UAE Workers Lead AI Adoption Globally India Remains Top Survey Shows

The use of AI tools by professionals in the UAE has grown sharply over the past year, making the country the second-highest adopter in the world, just behind India. According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 80% of UAE professionals now use AI tools regularly, up from 56% last year. India leads with an 85% adoption rate, while Saudi Arabia comes third at 77%, followed by Brazil at 76% and Singapore at 72%.

This surge shows that UAE professionals are actively learning and experimenting with AI to enhance their work, improve productivity, and manage daily tasks more efficiently. The trend is being supported by smartphones and other devices from top brands, which now come equipped with advanced AI features, encouraging broader usage both at work and in personal life.

Professionals Learning AI Skills Independently

Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader at LinkedIn, said that many professionals in the UAE are dedicating personal time and resources to learning AI skills. “UAE professionals are working hard to stay ahead of the curve, often learning AI skills on their own time and dime,” he said. “This rapid shift brings pressure, but it also reflects a real hunger for growth.”

The survey shows that more than three-quarters of UAE professionals feel optimistic about how AI can improve their daily work. Around 81% enjoy experimenting with new AI tools and developing new skills, while 73% report using these tools more frequently and confidently compared to the previous year.

AI as a “Second Job”

Despite the excitement around AI, many professionals admit that keeping up with the latest tools and skills feels like having a second job. About 73% of respondents said learning AI skills demands extra effort, and 61% feel that they are not yet fully using AI to its potential at work.

To meet these challenges, nearly three-quarters of professionals are investing time in free AI learning tools, while 68% participate in employer-led training programs. The pace of technological change is creating pressure, with 48% of professionals feeling increased expectations, and 65% reporting they are pushed to use AI in more advanced and creative ways.

Human Connections Remain Essential

Even as AI adoption grows, the survey highlights the continued importance of human connections. Approximately 85% of professionals in the UAE believe that trusted colleagues provide insights and support that technology cannot replace. Similarly, 82% think personal connections carry more weight than formal qualifications when it comes to hiring and career advancement.

This is particularly true for early-career professionals, with 74% saying that relationships are more critical than ever for success. The impact is significant: one in three UAE professionals reported that networking and personal support helped them land a job or achieve career advancement.

Balancing Technology and Human Support

While professionals are eager to adopt AI tools and improve productivity, the survey emphasizes that technology cannot replace human mentorship, guidance, and collaboration. LinkedIn notes that turning to professional networks for advice and reassurance is an essential part of navigating the evolving workplace.

With AI adoption continuing to grow across the UAE and other leading countries, professionals face both opportunities and challenges. Success depends on the ability to balance learning new tools, maintaining productivity, and leveraging human relationships to advance careers.