When a Halla Shawarma order shows “ready in 12 minutes,” a silent network of systems is already at work: checking stock, queuing the kitchen, confirming payment, dispatching a driver, and mapping the fastest route to the customer’s door—all before the phone is even locked.
This reflects a broader trend in 2025: technology now shapes nearly every step of business, whether in food delivery, construction, logistics, or healthcare. Companies no longer rely solely on traditional operations. Instead, software and data guide everything from product design and pricing to customer experience and reputation.
Recent developments in the UAE highlight this shift. The country’s president met with the CEO of OpenAI to strengthen national AI leadership, while Abu Dhabi-based G42 is building what could become one of the world’s largest non-Western AI data centers. Analysts forecast that the UAE tech services market will grow by $3.8 billion this year, signaling strong demand for digital solutions.
Customers have raised their expectations. They now compare businesses to the apps on their phones, expecting one-tap onboarding, real-time updates, and seamless service. Any delay or friction risks losing them. Behind the scenes, companies are using data to guide operations such as forecasting, inventory management, scheduling, and service delivery. Businesses that ignore this shift risk falling behind both in speed and profitability.
At Galadari, Chief Information Officer Conor Korfiatis says the company has focused on three areas: how teams work, how investments are made, and how customer trust is protected.
Integrating technology into workflows ensures that employees, partners, and customers are connected in a single ecosystem. Mapping customer journeys, digitizing partner integration, streaming usage data from equipment, and equipping employees with AI tools has allowed Galadari to reduce friction, enhance service, and handle complex issues more efficiently.
Investment decisions prioritize business results rather than trends. Platforms for unified customer data, real-time engagement, cloud-native scalability, API-first integration, and low-code development enable faster market launches, cost efficiency, and effective campaigns.
Protecting customers remains a priority. A zero-trust security model with strong identity controls, least-privilege access, and encryption by default is coupled with transparent data consent measures. Korfiatis emphasizes that trust must be built into systems from the start.
AI is deployed carefully, focusing on narrow, high-impact applications and transparent metrics. This approach personalizes offers, speeds service, and identifies risks early without creating chaos.
Korfiatis notes that in 2025, technology is no longer just a support function—it is how business gets done. Companies that put the customer at the center, invest in foundational systems, and maintain trust and speed are best positioned to compete. From shawarma delivery to skyscraper construction, thinking like a tech company has become essential to staying ahead.
