Dubai: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in artificial intelligence, ranking second only to the United States in frontline AI adoption, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The findings reveal that 78 per cent of frontline staff in the GCC now use generative AI tools, a rate that is 27 percentage points higher than the global average. Experts attribute this growth to strong government policies, forward-looking corporate investment, and a growing emphasis on skill development across industries.
Confidence in AI’s impact is also increasing. Around 58 per cent of respondents expressed optimism about AI’s role in the workplace, up nine points from last year, while 45 per cent said they now feel more confident using the technology. The report notes that the Gulf is moving from early experimentation to full-scale integration across businesses.
Leadership remains a driving force in this progress. More than half of frontline workers in the GCC said they receive clear direction from senior management on AI adoption, more than twice the global rate. Usage among executives and managers is especially high, at 92 and 90 per cent respectively. This strong top-down guidance is helping organisations move beyond short-term productivity gains toward long-term transformation.
The study also shows that nearly two-thirds of companies in the region are redesigning their workflows to integrate AI into daily operations. Over half of employees using AI report saving at least an hour a day, allowing them to focus on upskilling, strategy, and innovation.
However, the rapid pace of adoption comes with challenges. About 63 per cent of employees admitted to using AI without formal approval, highlighting a rise in what experts call “shadow AI.” Only half of workers receive clear guidance on how to use time saved through automation, signalling a need for stronger governance frameworks and responsible AI policies.
According to BCG, the next phase of the Gulf’s AI evolution will depend on responsible deployment, large-scale capability building, and closer coordination between leadership and workforce readiness. With active national AI strategies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the GCC’s role as a global technology leader is expected to strengthen further.
The Gulf’s momentum in AI adoption marks a turning point, showing how collaboration between government vision, corporate innovation, and human skill can redefine the future of work and digital transformation in the region.
