Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.zawya.com
- 85% of UAE employees use AI at work, while 67% worry about AI-related job losses.
- 75% of UAE employees are satisfied with their jobs, but only 25% feel fulfilled.
- 80% of UAE respondents have used AI for healthcare, compared with 65% globally.
- 65% of UAE consumers would switch brands after a single poor experience.
- 48% of lower-income UAE respondents invest in the stock market, compared with 28% globally.
Dubai, UAE – People living in the UAE are embracing new AI technologies, investing in their futures and demonstrating strong confidence in their ability to progress. Yet beneath this optimism, expectations are changing, with individuals increasingly demanding greater transparency, meaningful opportunities and services that deliver tangible results.
These are among the findings of 300,000 Voices – UAE Edition, a new report from the Oliver Wyman Forum, which examines how people in the Emirates are navigating changes across six dimensions of everyday life: values and identity, workforce and skills, artificial intelligence and technology, healthcare and well-being, money and finance, and consumer behavior.
Part of a five-year international research program involving nearly 300,000 respondents across 20 markets, the UAE edition draws on insights from 5,285 participants in the Emirates across multiple survey waves, including a supplementary survey conducted in April 2026. Most findings highlighted here come from 2025 survey waves; individual findings reflect the dates and respondent groups of the relevant surveys.
Key insights from the UAE edition
1. Values and identity: Security and ambition go hand in hand
People in the UAE place considerable importance on both personal security and achievement. Seventy percent say feeling safe and protected is important, compared with 57% globally, while 59% prioritize achievement and success, compared with 40% globally.
Entrepreneurial ambition is also pronounced, with 54% expressing a desire to own a business, nearly double the global figure of 28%.
2. Workforce and skills: Job satisfaction does not necessarily translate into fulfillment
Although 75% of UAE employees report being satisfied with their jobs, compared with 66% globally, only 25% say they feel fulfilled at work.
Among Gen Z, ambition is particularly pronounced: 60% say career acceleration and financial freedom are worth prioritizing over work-life balance, while 73% believe in the future of their company. Younger workers also place greater importance on in-person access to managers and leaders, reflecting a desire for feedback and visible career progression.
3. AI and technology: Adoption is outpacing organizational readiness
AI is already embedded in everyday working life, with 85% of UAE employees using it at work. More than half report improvements in productivity (56%) and work-life balance (54%).
However, 67% worry about AI replacing jobs. At the organizational level, only 26% of executives and 6% of frontline employees agree that their companies have articulated a clear AI vision and kept employees informed about progress.
4. Healthcare and well-being: People are taking greater ownership of their health
UAE respondents are increasingly adopting proactive approaches to health, with 80% having used AI for healthcare-related purposes, compared with 65% globally.
However, preventive health behaviours differ by income. Among higher-income respondents, 66% report exercising regularly, compared with 49% of lower-income respondents.
5. Money and finance: Financial independence is becoming a priority
Investment participation is relatively widespread across income groups. Nearly half (48%) of lower-income respondents in the UAE participate in stock market investing, compared with 28% globally.
AI is also becoming part of financial decision-making, with 64% of lower-income and 65% of higher-income UAE respondents using it to guide investment decisions.
At the same time, 40% feel pressure to make money to feel successful, compared with 33% globally.
6. Consumer behavior: Brand loyalty cannot be taken for granted
Only 35% of UAE consumers say they will continue buying from a brand over the long term, compared with 47% globally.
Meanwhile, 71% expect brands to remember their preferences and past purchases, and 78% have used AI to discover and purchase products.
The findings suggest that consumers increasingly expect personalized, reliable experiences and are willing to consider alternatives when brands fall short.
A new benchmark for progress
Commenting on the findings, Dr Mona Hammami, Partner and Head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, said:
“The findings give employers and service providers some practical priorities. Employers should make career progression clearer and explain how AI will affect roles, what skills employees will need, and how they will be supported. High adoption alone does not resolve concerns about job security. For consumer-facing businesses, willingness to try alternatives means loyalty has to be earned through reliable service and a consistent experience. The question for leaders is where their organization is falling short of these expectations and what needs to change.”
Interview opportunities
Oliver Wyman experts are available to discuss the findings and their implications for the UAE economy, businesses and society.
- Values and identity – Dr Mona Hammami, Partner and Head of the UAE
- Workforce and skills – Borko Handjiski, Partner, Government and Public Institutions, IMEA
- AI and technology – Mario Rizk, Partner, Quotient – AI by Oliver Wyman
- Healthcare and well-being – Sumit Sharma, Partner and Head of Health and Life Sciences, IMEA
- Money and finance – Mustafa Domanic, Partner, Banking and Financial Services, IMEA
- Consumer behavior – Lindy Kouyoumji, Partner, Consumer, Telco, and Technology, IMEA
About the research
300,000 Voices is a five-year Oliver Wyman Forum research program examining changes in attitudes and behaviors across 20 markets. The UAE edition draws on 5,285 respondents across multiple survey waves. Sample sizes and comparison markets vary by finding. The report also includes an additional April 2026 survey of 503 UAE respondents.
About Oliver Wyman Forum
The Oliver Wyman Forum is a community of senior leaders in business, government, and society dedicated to addressing the biggest forces shaping our future. Through forward-looking research and dialogue, we turn diverse perspectives into clearer thinking and bolder action — reshaping industries, navigating global change and complexity, and reimagining leadership.
For more information, visit www.oliverwymanforum.com
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