UAE ranked top worldwide in AI integration across key sectors

The United Arab Emirates has ranked first worldwide in Artificial Intelligence integration, with 70.1 per cent of its working-age population using AI.

According to the AI ​​Deployment Report for the first quarter of 2026 issued by Microsoft, the UAE have been identified as the first economy globally to exceed the 70 percent adoption threshold, while large parts of the world remained below 10 percent.

The report noted that AI had become increasingly embedded in working and learning practices across the country, supported by foundations designed to strengthen resilience, operational continuity and responsible growth.

Throughout 2026, the UAE launched and implemented initiatives to expand AI applications across sectors, alongside investments in skills development, digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

At the federal level, the UAE launched the Agentic AI Project, aimed at transforming 50 percent of federal government sectors, services and operations into autonomous, AI-driven models within two years. 

The UAE also announced the establishment of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, a strategic initiative to integrate national data, AI and digital government systems and strengthen federal government readiness for the next phase of AI-driven digital transformation.

In Abu Dhabi, efforts continue towards establishing a fully AI-native government by 2027. The Abu Dhabi Government launched the AINative training programme, developed in collaboration with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), OpenAI and Microsoft.

The programme aims to equip 20,000 government employees with AI skills by the end of 2026, with plans to extend training to the wider community at a later stage.

AI adoption also expanded across specialised sectors, particularly education. The Ministry of Education launched the National AI Upskilling Programme for Teachers, while Abu Dhabi expanded AI education initiatives in private schools.

More than 24,000 teachers, school leaders and specialists participated in professional development activities during the specialised training week for the 2026–2027 academic year, alongside dedicated AI training programmes for education professionals.

In healthcare, the UAE expanded AI applications in diagnostics, medical imaging and the prediction of complications, alongside developments in genomics, precision medicine and digital health.