UAE enterprises are embedding artificial intelligence deeper into core business operations, but a new IBM study has highlighted growing risks around vendor dependence, limited visibility and AI sovereignty.
According to ‘The Calculus of AI Sovereignty’ study by the IBM Institute for Business Value, 88 percent of UAE executives feel that it will be hard for them to move away from their current AI models. It shows the increasing problem of AI vendor lock-in as organizations rely on external platforms and models.
The study surveyed 1,000 senior executives across 16 countries and 17 industries from February to April 2026. The study also highlighted a huge shortfall in enterprise AI management. Among the respondents, 96% stated that they did not fully understand their dependence on different AI vendors, models, and infrastructure.
Lack of visibility might create problems for enterprises when assessing risks, planning for disruptions, and moving workloads if vendors modify their fees, licensing terms, or tech roadmap.
UAE executives experienced an average of seven AI-related disruptions per year over the past two years. However, even after such an experience, 84% of them claimed that seven days of disruption resulting from an AI vendor would be severely affect their business.
Executives in the UAE believe that moving AI data for training and operation to another environment will take about 150 days. Meanwhile, 78% stated their willingness to pay 20% more to keep AI providers if it brings strategic flexibility.
According to IBM's global study, companies with the most sophisticated AI control have 55% more protection of their operating profit from AI-related disruptions. At the moment, only 7% of companies conduct operations at such a level.
These results highlight the need for flexible AI systems that can adapt to changes in data, models, and infrastructure. In the case of UAE companies, control over the AI stack may become crucial in the future.
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