A growing majority of business leaders in the UAE are placing unprecedented trust in artificial intelligence (AI), not only for operational tasks but for decisions that directly shape careers, financial futures, and even workplace safety, according to new research released by Endava.
The study by Endava, a next-generation technology services provider, reveals that 79 percent of UAE business decision-makers trust AI to allocate budgets, including those affecting employee compensation. The same percentage said they are comfortable with AI overseeing talent management, such as hiring and performance assessments, while 80 percent expressed confidence in AI managing critical health and safety functions.
“Trust is the critical enabler of any AI strategy,” said David Boast, General Manager – UAE & KSA at Endava. “The UAE’s clear national vision, its youthful and tech-savvy demographic, and its digital-first mindset are combining to give organisations a unique opportunity to innovate with confidence. While other regions remain cautious, weighed down by debates over job displacement, our research shows that businesses in the UAE can move forward with certainty, knowing their workforces are not only ready for AI, but actively embracing it.”
The trust in AI extends beyond the workplace, with four in five respondents indicating they would rely on fully automated AI systems for personal decisions, including career development, financial planning, and health advice. This suggests a strong public readiness to integrate AI into significant aspects of daily life.
The findings arrive as the UAE continues to establish itself as a global AI leader, underpinned by several billion-dollar investments into AI infrastructure and innovation. Nearly 46 percent of survey participants believe the UAE is ahead of the global curve in AI adoption, with only the United States and China ranking higher.
Optimism around AI’s role in job creation is also notable. Close to 75 percent of decision-makers reported that their organisations have created or plan to create AI-specific roles, such as ‘Head of AI’. Furthermore, 75 percent believe that successful AI implementation will enhance job satisfaction.
The business impact is already being felt: 71 percent of executives say AI has directly contributed to increased profitability. However, pressure to keep up is mounting, with over half of respondents warning that failure to advance AI initiatives could result in a loss of market share within two years.
Despite strong intent, infrastructure challenges remain. Only 25 percent of respondents believe their company’s current systems are fully prepared for enterprise-scale AI adoption. Nevertheless, around 30 percent said their organisations plan to significantly boost AI investment in 2025.
To fully realise AI’s potential, Boast urged companies to adopt a strategic approach. “This includes laying the right data foundations by modernising their core systems, integrating AI responsibly into operations, leveraging pre-built AI accelerators, and prioritising solutions that complement human potential rather than replace it,” he said.
“The UAE’s AI enthusiasm must be tempered by clear strategy, and outcome-driven efforts. At Endava, we are proud to support regional governments and enterprises filtering through the AI buzz, to extract and incorporate those impactful use cases. With a workforce this receptive and government vision this clear, this approach is helping position the UAE as a global reference point for AI done right.”
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