# Deloitte Highlights AI's Transformative Role in Middle East Business

> Deloitte leaders will unveil critical AI insights at AI Everything Abu Dhabi, showcasing the intersection of technology and workforce readiness. Discover how organizations can strategically navigate the evolving AI landscape.

**Source**: consultancy-me.com | **Published**: 2026-10-05 | **Type**: article

## Key Facts

- 34% of Middle East firms leverage AI for deep transformation, highlighting a competitive shift.
- Deloitte's focus on agentic AI reveals a strategic advantage in public sector service delivery.
- Emphasis on human skills alongside AI indicates a vulnerability in workforce adaptation strategies.
- AI's role in government services suggests potential cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- The rise of AI-first innovations signals a market shift towards technology-driven business models.

## Summary

AI Everything Abu Dhabi, a significant event in the technology and artificial intelligence sector, is set to commence tomorrow at the ADNEC Centre. This gathering will convene over 180 speakers and feature a comprehensive two-day program that spans the AI ecosystem, addressing strategy, technology, investment, and innovation. Deloitte, as an official event partner, will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions and sharing insights on the future of AI, particularly in the context of government applications and the integration of agentic AI.

The event comes at a time when AI is rapidly transforming organizational operations and workforce dynamics. Yousef Barkawie, a key Deloitte figure, emphasizes that the impact of AI will not solely depend on technological advancements; rather, organizations must also focus on equipping their workforce with the necessary skills and confidence to collaborate effectively with AI. This perspective reflects a growing recognition among business leaders that successful AI integration requires a balanced approach, addressing both technological and human factors.

Deloitte's involvement includes discussions on the evolving relationship between people and automation. On October 7, Barkawie will participate in a panel titled "The Human Experience in an Automated World," where he will explore how AI alters work interactions and service experiences. This panel is particularly relevant as organizations strive to navigate the complexities of human-AI collaboration, underscoring the need for a thoughtful approach to workforce training and engagement.

Abu Dhabi's ambition to establish an AI-native government is highlighted through Deloitte's collaboration with the Department of Government Enablement. This partnership aims to showcase agentic AI solutions tailored to governmental needs, demonstrating how AI can enhance service delivery and streamline government processes. Shargil Ahmad, another Deloitte leader, notes that AI presents new avenues for improving public service design and delivery. However, he stresses the importance of maintaining human judgment, trust, and accountability in these advancements, which is crucial for fostering community trust in AI-driven initiatives.

On the first day of the event, Costi Perricos will lead an interactive workshop focused on Deloitte’s Agentic Blueprint, aimed at helping participants develop and test AI-powered applications that address public sector challenges. Perricos highlights the potential of agentic AI to manage complex governmental tasks and deliver effective solutions. This workshop is indicative of the growing emphasis on practical applications of AI in the public sector, where the focus is on aligning technological capabilities with real-world needs.

The broader market context reveals that 34% of organizations in the Middle East are currently leveraging AI to transform core processes and business models, according to Deloitte’s latest "State of AI in the Enterprise Report." While agentic AI is recognized as a promising development, several implementation challenges remain. This signals a critical juncture for businesses and governments alike, as they must navigate the complexities of AI integration while addressing potential hurdles.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the discussions at AI Everything Abu Dhabi will likely shape future strategies for organizations looking to adopt AI technologies. The emphasis on human-centric approaches in AI implementation may signal a shift in how companies prioritize workforce development alongside technological investment. This trend could redefine competitive dynamics in the region, as organizations that successfully integrate AI with a focus on human factors may gain a significant advantage in delivering innovative solutions and enhancing operational efficiency.

## Entities

- **Companies**: Deloitte
- **Products**: Agentic Blueprint
- **Technologies**: AI, agentic AI
- **People**: Yousef Barkawie, Costi Perricos, Shargil Ahmad
- **Organizations**: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement

## Key Concepts

AI-enabled government, agentic AI, automation, human experience, public services, service delivery, AI-first innovations, skills and confidence in AI

## Definitions

- **agentic AI**: Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can act autonomously to achieve specific goals, particularly in the context of public service delivery.
- **AI-enabled government**: AI-enabled government describes the integration of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations and services.
- **AI-first innovations**: AI-first innovations are advancements and solutions that are fundamentally built around artificial intelligence technologies.
- **automation**: Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, often to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- **human experience**: Human experience in this context refers to how individuals interact with technology and services, particularly in an automated environment.

## Use Cases

- Developing AI-powered applications for government challenges
- Enhancing service delivery in public services
- Transforming products and services in organizations
- Improving operational efficiency in government
- Supporting decision-making processes with AI
- Building AI-native government frameworks

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is the purpose of AI Everything Abu Dhabi?**

AI Everything Abu Dhabi aims to bring together technology and AI leaders to discuss the latest trends and developments in the AI landscape. It serves as a platform for sharing insights and innovations in AI.

**Who are the key speakers from Deloitte at the event?**

The key speakers from Deloitte include Yousef Barkawie, Costi Perricos, and Shargil Ahmad, who will discuss various aspects of AI and its impact on government and public services.

**What is agentic AI and why is it important?**

Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can operate autonomously to achieve specific objectives. It is important because it opens new possibilities for improving public service design and delivery.

**How is Deloitte contributing to the AI landscape in the Middle East?**

Deloitte is actively involved in shaping the AI landscape by partnering with organizations like Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement to implement AI solutions that address government needs and enhance service delivery.

**What challenges does agentic AI face in implementation?**

Despite its potential, agentic AI faces several implementation challenges, including ensuring security, responsibility, and the integration of human judgment in its applications.

## Links

- [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/deloitte-highlights-ais-transformative-role-in-middle-east-business)
- [Original source](https://www.consultancy-me.com/news/amp/14543/deloitte-leaders-to-share-ai-insights-at-ai-everything-abu-dhabi)

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Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/deloitte-highlights-ais-transformative-role-in-middle-east-business