A survey of senior executives released on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, shows 79% of UAE CEOs believe their positions could be jeopardised without successful AI integration. The findings come as the country pushes forward with its national AI strategy, prompting leaders to reassess digital priorities.
Survey Findings on AI Importance
The study, conducted by Arabian Business in partnership with the UAE Business Council, sampled 150 CEOs from sectors ranging from finance to manufacturing. Seventy-nine percent indicated that AI adoption directly impacts their job security, while 62% said they plan to increase AI budgets within the next twelve months. The data reflects a clear shift in executive mindset toward technology as a core business driver. Specifically, 45% of CEOs reported that AI has already improved operational efficiency, while 30% cited enhanced customer experience as a key benefit. Notably, the survey found that CEOs in the finance sector were most likely to view AI as a critical factor in their job security, with 85% expressing this sentiment.
Implications for Business Leaders
For CEOs, the numbers translate into a call to action. Many executives now view AI skills as essential, prompting a surge in internal training programmes and recruitment of data scientists. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, chairman of the UAE Business Council, noted that leaders must embed AI into strategy rather than treat it as a side project. Companies that lag risk losing competitive edge and, according to the survey, may see leadership turnover. In fact, 22% of CEOs reported that they have already seen leadership changes within their organisations due to AI-related challenges.
Government Support for AI Adoption
The UAE government continues to back the transition with incentives and regulatory guidance. Under the AI Strategy 2031, ministries offer grants for AI pilots and streamline data-sharing protocols. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Omar Al-Badi, recently announced new funding streams aimed at helping midsize firms adopt machine-learning tools, reinforcing the public-private partnership model. The government's efforts have already borne fruit, with 75% of CEOs reporting that they have benefited from government support for AI adoption. Notably, the survey found that CEOs in the manufacturing sector were most likely to benefit from government support, with 90% expressing this sentiment.
Steps Companies Are Taking
Across the Emirates, firms are already acting on the survey’s warning. Abu Dhabi-based energy giant Al Mansoor Energy launched an AI-driven predictive maintenance platform, cutting equipment downtime by 15%. Meanwhile, a leading Dubai bank introduced a chatbot that handles 40% of routine inquiries, freeing staff for higher-value work. These examples illustrate how CEOs are turning data into tangible results to safeguard their roles. Furthermore, 55% of CEOs reported that they have invested in AI-powered tools to enhance customer experience, while 40% have implemented AI-driven supply chain optimisation.
