The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its standing as one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence hubs, with a new Boston Consulting Group study finding that 42 percent of business institutions in the country are now classified as “AI Leaders,” reflecting advanced and large-scale deployment of AI technologies.
The report, titled Unlocking Potential: How GCC Organizations Can Convert AI Momentum into Sustainable Value at Scale, surveyed 200 senior executives and evaluated 41 digital capabilities across seven sectors. It shows that 37 percent of UAE institutions have reached the “scaling” stage of digital maturity, moving beyond pilot initiatives to enterprise-wide implementation. Only 13 percent were identified as lagging, while the country achieved a regional-leading average maturity score of 46 points.
BCG Managing Director and Partner Dr. Lars Littig said the UAE’s strong performance mirrors sustained strategic investments in digital infrastructure and the government’s long-term commitment under the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. He noted that the country’s progress positions it as an advanced market for AI adoption.
The study also highlighted the financial advantages of early and effective AI deployment. Across the GCC, institutions classified as AI Leaders generate 1.7 times higher total shareholder returns and 1.5 times higher operating profit margins compared to slower adopters, demonstrating that investments are translating into tangible business value.
Regionally, 39 percent of GCC organisations are now considered AI Leaders, nearly matching the global average of 40 percent. The public sector across the GCC recorded the highest AI maturity levels worldwide among all markets assessed.
The report further points to a forward-looking approach, with 38 percent of GCC institutions already testing advanced “agentic AI” applications, signalling continued momentum in next-generation AI adoption.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
