The Rise of Low-Code Technologies in MENA: Harnessing AI for a Digital Future

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at the forefront of a profound technological transformation, driven by visionary government initiatives, bold national transformation programs, and an appetite for future-forward innovation. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to Egypt’s Digital Transformation Strategy, and from Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to Oman’s Vision 2040, the region is redefining how industries and public services operate. Central to this transformation are Low-Code Development Technologies, which are empowering organizations to build, automate, and scale applications with minimal to no coding.

As governments and businesses across MENA embrace cutting-edge technologies to diversify their economies and enhance efficiency, Low-Code platforms, empowered by artificial intelligence (AI), are playing a pivotal role. These platforms enable rapid application development, automate complex business processes, and reduce reliance on specialized developers—making them an essential tool in the region's digitalization agenda.

With ambitious national strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 leading the charge, Low-Code platforms are increasingly becoming the backbone of digital transformation efforts across sectors. From smart city projects to healthcare modernization and beyond, Low-Code technologies are reshaping the future of MENA, cementing its place as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Low-Code: The Backbone of Digital Transformation

Low-Code development platforms are revolutionizing how businesses and governments build software. By enabling users with minimal coding experience to create complex applications, Low-Code technologies are dramatically reducing the time and resources needed for digital transformation. In a region where governments are investing heavily in digitizing public services and modernizing industries, Low-Code platforms are rapidly becoming the backbone of transformation efforts.

The global Low-Code market, expected to exceed $103 billion by 2028, is seeing MENA’s share grow from just 3% in 2021 to nearly 9.75% by 2028, translating to a MENA market size of approximately $8.97 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by government-led initiatives, accelerated by AI, and spans several critical Low-Code segments.

Why Low-Code is Booming in MENA

Several factors are contributing to the rapid rise of Low-Code platforms in the MENA region:

1. Government-Led Digital Transformation Initiatives

Countries across the region are investing heavily in digital transformation. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Centennial 2071 aim to position these nations as global leaders in technology and innovation. Governments are focusing on digitizing services, automating workflows, and building smart cities, all of which require scalable, efficient software solutions.

Low-Code platforms offer a powerful tool for achieving these goals. By enabling rapid development of applications, even by non-technical users, Low-Code platforms allow government agencies to deploy digital services quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important in areas like public administration, healthcare, and education, where there is a pressing need to modernize service delivery.

2. AI and Automation Integration

AI is accelerating the growth of Low-Code platforms in MENA by enabling more sophisticated automation and smarter applications. Integration of AI-driven technologies, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), and Natural Language Processing (NLP), is allowing MENA businesses to automate repetitive tasks, optimize workflows, and deliver intelligent services at scale.

Low-Code platforms that incorporate AI capabilities are especially attractive to organizations that need to modernize rapidly. For instance, Citizen Automation and Development Platforms (CADP), which empower non-technical staff to develop their own solutions, are expected to grow at a 40.2% CAGR in MENA, highlighting the region’s eagerness to leverage AI in development.

3. Business Agility and Cost Efficiency

For MENA businesses, particularly in sectors like banking, finance, healthcare, and oil & gas, the ability to build and deploy custom applications rapidly is a game changer. Traditional application development is often time-consuming and expensive, requiring teams of developers to write, test, and deploy code. Low-Code platforms significantly reduce the time-to-market and lower development costs, allowing businesses to respond more quickly to market demands.

This is particularly crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant portion of MENA’s economy. For these businesses, Low-Code offers an affordable way to digitize operations, build customer-facing apps, and streamline internal processes without the need for extensive IT resources.

4. Citizen Development and Workforce Empowerment

The concept of citizen development, where non-technical employees can use Low-Code platforms to build their own applications, is gaining traction across MENA. By empowering employees with Low-Code tools, organizations can accelerate digital transformation, foster innovation, and enhance operational efficiency.

For example, the rise of Citizen Automation and Development Platforms (CADP) in MENA is helping organizations address their unique challenges, whether it’s streamlining supply chain management in the manufacturing sector or improving customer service in finance. By lowering the barrier to software development, Low-Code is democratizing technology and empowering employees to create solutions tailored to their needs.

Low-Code Segments Shaping MENA’s Future

Several key segments within the Low-Code landscape are playing pivotal roles in MENA’s digital transformation:

• Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP): This is the largest segment, offering tools that allow rapid app development without heavy coding. For governments and enterprises across MENA, LCAP platforms are crucial for building applications quickly to meet evolving needs in areas like healthcare, education, and public service digitization.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA is helping organizations in MENA automate repetitive tasks, making processes more efficient. In sectors such as banking and government, where paperwork and manual processes still dominate, RPA-driven Low-Code platforms are enabling automation at scale, freeing up human resources for more strategic tasks.
• Business Process Automation (BPA): With national programs driving modernization, BPA solutions are being deployed to streamline workflows. These platforms allow organizations to automate everything from approval processes to document management—essential for improving efficiency in large-scale public sector organizations.
• Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS): MENA’s growing digital ecosystems require seamless integration across multiple platforms and services. iPaaS solutions allow different software systems to communicate, enabling governments and businesses to scale up their digital transformation without costly overhauls.
• Citizen Automation & Development Platforms (CADP): As AI enhances Low-Code technologies, citizen developers—those without formal coding backgrounds—are empowered to create applications. This is particularly important for MENA, where there is a strong push to engage local talent in building digital solutions for public and private sector needs.

Each of these segments addresses different aspects of MENA’s needs, from automating workflows and processes to enabling integration across complex ecosystems and empowering non-technical staff to participate in digital transformation.

AI’s Role in Accelerating Low-Code Adoption

Artificial intelligence is enhancing the capabilities of Low-Code platforms, allowing for more sophisticated applications to be built without extensive technical expertise. AI-driven Low-Code platforms can automate workflows, suggest optimal app designs, and even generate code, empowering citizen developers and non-technical staff to take a more active role in their organizations' digital strategies.

This AI-driven approach aligns perfectly with MENA's focus on accelerating the development and deployment of digital solutions. As governments across the region push for a more agile and efficient public sector, AI-powered Low-Code platforms offer a scalable and cost-effective solution for delivering on the ambitious goals laid out in national transformation programs.

Industry-Specific Applications of Low-Code in MENA

• Government Services: Low-Code platforms enable governments to digitize public services, from e-governance platforms to smart city initiatives. They allow for the rapid development of applications that streamline citizen services, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance the overall efficiency of public administration.
• Banking and Finance: The financial services sector in MENA is embracing Low-Code to improve customer experiences, automate compliance workflows, and develop new digital products. Banks and fintech firms are using Low-Code to create mobile apps, customer portals, and internal tools, all while reducing costs and improving agility.
• Healthcare: In healthcare, Low-Code platforms are being used to build patient management systems, automate appointment scheduling, and integrate medical records across hospitals and clinics. With the integration of AI and automation, these platforms are helping healthcare providers deliver better, more personalized care.
• Oil & Gas: As a critical sector in the MENA region, oil & gas companies are using Low-Code platforms to streamline operations, manage assets, and automate workflows across exploration, production, and distribution. Low-Code applications help improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation in this highly complex industry.

Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 and Beyond

Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of MENA’s digital transformation. Vision 2030, the Kingdom's landmark initiative, aims to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil by promoting sectors like technology, healthcare, and tourism. Low-Code technologies are already playing a role in the transformation of government services, smart city projects, and national infrastructure.

Two upcoming events—Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034—will further elevate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. These high-profile global events will require rapid digital development across areas such as public services, transportation, and event management, all of which can benefit from the agility and scalability offered by Low-Code platforms. AI-enhanced Low-Code solutions will be essential for building out these complex systems quickly, ensuring that Saudi Arabia not only meets but exceeds the technological demands of hosting such events.

UAE: Building the Future with Smart Cities

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a leader in the region’s technological advancements. Initiatives like Smart Dubai highlight the UAE's commitment to becoming a global technology hub. By prioritizing digital infrastructure and AI technologies, the UAE is laying the groundwork for a future in which nearly all government services will be available digitally.

Low-Code platforms, enhanced by AI, are already contributing to the UAE’s vision of a “paperless government.” These platforms enable the rapid development of applications needed to digitize government processes and deliver seamless services to citizens and residents. With AI capabilities integrated into Low-Code platforms, the UAE can build smarter, more adaptive systems that meet the changing needs of its population.

Qatar: National Vision 2030

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 emphasizes human, social, economic, and environmental development. As part of its digital transformation strategy, Qatar is investing heavily in smart cities and the digitization of public services. Low-Code platforms are well-positioned to support Qatar’s ambitions by enabling the rapid development of applications across sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation.

Qatar's recent hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 underscored the need for robust digital infrastructure, and the nation is continuing to build on this foundation. Low-Code platforms will be instrumental in helping Qatar meet its long-term goals, particularly as it looks to improve its digital service delivery and smart city infrastructure.

Oman: Vision 2040

Oman’s Vision 2040 is another example of how MENA nations are prioritizing digital transformation. With a focus on economic diversification and sustainable development, Oman is investing in AI, digital government, and smart city projects. The government’s push to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure opens up opportunities for Low-Code technologies to play a critical role.

Low-Code platforms, supported by AI, are well-suited to Oman's objectives, as they enable rapid development of applications that can scale with the country’s growing digital needs. From improving public sector efficiency to supporting private sector growth, Low-Code platforms will be essential in driving Oman's transformation over the next two decades.

Egypt: Digital Transformation Strategy

Egypt’s digital economy is rapidly evolving, driven by a government-led push to expand digital infrastructure and enhance e-government services. Egypt’s Digital Transformation Strategy is central to these efforts, with a focus on expanding internet access, digitalizing public services, and supporting innovation hubs across the country.

Smart cities, like Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, are at the heart of the country’s transformation. The development of these futuristic cities will rely heavily on Low-Code platforms, which can enable rapid deployment of smart services such as traffic management, digital citizen engagement platforms, and automated public services. AI-driven Low-Code solutions are uniquely positioned to help Egypt scale its digital ambitions efficiently, empowering both the public and private sectors to build a modern, connected economy.

Moreover, Egypt is actively investing in sectors like digital healthcare and fintech, both of which can benefit from Low-Code platforms that allow for fast, iterative development of custom applications. As Egypt positions itself as a regional technology hub, the demand for scalable, AI-enhanced digital solutions will only grow.

The MENA Opportunity: A Region in Transformation

The MENA region is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Governments across the region are setting ambitious goals that require rapid modernization of public services, industries, and infrastructure. Low-Code technologies, driven by the power of AI, offer the flexibility and scalability needed to meet these demands.

By 2028, MENA’s Low-Code market is projected to reach $8.97 billion, representing a 9.75% share of the global market. This reflects the growing importance of digital innovation across the region, spurred by national transformation programs like Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030, Oman Vision 2040, and Egypt’s Digital Transformation Strategy. These initiatives are creating a fertile environment for cutting-edge digital solutions, making MENA a focal point for the adoption of Low-Code platforms and AI-driven technologies.

Conclusion: MENA’s Digital Future

MENA’s embrace of Low-Code technologies, combined with the accelerating impact of AI, is transforming the region’s digital landscape. From national visions to global events like Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034, the demand for flexible, scalable digital solutions has never been greater. Low-Code platforms are enabling governments and enterprises to meet these challenges head-on, offering a path toward rapid development and innovation.

As the region continues to evolve, the future of Low-Code in MENA is bright—paving the way for a more agile, connected, and digitally empowered world.