The UAE’s energy and industrial sectors are preparing for greater technology adoption, with 42% of industry professionals identifying AI and digital skills as critical to the future, according to a new report.
UAE energy sector accelerates digital transformation
The UAE’s energy sector is placing increasing importance on artificial intelligence (AI), digital capabilities and renewable energy technologies as organisations prepare for the industry’s next phase of development.
A new report, The Energy Industry Resilience Index 2026, published by Penta Global on November 3, found that 42% of surveyed professionals identified AI and digital skills as critical capabilities for the future of the energy and industrial sectors.
The research, conducted by Sapio Research among 150 professionals across the UAE’s energy and industrial ecosystem, also found that AI and generative AI are already being used or implemented by 38% of respondents’ organisations.
Renewable energy and AI lead technology trends
Renewable energy technologies were identified as the most transformative developments over the next five years by 23% of respondents, followed by AI and machine learning at 19%.
However, organisations still face challenges in adopting new technologies. Around 36% of respondents said technology is developing faster than their organisations can implement it.
Cost was identified as a barrier to implementation by 32%, while 31% highlighted cybersecurity and data risks.
The findings underline the importance of developing digital expertise alongside technology investment to help organisations translate innovation into practical results.
Local talent and skills development gain importance
The report also highlights opportunities to strengthen the UAE’s domestic energy and industrial capabilities through investment in local talent and supply chains.
Some 91% of respondents believe localisation and the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme strengthen competitiveness, at least to some extent.
However, only 28% identified local talent development as a leading industry strength.
Cybersecurity and digital risk were identified as critical future capabilities by 34% of respondents, while 29% highlighted sustainability and decarbonisation skills.
Confidence in UAE’s 2030 energy ambitions
Confidence in the UAE’s energy and industrial outlook remains high, with 85% of respondents saying the sectors are prepared to respond to challenges over the next few years.
Geopolitical instability and energy security were identified as the main anticipated challenges over the next three years, cited by 43% of respondents. Rising costs and inflation followed at 38%.
Penta Global Executive Director Sujay Nair said: “The UAE has ambitious plans for its energy future, and our research shows that confidence in those ambitions remains high. But confidence alone is not enough. Organisations must be ready to adapt when circumstances change, make sure technology delivers real benefits and support the people who keep projects running. Resilience depends on turning ambition into practical capability.”
Workforce wellbeing remains part of the picture
The report also found that 69% of respondents said workload and pressure had affected employee wellbeing over the past 12 months, including 30% who reported a significant impact.
The findings highlight the importance of supporting employees while developing the skills needed to meet changing industry demands.
Five priorities for the energy industry
The report identifies five priorities for strengthening the UAE’s energy and industrial sectors:
Preparing for disruption.
Focusing technology investment on measurable outcomes.
Investing in people.
Strengthening domestic capability.
Collaborating across the energy and industrial ecosystem.
Stuart Broadley, CEO of the Energy Industries Council (EIC), said: “Penta Global’s Resilience Index shows that high-level confidence is no substitute for ground-level preparedness. If the energy transition has taught us anything, it’s that national policy ambitions and supply chain agility must move hand-in-hand. True resilience isn’t measured when everything goes according to plan – it’s measured by how quickly our businesses and people can adapt when conditions change unexpectedly. This report is a timely wake-up call and provides an indispensable baseline for the operational changes needed next.”
The report is based on an online survey of 150 people working across the UAE’s energy and industrial ecosystem. Its findings reflect respondents’ perceptions and provide an indicative snapshot of industry views.
