UAE employees are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve productivity, while residents show growing interest in investment, entrepreneurship and financial independence, according to a new study by Oliver Wyman Forum.
UAE residents show strong ambition and confidence
The findings are part of 300,000 Voices – UAE Edition, a report examining how people in the Emirates are responding to changes in technology, employment, healthcare, personal finances, consumer habits and social values.
The research draws on responses from 5,285 people in the UAE across multiple survey waves. It forms part of a five-year international research programme involving nearly 300,000 respondents across 20 markets.
The study found that UAE residents place considerable importance on personal security while maintaining strong ambitions for professional and financial success.
Around 70% of respondents said feeling safe and protected was important to them, compared with 57% globally. Meanwhile, 59% identified achievement and success as priorities, against a global average of 40%.
Entrepreneurship also featured strongly, with 54% of UAE respondents expressing a desire to own a business, almost twice the global figure of 28%.
85% of UAE employees use AI at work
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common part of working life in the UAE, with 85% of employees saying they use AI in their jobs.
The technology is already delivering perceived benefits, with 56% of employees reporting improved productivity and 54% saying AI has helped improve their work-life balance.
However, the growing adoption of AI is also accompanied by concerns about the future of employment. Around 67% of respondents worry that artificial intelligence could replace jobs.
The report also highlights a gap between employees’ use of AI and how clearly organisations communicate their plans for the technology.
Only 26% of executives and 6% of frontline employees agreed that their companies had clearly explained their AI vision and kept workers informed about progress.
The findings suggest that businesses have an opportunity to improve communication with employees as they introduce new technologies and reshape workplace processes.
UAE employees want better career opportunities
Despite relatively high job satisfaction, the research found that many employees are still looking for greater fulfilment and opportunities to progress.
Around 75% of UAE employees said they were satisfied with their jobs, compared with 66% globally. However, only 25% reported feeling fulfilled at work.
Younger employees appear particularly focused on career development and financial independence.
Among Gen Z respondents, 60% said accelerating their careers and achieving financial freedom were worth prioritising over work-life balance. Meanwhile, 73% expressed confidence in the future of their companies.
The research also found that younger workers place greater importance on having face-to-face access to managers and senior leaders, reflecting their interest in receiving feedback, building relationships and understanding potential career paths.
More UAE residents are using AI for healthcare
Artificial intelligence is also finding a place in healthcare, with 80% of UAE respondents saying they had used AI for healthcare-related purposes, compared with 65% globally.
The findings point to growing interest in using technology to access health information and support personal healthcare decisions.
However, the research also identified differences in preventive health habits across income groups.
Around 66% of higher-income respondents said they exercised regularly, compared with 49% among lower-income participants.
This highlights differences in health and wellness behaviours across sections of the UAE population.
Financial independence becomes a priority
The report also points to growing participation in investment activities, including among people in lower-income groups.
Nearly half (48%) of lower-income respondents in the UAE said they participated in stock market investing, compared with 28% globally.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming part of financial decision-making. Around 64% of lower-income respondents and 65% of higher-income respondents said they used AI to guide their investment decisions.
However, the pressure to achieve financial success remains a concern for some residents. Around 40% said they felt pressure to make money to feel successful, compared with 33% globally.
The findings highlight the growing importance of financial independence and investment knowledge among UAE residents.
UAE consumers expect more personalised services
Consumer expectations are also changing, with residents increasingly looking for personalised experiences and services that reflect their preferences.
The research found that 71% of UAE respondents expect brands to remember their preferences and previous purchases.
Meanwhile, 78% said they had used AI to discover and purchase products.
However, long-term brand loyalty appears less certain. Only 35% of UAE consumers said they would continue buying from a brand over the long term, compared with 47% globally.
The findings suggest that businesses may need to place greater emphasis on customer service, reliability and personalised experiences to retain consumers.
Oliver Wyman highlights priorities for UAE businesses
Commenting on the findings, Dr Mona Hammami, Partner and Head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, said:
“The findings give employers and service providers some practical priorities. Employers should make career progression clearer and explain how AI will affect roles, what skills employees will need, and how they will be supported. High adoption alone does not resolve concerns about job security. For consumer-facing businesses, willingness to try alternatives means loyalty has to be earned through reliable service and a consistent experience. The question for leaders is where their organization is falling short of these expectations and what needs to change.”
The research is part of Oliver Wyman Forum’s five-year 300,000 Voices programme, which examines changing attitudes and behaviours across 20 markets.
The UAE edition is based on 5,285 respondents surveyed across multiple research waves. It also includes a supplementary survey of 503 UAE residents conducted in April 2026. Most of the findings highlighted in the report come from 2025 survey waves, with individual results reflecting the relevant survey dates and respondent groups.
