IBM and Deloitte announce plans at GITEX 2025 to enable GCC organizations to deploy responsible AI at scale

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Deloitte Middle East announced today the signing of an agreement to advance the adoption of next-generation technologies across key markets in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Signed on Day 2 of GITEX 2025, by Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Africa and Muhannad Tayem, Technology & Transformation Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte Middle East, the agreement states that IBM and Deloitte will collaborate to deliver AI-led and technology-driven services, helping organizations in banking and finance, government, oil and gas, and energy and utilities unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Together, the companies will focus strategically on AI, Financial Operations (FinOps), and cybersecurity — advancing responsible AI innovation, enhancing financial efficiency, and strengthening defenses against emerging digital threats through quantum resilience and security operations. Plans include the intent to establish an AI Governance Centre of Excellence that will combine Deloitte’s consulting expertise with IBM’s watsonx.governance platform to help clients deploy trustworthy, responsible AI at scale.

“AI is the defining technology of our time, and organizations in the Middle East are moving quickly from experimenting to scaling it across their operations,” said Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Africa. “Through this collaboration with Deloitte, we will help clients adopt AI that is open, trusted, and designed to deliver measurable business outcomes, accelerating transformation and strengthening their competitiveness in a digital economy.”

“Enterprises across the Middle East are embracing advanced technologies to accelerate national digital agendas and deliver greater value to their stakeholders,” said Kathy Kadoch, Global Chief Commercial Officer – IBM Alliance and Partner at Deloitte. “By combining Deloitte’s consulting depth with IBM’s trusted platforms, we can help clients move from pilots to large-scale adoption of AI, cloud, and cyber solutions — building more resilient, secure, and competitive organizations for the future.”

Muhannad Tayem, Technology & Transformation Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte Middle East added: “Organizations across GCC states today are embarking on complex transformations that demand both speed and strategic clarity. By combining IBM’s advanced platforms with Deloitte’s deep consulting and transformation expertise, we will help clients scale responsibly with AI, navigate disruption, and unlock sustainable growth that strengthens national and regional digital economies.”

With this agreement, IBM and Deloitte reaffirm their commitment to helping enterprises and governments reimagine the future. Together, they aim to deliver technologies and services that enable lasting economic and digital progress in the region.

Statements regarding IBM's and Deloitte’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.