UAE Businesses Accelerate AI Adoption as Robot Co-Workers Emerge
UAE organisations are rapidly preparing to adopt advanced artificial intelligence across their operations, and many are shifting quickly from planning to implementation. According to new survey findings, 92 per cent of UAE organisations intend to introduce AI agents, and 41 per cent expect these systems to work alongside employees within the next year. Because the country is focusing heavily on measurable digital transformation, businesses are now moving from high-level strategy toward clear execution.
The growing urgency surrounding AI returns is also influencing investment decisions. Moreover, 86 per cent of respondents report increased pressure to show results over the past six months. Three-quarters of organisations now place AI among their highest IT budget priorities, and 64 per cent already have a defined strategy for deploying AI-powered solutions.
Rise of Agentic AI in the Workplace
Agentic agents represent a more capable form of artificial intelligence, since these systems can plan, reason, and act independently. Unlike traditional reactive chatbots, they can work across multiple applications to achieve defined goals. Consequently, UAE organisations are preparing for a workplace where robots and AI agents complement human roles, accelerating productivity and enabling more strategic tasks.
To meet the growing computational needs of AI, 51 per cent of organisations plan to increase data centre capacity within the next year. Additionally, nearly a quarter have finalised their AI use cases, and 17 per cent have already established repeatable processes for ongoing innovation. Because many companies are prioritising efficiency, more than half are using AI for predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, process automation, and energy management. As a result, 69 per cent report gains in profitability, productivity, and innovation.
Balancing Innovation With Security and Skills
As AI adoption accelerates, organisations are placing greater focus on cybersecurity. While 54 per cent of UAE firms are highly aware of AI-specific threats, 47 per cent are already using AI to strengthen threat detection and incident response. Even so, skill shortages remain a challenge, and only 38 per cent believe they have sufficient in-house AI expertise. Despite this gap, the overall momentum continues to build, and businesses across the UAE are working steadily to enhance their AI readiness, prepare for robot-assisted workflows, and unlock greater economic value through intelligent automation.
