UAE Business Leaders Show Unprecedented Trust in AI, Study Finds

Business leaders across the United Arab Emirates are placing significant trust in artificial intelligence (AI), not just for operational efficiency but for decisions that directly impact employees’ careers, finances, and well-being, according to new research released by technology services firm Endava.

The study reveals that 79% of UAE business decision-makers trust AI to allocate budgets across their organisations — a process that can affect salaries and incentives. An equal percentage say they are confident in AI’s ability to manage talent, including hiring, performance reviews, and even redundancy planning. Additionally, 80% trust AI to oversee critical health and safety operations, indicating a major shift in how technology is being used within corporate structures.

“Trust is the critical enabler of any AI strategy,” said David Boast, General Manager for UAE and KSA at Endava. “The UAE’s clear national vision, its youthful and tech-savvy population, and its digital-first mindset are combining to give organisations a unique opportunity to innovate with confidence.”

This growing confidence in AI extends far beyond the workplace. The report found that four in five UAE executives would rely on fully automated systems to guide personal career decisions — from promotion paths to job changes and salary projections. The same level of trust was recorded for AI tools used in personal financial planning, investments, and even health recommendations.

While global debates around AI often focus on ethical concerns and fears of job displacement, the UAE appears to be taking a more optimistic and forward-looking stance, embracing AI as a partner in decision-making.

However, the study also highlights that while trust in AI is growing, human interaction remains essential — particularly in emotionally sensitive contexts. Around 68% of UAE consumers still prefer speaking with a real person, especially during financial disputes or service issues, citing the need for empathy and emotional nuance.

Jessica Constantinidis, Innovation Officer – EMEA at ServiceNow, believes the future lies in a hybrid model. “AI systems should not be standalone tools but part of a broader support ecosystem,” she said. “For routine tasks, automation offers speed and scale. But when emotions are high, intelligent handoffs to human agents are crucial.”

Constantinidis advocates for AI design that can detect user distress based on behavior patterns and escalate issues appropriately. “That’s not a failure of AI,” she noted, “that’s smart design. True transformation means rethinking experiences from the ground up.”

As the UAE moves forward with its digital agenda, the integration of emotionally intelligent, hybrid AI systems may be key to balancing innovation with the human touch consumers still value.