UAE employees save an average of 3.6 hours a week using artificial intelligence. Still, almost all of that time is offset by the 3.4 hours they spend correcting, clarifying, or rewriting poor-quality AI-generated work, according to new research from Workday.
The findings are part of Workday’s report, “Beyond Productivity: Measuring the Real Value of AI in the UAE,” which examines how organizations are assessing AI’s impact beyond the time it saves.
The research found that 90% of UAE employees use AI at least once a week. Among them, 58% use AI multiple times a week, while 18% use it every working day.
More than half of directors and C-suite executives also use AI weekly, highlighting how quickly the technology has moved into everyday workplace activities.
However, the time spent reviewing AI-generated work remains significant. Employees reported spending an average of 3.4 hours a week clarifying, correcting or rewriting low-quality outputs.
The research also found that UAE organizations are using AI-driven efficiencies for purposes beyond reducing costs.
Around 33% are using the additional efficiency to manage greater workloads without increasing headcount. Another 32% are directing the time and money saved toward employee training, upskilling and reskilling.
A further 32% are investing those gains in workload management, workplace flexibility, and employee well-being. By comparison, 24% said they used the savings primarily for cost reduction.
Only 0.2% of respondents said AI had failed to generate meaningful time or cost savings.
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Zakaria Haltout, Workday’s Group Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said the figures show UAE organizations are moving from AI experimentation to everyday use.
He said lasting value depends on trust, human oversight and continued investment in skills.
The findings come as Workday launches operations in the UAE, including a new Dubai office, dedicated regional operations and expanded local leadership.
The company said its UAE operations will focus on supporting organizations using its technology across human resources, finance and IT.