Trust Must Be at the Core of UAE’s AI Future, Says Accenture Report

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape workplaces and industries across the UAE and globally, establishing trust has become a critical factor for unlocking its full potential, according to Accenture’s newly released Technology Vision 2025 report.

The report highlights a growing disconnect between the rapid adoption of AI and the governance frameworks needed to ensure its responsible use. While 89% of executives globally acknowledge AI’s transformative impact, only 32% have comprehensive governance mechanisms in place. In the UAE, the situation is even more pressing, with just 20% of companies proactively redesigning digital systems for AI integration—well below the global average of 77%.

Despite the shortfall in governance readiness, the UAE remains one of the world’s most ambitious AI adopters, having invested over $24 billion since the launch of its National AI Strategy 2031. As part of this vision, the nation aims for 100% reliance on AI for government services and data analysis by the year 2031.

“Trust is no longer optional—it is the linchpin of successful AI implementation,” the report states. In the UAE, 65% of executives agree that the full impact of AI hinges on establishing a foundation of trust, yet 76% admit they are struggling to integrate AI agents effectively.

The report underscores that transparency in AI decision-making, data privacy protections, and inclusive design to prevent bias are essential to fostering trust among employees and consumers. It also calls for clear communication around AI’s impact on jobs to reduce employee anxiety and ensure smoother adoption.

As an example of effective implementation, Etisalat by e& has integrated explainable AI in its customer service platforms, leading to a 24% increase in customer satisfaction. These systems maintain human oversight while offering AI-generated recommendations with clear justifications.

To guide responsible AI adoption, the UAE’s Corporate Governance Framework for AI—developed with the World Economic Forum—offers enterprises a roadmap, encouraging practices such as human-in-the-loop systems, bias monitoring, and strong data governance. Additionally, the UAE’s AI Ethics Advisory Board, launched in 2023, has issued sector-specific guidelines for AI use in healthcare and finance.

As generative and autonomous AI systems become more common, UAE enterprises are being urged to embrace a unified, transparent, and ethical approach to AI deployment. Those that embed trust mechanisms from the outset are seeing up to 32% higher returns on investment, the report concludes.

Looking ahead, the UAE’s centralised, trust-centric AI model may serve as a blueprint for global AI governance in the coming decade.