UAE tops global AI adoption as usage crosses 70%

The UAE recorded the world's highest artificial intelligence adoption rate in the first quarter of 2026, with 70.1% of its working-age population using AI, according to Microsoft's Global AI Diffusion Report.

The UAE was the first economy to cross the 70% adoption threshold, while adoption remained below 10% across large parts of the world. The figures come as the country expands AI use across government services and key sectors, supported by investments in digital infrastructure, workforce capabilities and AI governance.

At the federal level, the UAE has launched the Agentic AI Project, which aims to transform 50% of federal government sectors, services and operations into autonomous, AI-driven models within two years. The National Committee for Agentic AI has also approved an operating framework and introductory guide intended to standardise implementation and governance.

The country has also announced the establishment of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, which is intended to bring national data, AI and digital government systems together and strengthen federal capabilities for AI-led transformation.

Abu Dhabi targets AI-native government

At the emirate level, Abu Dhabi is targeting an AI-native government by 2027.

The Abu Dhabi Government has launched the AINative training programme in collaboration with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI and Microsoft. The initiative aims to train 20,000 government employees in AI skills by the end of 2026, with plans to eventually extend the programme to the wider community.

Other emirates are pursuing similar programmes. The Dubai Future Foundation has launched the Agentic AI for Government Services Accelerator, while Sharjah has introduced its Sharjah Agentic AI Programme to accelerate AI adoption across government operations. Ajman has also launched an AI programme and introduced a reference framework for integrating AI into government activities.

Together, the initiatives reflect the UAE's broader focus on creating common implementation standards and building institutional capabilities as AI adoption expands.

AI skills become a workforce priority

Education and workforce development have emerged as key components of the country's AI strategy.

The Ministry of Education has launched the National AI Upskilling Programme for Teachers, while Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expanding AI training for educators. The University of Sharjah is also working to integrate AI technologies into academic programmes and curricula.

More than 24,000 teachers, school leaders and specialists participated in professional development activities during a specialised training week for the 2026–27 academic year, alongside dedicated AI programmes for education professionals.

AI and digital skills programmes are also being extended to students and graduates. Initiatives such as Digital Talents in Sharjah are designed to build practical digital capabilities and align training with evolving labour market requirements.

Federal workforce programmes are similarly focusing on AI, data science and cybersecurity as demand for technology skills increases.

Healthcare and transport adopt AI

AI deployment is also expanding across healthcare, particularly in medical imaging, diagnostics and the prediction of potential complications.

At the Abu Dhabi Summit 2026, discussions focused on applications including AI-designed medicines, Arabic-first clinical systems and digital healthcare, alongside the development of legislation, standards and ethical frameworks.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has announced what it describes as the world's first AI-powered smart surgical network, connecting operating theatres through a unified digital infrastructure.

Emirates Health Services has also incorporated AI into its medical imaging initiative, while Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman are expanding the use of data and AI across healthcare services.

Transport is another major area of deployment. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is integrating AI into road and transport systems, while Abu Dhabi is expanding smart technologies for traffic management and transport planning.

Sharjah is also exploring AI applications to improve transport safety and efficiency. In Ajman, the Future of Transport Hackathon 2026 produced concepts including an agentic AI-powered transport system and a smart decision-support platform.

Governance remains central to AI expansion

Alongside sector-specific deployments, UAE government entities are strengthening AI governance, cybersecurity and digital readiness through regulatory frameworks, implementation guidelines and workforce training.

The combination of national adoption, government-led deployment and skills development reflects the UAE's strategy of embedding AI across public institutions and essential services rather than limiting its use to individual applications.

With 70.1% of the working-age population already using AI, the next phase will focus on expanding institutional adoption while building the skills, infrastructure and governance frameworks needed to support the technology at scale.