Hosted in the heart of the Middle East, the CIPS MENA Conference brought together industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and forward-looking organizations to share insights, network, and celebrated the best in procurement.  

Key Takeaways from a Procurement Standpoint in Middle East 

• Digital Transformation is Key with AI in Procurement – Embracing digital solutions, like AI-powered automation, is critical for enhancing efficiency and agility in procurement. This was highlighted in sessions like Elevate Procurement in the Middle East with Generative AI – The Next Chapter, where experts discussed practical strategies for scaling AI adoption and improving processes like RFP generation, contract management, and category analysis. Choosing a solution that offers a comprehensive suite of AI-driven Source to Pay solutions, is hence critical for procurement professionals. 

• Local Sourcing and Economic Growth – Local sourcing remains a strategic priority for the Middle Eastern region, with strong emphasis on In-Country Value (ICV) as part of national economic goals like Vision 2030. This approach is vital for building resilient supply chains, fostering SME growth, and driving long-term economic impact. A robust supplier management tool to help organizations identify and onboard local suppliers, track compliance with ICV requirements, and optimize supplier relationships to drive sustainable economic growth, is the need of the hour. 

• Leadership and Career Growth – The path to senior leadership in procurement was a major focus, with sessions like Rising to the Top: The Procurement Path to the C-Suite offering practical insights on leadership skills, career growth, and the journey to board-level positions. Advanced analytics and AI-powered insights, such as those offered by Zycus, can empower procurement leaders to make strategic decisions, drive innovation, and create long-term value, positioning them for C-suite roles. 

• The Power of Collaboration – Building strong relationships with suppliers and leveraging technology to enhance these partnerships can significantly reduce supply chain risks and improve overall resilience. 

• Geopolitical Risk Management – The Middle East’s procurement landscape is increasingly influenced by geopolitical tensions, impacting supply chains and necessitating robust risk management strategies. Procurement leaders are focusing on enhancing resilience and agility to navigate these challenges effectively.  

• Renewable Energy Integration – With the Middle East rapidly becoming a significant player in the renewable energy market, procurement strategies are evolving to support the integration of renewables into existing infrastructures. This shift is crucial for achieving sustainability goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

Looking Ahead 

We look forward to leveraging these learnings to deliver greater value for our customers and partners in the Middle East region, in the months ahead. 

Explore how Zycus can support your procurement transformation journey in the Middle East: Contact Us .Interested in watching how AI agents work? Register for our upcoming webinar, where we cover a live demo on Agentic AI solutions.