A new global AI Adoption Index by Cybernews places the United Arab Emirates among the world’s fastest-growing artificial intelligence markets, ranking third globally with a 56% adoption rate in 2025. The study, which analysed AI app downloads across 64 countries representing 70% of global GDP, highlights how digitally advanced nations are outpacing larger economies in AI uptake.
The UAE’s AI usage surged from 10% in 2023 to 56% in 2025, with annual downloads climbing from 1.1 million to 6.3 million. The growth reflects years of strategic policy alignment, including the country’s early national AI strategy and its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. In 2025, Minister of State for AI Omar Sultan Al Olama confirmed that 97% of UAE government entities were actively deploying AI tools, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to digital transformation.
The report shows that once baseline connectivity is achieved, digital literacy, regulatory frameworks and institutional agility become decisive factors. While markets such as the US and Japan lag in adoption rankings, agile economies like the UAE continue to accelerate AI integration across public services and commercial sectors – positioning the country as a leading AI hub.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer