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IT services spend in mena set to reach up to 28% of total it budgets as services-led transformation accelerates

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is entering a decisive, services-led growth phase in its IT sector, as enterprises and governments accelerate large-scale digital transformation initiatives. Investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and cybersecurity are reshaping technology priorities, with implementation, integration, and managed services gaining prominence over traditional software-led models.

Industry analysis by Grand View Research (GVR) reveals that IT services currently account for around 21–22% of total IT spending across MENA, a share expected to rise to between 26 and 28% by the end of the decade. The region’s professional IT services market, valued at USD 33.9 billion (Dh124.5 billion) in 2024, is forecast to grow to nearly USD 58.3 billion (Dh214 billion) by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.5%.

Sourav Bhanja, Middle East Head of GVR, said: “Many B2B IT services firms in the region continue to underinvest in digital engagement. Professional platforms such as LinkedIn remain underutilised, while company websites often lack strong case studies, sector-specific storytelling, and clear positioning.”

Government-led digitalisation programmes, sovereign cloud deployments, smart city initiatives, and national data strategies, coupled with rising enterprise adoption across sectors such as banking and financial services, healthcare, energy, logistics, and public infrastructure, are driving this shift. As hyperscalers and global technology firms expand their regional footprint, demand for localised integration, migration, and managed services continues to accelerate.

Bhanja also emphasised the importance of leadership visibility in the region’s competitive IT market: “Technical capability alone is no longer enough. Firms that combine deep technical expertise with consistent marketing, strong leadership visibility, and clear communication of value are the ones most likely to succeed in the MENA market.”

The analysis highlights that with growing competition among IT services providers, market visibility and differentiation have emerged as critical growth drivers. Integrated, always-on digital marketing strategies are increasingly vital, as many B2B IT services firms underutilise channels such as LinkedIn, websites, thought leadership content, newsletters, blogs, infographics, and short-form video to engage decision-makers.

Market data also indicates a broader shift towards digital-first engagement. Digital advertising spend in the Middle East, estimated at USD 32 billion (Dh117 billion) in 2024, is projected to rise sharply to USD 81.4 billion (Dh298.9 billion) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.7%. In contrast, the regional events and conferences market is expected to expand at a more modest 7.1% CAGR, reflecting changing enterprise marketing priorities.

Grand View Research concluded that IT services firms combining technical depth with strong market communication, data-driven marketing, and visible leadership will be best positioned to capture the next phase of growth across MENA.

Announcements

Dubai property boom fuels ANAROCK’s Middle East expansion plans

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ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

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Announcements

New women-focused platform launches in Dubai with regional expansion plans

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A new women-focused platform has officially launched in the UAE with ambitions to become one of the GCC’s leading ecosystems for female empowerment, entrepreneurship and community support.

FEMPOWERMENT was founded by Kirsten Jenna Michaels and Alexander Sailer and aims to support women through business opportunities, coaching, education and networking initiatives.

Launched in Dubai, the platform combines community events, business launch support, workshops, coaching programmes and large-scale experiences designed to help women grow personally and professionally.

At the centre of the initiative is the Women’s Business Launchpad, a programme created to help women set up and scale businesses in the UAE through partnerships with banking, licensing and business service providers.

Founder and CEO Kirsten Jenna Michaels said the platform was designed to move beyond traditional empowerment messaging and focus on creating real opportunities for women.

The platform also features tiered membership programmes offering access to networking events, certifications, workshops and coaching experiences, alongside promotional opportunities for female-led businesses.

Co-Founder Alexander Sailer said the long-term vision is to build a scalable ecosystem that helps women access funding, launch ventures and create sustainable growth opportunities across the region.

Alongside its business and networking focus, FEMPOWERMENT has also pledged to support social impact initiatives, including plans to provide meals for 1,000 labour camp workers in the UAE and contribute to healthcare and education-related causes.

The organisation plans to expand across the GCC and international markets as part of its broader growth strategy.

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Business

New DP World insurance protects cargo from conflict-related disruptions

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DP World has launched a first-of-its-kind cargo war risk insurance solution designed to help businesses navigate growing disruption across Middle East trade routes.

The new offering aims to solve a major challenge facing global shippers, as traditional war risk insurance has become increasingly expensive, fragmented and, in some cases, difficult to access amid ongoing regional tensions.

Unlike conventional policies that typically cover only one stage of a shipment’s journey, DP World’s solution provides continuous protection across the full supply chain, from ocean or air transit to port storage and inland delivery.

Coverage across the full journey

The insurance covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related risks, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons. Valid claims will be settled with zero deductible, according to the company.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World.

“Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance.”

Key trade routes included

The programme is available to companies trading in or through the Middle East. It is designed to support supply chain continuity across major trade corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and nearby inland routes.

Businesses can choose several coverage options, including:

  • End-to-end cargo protection across sea, air and land transit
  • Standalone ocean, air or land policies
  • Automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days
  • Coverage limits of up to $400 million per shipment

Lower premiums for businesses

DP World said it was able to secure more competitive pricing than standard market war risk premiums by leveraging its global scale and relationships across international insurance markets.

The move comes as businesses continue to face rising logistical risks, rerouting challenges and insurance costs linked to geopolitical instability across key global shipping lanes.

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