UAE Workers Embrace AI at Unprecedented Rates, Yet Fear Job Displacement

A new report by the global management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman reveals that a significant 85 per cent of employees in the UAE are utilizing artificial intelligence in their work. This adoption rate surpasses that of North America (72 per cent) and Europe (66 per cent). Despite this widespread integration, a substantial 67 per cent of UAE employees express concerns about potential job losses due to AI. Interestingly, 42 per cent of these employees indicated a preference for an AI colleague or manager over a human counterpart, underscoring the technology's escalating influence in the professional sphere.

The findings are part of the '300,000 voices – UAE Edition' study, which delves into the attitudes of UAE residents towards work, health, finances, and technology. The UAE edition is based on data from 5,285 participants across multiple survey rounds over five years, supplemented by an additional survey of 503 individuals conducted in April 2026.

Despite the high adoption of AI, a lack of clarity from employers regarding their AI strategies is evident. Only 26 per cent of executives and a mere 6 per cent of front-line employees feel their company has effectively communicated a clear AI vision and kept staff updated on its progress. Mona Hammami, partner and head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, emphasized the need for employers to provide clearer career progression pathways, explain AI's impact on roles, outline necessary skills, and detail support mechanisms for employees. She stated, "High adoption alone does not resolve concerns about job security."

Hammami suggests that fears about job security are motivating many workers to enhance their AI proficiency to secure their future roles. "To stay effective and competitive, they end up trying to become much more AI native in a way, and part of the worry is coming from the fact that employers have actually not explained to a large extent why are they using AI," she commented. She also posited that the widespread fears of job losses due to AI are more perceptual than factual, highlighting the technology's potential for positive transformation. "This is a huge opportunity to unlock. Together we can get there and similar to the industrial revolution and the internet, jobs will also be created out of this."

The report further indicates that nearly half of UAE employees use AI daily, significantly higher than the international average of 21 per cent. Over 60 per cent use it at least three times a week, reporting improvements in productivity and even a better work-life balance. Many employees are acquiring AI skills through informal learning and integrating the technology into their routines without formal training. However, only 29 per cent of non-managerial staff believe their organization is prepared for large-scale AI adoption.

The research also highlighted a disconnect between job satisfaction and fulfillment. While three-quarters of UAE employees are generally satisfied with their work, only a quarter feel fulfilled. Additionally, only 23 per cent find their pay satisfactory, and 26 per cent report a good work-life balance.

In the health sector, eight in 10 UAE respondents use AI for health-related purposes, such as finding healthcare providers and determining where to seek care. Those using AI for health are less likely to consult a primary care doctor first, with 27 per cent doing so compared to 38 per cent of non-users. They are also more inclined to check symptoms online and seek medical information from health influencers.

Income levels influence health management practices. Sixty-six per cent of higher-income respondents (earning over Dh300,000 annually) exercise regularly, compared to 49 per cent of lower earners (under Dh100,000). Therapy usage is also higher among higher earners (37 per cent) than lower earners (24 per cent).

AI is also increasingly used for financial decision-making, with 64 per cent of lower-income and 65 per cent of higher-income respondents using it for investment guidance. Nearly half of lower-income respondents (48 per cent) invest in the stock market, compared to 28 per cent internationally.

Confidence in the economy varies, with half of higher-income respondents expecting improvement, versus 34 per cent of lower earners. Twenty-seven per cent of lower earners anticipate worsening conditions, compared to 11 per cent of higher earners. A significant portion of respondents, four in 10, feel the need to earn money to achieve success, compared to a third internationally.

A separate survey in April 2026 of 503 UAE respondents indicated emotional strain due to regional uncertainty, though financial optimism remains. Seventeen per cent reported a decline in mental well-being, with younger respondents, particularly Gen Z, showing higher levels of anxiety and instability. Nevertheless, 62 per cent are optimistic about affording daily purchases, 60 per cent about finding work if needed, and 59 per cent about improving their personal finances.