The Middle East has emerged as a global frontrunner in workplace artificial intelligence integration, with a remarkable 75% of regional employees actively utilizing AI tools in their professional roles over the past year. This adoption rate significantly surpasses the global average of 69%, according to PwC’s comprehensive Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025.
The comprehensive study reveals that AI has transitioned from theoretical concept to practical reality across Middle Eastern organizations. An impressive 79% of employees report substantial productivity improvements through AI implementation, while 87% note enhanced output quality and 84% experience heightened creative capabilities. This technological embrace reflects a fundamental cultural shift where AI is increasingly perceived as an empowering tool rather than occupational threat.
Regional enthusiasm markedly contrasts with global apprehensions regarding AI’s workplace impact. Approximately 61% of Middle Eastern office workers express excitement about AI’s potential, compared to just 47% worldwide. This optimistic outlook is bolstered by cohesive national digital strategies, including the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for Data & AI, which provide clear frameworks for technological advancement.
Generational analysis indicates Millennials and Gen Z employees are leading this transformation, demonstrating greater familiarity with generative AI tools like ChatGPT compared to senior colleagues. Their technological fluency positions them advantageously for evolving entry-level positions, though organizational leadership remains divided on whether these roles will expand (34%) or contract (43%) due to automation.
Randa Bahsoun, Partner at PwC Middle East, emphasizes: “While employees demonstrate remarkable adaptability with AI, they seek security and support. Organizations providing role evolution clarity, learning access, and wellbeing protection will excel in retaining talent within this dynamic labor market.”
The research further identifies a strong emphasis on skills development, with 69% of regional employees pursuing new competencies annually—substantially above global averages. Notably, 81% now prioritize positions offering transferable skill development, indicating learning opportunities have become fundamental career expectations. Companies are responding positively, with 63% of employees reporting managerial support for capability building and 68% acknowledging adequate learning resource access.
Despite technological optimism, workforce challenges persist. Approximately 45% of employees report fatigue symptoms while 48% feel overwhelmed by increasing workloads. Concurrently, job security has become paramount for 82% of professionals amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
The report ultimately depicts a region balancing technological ambition with human needs, suggesting organizations combining transparency with substantive upskilling and wellbeing initiatives will best sustain the Middle East’s accelerating AI momentum.