Dr. Sadique Ahmed, CEO of Pathfinder Global, Sam Achampong, Regional Director at CIPS, and Kush Ahuja, Head of ACCA for Eurasia and the Middle East, provide their expert perspectives on how AI is causing widespread disruption in the finance, procurement and retail sectors. 
Automation has long played a role in streamlining business operations, but the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a new era of efficiency, decision-making and innovation. Across industries, AI-powered solutions are helping businesses by eliminating inefficiencies, reducing costs and enhancing customer engagement.
The impact of AI on global business is staggering. According to McKinsey, AI adoption in business operations could deliver up to $4.4 trillion in annual economic benefits across industries. In finance alone, AI-driven automation is expected to save firms up to $1 trillion annually by 2030, particularly by reducing fraud and improving financial analysis.
Meanwhile, the retail sector has witnessed a 30% boost in sales from AI-powered personalisation strategies, as businesses increasingly leverage predictive analytics to anticipate consumer needs.
Procurement, finance and retail, three essential pillars of the business ecosystem, are all experiencing profound AI-driven transformations. Procurement teams are using AI for intelligent sourcing and risk assessment, finance professionals are leveraging automation to detect fraud and enhance decision-making, and retailers are adopting AI-driven personalisation to enhance customer experiences.
Here, we explore how AI is driving the next phase of business automation. Industry leaders Sam Achampong from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), Kush Ahuja from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Sadique Ahmed from Pathfinder Global, share insights into how AI is re-moulding their respective fields and what the future holds for smart business operations.
Enhancing efficiency and resilience
With AI at the helm, procurement is evolving from a reactive function to a predictive, data-driven powerhouse. AI-driven sourcing eliminates inefficiencies and strengthens supply chain resilience by automating repetitive tasks and providing insights. According to CIPS, AI can be incorporated into various procurement processes, such as contract management and sourcing, to automate time-consuming tasks and adapt behaviours over time.
Sam Achampong, Regional Director at CIPS, emphasises the importance of AI in modern procurement strategies. He notes that AI helps organisations solve complex problems using computer algorithms, minimising the need for manual intervention. This technological advancement allows procurement professionals to focus on strategic activities, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
A CIPS special report highlights that AI is expected to impact key procurement tasks significantly. The report suggests that organisations should take practical steps to integrate AI into their procurement strategies to remain competitive.
Preventing fraud and improving decision-making
AI is fundamentally improving financial operations, from fraud detection to real-time data analysis. Automation in finance not only increases efficiency but also delivers faster, more precise insights. According to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), AI is a crucial enabler of change in the finance profession, complementing human intelligence and facilitating more informed decisions.
The ACCA’s AI Monitor series explores how AI is reshaping financial management, emphasising the growing need for advanced data literacy and ethical AI adoption. The report highlights that while 72% of finance professionals believe AI will have a significant impact on their work, many still face challenges in bridging the gap between AI potential and practical implementation.
Additionally, the AI Monitor examines the role of trust in AI-driven financial decision-making, stressing the importance of governance and risk management frameworks to maintain credibility in the evolving financial landscape.
Kush Ahuja, Head of ACCA for Eurasia and the Middle East, highlights the need for finance professionals to embrace AI while ensuring ethical and transparent usage: “AI is here, shaping financial strategies in real time. The key challenge for finance teams is not just adopting AI but doing so in a way that aligns with professional integrity and governance standards. As AI takes on more analytical and predictive roles, finance professionals must strengthen their expertise in data ethics and decision-making oversight to maintain trust in financial operations.” ACCA’s AI Monitor series provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, guiding finance professionals toward responsible and effective AI adoption.
Enhancing customer engagement and sales strategies
In the retail sector, AI is transforming customer engagement and sales strategies through personalisation and predictive analytics. AI-driven personalisation tailors the shopping experience to individual preferences, while predictive analytics forecast trends and consumer behaviour, enabling retailers to optimise inventory and marketing strategies.
Governments in the region are actively promoting AI adoption across industries, including retail, through strategic initiatives and funding. For instance, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have launched ambitious AI strategies and are investing heavily in AI-driven projects to foster innovation.
In the UAE, AI adoption is notably high, with 42% of companies integrating AI into their business operations, according to IBM Studies. This widespread adoption reflects the country’s commitment to technological advancement and its vision to position itself as a leader in AI innovation.
Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in AI implementation, particularly in the retail sector. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative emphasises technological innovation and digital transformation across industries, including retail. AI adoption in the retail sector is fueled by investments in smart city projects like NEOM, aiming to create technologically advanced urban environments that leverage AI for various applications.
Dr. Sadique Ahmed, CEO of Pathfinder Global notes: “The integration of AI into the retail industry has caused a shift that redefines customer engagement and operational efficiency. In the Middle East, where consumer expectations are rapidly evolving, AI enables retailers to offer personalised experiences, optimise supply chains and make data-driven decisions that align with the region’s digital transformation goals.”
Embracing AI across industries
As AI continues to evolve, businesses must proactively adapt to leverage its benefits. This involves investing in AI technologies, upskilling employees and developing strategies that align with an organisation’s goals. Collaboration between industry experts, technology providers and educational institutions is crucial to promote innovation and address the challenges associated with AI adoption.
The upcoming Dubai AI Week in April presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to explore the latest AI advancements and their applications in various sectors. Engaging with industry leaders and participating in discussions can provide valuable insights into implementing AI effectively.
Embracing AI technologies is essential for businesses aiming to thrive in the digital age. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, organisations can achieve greater efficiency, resilience and customer satisfaction.
