82% of GCC professionals surveyed use AI at least weekly, but only 39% feel highly confident using it, highlighting gaps in training and organizational support.
Al-Futtaim has released a study examining AI adoption and workforce readiness across the GCC, finding that while 82% of professionals surveyed use AI at least weekly, fewer than four in 10 feel highly confident using the technology.
Titled Unlocking AI for the GCC Workforce, the study is based on a survey of 1,143 professionals across six GCC markets and covers sectors including technology, automotive, healthcare, retail, consumer goods, hospitality and electronics. It also includes perspectives from IBM, Microsoft and Inception42, a G42 company.
The findings point to a gap between AI adoption and workforce preparedness. While 73% of respondents report improved productivity from AI, only around one in five say they have received extensive AI training. One in four report receiving no formal AI training from their employer.
AI Training Linked to Higher Confidence and Productivity in GCC
According to the study, employees who receive extensive AI training are 2.5 times more likely to feel highly confident using AI than those without training. They are also more likely to report productivity gains and nearly twice as likely to save four or more hours per week through AI.
Leadership engagement and organizational planning also influence adoption. The research finds that organisations with formal AI strategies report higher workforce confidence and clearer guidance on how AI applies to employees’ roles. Employee adoption rates are three times higher in workplaces where senior leaders actively use AI than in organisations with limited leadership engagement.
However, access to training remains uneven. Nearly half of respondents aged 45 and above report receiving no formal AI training from their employer. Frontline employees and staff at smaller organisations are also less likely to receive structured AI development, according to the study.
Data Security Remains a Concern
Training alone may not address every barrier to AI adoption. Around one-third of respondents identify data security as their biggest concern, regardless of age, seniority, industry or training level.
The findings point to the need for organisations to address AI governance and responsible use alongside employee skills development.
Moza Al Futtaim, Chief AI Officer at Al-Futtaim, said organisations need to match the momentum of AI adoption with investment in employee skills and confidence. She highlighted the importance of equipping employees at all levels and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Lula Mohanty, Managing Partner at IBM Middle East and Africa, said AI adoption alone does not create business value. She emphasised the need to redesign work processes, develop employee skills and build trust alongside technology.
The study concludes that the next phase of AI adoption across the GCC will depend on how effectively organisations translate usage into business impact. This will require investment not only in technology, but also in workforce capabilities, organizational structures and data foundations.
Read the full study: Unlocking AI for the GCC Workforce
Disclaimer: This article is based on Al-Futtaim’s announcement of its workforce study and has been edited for length and readability. Survey findings and statistics are reported as provided by the company. Refer to the full study for its methodology and detailed findings.
