UAE enterprises face AI execution gaps despite rising investment

A report by ServiceNow reveals a significant gap between artificial intelligence spending and execution among enterprises in the United Arab Emirates. Despite a 105% year-on-year increase in AI investment, UAE organizations achieved an AI maturity score of only 48 out of 100.

The research indicates that while organizations have made progress in AI strategy and leadership, execution is hindered by fragmented technology environments, disconnected data, and siloed workflows. Additionally, lower maturity in talent development and AI-enabled workflows limits the ability to scale AI across enterprises.

Regarding emerging trends, 57% of UAE organizations have implemented agentic AI, but only 7% have utilized it to create autonomous workflows. Most current applications focus on improving employee efficiency rather than fundamentally transforming business operations. Organizations appear to be approaching autonomous deployment cautiously as they work to establish necessary governance and operational foundations.