From insider threats to credential sprawl, cybersecurity leaders across the Middle East are grappling with one key question: Can identity systems evolve as fast as everything else?
For over a decade, the Middle East has been making substantial investments towards a digitally advanced future. From policy and government initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Digital Government Strategy, the region is aiming for AI-powered public services, hyperconnected economies, cloud infrastructure, and the development of smart cities.
However, this level of progress also raises an important question: as everything moves to digital, can identity and access management keep up with this shift? A new CXO Priorities survey, carried out in the region in partnership with Okta, aims to answer this very question. Over 30 senior cybersecurity and IT leaders shared their strategies for security in this era of cloud adoption, complex digital ecosystems, and AI.
What emerged was a compelling snapshot displaying both optimism and rising tension.
A region full of ambition, but not everyone is prepared
Despite a strong belief in the Middle East’s digital potential, this belief does not always translate into preparedness. While nearly 36% of leaders felt ‘very confident’in managing emerging threats, 32% admitted they are satisfied or lack confidence.
While digital infrastructure is being rolled out at record speed, several organisations haven’t matched this with a robust identity and access management (IAM) strategy.
For economies like those in the Middle East, where digital policy is a crucial part of national strategy, uneven readiness can expose real-world vulnerabilities. In many cases, it shows that the problem isn’t a lack of intent but a lack of coordination.
AI is a priority, but it needs better fuel
In the region, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely seen as the future. Over two-thirds of respondents believe AI will strengthen their defences. However, many organisations lack the necessary data signals to make AI work effectively. This is because their identity systems are not yet advanced enough to provide the right data signals.
This is where Okta’s Machine Learning (ML) capabilities come into play. Its Identity Threat Protection doesn’t just identify unusual logins – it actively assesses risk and makes dynamic decisions about who gains access, when, and how. It’s a step towards transforming AI from a buzzword into a practical security layer.
Humans: The real threat
The excitement around AI is contagious; however, the leading security threats in the Middle East are still deeply human. As identity becomes the new perimeter, people remain the largest attack surface.
Insider threats and phishing attacks have been cited most often, highlighting that no amount of software can prevent someone from clicking a suspicious link or misusing access if controls are weak. Okta addresses this with phishing-resistant MFA, tools that flag risky behaviour and visibility that doesn’t disrupt legitimate users.
It’s about striking a balance between safety and simplicity.
Complexity is the enemy of security
Whether it’s hybrid working, multi-cloud setups, or distributed systems, organisations today are managing far more complex systems than ever before. Nearly 64% of those surveyed identified managing access and credentials across systems as a major concern.
With hundreds of apps and users involved, it’s easy for issues to be overlooked: inactive accounts, overly-permitted roles, shadow access. Each poses a ticking time bomb.
Okta’s role here is to simplify. Its platform automates the entire access lifecycle, applies consistent rules everywhere, and helps organisations clean up the sprawl before it becomes a serious risk.
Security isn’t just a tech problem – it’s a trust issue
The pressure on CISOs extends beyond hackers. Boards, regulators, and even customers now demand greater transparency and proof that security measures are not only implemented but also actively effective. That’s why 20% of leaders focus on better cost management and 18% seek to improve the visibility of threats they pose to customers.
Security today isn’t about gatekeeping; it’s about demonstrating trustworthiness. Okta makes this simpler with clear audit trails, intuitive dashboards, and automation that minimises human error and overhead.
Budgets are rising
Here’s the good news: funding is coming. One in three organisations expect their security budgets to increase by more than 50% this year, a strong sign of intent. But with that investment comes responsibility. The region has a rare opportunity to build future-ready systems that not only patch problems but also transform how identity and security are managed at scale.
The risk? Wasting that money on fragmented solutions that don’t connect. The opportunity? Using platforms like Okta to create a unified, scalable and transparent identity foundation that supports everything – from citizen portals to cross-border data flows.
The bottom line
Identity is no longer just an IT background task. It serves as the gateway to every app, user and service. In a region that moves at speed, it must be seamless, secure and smart. Successful organisations won’t only deploy more technology but will also embed digital trust into their core.
That’s where Okta comes into play. It’s not merely a security layer; it’s the vital link for the Middle East’s digital future. And as this transformation progresses, it could be the difference between ambition and realisation.
