A recent survey by Hays reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 technology professionals in the GCC region believe that artificial intelligence (AI) has enhanced productivity and efficiency. The study found that 50 percent of tech professionals in the Gulf are already using AI as a communication assistant, reflecting the growing significance of this technology in the region.
Despite AI’s rising role, only 24 percent of tech professionals in the GCC have received training or support to adopt AI technologies in their work, a figure higher than in all European countries except The Netherlands, where 27 percent have been trained.
Oliver Kowalski, regional managing director at Hays Middle East, emphasized the competitive edge that Middle Eastern companies have in attracting tech talent. He highlighted the importance of showcasing AI initiatives to potential hires, noting that the region’s tech professionals are ahead of their European counterparts in AI adoption.
The UAE, in particular, has been a leader in embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, even becoming the first country to appoint a Minister of AI.
The survey, covering over 11,000 tech professionals and employers across 20 countries in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, found that the Middle East is more advanced in AI adoption than Europe. More than 56 percent of tech professionals in the Middle East are using AI, a higher percentage than in any European country. However, only 30 percent of employers across the EMEA region currently recommend the use of AI.