UAE professionals see generative AI as less of a job threat, Michael Page survey finds

Professionals in the UAE are increasingly viewing generative artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity to improve productivity and support career growth rather than a threat to their long-term employment prospects, according to the Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2027.

The research found that only 23 per cent of professionals consider generative AI a threat to their long-term job security, suggesting relatively low levels of concern about the technology's impact on their careers.

However, employers face mounting pressure to attract and retain talent as professionals become more willing to explore new opportunities and place greater emphasis on workplace flexibility, career progression and learning.

The findings come as Michael Page launches its UAE Salary Guide 2027, which examines salary benchmarks, recruitment trends and workforce expectations across 18 sectors.

The guide covers salary benchmarks for more than 500 roles, in-demand positions and skills for 2027, salary comparisons by experience and company size, and employee expectations around compensation, flexibility and career development.

Jon Ede, Managing Director of Michael Page Middle East, said the UAE continued to demonstrate resilience as businesses navigated geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

"2026 has not been without its challenges. Heightened geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty have tested businesses across many markets. Yet the UAE continues to distinguish itself as one of the most resilient and attractive talent markets globally. We are seeing encouraging levels of hiring activity and a sustained demand for specialist skills. Our 2027 

UAE Salary Guide shows that employers are becoming more strategic in how they attract and retain talent, while professionals are placing greater importance on growth, flexibility and long-term career value,” Ede said.

The guide found that 78 per cent of professionals in the UAE were open to changing roles, highlighting the mobility of the country's workforce and the challenge employers face in retaining experienced employees.

Workplace flexibility is also emerging as an important factor in employee retention. According to the research, 51 per cent of professionals would be more likely to consider leaving their employer if required to spend more time in the office.

The findings suggest that compensation alone may not be sufficient to retain talent, with career progression, learning opportunities and flexible working arrangements increasingly influencing employment decisions.

Salary expectations also continue to outpace the budgets many organisations allocate for annual salary reviews, potentially widening the gap between employee expectations and employer compensation strategies.

The rising willingness among professionals to explore new opportunities is increasing the importance of workforce retention strategies.

According to Michael Page, replacing experienced employees can cost organisations significantly more than retaining existing talent, making proactive compensation reviews, career development and workplace flexibility important considerations for employers planning their 2027 workforce strategies.

The salary guide highlights the need for businesses to take a more strategic approach to recruitment and retention as competition for specialist skills intensifies across the UAE.

For employers, aligning compensation with market benchmarks while offering clear career pathways and meaningful flexibility will be central to maintaining workforce stability and attracting high-performing professionals.