More than two-thirds of the UAE workforce anticipates that AI and data science will influence their job roles over the next five years.

A new YouGov study commissioned by Dataiku positions the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of the most pro-AI countries in EMEA, demonstrating strong awareness and early adoption of data, data science, and artificial intelligence. While the findings highlight the UAE’s leadership in harnessing data-driven decision-making, they also underscore the need to further democratize AI use across all levels of the workforce.

According to the report, the UAE leads all surveyed EMEA markets in recognizing the value of data in business, with 84% of respondents calling it essential—well above the regional average of 69%. The survey, conducted in early 2022 across 2,487 decision makers from France, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UAE, showcases the country’s strong belief in the power of data.

The UAE’s global standing in AI is well established. It was the first country to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and its commitment continues through initiatives such as the Dubai International Financial Centre’s special AI license—launched in partnership with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office—which also offers Golden Visas to eligible talent as part of the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031.

Dataiku’s study further reveals that 71% of UAE respondents have increased their use of data over the past five years—far higher than the EMEA average of 55%—and a similar percentage expect their reliance on data to continue rising in the next five years. Awareness of AI’s growing influence is also strong:

• 66% believe AI and data science will impact their role,
• 65% expect these technologies to shape their company, and
• 67% foresee industry-wide transformation over the next five years.

“The findings clearly show the UAE’s advanced understanding of the value of data and AI,” said Sid Bhatia, Regional Vice President & General Manager for Middle East & Turkey at Dataiku. “This stems directly from the government’s forward-thinking approach, reflected in initiatives like the AI Strategy 2031 and DIFC’s new AI licensing framework.”

Despite this progress, the study highlights a notable gap between managers and non-managers. While 71% of managers say their data usage has grown in the past five years—and 73% expect it to increase—only 44% of non-managers report greater data use, with just a third expecting growth ahead. Likewise, 67% of managers foresee AI affecting their roles, compared to only 44% of non-managers.

“There’s a clear need to make AI more accessible across all organizational levels,” Bhatia added. “When employees understand AI as a partner rather than a disruption, companies can build a culture where data-driven innovation becomes routine.”

This concept, known as Everyday AI, emphasizes broad-based upskilling, strong governance, and the right technology platforms. It enables faster decision-making, wider participation in analytics, and quicker identification of innovation opportunities.

“In an Everyday AI environment, data becomes part of daily workflows,” Bhatia explained. “AI becomes embedded in operations rather than siloed, positioning forward-looking markets like the UAE to lead the next wave of digital transformation.”