Middle East Employees Lead Global Adoption of AI in Workplaces

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a key part of workplaces across the Middle East, with 75 percent of employees using AI tools in the past year, according to a new survey by PwC. This exceeds the global average of 69 percent and underscores the region’s position as an early adopter of advanced technologies.

The Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025, which collected responses from 1,286 employees, found that AI use has moved beyond pilot programs. About 32 percent of workers reported using generative AI tools daily, higher than the global average of 28 percent. This reflects growing familiarity with AI-driven workflows and an increasing role for technology in day-to-day tasks.

The survey’s findings echo trends in Saudi Arabia, where AI adoption is expanding across workplaces. A report by KPMG in November noted that 84 percent of Saudi CEOs are prepared to deploy AI responsibly, surpassing the global benchmark of 76 percent. The Kingdom’s strong data governance framework, including initiatives by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, supports these efforts. Data from the Global AI Index also ranked Saudi Arabia fifth globally and first in the Arab region for AI sector growth.

Randa Bahsoun, partner at PwC Middle East, said, “As employees confidently embrace change, build new capabilities and show remarkable adaptability with AI, they also want to feel secure and supported.” She added that organizations providing clarity on evolving roles, access to learning, and wellbeing protection will be better positioned to retain talent in a fast-changing labor market.

The survey highlighted that Middle East employees view AI as a tool to boost productivity and creativity. Around 80 percent reported improved productivity, 87 percent noted higher-quality work, and 84 percent said AI enhanced creativity. Younger workers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are leading adoption, quickly integrating AI into their workflows and using it creatively.

Skills development is a top priority for the region’s workforce. Nearly 70 percent of employees gained new skills over the past year, compared with 56 percent globally. About 81 percent expressed a preference for roles offering transferable skill growth, higher than the global average of 69 percent. Job security remains a critical concern, with 85 percent ranking it as very important.

Despite high engagement, challenges remain. Some 45 percent of employees experience fatigue weekly, and nearly half report feeling overwhelmed, reflecting the intensity of workloads. PwC highlighted that organizations should communicate clearly about AI deployment, support upskilling and reskilling, and provide flexible work arrangements to sustain performance and wellbeing.

Earlier this month, a KPMG report found that UAE CEOs are accelerating AI investment while prioritizing skills, responsible innovation, and workforce planning. About 84 percent plan to expand headcount over the next three years, while 80 percent are redesigning roles to integrate AI collaboration.

The survey and related reports indicate that the Middle East workforce is embracing AI at a faster pace than global peers, combining optimism, adaptability, and readiness for technological change.