LEAP 2025: Interview with Yousef Barkawie, Partner AI & Data, Deloitte Middle East

At LEAP 2025, Yousef Barkawie, partner AI & Data at Deloitte Middle East, shares key insights from the State of AI in the Middle East report, highlighting the region’s progress in AI adoption.

He notes that over 50% of surveyed organizations struggle with scaling AI due to resource constraints, whether human, technological, or financial. Despite these challenges, AI is enabling Middle Eastern economies to compete globally by fostering innovation and transforming business models.

Barkawie also discusses emerging AI trends across government and business, predicting that while efficiency will be the primary focus in the next year, the real transformation will come in the following years as organizations shift toward AI-driven business model innovation.

For more insights, watch the full interview.