The UAE has long been a leader in the global race to adopt artificial intelligence. While most companies in the country have moved past the testing phase. A new report suggests that the biggest challenge to growth isn't the technology itself. Instead, it is the human element, specifically how employees and leaders behave, that is slowing down the full-scale use of AI in businesses.
According to a recent study by Roland Berger Middle East, AI is no longer just a buzzword for tech teams; it has become a top priority for senior leaders. In the UAE, nearly 80% of organizations have now included AI in their main business plans. This shows a big shift from small pilot projects to making AI a core part of how a company works. In fact, 85% of businesses across the region expect to spend even more on AI by 2026, with the UAE leading the charge.
Generative AI is currently the star of the show, as companies look for tools that can show quick results. For UAE businesses, the main goal is clear: 46% of them want to use AI to make the experience better for customers and citizens. The country is also a regional leader in setting up rules for AI, with many organizations already having ethics boards or compliance processes in place to make sure the tech is used safely.
Even with the best tools and clear rules, the report highlights that ‘people problems’ are holding things back. About 42% of those surveyed mentioned that a simple resistance to change is the biggest roadblock. Many employees are still worried about how AI will change their daily jobs. On top of that, ‘silos’, where different departments do not talk to each other, and poor systems for tracking success make it hard to see the real value of AI.
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The technology is ready, but the workplace culture still needs to catch up. Experts suggest that for the UAE to stay ahead, companies must focus on better teamwork and holding people accountable for how they use these new tools. It is no longer about buying the best software; it is about helping people embrace a new way of working. By breaking down these social barriers, UAE businesses can finally turn their big AI dreams into real, everyday results.