The UAE is witnessing a remarkable surge in AI adoption, with 80% of professionals now regularly using AI tools, according to LinkedIn’s latest report.

Just a year ago, the figure stood at 56%, which is a leap that now positions the UAE second only to India in global adoption. The additional findings from the report show that:

AI adoption enthusiasm: About 77% of UAE professionals shared their optimism about AI’s impact on their work, with 81% sharing that they enjoy experimenting with AI on a regular basis, and 73% feeling more confident using it than they did a year ago.

Challenges in keeping up with AI: The report also underlined that as many as 73% of professionals in the UAE feel that keeping up with AI is like “a second job.” And 61% of them agreed that they’re not yet tapping into AI’s full potential, while 65% feel growing pressure to use it more creatively. Additionally, about 48.4% of them say these expectations are mounting fast.

Bridging the gap with learning & skilling: The report finds that the motivation to learn new skills to work with AI is strong.

A staggering 73% of UAE professionals are putting in personal time and resources, using free tools, and 68% are utilising employer-led training to upskill themselves.

Human touch cannot be compromised: Despite AI’s growing role, human connections continue to drive career success in the UAE. A striking 85% of the surveyed professionals say trusted colleagues provide insights that AI simply can’t. Even in recruitment, 82% believe personal connections matter more than qualifications, especially true for early-career professionals.

About 74% of early-career professionals feel that relationships are more critical than ever for getting a foot in the door. And it’s paying off, as one in three UAE professionals has landed a job or advanced their career thanks to support from their network.

 

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AI for work, human for connections: The report underlines that 39% of professionals admitted that AI frees up their time, so they utilise the break to engage and connect with colleagues.

UAE professionals feel that AI may be helping them work smarter, but it’s the human touch that builds trust, drives collaboration, and creates lasting impact.

Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader at LinkedIn, commented, “UAE professionals are working hard to stay ahead of the curve, often learning AI skills on their own time and dime. This rapid shift brings pressure, but it also reflects a real hunger for growth. In moments of change, people naturally turn to their networks - not just for advice, but for reassurance, shared experience, and support that AI can’t offer. That human connection is what helps build confidence and momentum as they navigate the new world of work.”