UAE ranks first globally in AI adoption among working-age population at 70.1 per cent
Microsoft report for Q1 2026 highlights the UAE’s growing integration of artificial intelligence across government services, education, healthcare, transport and the economy. The UAE has continued to strengthen the presence of artificial intelligence across all aspects of life and across a wide range of sectors, according to a report issued by US technology giant Microsoft for the first quarter…
In Q1 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, with 70.1% of its working-age population utilizing AI technologies, according to a report by Microsoft. The AI diffusion report highlighted the country's integration of AI across various sectors, including government services, education, healthcare, transport, and the economy.
This progress has surpassed that of most other nations, with global adoption rates still below 10%. The UAE's advancements in AI have been driven by strategic initiatives, such as the AI Agent project, which aims to transform 50% of government sectors and services into autonomous models within two years. Additionally, the establishment of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data further solidifies the nation's commitment to AI-driven digital transformation.
At the local level, Abu Dhabi has launched an AI-native training programme for its government employees, while Dubai has introduced the Government Services Development Programme Using AI Agents under the Dubai Future Accelerators initiative. These concerted efforts underscore the UAE's status as a pioneering force in AI adoption worldwide.
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