Bold moves, real progress: AI leadership in the Middle East

By David Meads, Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS at Cisco

The Middle East is a region uniquely positioned to lead in AI – not only because of its economic power, but because of bold public-private partnerships, decisive leadership, and the ability to turn ambition into action. Across our region, you’ll find proof that we aren’t waiting for the AI future to arrive – we’re building it. With ambitious progressive national visions, the GCC countries are actively laying the groundwork for knowledge-based economies and driving growth through technological innovation at the heart. This is a region where we move fast, partner smart, and deliver at scale.

AI momentum is real – but readiness is uneven

Our region’s energy around AI is undeniable. Leaders across the Middle East are pushing ahead with urgency and purpose, setting bold national strategies and seeking out practical ways to turn them into reality. According to Cisco’s AI Readiness Index, nearly every organization we surveyed feels an increased urgency to deploy AI – yet only a fraction feels fully ready. It’s a wake-up call, not a warning. Across sectors, leaders are already imagining AI-powered government services that anticipate needs, robotics that transform manufacturing, and onboarding new talent that happens in seconds – not weeks. New industries are on the horizon. Some we haven’t even dreamed of yet. And in the Middle East, we’re making the bold moves needed to bring this to life – and fast.

Getting the foundations right: Skills, infrastructure, and security

To stay ahead, promise must quickly become progress. The blueprint for AI success starts with upskilling people, strengthening security, and modernizing infrastructure – but it also depends on trust. In the Middle East, those foundations are underway, with billions of dollars being invested in AI research, talent development, and critical infrastructure. This is a practical, real-world step that is making sure our region is setting the standard for how AI and digital transformation are done.

Partnership is our superpower

Our ambition sets the Middle East apart. But so does how we deliver it. Across our region, public and private sectors work side by side, moving with clarity, speed, and shared purpose. That’s our region’s superpower. It’s also Cisco’s superpower.

I was reminded of this during a recent visit from Chuck Robbins, Cisco’s Chair and CEO – his second in just over six months. Every conversation, whether with government leaders or local business partners, came back to one thing: the region’s determination to make AI real, and to do it together. At Cisco, we’re proud to be part of that journey. With more than 25 years in the Middle East, we know that when we move together, we move further – and faster.

The world is watching. And we’re ready.

All eyes are on the Middle East – and with good reason. Our region has shown the world what’s possible when bold vision meets trusted partnerships and decisive leadership. But the work doesn’t stop there. At Cisco, we’ve announced new university collaborations and talent development initiatives to help prepare the next generation for a world where humans and AI thrive together. We’re building AI-ready data centers, strengthening digital resilience, and shaping the workplaces of the future – places designed to attract and equip the talent that will propel the future. As the world looks to this powerful collaboration between the Middle East and Cisco, let’s keep doing what we do best: move fast, build together, and turn possibility into progress.

Additional Resources

Cisco Announces New Strategic AI Initiatives in the Middle East

Cisco Expands Partnership with Saudi Arabia to Power the AI Future

G42 and Cisco to Extend Strategic Partnership to Drive AI Innovation and Infrastructure Development

Cisco to Collaborate with AI Infrastructure Partnership to Drive Investment in Data Centers and Enabling Infrastructure

David Meads is Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS at Cisco. David has over three decades of experience across multiple business functions and geographies. Meads is passionate about empowering governments, businesses and partners to harness the full potential of digital technologies – driving economic growth and competitiveness across developed and emerging markets.

In his current role, he is responsible for leading Cisco’s strategy and commercial operations across 80 markets, while overseeing a diverse community of employees in the region.