AI Adoption Surges in UAE

A newly released white paper exploring artificial intelligence adoption in the Middle East reveals that nearly half of UAE companies (44.74%) are now utilizing advanced language models in their operations. The report provides detailed insights into how businesses in the region are leveraging AI technologies to gain competitive advantages. 

The survey, which drew 53.25% of its respondents from the UAE, highlights the Emirates’ leading role in regional AI adoption. The findings indicate robust AI integration across the Middle East, with 27% of businesses actively exploring AI, 36% in the initial adoption stages, 13% demonstrating deep integration, and another 13% pioneering innovative AI applications.

The white paper, titled Leveraging Actionable Gen AI in the Middle East, was released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan Management Review Middle East in collaboration with Astra Tech.

In the UAE, AI usage patterns show that 46% of users employ AI primarily for information retrieval, 33% for customer service and support, and 13% for AI-driven personalized recommendations.



The retail sector, in particular, has shown promise, with companies adopting AI models to offer customized shopping experiences based on customer behaviour and purchase history.

Hassan Al Noon, Astra Tech’s Senior Vice President of Technology, stressed the importance of localization in AI implementation. He remarked, “The findings highlight the immense potential AI holds for transforming industries in the Middle East. This white paper provides a localized perspective that addresses cultural sensitivities and compliance.”

Security and privacy concerns have prompted some regional businesses to develop in-house language models trained with compliance-specific data. These models function as conversational bots, assisting compliance officers with regulatory queries and improving operational efficiency. The survey gathered input from a diverse group of professionals, including senior executives, department heads, directors, chief officers, managers, and vice presidents across various industries, offering a comprehensive view of AI adoption trends in the region.