A new global report has identified the United Arab Emirates as a rising leader in artificial intelligence, highlighting its strong performance in institutional support, governance, and nationwide adoption of AI technologies.
According to the AI Index Report 2026 issued by Stanford University, the UAE is recognised as an emerging global hub for AI, ranking among the top countries in terms of strategic support, awareness, and regulatory frameworks surrounding artificial intelligence.
The report noted that the UAE demonstrates exceptionally high levels of AI adoption, exceeding expectations relative to its gross domestic product. Alongside Singapore, the UAE recorded adoption rates significantly above projections based on GDP per capita, consistently placing it among global leaders in AI skills, employment, talent, and usage.
More than 80% of employees in the UAE reportedly use AI regularly in their work with a high degree of confidence. The country is also ranked among the fastest-growing globally in AI-related skills, particularly in AI engineering, where growth has outpaced general awareness of artificial intelligence.
In terms of talent and workforce development, the report highlighted that AI talent concentration in the UAE grew by over 100% between 2019 and 2025. The country also ranks highly in net talent inflows, with an average of approximately 4.40 AI professionals per 10,000 members on LinkedIn.
On the economic front, AI-related job postings accounted for around 2.87% of total job listings in 2025, positioning the UAE among the leading countries globally in demand for AI talent.
The report further underscored the UAE’s commitment to integrating AI into education. It highlighted the launch of the National AI Strategy 2031 and the introduction of mandatory AI education across all academic levels starting from the 2025–2026 school year. The curriculum includes foundational concepts such as data, algorithms, innovation, and ethics. This approach has earned the UAE global recognition—alongside China—for its advanced implementation of AI education.
In the research and technology domain, the report praised the role of the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a leading global centre for advanced technology research.
The institute has been at the forefront of applied AI development, particularly through its “Falcon” models, which have gained international prominence.
The findings reinforce the UAE’s growing influence in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, driven by strategic investment, talent development, and a comprehensive national vision aimed at sustaining global competitiveness in the digital age.
