceleration of digital innovation. In this article, Stephen Gill, Academic Head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, explores the top technological trends that will dominate the region in 2025. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)- Two of the biggest trends of the decade in the Middle East are AI and ML. AI could add an incredible $320 billion to the region’s GDP as forecasted by PwC. It is anticipated that payment systems will incorporate AI technologies by 2025.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Two of the biggest trends of the decade in the Middle East are AI and ML. AI could add an incredible $320 billion to the region’s GDP as forecasted by PwC. It is anticipated that payment systems will incorporate AI technologies by 2025 to provide better experience to customers, enable growth in operational efficiency and lower costs.
In areas like healthcare, AI-powered analytics are predicting outcomes and reducing risks. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives are leveraging AI for advanced health screenings, remote patient monitoring and personalised medicine. Businesses are also adopting such technology to enhance logistics and supply chain operations to enhance competitive edge in the rapidly growing market.

5g Connectivity:
2025 seems to hold bright prospects for MENA’s 5G network sector. This would lead to significantly better rates of connectivity. There will be a significant proportion, as high as 50% of mobile subscribers in the region using 5G networks, according to GSMA Mobile Economy MENA 2023 report. A minimum of 33% of the subscribers would rely on 4G networks while the remaining 17% would have 2G and 3G networks. With this widescale advancement of technology, autonomous machines and smart cities would get a much-needed boost. Its ultra-fast nature will ensure that remote working, education or telemedicine reach mainstream level for the region. Virtual experiences will become low latency and effortless. Other industries to benefit from 5G-enabled automation will be manufacturing, oil, and gas, which will optimise operations and improve the safety standards.

Internet of Things (IOT) And Smart Cities
Thanks to the early adoption of IoT technology in the MENA region, Smart Cities have become a reality. For instance, the UAE’s Smart Dubai initiative has led to significant strides and transformed Dubai into one of the Smart Cities of the world. It is expected that by 2025, IoT will embed in all aspects of urban infrastructure, transport, utilities, and security to waste management.
Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion NEOM project represents a bold vision to develop a model smart city incorporating IoT and AI features. All these indicators are part of a bigger regional trend towards digital and sustainable development, where smart grids, smart traffic systems, and smart buildings allow resources to be used together more efficiently with lesser environmental impact. According to IOT Analytics, the connected IoT devices are estimated to grow by 13% in the last quarter of 2024, with MENA countries increasingly stressing on the use of IoT to enhance living standards and urban services.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
The World Economic Forum states that blockchain technology is being adopted across all the industries in the region. As per UAE’s Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, 50% of all government transactions are conducted on blockchain. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the technology is being used for financial services, trade logistics and digital identity. Central banks are also turning to ways to use digital currencies for international payments. This has also led to a rise in the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Cyber Security and Data Privacy
Rapid use of technology has led to growing concerns around data security and safe data collection. Moreover, numerous cases of data leaks, phishing, and ransomware are also being reported. A report by Ventures also states that the total cost of cybercrime to the global economy could reach upto $10.5 trillion by 2025. Many countries in the MENA region have adopted robust cybersecurity measures. For instance, the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy and Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 have enhanced AI threat detection and implemented zero-trust architecture.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR)
The market value of AR and VR is projected to be worth $45 billion by 2029. The MENA countries are projected to be a major contributor to the global AR & VR market growth, which is anticipated to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.97% between the period 2024 and 2029. In the retail sector, customers are getting new experiences like virtual shopping and product customisation. In education, immersive experiences are enhancing learning by allowing them to perform and conduct vivid and dynamic simulations. For example, the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education has rolled out virtual science labs in schools to enhance learning experiences for students.

Quantum Computing
There’s some progress in exploring the applications of quantum computing in the Middle East, although this technology remains in its early days of adoption internationally. Countries like the UAE are committing to research and joint collaboration efforts to see the industry expand into the Gulf. An increase in investment is expected in quantum computing, specifically in encryption techniques, data and AI management.
There are greater opportunities in quantum cybersecurity, quantum key distribution, and quantum machine learning. Furthermore, as the MENA region continues to encourage the adoption of digitalisation, quantum computing might also be a source of competitive advantage and aid the region achieve economic diversification.

Conclusion
In the years to come, specifically in 2025, the Middle East will witness several changes due to the integration of digital technology and economic growth. AI and green technologies point to the region’s commitment to digitalisation and sustainability. The youth in the region are exploring technology and industry investment opportunities, further backed by government initiatives, making the Middle East a potential global technological hub. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will reshape the future of the MENA region, offering solutions to existing problems and creating new opportunities.