Three in four UAE executives say an AI-related incident reached their board or senior leadership team during the past 12 months, according to new research by IBM. The findings show that artificial intelligence is no longer only an operational issue; it has become a boardroom-level governance concern.
IBM says, “The results reflect mounting pressure on governance and accountability as AI agents take on more autonomous roles inside enterprises. The study was released by IBM on October 15, 2026
The survey found that 75% of UAE executives reported at least one AI-related incident requiring board or executive attention. These incidents include operational or technical challenges linked to AI use, such as agent failures, data exposure, errors in AI-assisted decisions, and security-related events.
The findings indicate that AI risks are moving beyond technical teams. As organizations deploy AI more widely, incidents can affect operations, data security, customer outcomes, and financial performance.
Despite the frequency of incidents, only 41% of respondents said their AI governance frameworks are designed to scale with agentic AI deployment. This gap suggests many UAE organizations are adopting autonomous systems faster than they are building controls to manage them.
Executives also identified weaknesses in accountability and financial risk measurement. IBM says these gaps can leave organizations exposed as AI agents increasingly act with limited human oversight.
The study highlights a central challenge for enterprises: agentic AI can improve productivity and innovation, but it also requires clearer ownership, stronger monitoring, and faster escalation paths when systems fail.mea.newsroom.ibm+1
AI incidents are already influencing corporate decision-making. Among executives whose incidents reached senior leadership, 49% said they revised their AI governance policies or frameworks. Another 40% changed their AI investment plans or deployment strategies.
These responses suggest that governance is becoming a business priority rather than a compliance exercise. Companies are adjusting how they approve, deploy, and oversee AI systems after experiencing real operational and security consequences.
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