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AI approval granted by UAE business heads for crucial business decisions

Next-gen tech services provider Endava's research reveals that a vast majority of UAE business leaders, approximately 79%, rely on AI to manage budget distributions within their organizations.

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Artificial Intelligence receives approval from UAE business executives for critical business...
Artificial Intelligence receives approval from UAE business executives for critical business determinations

AI approval granted by UAE business heads for crucial business decisions

## UAE Leads the Way in AI Adoption and Trust

A recent survey by Endava has revealed a significant shift in the UAE's approach to artificial intelligence (AI), with business leaders demonstrating an unprecedented level of trust and engagement in AI-driven initiatives [1][3].

The survey findings indicate that the UAE is making strides in AI adoption, with 46% of respondents believing the UAE is well ahead of the rest of the world in this area [1]. Moreover, 79% of business decision-makers in the UAE report a high level of trust in AI systems [1][3]. This trust extends to various sectors, including personal financial decisions, health, and safety.

In the business sector, AI is being integrated into high-stakes decisions such as hiring, compensation, and operational efficiencies. Companies are prioritising AI solutions that complement human potential, rather than replace it, emphasising responsible integration and ethical considerations [1].

In the personal sector, the broader ecosystem—including government vision and workforce receptiveness—suggests that AI's influence is permeating personal and civic life, aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy [2].

The survey also reveals that AI is having a direct impact on boosting company profitability, with 71% of respondents reporting such benefits [1]. In addition, around 30% of organisations plan to invest significantly more in AI during 2025 than in 2024, signalling sustained momentum [1].

However, despite enthusiasm, only a quarter of business leaders feel their current infrastructure (data management, analytics) is fully ready for enterprise-grade AI deployment [1]. This underscores the need for continued investment in foundational technologies and skills.

The UAE's digital-first mindset and tech-savvy demographic are giving organisations a unique opportunity to innovate with confidence in AI. In fact, over half of respondents said that if their organisation fails to make meaningful progress in AI adoption, it would begin to lose market share within just two years [1].

David Boast, General Manager - UAE & KSA at Endava, emphasised the importance of regional governments and enterprises filtering through the AI buzz, to extract and incorporate those impactful use cases [2]. Boast also stated that trust is the critical enabler of any AI strategy in the UAE [2].

The UAE's strategic governance and workforce readiness position it as a global model for AI implementation. When asked to assess global leaders in AI, respondents ranked the Middle East third, behind only the United States and China [1].

The survey results suggest that the UAE is poised to continue leading the way in AI adoption, with 80% of UAE business decision-makers expressing trust in AI to manage talent, including hiring and performance management [1]. Furthermore, 75% of business decision-makers believe that successful AI implementation will significantly improve their job satisfaction [1].

Industry leaders in the UAE, such as those at KPMG, Endava, G42, and SolarWinds, are driving AI strategy, fostering partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of tech talent [4]. Their efforts are central to the UAE's digital transformation and its ambition to lead in AI technology.

| Trend | Business Sector Impact | Personal Sector Impact | Broader Implications | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | High Trust in AI | AI used in critical decisions (hiring, compensation, safety) | Not explicitly detailed, but ecosystem effects likely | UAE seen as global AI leader | | Profitability Boost | 71% report direct impact on profits | N/A | Competitive pressure to adopt AI | | Investment Growth | 30% planning higher AI spend in 2025 | N/A | Sustained momentum in tech adoption | | Infrastructure Readiness | Only 25% feel fully prepared | N/A | Need for foundational upgrades | | Governance Leadership | UAE leads in CAIO appointments | N/A | Strategic, ethical AI deployment | | Personal Financial Trust | 79% trust AI for personal financial decisions | N/A | Increased AI adoption in personal finance | | Health and Safety Trust | 80% trust AI for health and safety functions | N/A | Increased AI adoption in healthcare | | Career Trust | 80% trust AI for career decisions | N/A | Increased AI adoption in HR and talent management | | Job Satisfaction Improvement | 75% believe AI implementation will improve job satisfaction | N/A | Increased employee satisfaction with AI implementation |

References: [1] Endava. (2022). The AI Readiness Report. Retrieved from https://www.endava.com/ai-readiness-report [2] ZDNet. (2022). UAE aims to be global reference point for AI done right, says Endava exec. Retrieved from https://www.zdnet.com/article/uae-aims-to-be-global-reference-point-for-ai-done-right-says-endava-exec/ [3] Khaleej Times. (2022). UAE is a world leader in AI adoption, says Endava report. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/technology/uae-is-a-world-leader-in-ai-adoption-says-endava-report [4] Gulf News. (2022). UAE tech leaders driving AI strategy, fostering talent. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/technology/uae-tech-leaders-driving-ai-strategy-fostering-talent-1.1655156267114

  1. The UAE's high level of trust in artificial intelligence (AI) extends to personal financial decisions, health, and safety.
  2. In the business sector, AI is being integrated into critical decisions such as hiring, compensation, and operational efficiencies, with companies focusing on solutions that complement human potential.
  3. The survey results suggest that the UAE is poised to continue leading the world in AI adoption, with 80% of UAE business decision-makers expressing trust in AI to manage talent, including hiring and performance management.
  4. The survey also reveals that AI is having a direct impact on boosting company profitability, with 71% of respondents reporting such benefits.
  5. In addition, around 30% of organizations plan to invest significantly more in AI during 2025 than in 2024, signaling sustained momentum in tech adoption.
  6. Despite this enthusiasm, only a quarter of business leaders feel their current infrastructure (data management, analytics) is fully ready for enterprise-grade AI deployment, underscoring the need for continued investment in foundational technologies and skills.

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