UAE AI usage jumps to 80% among professionals - LinkedIn
UAE workers show second highest global AI adoption rate after India
#UAE #workplace - Artificial intelligence usage among UAE professionals has surged to 80 percent from 56 percent in 2024, a level of AI adoption second only to India, according to new research from LinkedIn. The dramatic increase reflects growing enthusiasm for AI's potential, with 77% of UAE professionals expressing optimism about AI enhancing their daily work and 81% enjoying experimenting with new AI tools. However, 73 percent of UAE workers describe learning new AI skills as like having a second job.
SO WHAT? - A number of research studies over the past year have shown that UAE office workers appear to be increasingly optimistic about the use of GenAI tools at work, in stark contrast to workers in some European countries. The UAE government has encouraged and incentivised the public and private sector to adopt AI and drive innovation using AI technologies. So, it comes as no surprise that Generative AI is now used by most UAE office workers. The new LinkedIn research confirms that adoption and usage has experienced strong growth.
Here are some key facts about the new research:
AI usage among UAE professionals jumped from 56% to 80% in just one year, according to new research from LinkedIn. The findings show that UAE professionals have the second highest adoption rate globally after India.
More than three-quarters of UAE professionals (77%) express optimism about AI enhancing their daily work, with 81% enjoying experimenting with AI and learning new skills regularly.
Despite AI enthusiasm, 73% describe learning new AI skills as like having a second job, whilst 61% believe they are not yet leveraging AI to its fullest potential at work.
Nearly three-quarters of professionals invest personal time and resources in AI upskilling, using free tools (73%) and employer-led training (68%) to stay current with technology.
Human connections remain crucial with 85% saying trusted colleagues offer insights AI cannot provide, and 82% believing personal connections carry more weight in hiring than qualifications.
The pressure to adapt is mounting with 48% feeling increased expectations and 65% feeling pushed to use AI in more advanced and creative ways than previously required.
ZOOM OUT - The UAE's leading global AI adoption rate may signal potential risks alongside opportunities, as recent research from KPMG and Melbourne Business School indicates that 57% of UAE workers now rely on AI to complete tasks rather than learning to perform them independently. Meanwhile, 72% using AI outputs without checking accuracy. The dependency risks eroding fundamental professional skills traditionally built through iterative practice and feedback. Such findings should give pause for thought to employers, educators and management consultants when defining human-AI workflows and best practices for office workers.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more recent research about the impact of GenAI tools on users:
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Middle East workers embrace AI revolution (Middle East AI News)