Organizations in the UAE are increasingly using artificial intelligence to strengthen security, health, and operational risk management, but new research suggests the technology also introduces significant challenges. A recent International SOS Risk Outlook 2026 Pulse Check found that nearly 60% of risk professionals believe AI is most valuable for verifying information from multiple sources.
The report indicates that organizations are increasingly relying on AI to process large volumes of information, helping risk teams respond more quickly during health, security, and operational incidents. However, the study also found that 42% of respondents said their organizations had either been affected by or lacked enough visibility to assess, the impact of false or misleading information linked to health, wellbeing, or security. Respondents identified fake alerts, impersonation, and AI-generated content as key challenges capable of disrupting business operations and eroding trust.
Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS added, "AI-generated deepfakes of real health professionals stating false information on measures to contain a natural outbreak is the new frontier of biowarfare, weaponised from a computer screen, without the need for introduction of a biological agent."
Industry experts argue that while AI can speed up data analysis and prioritise critical information, important decisions should not rely solely on automated systems. Medical experts also warned that AI-generated deepfakes impersonating healthcare professionals could spread false public health guidance, creating new risks during disease outbreaks or emergency situations.
"The potential is real, but so too is the risk of overestimating the maturity of current tools.," commented Cvete Koneska, Global Security Director at International SOS. "While AI can help surface, synthesise and prioritise information at speed, verification remains a high-stakes task where careful human judgement remains indispensable, particularly when decisions can impact people's health, safety, and security. Misplaced reliance on AI at this stage can amplify misinformation risks and delay critical decisions rather than improve them. The most prudent approach is a human-led model of integrating AI into risk management," Koneska added.
Also Read: Dubai's DMCC Expands Innovation Push With New Cybersecurity Hub
Beyond technology itself, the report points to broader organizational challenges in responding quickly to emerging threats. Only a small share of organizations believe they can react very rapidly to new risks, while many continue to struggle with decision-making responsibilities during crises.
"The biggest barriers are not about awareness of risk, but at the point of decision," said James Wood, Security Director, Northern Europe at International SOS. "Organizations are often structured for stability, not volatility. That slows action when speed matters most."
The findings reinforce the need for businesses to combine AI-powered tools with experienced human oversight rather than treating automation as a complete replacement for risk management.