Artificial intelligence is playing a larger role in workplace decisions across the UAE, according to new research commissioned by HireRight. The survey found that employers increasingly use AI to support promotions, employee terminations and recruitment activities.
The research, conducted by YouGov for the global background screening and workforce solutions provider, found that 42 per cent of UAE employers use AI to support promotion decisions. HireRight said this is the highest level recorded across all markets included in the study.
The survey also found that 31 per cent of UAE employers use AI tools to support employee termination decisions. Meanwhile, only 14 per cent of respondents said their organisations do not currently use AI in any HR function.
AI becomes part of workforce decision making
The findings suggest that AI has moved beyond recruitment and now supports broader workforce decisions.
However, employers continue to combine technology with human oversight. The research indicates that organisations are focusing on how AI supports decision making rather than replacing it entirely.
The survey also explored employer attitudes towards candidates who use generative AI during recruitment.
According to the findings, 67 per cent of HR decision makers in the UAE believe they can identify AI assisted CVs and job applications.
Employer attitudes also remain largely balanced. Around 44 per cent said they view candidates’ use of AI positively. Another 44 per cent said they hold a neutral view. Only 7 per cent reported a negative opinion.
James Randall, Middle East Sales Director at HireRight, said employers are becoming more interested in verifying candidates than questioning whether they use AI.
“The research shows that many UAE HR leaders are adopting a pragmatic stance on candidates’ use of generative AI tools. The focus is shifting from whether candidates use AI to how organisations assess their authenticity and suitability for the role, something that background screening can support,” Randall said.
Identity fraud remains a concern for employers
The survey also highlighted concerns about identity fraud during recruitment.
Nearly 63 per cent of HR and recruitment leaders in the UAE said they uncovered identity fraud involving candidates or employees during 2025. HireRight said this was one of the highest rates across the markets included in the research.
Among employers that detected fraud, 30 per cent identified it during recruitment. Another 29 per cent found it through employee rescreening or ongoing monitoring.
However, 40 per cent said they only discovered the fraud after theft or other fraudulent activity had already taken place.
The findings also show what employers value when selecting a background screening provider.
Accuracy and quality of results ranked first, with 41 per cent of respondents choosing it as their highest priority. Candidate experience and screening speed both ranked next at 36 per cent.
HireRight said employers increasingly use screening to identify behaviours that conflict with company values, protect organisational reputation and improve workplace security.
Employers continue to face hiring challenges
The survey found that attracting suitable talent remains one of the biggest recruitment challenges in the UAE.
Around 32 per cent of employers said finding qualified candidates is their biggest hiring challenge. The same proportion said managing the high volume of job applications also creates difficulties.
Nearly 31 per cent reported that meeting salary and benefits expectations has become more difficult.
The research also found that employers continue to face higher hiring costs.
Almost one third reported higher than expected employee resignations during 2025. In addition, 30 per cent experienced increased turnover among new hires.
Another 28 per cent reported higher recruitment costs. Meanwhile, 27 per cent said they had vacancies that remained open for between three and six months.
Randall said employers need to balance technology with sound hiring practices as the labour market evolves.
“In a market where hiring costs are rising, fraud is more prevalent than the global average and AI is reshaping how workforce decisions are made, organisations that will succeed are those combining screening, human judgment and smart use of technology,” Randall said.
HireRight said the findings reflect a labour market where AI is becoming more common across HR functions. The company also said employers continue to place importance on verification, candidate authenticity and workforce security as hiring practices evolve.
