Writing in an analysis for Gulf News, Armin Moradi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of corporate spend management platform Qashio, outlined key hidden costs confronting UAE businesses preparing for 2027. While enterprises are increasingly budgeting for artificial intelligence tools and specialized talent, Moradi noted that realizing actual efficiency gains requires accounting for secondary implementation expenses, ongoing training, cybersecurity, and transaction-based software fees.
Citing data from research firm Gartner, the piece noted that global spending on AI software is forecast to reach approximately $656 billion in 2027. The article stated that while automation assists finance departments with receipt matching and invoice reconciliation without expanding headcount, businesses must evaluate the total cost of ownership against projected productivity returns before committing capital.
The commentary also highlighted working capital gaps across major UAE sectors. In Dubai, where the construction sector expanded by 5.1 percent year on year during the first half of 2026, contractors and developers often disburse funds to suppliers and staff long before customer installments are collected. Similar liquidity pressures affect import-dependent retailers contending with freight and inventory holding costs, as well as hospitality and airline operators managing fixed overheads following peak demand cycles.
To safeguard liquidity, Moradi advised businesses to curb internal cash leakage, such as redundant software subscriptions, unmonitored foreign exchange fees, and untracked travel modifications. Maintaining centralized oversight of approved commitments alongside disbursed funds was recommended to ensure companies retain capital for unexpected growth opportunities.
Sources
- Gulf News · 2026-10-25
