Dubai, UAE, 04 December 2025: New research from Endava shows that organisations across the UAEand Saudi Arabia increasingly recognise the strategic importance of becoming AI-native, yet many stilllack the operational foundations required to get there. The findings, drawn from senior business leadersacross both markets, indicate that organisations are keen to capture the benefits of agentic AI, but arebeing held back by early-stage adoption, funding delays and concerns around responsibleimplementation.Across the region, there is broad alignment on the direction of travel. More than nine in ten respondentsbelieve that becoming AI-native is essential to maintaining a competitive edge, and many organisationshave already mapped out how they intend to evolve. However, a significant proportion remain stuck in theplanning phase, with over a third reporting that while an AI-native strategy exists, the budget to execute ithas not yet been secured. Despite this, confidence remains high, and most leaders (75%1) expect theirorganisations to reach an AI-native operating model by 2028, signalling an accelerated shift over the nextthree years.The research highlights that adoption of agentic AI is already reshaping how innovation takes placeacross the Gulf. A growing majority (73%2) report that traditional agile methodologies are losing relevanceas firms move towards autonomous, self-improving systems capable of managing complex processes inreal time. This shift is especially visible in fintech, where more than four-fifths (81%2) of respondentsbelieve agentic AI is creating entirely new business models and revenue streams. Leaders also note thatAI-native systems are lowering barriers to entry, making it easier for both established players and newchallengers to expand across the region’s increasingly competitive financial landscape.When asked how agentic AI will transform both customer experience and operational resilience, leaderspointed to its ability to deliver stronger fraud detection, personalised and autonomous financial guidance,and faster, always-on service. They also expect the technology to enhance organisational robustness bymanaging risk at machine speed, automating compliance processes and improving real-time monitoringacross critical systems, all of which are seen as essential to maintaining trust and ensuring uninterruptedservices in an increasingly digital financial landscape.Despite clear momentum, the research also reveals a readiness gap. Most organisations (85%2) are stillprioritising the deployment of basic AI applications such as chatbots, predictive analytics and workflowautomation before they progress to more advanced agentic systems. Concerns around data privacy,security and the transparency of AI-driven decisions continue to slow adoption, while data quality issuesand cybersecurity risks remain among the most significant barriers identified by leaders.To address these challenges, organisations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are taking active steps toensure responsible AI integration. Many are embedding ethical guidelines into AI development (50%),working to align emerging agentic systems with evolving regulatory requirements (42%), andstrengthening data privacy and security protections (41%). Collectively, these efforts demonstrate agrowing commitment to balancing innovation with accountability as the region moves towards an AI-nativefuture.1 Combining answer options “After 2025 but by 2026” and “After 2026 but by 2028”.2 Combining answer options “Strongly agree” and “Somewhat agree”.
David Boast, General Manager – UAE & KSA, Endava, said, “Organisations in the UAE and Saudi Arabiaare at a pivotal moment. There is a clear understanding of the value that an AI native future can unlock,but also a recognition that responsible adoption is essential. Those that invest in agentic AI with stronggovernance frameworks today will be best placed to lead the next wave of innovation across the region.At Endava, we are supporting this shift through AI-enabled approaches like Dava.Flow, helpingorganisations modernise quickly while keeping trust, transparency and organisational health at the centreof their transformation.”To read the full research, please visit: https://www.endava.com/insights/reports/agile-meets-agentic-how-financial-services-are-evolving-towards-ai-native-operations- ENDS -About the Research:The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 senior leaders (aged 25+) across financialservices and fintech organisations with over 1,000 employees in Australia, the UK, France, the USA, Germany, Italy,Spain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia between 2–13 October 2025. Censuswide complies with the MRS Code ofConduct based on ESOMAR principles.About Endava PLCEndava is a leading provider of next-generation technology services, dedicated to enabling its customers toaccelerate growth, tackle complex challenges and thrive in evolving markets. By combining innovative technologiesand deep industry expertise with an AI-native approach, Endava consults and partners with customers to createsolutions that drive transformation, augment intelligence and deliver lasting impact. From ideation to production, itsupports customers with tailor-made solutions at every stage of their digital transformation, regardless of industry,region or scale.Endava’s clients span payments, insurance, finance and banking, technology, media, telecommunications, healthcareand life sciences, mobility, retail and consumer goods and more. As of September 30 2025, 11,636 Endavans arehelping clients break new ground across locations in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Endava reveals readiness gap as UAE and Saudi organisations head towards AI-native futures
