The Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence has ranked the United Arab Emirates among the world’s top hubs for artificial intelligence, citing strong national strategy, rapid adoption, and a growing talent base in its AI Index Report 2026.
The report places the UAE at the forefront of institutional support for AI, highlighting its performance across key metrics such as governance, awareness, skills, and job creation. The country stands alongside global leaders like Singapore in exceeding expectations for AI adoption relative to GDP per capita.
AI is already embedded across workplaces in the UAE, with more than 80 percent of employees using AI tools regularly and expressing high levels of trust. The country is also witnessing accelerated growth in AI engineering skills, with technical expertise expanding faster than general awareness.
Talent development continues to strengthen the UAE’s position. AI talent concentration more than doubled between 2019 and 2025, while net talent inflow reached approximately 4.40 per 10,000 LinkedIn members. AI-related roles accounted for nearly 2.87 percent of all job postings in 2025, underscoring sustained demand.
At the policy level, the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 has driven integration across sectors, including education. AI is now a mandatory subject in schools from the 2025–2026 academic year, covering core concepts such as data, algorithms, innovation, and ethics.
The report also highlighted the Technology Innovation Institute as a key contributor to global AI research, particularly through its Falcon models.
The findings reinforce the UAE’s expanding influence in artificial intelligence and its continued trajectory as a global leader in the field.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
