Over 80% of UAE Businesses Have Clear AI Vision: Report Finds

A recent report by ServiceNow, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, reveals that over 80% of businesses in the UAE have a clear and shared vision for artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in business transformation. The AI Maturity Index Report shows that the majority of organizations in the UAE are committed to enterprise-wide AI deployments, with 71% of C-suite executives fully supporting AI initiatives. Additionally, 81% of businesses report operating with a well-defined AI strategy, and 60% have appointed dedicated AI leaders, such as Chief AI Officers, to oversee these efforts. With AI budgets increasing year on year, 77% of organizations are making significant financial investments in AI technologies.

The report also highlights that UAE businesses are focusing heavily on data-driven AI use cases. More than half (53%) of organizations are using AI for tasks such as data cleaning, integration, and transformation. Other popular applications include performance management (44%) and resource optimization (43%), with 43% of businesses also using AI for sales functions like lead generation and marketing. Despite not having fully mature AI capabilities, many UAE businesses are already seeing measurable returns on their investments. Two-thirds (65%) of organizations report improved efficiency and productivity, and 24% of businesses report an ROI of over 15%.

Interestingly, the report shows that while AI adoption is widespread, only 15% of organizations have reached the stage of innovating with AI. The majority of companies are still in the experimentation, operationalization, or assessment stages. However, with strong executive support, increasing budgets, and a focus on skill development, UAE businesses are expected to progress rapidly along the AI maturity curve. The survey also indicates that 76% of organizations believe they have the right skill mix among employees to execute their AI strategy, and 65% have cultivated a culture where teams are empowered to identify AI-driven solutions. Many businesses are also providing AI learning events and training programs to upskill employees and ensure effective AI usage.

William O’Neill, Area VP for UAE at ServiceNow, commented on the findings, noting that the UAE’s leadership in AI adoption reflects the country’s long history of embracing technological innovation. “UAE businesses are selecting AI use cases carefully to drive efficiencies across the enterprise, and by adopting an enterprise AI platform approach, organizations can scale more effectively and create synergies that benefit both employees and customers,” he said.

As AI adoption continues to grow, UAE businesses are well-positioned to accelerate their AI maturity and leverage the technology to drive future business success. For more insights into the AI maturity of UAE businesses, visit ServiceNow’s full AI Maturity Index Report.