You are currently viewing UAE Leads World in AI Adoption With 70.1% Rate

UAE Leads World in AI Adoption With 70.1% Rate

Prime Highlights

  • UAE ranked first globally with a 70.1% AI adoption rate in early 2026.
  • The country became the first economy to cross the 70% AI usage mark.

Key Facts

  • The global average AI adoption rate stood at 17.8%.
  • Microsoft’s report said developing markets still face infrastructure and language barriers.

Background

The United Arab Emirates has taken the top global position in the use of artificial intelligence, with 70.1% of its working-age population using AI tools in the first quarter of 2026, according to a new report by Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute. The result places the UAE ahead of all other economies and makes it the first country to move beyond the 70% adoption level. The study also showed a steady rise in AI usage in the country over recent periods, reflecting growing acceptance of the technology across daily life and workplaces.

The report said AI has become an important part of how people in the UAE work, learn and manage tasks. Businesses and institutions are increasingly using the technology to improve efficiency, productivity and decision-making. It added that the country’s strong digital systems, reliable infrastructure and clear policy direction have helped create an environment where new technologies can grow responsibly and at scale.

The UAE’s performance was far above the global average AI adoption rate of 17.8%. This gap highlights the benefits of the country’s long-term investments in digital transformation, innovation programmes and skills development. Microsoft UAE General Manager Amr Kamel said the ranking reflects years of efforts by the government, private sector and individuals to build a strong foundation for artificial intelligence growth.

At the global level, the report pointed to a widening divide between advanced economies and developing markets. It said higher-income regions are adopting AI at more than twice the speed of lower-income regions. Many countries continue to face challenges such as weaker internet access, limited digital infrastructure and fewer AI tools available in local languages.

The report added that continued investment in connectivity, education and technology systems will be necessary to close this global gap. For the UAE, the latest ranking further strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading centres for innovation and future technologies.