Artificial intelligence became a regular part of working life across the Gulf, with more than nine in 10 employees in the GCC using the technology several times a week, according to a new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The BCG X AI at Work report found that 93% of frontline employees across the GCC use AI regularly. Adoption is even higher among managers and senior leaders, reaching 95%. The study covers employees in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Globally, 74% of frontline employees use AI several times a week, showing how quickly businesses in the Gulf are embracing the technology.
The growing use of AI is not simply about experimenting with new tools. Many employees said it is helping them save a substantial amount of time during the working week. Around 58% of GCC frontline employees said AI saves them at least eight hours every week. This is effectively the equivalent of a full working day. Among managers and leaders, the figure climbed to 67%.
This time saving is also changing expectations around what employees should be able to do. About 85% of frontline workers and 92% of managers and leaders surveyed said the technology has changed the skills expected in their roles. According to BCG, companies getting the strongest results are going beyond technology adoption and investing in employees so they can use these tools effectively.
The report also highlighted how employees expect their roles to evolve over the next three years. Six in 10 GCC frontline employees believe AI agents could eventually handle at least half of their current responsibilities. Among managers and leaders, that expectation rises to 66%.
Despite this, fears of losing jobs remain comparatively limited. Only 28% of frontline workers and 29% of managers and leaders said they are worried about losing their jobs because of the technology.
Also Read: UAE Launches Asset Management Training for Federal Govt Employees
Interestingly, the technology appears to be having an impact beyond productivity. Around 69% of GCC frontline employees said using AI has made their work more enjoyable. Among managers and leaders, the figure rises to 77%.
BCG, however, cautioned that high adoption alone does not guarantee better business results. Globally, 66% of regular AI users receive limited or no guidance on how to use the time they save.
Training remains another challenge. Only 36% of respondents globally said they had received enough preparation, even though 72% of regular users said the skills expected of them have changed significantly.