UAE Enterprise AI Adoption Rises to 72 Percent, Joint Report Shows

Artificial intelligence adoption across United Arab Emirates businesses reached 72% in 2026, rising from 53% one year prior and representing a 36% year-on-year increase, according to the "Unlocking the UAE's AI Potential 2026" report. The research was jointly released by the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Amazon Web Services (AWS), with data developed by global research firm Strand Partners.

The report revealed that 85% of UAE businesses adopting AI observed an accelerated pace of digital transformation within their organizations, with expectations of continued momentum in coming years. Dr. Abdelrahman Al Mahmoud, Director at the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office, stated that the findings reflect the UAE's progression from establishing a national AI vision to enabling large-scale adoption across key economic sectors.

To support digital infrastructure demands, AWS is investing up to AED 20.1 billion ($5.47 billion) in the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region through 2037. The investment is estimated to contribute AED 41 billion ($11.16 billion) to the UAE's gross domestic product.

Chris Erasmus, Managing Director for AWS, UAE and MENA Growth Markets, noted that enterprises in the country are transitioning from pilot projects to scaling technologies responsibly. Addressing compliance and governance requirements, AWS and e& enterprise have launched the AWS UAE Sovereign Launchpad, an initiative endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council.