Research by Strand Partners, the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office, and AWS reveals enterprise AI adoption in the UAE increased from 53% to 72% within a year. Amid this commercial expansion, UK-founded AI transformation firm Nextgen has moved its global headquarters to Dubai. The survey also found 85% of AI-adopting firms experienced accelerated business transformation.
Artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses has increased to 72 percent from 53 percent a year ago, according to a joint study by Strand Partners, AWS, and the UAE AI Office. The surge comes alongside AWS's planned investment of up to AED 20.1 billion ($5.47 billion) in the country through 2037. Additionally, 85 percent of adopting companies noted that the technology accelerated their digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses increased to 72% in 2026, up from 53% in 2025, according to a joint study by the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Developed by research firm Strand Partners, the report found that 85% of adopting companies experienced accelerated digital transformation. Cloud infrastructure investments continue to support the expansion, including AWS's planned AED 20.1 billion investment in the country through 2037.
The UECN Brief
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Business relationships in both markets
Forums, delegations and events
Policy updates and market insights
Membership
Join a network with a shared purpose.
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.