Latest news with #Strategy&
Qatar Tribune
10-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Strategic adoption of AI and sustainability may add $232 billion to Middle East GDP by 2035: PwC
Satyendra Pathak Doha Strategic adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and decisive climate action could unlock as much as $232 billion in additional economic value for the Middle East by 2035, according to a new report released by PwC Middle East. The study, titled 'Value in Motion: The Middle East's Time to Lead is Now', outlines three future scenarios that explore the region's potential economic trajectory amid accelerating AI disruption, climate-related risks, and the convergence of traditional sectors into new, dynamic domains of growth. The research reveals that under an optimal scenario, the region's GDP could reach $4.68 trillion by 2035, up from $3.57 trillion today—an increase of $1.11 trillion. A significant portion of this growth, about 8.3 percent, could be attributed to AI-driven productivity gains if adoption is widespread, responsible, and strategically focused. However, physical climate risks such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and flooding could erode up to 13.9 percent of GDP potential, highlighting the importance of integrated action across both AI and climate agendas. Under a business-as-usual approach, the region's real GDP is projected to grow by 41.8 percent, reaching $4.57 trillion by 2035. But when adjusted for climate-related losses, the net growth would fall to 27.9 percent, emphasising the urgent need for proactive, coordinated strategies to mitigate these risks. 'The decade ahead will challenge the region's imagination and capabilities like never before,' PwC Middle East Chief Strategy & Technology Officer Stephen Anderson said. 'To stay ahead, businesses and governments must act with pace, purpose and partnership—reimagining traditional models to unlock the competitive advantage the region is uniquely positioned to deliver.' The report introduces a forward-looking framework centered on emerging domains of growth—such as how we move, fuel, build, care, compute, and connect—which break down traditional industry silos and open up cross-sectoral value creation. These domains are expected to define the next wave of regional transformation, as organizations pursue more integrated, human-centric strategies. The Middle East, with its world-leading renewable energy potential and rapid digital infrastructure development, is uniquely poised to lead in this new era. The convergence of clean energy and AI is seen as a pivotal opportunity to position the region as a global AI hub, particularly as global hyperscalers increase investment in digital infrastructure. 'A critical factor will be how effectively the region balances the cost and scalability of AI with the availability and affordability of clean energy,' said Dr. Yahya Anouti, Partner at Strategy& and PwC Middle East Sustainability Platform Leader. 'Striking this balance will be essential to unlocking the region's full potential.' The report calls on governments, businesses, and academic institutions across the Middle East to take bold and coordinated steps to secure the region's economic future. Governments are encouraged to restructure institutions to meet evolving human needs—such as by creating ministries dedicated to mobility or caregiving, and by establishing innovation funds to accelerate AI integration in public services. Businesses are urged to rethink their operating models to thrive in a digital-first, low-carbon economy and to build more resilient, collaborative supply chains. Meanwhile, academic institutions must play a leading role in cultivating a workforce equipped for future challenges, advancing applied research in strategic sectors, and embedding entrepreneurship across the educational spectrum. With visionary leadership, cutting-edge digital capabilities, and abundant clean energy resources, the Middle East is uniquely positioned not just to adapt to global change, but to lead it. PwC's report concludes with a call to action: the value is already in motion—now is the time to act.
Biz Bahrain
08-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Strategic AI adoption and climate resilience could add $232bln to Middle East GDP by 2035, reports PwC
New research published today by PwC outlines three divergent data-driven scenarios for the Middle East in 2035, revealing a US$232 billion opportunity if regional governments and businesses successfully harness AI-driven productivity gains and manage the economic impacts of climate change. The research, Value in Motion: The Middle East's time to lead is now, also suggests that over the next decade, industries will reconfigure to meet human needs in new ways, leading to the formation of new 'domains' that cross traditional sector lines. These shifts will create opportunities for businesses and organisations to reinvent themselves and target new client bases, form cross-sector alliances and innovate their service and operating models. With bold climate commitments, access to the world's lowest-cost renewable energy and rapidly advancing AI capabilities and infrastructure, the Middle East holds a unique strategic advantage and is well-positioned to lead the next wave of sustainable, tech-enabled economic growth. PwC's modelling shows that under a business-as-usual scenario, regional real GDP could grow by 41.8% by 2035. But when factoring in climate-related risks – such as heatwaves, water scarcity and flooding – this growth drops by 13.9 percentage points to a net increase of 27.9%, placing GDP at US$4.57 trillion. This serves as the foundation for assessing three distinct future scenarios globally, and their impact in the Middle East. At stake is US$232 billion – the gap between the region's most optimistic and constrained economic futures. In the most optimistic scenario, widescale AI adoption could add 8.3% through productivity gains; this, combined with decisive climate action could lift GDP to US$4.68 trillion by 2035. Stephen Anderson, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at PwC Middle East, said: 'The decade ahead will challenge the region's imagination and capabilities like never before. As the dynamics of the 'three tomorrows' unfold, they will reshape the Middle East's economy. To stay ahead, businesses and governments must act with pace, purpose and partnership – reimagining traditional models to unlock the competitive advantage the region is uniquely positioned to deliver.' The research introduces a new framework structured around emerging 'domains of growth' – such as how we move, fuel, build, care, compute and connect. These cross-industry ecosystems signal the future of value creation, replacing traditional sector silos with more dynamic, interconnected opportunities. The report also highlights the role of clean energy in powering AI infrastructure and scaling innovation. As global hyperscalers ramp up investment, the Middle East's renewable energy advantage could help it become a regional and global AI hub. Dr. Yahya Anouti, Partner at Strategy& and PwC Middle East Sustainability Platform Leader, said: 'A critical factor will be how effectively the region balances the cost and scalability of AI with the availability and affordability of clean energy to power it – especially as AI adoption accelerates at an unprecedented pace. Striking this balance will be essential to unlocking the region's full potential.' The report calls on governments, business leaders and academia to take bold, coordinated action to shape the region's future. It urges governments to redesign institutions around evolving human needs – by establishing ministries focused on care or mobility and creating dedicated funds to fast-track AI adoption in public services. Business leaders are called on to reinvent operating models for a more localised, digital and low-carbon economy, while strengthening supply chain resilience and cross-sector alliances. Meanwhile, academia must anchor national progress by developing future-fit talent, advancing applied research in strategic areas, and embedding entrepreneurship across the education system. With bold visions and world-leading capabilities, the region has the opportunity not just to adapt, but to lead. The value is already in motion – now is the time to act. Read the full Value in Motion report on our website. at
TECHx
07-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
PwC Reveals $232B AI Opportunity for Middle East
Home » Emerging technologies » Artificial Intelligence » PwC Reveals $232B AI Opportunity for Middle East PwC has released new research outlining three data-driven scenarios for the Middle East by 2035. The report highlights a US$232 billion economic opportunity if the region effectively harnesses AI and manages climate risks. Titled Value in Motion: The Middle East's time to lead is now , the study reported that regional governments and businesses could significantly boost productivity through AI adoption. PwC revealed that if AI-driven gains are realized and climate change is addressed, the region's real GDP could reach US$4.68 trillion by 2035. However, in a business-as-usual scenario, GDP is expected to grow by 41.8%, reaching US$4.57 trillion. Factoring in climate risks like heatwaves and water scarcity could reduce this growth to 27.9%. At stake is a potential US$232 billion gap between the most optimistic and constrained futures. The most positive outcome includes: An 8.3% GDP boost from widespread AI adoption Additional growth through decisive climate action The research introduces a framework built around new 'domains of growth.' These domains redefine how industries operate across areas like mobility, energy, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and connectivity. According to PwC, these shifts will create cross-sector opportunities and encourage innovation. The report also emphasized the region's strategic advantages, including bold climate goals, access to low-cost renewable energy, and rapid AI infrastructure growth. PwC noted that these factors position the Middle East to lead in sustainable, tech-driven growth. Stephen Anderson, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at PwC Middle East, said the coming decade will test the region's imagination and capabilities. He urged businesses and governments to move with 'pace, purpose, and partnership' to remain competitive. PwC reported that clean energy will play a critical role in powering AI infrastructure. As global hyperscalers expand, the region could become a hub for AI and cloud services. Dr. Yahya Anouti, Partner at Strategy& and PwC Middle East Sustainability Platform Leader, noted that balancing the cost of AI with clean energy scalability will be essential to unlocking the region's potential. The report called on regional stakeholders to act decisively. It recommended: Governments redesign institutions to reflect evolving human needs Businesses revamp models to align with a digital, low-carbon economy Academia develop future-ready talent and foster innovation PwC concluded that the Middle East has the tools and vision to lead. The value is already in motion. Now is the time to act.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Middle East and global leaders appointed at Strategy&
George Sarraf appointed as Global Strategy& Leader Saudi Arabia – Jad Hajj has been appointed as the new Leader for Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, marking a key milestone in the firm's leadership evolution. Jad has assumed this leadership role and is now officially part of the firm's leadership team. As a Partner and the former head of the region's Technology, Media, Telecommunications, and Digital practice, Jad brings extensive expertise and a strong track record of advancing the firm's growth. 'Jad's appointment marks an exciting next chapter for Strategy& in the Middle East. He brings the right blend of experience, sector insight, and a strong focus on client outcomes. Under his leadership, I am confident we will continue to expand our regional capabilities and help our clients navigate complex and impactful transformations,' said Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior Partner. Jad takes over from George Sarraf, who was appointed in 2018 and played a pivotal role in the growth and institutional development of the Strategy& business in the Middle East. In turn, George will assume his new role as the Global Strategy& Leader in July 2025, while continuing to engage with clients in the region. 'Under George's leadership, Strategy& Middle East experienced considerable growth. He guided the business through a period of transformation, expanding sector capabilities and reinforced our position as a trusted advisor across the region. As he takes on the global role, George will further strengthen Strategy& as a distinctive part within our advisory business,' said Damir Maras, Global Advisory Leader, PwC. Active in the Middle East since the 1970s, Strategy& was the first global management consulting firm to open offices in 1993, starting in Abu Dhabi, followed by Dubai, Beirut, Riyadh, Cairo, and Doha. With over 900 employees, Strategy& brings deep expertise to enable transformative impact for clients in the region across multiple sectors and industries including Consumer and Retail, Culture and Entertainment, Energy, Resources, and Sustainability, Government and Public Sector, Health, Multisector Investment, Real Estate, Technology and Digital Services, Travel and Tourism. About Strategy& Strategy& is a global strategy consulting business uniquely positioned to help deliver your best future: one that is built on differentiation from the inside out and tailored exactly to you. We combine our powerful foresight with this tangible know-how, technology, and scale to help you create a better, more transformative strategy from day one. As the only at-scale strategy business that's part of a global professional services network, we embed our strategy capabilities with frontline teams to show you where you need to go, the choices you'll need to make to get there, and how to get it right. The result is an authentic strategy process powerful enough to capture possibility while pragmatic enough to ensure effective delivery. It's the strategy that gets an organization through today's changes and drives results that redefine tomorrow. It's the strategy that turns vision into reality. It's strategy, made real.
Al Bawaba
30-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
New Middle East and Global leaders appointed at Strategy&
Jad Hajj has been appointed as the new Leader for Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, marking a key milestone in the firm's leadership has assumed this leadership role and is now officially part of the firm's leadership team. As a Partner and the former head of the region's Technology, Media, Telecommunications, and Digital practice, Jad brings extensive expertise and a strong track record of advancing the firm's growth.'Jad's appointment marks an exciting next chapter for Strategy& in the Middle East. He brings the right blend of experience, sector insight, and a strong focus on client outcomes. Under his leadership, I am confident we will continue to expand our regional capabilities and help our clients navigate complex and impactful transformations,' said Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior takes over from George Sarraf, who was appointed in 2018 and played a pivotal role in the growth and institutional development of the Strategy& business in the Middle East. In turn, George will assume his new role as the Global Strategy& Leader in July 2025, while continuing to engage with clients in the region. 'Under George's leadership, Strategy& Middle East experienced considerable growth. He guided the business through a period of transformation, expanding sector capabilities and reinforced our position as a trusted advisor across the region. As he takes on the global role, George will further strengthen Strategy& as a distinctive part within our advisory business,' said Damir Maras, Global Advisory Leader, PwC. Active in the Middle East since the 1970s, Strategy& was the first global management consulting firm to open offices in 1993, starting in Abu Dhabi, followed by Dubai, Beirut, Riyadh, Cairo, and Doha. With over 900 employees, Strategy& brings deep expertise to enable transformative impact for clients in the region across multiple sectors and industries including Consumer and Retail, Culture and Entertainment, Energy, Resources, and Sustainability, Government and Public Sector, Health, Multisector Investment, Real Estate, Technology and Digital Services, Travel and Tourism.
