Dubai, UAE — A recent Microsoft report reveals that UAE AI adoption now leads the world. Nearly 59.4 per cent of the UAE’s working-age population uses AI tools every day. This remarkable figure places the nation ahead of some of the most advanced digital economies and reinforces its position as a true global pioneer in artificial intelligence.
According to Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, UAE AI adoption is higher than in Singapore (58.6 per cent), Norway, and Ireland. The study credits this success to years of consistent investment in cloud infrastructure, forward-thinking digital laws, and education reform. As a result, AI has moved beyond experimentation in the Emirates and become part of daily work and national growth.
Globally, AI adoption has crossed 1.2 billion users in under three years. It has, therefore, become the fastest-spreading technology in human history, outpacing the rise of the internet and mobile phones. However, the UAE stands out because it has built AI into real-world systems and everyday workflows across finance, healthcare, logistics, education, and government services.
Importantly, this leadership did not happen overnight. In 2017, the UAE became the first country to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. That same year, it introduced the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which focused on embedding AI into every aspect of life, from business operations to public service delivery. Consequently, the groundwork for UAE AI adoption was laid well in advance.
Since then, the nation has continued to invest in human capital. It founded the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level AI university. Furthermore, the UAE launched large-scale training and scholarship programmes to upskill both students and professionals. Through these steps, AI became accessible to everyone, not just tech experts.
Today, professionals across industries rely on tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Midjourney. These platforms assist with writing, analysis, coding, and creative design. As a result, companies are redesigning job roles to help people and machines collaborate efficiently, further accelerating UAE AI adoption.
The Microsoft report also reveals significant regional gaps. While Qatar records 35.7 per cent AI adoption, Saudi Arabia stands at 23.7 per cent, and Egypt only at 12.5 per cent. Clearly, the UAE’s consistent policy direction, long-term vision, and infrastructure investments have helped it rise far above its neighbours.
To bridge this divide, Microsoft has opened its first AI for Good Lab in Abu Dhabi. The new lab will work with governments, NGOs, and researchers on solutions for climate change, public health, and sustainability. Moreover, it will develop models that support Arabic and South Asian languages, making AI tools more inclusive.
Ultimately, experts agree that UAE AI adoption reflects more than technological enthusiasm — it represents a well-coordinated national strategy built on innovation, regulation, and talent. Therefore, as global competition intensifies, the UAE is positioned not only as a leader in AI adoption but also as a key architect of the next generation of artificial intelligence.
