The 2024 State of Design and Make Report by Autodesk found that AI is shaping business transformation across industries as trust in AI is growing. Close to 87 per cent of industry professionals in the Middle East, compared to 76 per cent globally, say they trust AI for their industry.
The report added that lacking staff and cost challenges have made companies more efficient. Over 52 per cent of industry professionals say the ability to implement/work with AI is one of the top technical skills companies will prioritise for hiring decisions over the next three years. Over 84 per cent of these industry professionals in the Middle East say AI will enhance their industry and aim to utilise this trajectory to benefit them.
Naji Atallah, Head of Construction and Manufacturing, EMEA Emerging at Autodesk: “In design and make, AI and digital transformation fuel innovation and resilience. As the leading software provider empowering designers and makers across the Middle East, Autodesk remains steadfast in its commitment to accelerating the industry’s journey towards innovation, sustainability, and expansion in the region.”
Atallah added, “Our latest report signals a pivotal moment, underscored by the region’s governmental initiatives, such as the UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030, prioritising technological advancement and economic diversification while emphasising sustainability. These initiatives align seamlessly with our mission to support the growth and development of local industries, upskill the local design, and make talent of the Middle East.”
Notably, 46 per cent of design and manufacturing companies in the Middle East indicate they are approaching or have achieved their goal of incorporating AI, compared to 56 per cent globally.
Close to 85 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents are confident that their company will make the right decisions regarding AI. While 84 per cent of interviewees said that AI would enhance their industry, a stark 51 per cent believe AI will destabilise the industry.
The report stated businesses are using AI to increase productivity and automate work. Leaders predict that generative AI will help their teams make crucial design decisions about physical products, buildings, and digital assets in the next years. This increase in technology adoption fueled by AI is set to continue, with 77 per cent of industry professionals globally saying they will continue to invest in AI and emerging technology in the next three years.
Ammar Al Assam, CEO at Dewan Architects + Engineers said “AI and digital transformation are pivotal in reshaping industries across the Middle East. As we navigate towards innovation and sustainability, embracing technology becomes even more paramount. Within the architecture field, these advancements can potentially reimagine the way we work completely. By establishing a dedicated task force for AI research and development at Dewan, we aim to seize upon the opportunities of these trends, fostering business resilience, driving growth, and delivering better outcomes for our clients.”
Leaders across the design and manufacturing industries continue to navigate talent shortages, with the speed of transformation widening the skills gap. As workforces tighten, professionals see AI’s potential to help manage workloads on leaner teams by improving productivity (57 per cent), freeing up employees for more meaningful (41 per cent) and creative work (89 per cent), and supplementing skills gaps (47 per cent).
Damir Jaksic, Chief Information Officer at KEO International Consultants said “AI can automate many tasks and free up time for creative professionals to focus on what they do best. Right now, we use AI to co-design interior spaces; our landscape architects have used AI to assist with conceptual drawings, and we can thank AI for this winning work. At KEO, we have already observed how leveraging these cutting-edge technologies results in greater efficiency, productivity and innovation.”
