The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we interact with the world and even with each other. Whether it’s our friends, loved ones, or anyone from our workplace. And due to this, a massive change has happened in the world to adapt to hybrid working models, remote working, and adopting new technologies to get accustomed to this.

While working from home has become the new normal, the IT sector has been busy building new ways to delight us and take the world forward. The Expo 2020 in Dubai is a massive example of how the IT and technology world progresses at a staggering rate. So what are the IT technologies that will take center stage in 2021? Find out.

Top 5 IT Trends in the UAE for 2021

Gartner has already forecasted that IT spending in the MENA region, which includes UAE, will climb by 4.5% to $171 Billion in 2021. While some IT trends are evergreen, some have gained more importance in the post-COVID 19 worlds of today. So, to make sure that you hire the right software developers for your business, here are the top 5 IT trends that will gain more foothold in the UAE in 2021:

1.Human Resource Management

One of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is people being laid off from their jobs. Due to this, restructuring, human resource management, and organizational priority focus have taken a front stage. Termed as rightsizing, many organizations use software programs to identify their organizational wastages, which are pegged to continue for the next three years.

Many of the UAE companies are laying focus on utilizing their existing resources or cutting down surplus resources for better workflow, optimization of working capital, and incremental profits. The most prominent sectors that are undergoing restructuring are retail, hospitality, banking, and financial services.

Top Company- The Stakeholder Management Group, Dubai

2.Digital Transformation

As stated before, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive change in how workplaces operate from here on forward. And that has caused an enormous surge in the digital transformation of workplaces to adopt hybrid or fully remote working models.

About 25-30% of the large enterprises in the UAE are involved in carrying out the digital transformation of their working model. Some are running pilots, while others have already put systems in place to support remote working. Additionally, brands are innovating to drive more innovation to enrich the customer experience by improving their online buying processes.

Top Company- 10xDS

3.Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have already proved their mettle in how important they can be. In e-commerce, online marketing, digital marketing, social media, and pretty much everything we interact with today, AI and ML are underlying technologies being used. And in 2021, this industry is pegged to grow at a CAGR of 25-30% in 2021 till 2026.

Nowadays, AI and ML are used to automate processes, improve productivity, and drive more insightful organizational decisions. Furthermore, companies are spending heavily on chatbots and robotics to enhance their customer experience and automating repetitive human tasks.

In 2021, this industry is expected to grow by 25.63% to a valuation of $73.66 million. This is one of the reasons that data scientists, data analysts, and machine learning professionals are among the hottest professions for 2021.

Top Company- ChronJ IT Services, Abu Dhabi

4.Cloud Services

While the actual cloud computing field became mainstream from 2006 onwards, the idea has been around since the ‘90s. Cloud services have seen an upsurge in demand in 2021 and are valued at $386 billion currently. This is pegged to grow at a CAGR of 21.7% to $482 billion in 2022.

The reason cloud computing has become a phenomenon is because of the agility and speed it offers. It is also scalable, and the “lift and shift” model approach has made room for easier access and modifications.

Top Company- Alpha Data, Abu Dhabi

5.Cybersecurity

With increasing cyber-attacks in the UAE, 59% of them resulting from hacking and malicious sources, the cybersecurity market will boom in 2021. The average cost of identifying and remedying data breaches ranges between $4.2 million to $6.5 million.

Furthermore, detecting a data breach or a cyber-attack plays a crucial role in recuperating the damage it causes for the company. So, if you can find out about a data breach at an early stage, you are going to be in for a treat in the UAE.

Top Company- Cybersec Consulting, Dubai

Conclusion- Is the IT Industry in UAE going to grow in 2021?

Absolutely! The MENA region is witnessing an upsurge in IT technologies, which spells good news for the UAE. So, if you plan to set up your IT business or restructure it to launch a new product, choosing from the above domains would be preferable for the best return on investment.