BigBear.ai, a US artificial intelligence company, has joined forces with Easy Lease, one of the UAE’s largest mobility companies, to develop AI-powered solutions across the Middle East region. The partnership also includes Vigilix Technology Investment, a UAE-based tech advisory firm.
The deal marks BigBear.ai’s first major international expansion and positions the company to tap into the UAE’s growing AI market. Easy Lease operates over 30,000 vehicles in the UAE and is a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), one of the world’s largest investment firms with a market value of $239 billion.
Companies Behind the Deal
BigBear.ai, based in McLean, Virginia, specializes in AI-powered decision intelligence for defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BBAI and combines machine learning with predictive modeling to help organizations make real-time decisions.
Easy Lease started in 2011 and has become the UAE’s leading provider of motorbike leasing services, particularly for last-mile delivery companies. The company serves e-commerce, food delivery, logistics, and courier services across the UAE. It recently acquired a majority stake in Gallega Global Logistics to expand its operations.
IHC, Easy Lease’s parent company, has grown into the Middle East’s most valuable holding company since 1999. The investment giant controls over 1,300 subsidiaries across healthcare, real estate, financial services, and technology sectors.
Focus Areas and Applications
The partnership will develop AI solutions for several key areas:
- Mobility services and fleet management
- Logistics and supply chain optimization
- Smart infrastructure development
- Asset management systems
- Digital transformation initiatives
BigBear.ai will handle the technical development and customization of AI tools for regional needs. Easy Lease will provide operational expertise and market access across the UAE and broader Middle East. Vigilix will manage business development and help position the solutions in regional markets.
UAE’s AI Push
The partnership aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to become a global AI leader. The country launched its AI Strategy 2031 to improve government efficiency and develop digital infrastructure. The UAE government established an AI and Advanced Technology Council in January 2024 to accelerate AI adoption across the country.
The UAE has made significant investments in AI research and development, particularly in healthcare, energy, and digital services. Dubai’s Smart City initiatives already use AI for public services, including predictive policing and traffic management.
Market Opportunity
The UAE’s $720 million food delivery sector represents a major opportunity for AI-powered logistics solutions. As delivery services look to optimize routes, manage fleets, and improve customer service, AI platforms that can handle multiple aspects of the delivery process are in high demand.
Easy Lease’s large vehicle fleet and established relationships with delivery companies position it well to offer AI-powered platform services to marketplaces and logistics operators across the region.
Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai, called the partnership “both a privilege and a milestone” and said it represents “a major first step in our international expansion.”
Ahmad Al Sadah, CEO of Easy Lease, described the collaboration as bringing together “global expertise and local insight to deliver practical, scalable technologies.”
The partnership reflects the growing trend of international AI companies partnering with regional operators to enter Middle Eastern markets, where government support for digital transformation creates significant opportunities for advanced technology deployment.
