UAE and Saudi Professionals Rank Among Most AI-Optimistic Globally

Update: 29 September 2026, 3:51:34 AM

Workers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia display some of the highest levels of optimism regarding artificial intelligence worldwide, standing in stark contrast to the cautionary stances taken by various international technology executives. According to the Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report by Korn Ferry, 81 percent of professionals in Saudi Arabia and 76 percent in the UAE feel positive and enthusiastic about how new technologies are transforming their professional landscapes. Despite the concerns being raised around the globe by the CEOs of global tech giants, according to Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report, professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the most optimistic in the world about artificial intelligence (AI). The survey found that 81 per cent of Saudi professionals and 76 per cent of their UAE counterparts feel excited and positive about how emerging technologies such as AI will change the way they work. 46 flights delayed, cancelled across UAE airports amid travel disruptions. State media reports, iran has no plans for negotiations with US.

Key Research Findings

Saudi Arabian optimism: 81 percent of surveyed professionals feel excited about AI integration.
UAE sentiment: 76 percent of local workers hold a positive view on AI-driven workplace changes.
Efficiency gains: 78 percent of Saudi respondents and 68 percent of UAE participants report increased efficiency, surpassing the 63 percent global average.
Increased workloads: 64 percent in Saudi Arabia and 59 percent in the UAE note that AI tools have expanded their task lists, compared to 52 percent globally.
Capacity challenges: 56 percent of Saudi and 53 percent of UAE professionals report feeling stretched beyond their capabilities, significantly higher than the 44 percent global figure.

This regional enthusiasm persists even as prominent figures in the tech industry highlight serious concerns. Microsoft founder Bill Gates has described the development of AI without adequate regulation as “completely irresponsible,” noting the difficulty in reaching international consensus. Similarly, the leadership at OpenAI and Anthropic have both suggested that the rapid pace of developing advanced AI systems should be decelerated.

Jonathan Holmes, managing director for Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Korn Ferry, noted that while this regional optimism provides a competitive edge, it must be paired with strategic adaptation. He emphasized that for organizations to thrive, leaders must redesign roles and rethink operational workflows rather than relying solely on efficiency gains. The research, which included 500 respondents each from the UAE and Saudi Arabia as part of a 16,000-person global survey, suggests a complex reality where workers are more productive but simultaneously feel burdened by higher task volumes.

The findings align with broader industry trends observed in the UAE. A separate report released in August by Robert Walters indicated that nearly 80 percent of professionals in the country have seen their job roles unofficially expand over the past year. In that study, 79 percent of participants reported that their duties had grown, with 49 percent working longer hours and 25 percent delegating extra tasks. Notably, only 17 percent of those employees had engaged in formal discussions with management regarding their increased workloads.