UAE investors are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for investment information and ideas. Still, professional financial advice remains central to retirement planning, according to Amundi's 2026 Decoding Investors study.
The third edition surveyed more than 17,500 retail investors and savers across 26 countries. It examined their investment goals, concerns, behavior and sources of financial information.
The study found that investors expect personal savings and investments to provide 42% of their retirement income, ahead of state pensions and workplace schemes. In Asia, respondents expect to fund more than half of their retirement from their own assets.
However, only 36% of investors said retirement is a key reason for investing, while just 23% said they feel very confident about achieving long-term financial security.
Professional advice was linked to a significant difference in retirement confidence. Half of advised investors said they were very confident about funding their retirement, compared with 14% of those who had never received financial advice.
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The research also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in investment decisions.
Regular use of AI assistants for investment ideas or information quadrupled in 2026 to 19%. Overall, seven in 10 investors said they had used AI at some point to support investment decisions, while 59% said they had acted on its recommendations. Among those users, 90% reported being satisfied with the outcome.
Social media is also becoming an important source of investment information, with 46% of investors saying they seek information from influencers.
Despite growing interest in investing, concerns about losses remain a barrier. Nearly half of savers, or 43%, expect to start investing within the next 12 months. Among people aged 21-30, the figure rises to 62%.
At the same time, 39% said fear of losing money prevents them from taking the next step.
The findings suggest that AI and digital channels are increasingly becoming part of investors' financial journeys, while professional advice continues to support longer-term planning and confidence.