A new Honeywell Global Retailer Technology Survey reveals that 76% of large retailers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are already deploying AI—and 58% plan to expand those capabilities soon.

Key areas where AI is delivering the most value:
– Procurement (48%) – significantly above global norms
– Customer experience (46%)
– Demand planning (34%)

Other tech leaders in the region are also gaining ground:
– Augmented Reality (AR): 40% adoption vs. 31% globally
– Machine & camera vision: 36%
– OCR capabilities: 30%

But it’s not all smooth sailing, as retailers cite challenges including AI model complexity (64%), regulatory hurdles (40%), and workforce adaptation (40%).

For companies looking to enter or scale in MENA’s retail or retail-tech scene, a few pointers to consider:
– Now is the moment: AI is already mainstream—get in early, and intelligently.
– Solve real business pain points: prioritize AI for procurement, personalization, and logistics.
– Support your teams: minimize complexity, align with evolving regulations, and invest in workforce readiness.
– Differentiate with immersive tech: use AR, CV, and OCR to elevate shopper engagement and operational efficiency.

The opportunity is clear. With 76% of MENA retailers already embracing AI, is your company’s strategy keeping pace?