UAE residents show highest trust in AI among global respondents

Matin Jouzdani, partner, Data, Analytics and AI at KPMG Lower Gulf/Image: Supplied

The UAE is emerging as a global leader in artificial intelligence literacy and adoption, with residents demonstrating higher engagement and confidence in AI than the global average, according to KPMG’s Trust in Artificial Intelligence Insights report.

The study, conducted by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with KPMG International, found that 97 per cent of UAE respondents use AI for work, study, or personal purposes — significantly ahead of global peers. Moreover, 89 per cent said they are already experiencing the benefits of AI, compared with 83 per cent globally, while two-thirds (66 per cent) confirmed that their organization has a generative AI policy in place, underscoring the UAE’s rapid institutional adoption.

The research positions the UAE as a regional benchmark for responsible AI use. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said they would rely on AI-generated information, and more than half (53 per cent) believed that the technology’s benefits outweigh its risks.

At the same time, the study reflects growing awareness of the importance of regulation and trust in AI systems. While 68 per cent of UAE respondents felt current laws are adequate for safe AI use — far above the global average of 43 per cent — many called for tighter safeguards, especially against misinformation. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) said they were cautious about online content due to AI use, and 36 per cent were uncertain about identifying AI-generated misinformation.

Matin Jouzdani, partner, Data, Analytics and AI at KPMG Lower Gulf, said: “AI is rapidly changing the way we live and work. Our research reinforces an overwhelming acceptance of AI in the UAE, but there is also strong public support for appropriate AI regulation. As organisations in the UAE are rapidly deploying AI, it is imperative that they consider the structures necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight. By implementing a strategy that combines AI training and literacy alongside responsible AI governance frameworks, organizations will be able to confidently capture the benefits of AI in a way that doesn’t slow down innovation.”

The report also found that 84 per cent of UAE respondents would be more willing to trust AI systems if assured of their ethical use, while 86 per cent agreed that news and social media platforms should clearly indicate when content is AI-generated. Respondents expressed the most trust in universities, healthcare institutions, and government bodies to develop and deploy AI responsibly.