{
  "id": 18280630,
  "title": "AI used by 85 per cent of UAE workers but they worry it will take their jobs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/ai-used-by-85-per-cent-of-uae-workers-but-they-worry-it-will-take-18280630",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-05T08:20:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/11/05/ai-used-by-85-per-cent-of-uae-workers-but-they-worry-it-will-take-their-jobs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Artificial intelligence (AI) is utilized by 85% of workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though they express concerns that it may replace their jobs, according to a new report. The research, conducted by global management consultancy Oliver Wyman, reveals that AI is more prevalent in the UAE compared to North America (72%) and Europe (66%). Despite this, 67% of UAE employees worry about potential job losses due to AI, even though 42% prefer AI colleagues or managers over human ones, indicating the technology's growing presence in the workplace.\n\nThe study, part of the 300,000 voices – UAE Edition, surveyed 5,285 participants over five years, with an additional survey of 503 people in April 2026. Despite AI's widespread use, respondents noted a lack of clarity from employers about the company's broader AI strategy. Only 26% of executives and 6% of front-line employees agreed that their company had provided a clear AI vision and kept staff informed of progress. Mona Hammami, partner and head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, stated that employers should clarify how AI will impact roles, necessary skills, and employee support. She believes fears over job security are driving workers to become more AI-native to future-proof their positions.\n\nMs Hammami emphasized that the reported concerns over job losses are perception-based rather than reality, highlighting AI's potential to create positive change. Nearly half of UAE employees use AI daily, with 60% using it at least three times a week. They reported improved productivity, better work-life balance, and learning through practice and informal sharing. However, only 29% of non-managerial staff believed their organization was ready to adopt AI at scale.\n\nThe report also identified a gap between job satisfaction and feeling fulfilled, with 75% of UAE employees generally satisfied with their work, compared to 66% internationally. Only a quarter felt fulfilled, 23% found their pay satisfactory, and 26% had a good work-life balance. Eight in 10 UAE respondents use AI for health-related purposes, including finding healthcare providers and deciding on care. Those who use AI for healthcare are less likely to consult primary care doctors first and more likely to seek medical information online and from health influencers. Income also influences healthcare habits, with higher-income earners exercising more and using therapy more than lower-income earners.\n\nFinancial decisions are another area where AI is increasingly used, with 64% of lower-income respondents and 65% of higher-income respondents using AI to guide investing. Higher-income respondents (48%) are more likely to invest in the stock market compared to lower-income respondents (28%). Confidence in the economy varies between income groups, with 50% of higher-income respondents expecting improvements and 34% of lower earners. However, 27% of lower earners expect conditions to worsen, compared to 11% of higher earners. Despite regional uncertainty, a separate survey of 503 respondents in April 2026 found that most remained hopeful about their finances.",
  "summary": "Most employees in the UAE use artificial intelligence at work, but they are concerned it could replace their jobs, a new report has revealed. Research by global management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman shows that 85 per cent of workers use the advanced technology in the Emirates, outpacing North America (72 per cent) and Europe (66 per cent). However, 67 per cent of UAE employees worry about…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}