How People Feel about AI in UAE

How People Feel about AI in UAE 

People are still on the fence about AI. 

According to a report by Hays, 61% of bosses say AI hasn't changed their hiring plans. 

However, 37% believe AI might end up costing more jobs than it creates. 

As for what they're doing about it, nearly 4 in 10 bosses are still scratching their heads, and around 3 in 10 are taking their time to weigh the pros and cons before making any moves.

In the Gulf region, bosses are split on whether to jump on the AI bandwagon—some are all for it (41%), some are against it (37%), and others aren't quite sure yet (22%).

The ones giving AI the cold shoulder are worried about security, privacy, and the lack of proper training. However, the pro-AI camp sees it as a productivity booster, a creativity catalyst, and a way to reduce errors.

• 41% bosses in the Gulf region are supportive of AI. 
• 37% are against it. 
• 22% are unsure about how they feel. 
• Major concerns about AI are due to security, privacy and lack of proper training. 

Source: Hays Salary Guide 2025 

But What About AI in Hiring? 

Workable’s AI in Hiring and Work: 2025 Survey Report highlights the role of AI in recruitment and workforce dynamics. Based on insights from 950 hiring managers in the US and UK, the report reveals key findings:

1. The report highlights a significant surge in AI utilization during hiring processes, redefining efficiency and effectiveness in sourcing and selecting candidates

2. Employees generally view AI positively in their work environment but are apprehensive about job security.

This survey shows us that hiring is changing quickly, and AI plays an influential role. The main idea? AI is here to help; ensuring it's fair and works well with people is important as it improves.

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How AI Helping People in Hiring in UAE

Top Concerns of Using AI  

Source: AI in Hiring and Work: Workable 2025 

‍

Hire the Best Talent
in UAE

Meet Emiratisation goals

Source Talent in less than 10 seconds

Reduce time-to-hire by 40%

Hire Talent From UAE

Final word

There isn't much research on how AI is used for hiring in the Middle East. The Middle East has unique cultures, rules, and economic factors that affect how AI might be used in hiring. As more MENAP-based companies jump on this trend, there's a need for research that looks at how well it works here, considers ethical issues, and adapts AI tools to fit local needs

Frequently Asked Questions

‍How have UAE employers’ hiring plans been affected by AI?
‍According to Hays, 61% of bosses in the UAE report that AI hasn’t changed their hiring plans, indicating broad neutrality toward adopting AI in recruitment decisions.

What are the main concerns Gulf employers have about AI?
Security risks, data privacy issues, and insufficient training top the list—37% of Gulf bosses cite these as barriers, reflecting the need for robust governance and upskilling before full AI adoption.

How are Gulf region leaders split on AI adoption?
In the Gulf, 41% of bosses support AI, 37% oppose it, and 22% remain undecided—showing a near-even divide between advocates, skeptics, and fence-sitters when it comes to AI investment.

What actions are employers taking in response to AI uncertainty?
Nearly 40% of UAE bosses are still evaluating AI’s impact (“scratching their heads”), while around 30% are conducting cost-benefit analyses before committing to AI-driven initiatives.

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