UAE Leads the World in AI Adoption: Microsoft Report Confirms Record Workplace Usage in 2025

According to a new report from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has secured the top place in workspace AI adoption in 2025. The report revealed that around 59.4 per cent of the working age population are using the AI tools every day. Hence, the UAE has outperformed the advanced digital economies like Singapore, Norway, and Ireland. 

This achievement has strengthened the position of the UAE as the global technology hub and AI leaders. Moreover, it reinforces the success of its long-term strategy to become a knowledge-driven and innovation-focused nation.

UAE Tops Global AI Adoption Rankings

The report of Microsoft surveyed more than 30 countries. Still, the UAE emerged as the highest-ranking nation in the AI diffusion ahead of the following top nations: 

• UAE: 59.4%
• Singapore: 58.6%
• Norway & Ireland: Leading cluster behind the UAE

It includes a widespread usage of tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Midjourney, and  Enterprise AI platforms. Now, the UAE is also classified as a leader of adoption, which is a status granted only to nations shaping AI development, regulation, and economic integration.

How the UAE Achieved AI Leadership

The rise of the UAE to the top is the result of a decade-long national initiative under the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Moreover, the following are the key drivers for this growth:

• Forward-thinking digital legislation enabling rapid tech adoption
• Massive cloud and data-centre investments, attracting global tech players
• Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI) — world’s first AI-focused graduate university
• Startup incubation and tech ecosystem development
• Government-led training programs to upskill youth and professionals

On top of that, the recent initiative like “AI For All” with Google further extends the AI training across the UAE residents of all ages. 

AI Transformation Across UAE Sectors

AI adoption is rapidly growing in the following sectors:

The progress of the nation shows how technology can attract efficiency, competitiveness, and future-ready governance.

Regional & Global Comparisons

It is true that the UAE is leading the way for the adoption of AI. However, other Middle East and neighbouring nations are also experiencing the growth in this adoption. The following is the list of those adoptions:

• Qatar: 35.7%
• Saudi Arabia: 23.7%
• Kuwait: 17.7%
• Egypt: 12.5%
• South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa: <10%

Connectivity constraints, limited computing resources, and language diversity are the most common barriers related to this change. Moreover, Microsoft also highlighted that 4 billion people still lack access to important digital infrastructure. Hence, it highlights the global digital divide. 

Strategic Investments & Global Collaboration

Recently, Microsoft has also expanded its AI for Good Lab to Abu Dhabi to support the projects in sustainability, healthcare, and disaster management. Moreover, this step builds on a partnership with the UAE Government and G42. Hence, it advances cloud and AI infrastructure throughout the world. 

Future Outlook

The AI market is valued at $3.47 billion in 2023. However, the same market is expected to grow 43,9 per cent annually until 2030. However, the UAE is creating a global template for AI-powered national development. The success of the UAE in the UAE AI adoption proves that visionary leadership, investment in talent, and innovation-first policies have the ability to transform a nation into a digital powerhouse.

The UAE’s #1 global rank in AI adoption marks a historic milestone. In addition, it shows the commitment of the nation towards future-focused digital transformation. Plus, the UAE stand as a model of innovation, inclusivity, and technological leadership, as AI become central to global progress. 

Read more:

New UAE Visit Visa Sponsorship Rules

UAE Flag Day 2025: Nation Unites in Patriotism on November 3