AI at Work: Momentum in the GCC
AI is transforming how people work. BCG’s third annual AI at Work global survey included more than 1,000 participants throughout the GCC (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) – leaders, managers, and frontline employees. GCC employees are embracing AI faster than their global peers, as the region ranks 2nd in the world for workplace adoption of AI tools. We see the transformation not just in the adoption numbers, but in employees’ enthusiasm for using the new technologies and their reported impact.
These findings, derived from our annual AI at Work Global Survey, build upon the trend toward greater AI adoption, established over the past three editions.
AI adoption in the workplace is surging but certain risks accompany greater usage
The survey paints a remarkable picture of GCC’s emerging global leadership in embracing AI at work: 87% of respondents report using AI tools at work at least several times a week - substantially higher than the global average of 72%. Adoption is strong across all levels, from frontline employees to management and senior leadership.
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As GCC employees embrace these new technologies in both work and personal settings, many cannot go without it. In fact, 63% of respondents say they would use AI tools even without company authorization, making the use of shadow AI emerge as a real risk.
AI at work leadership and training have built confidence and reduced anxiety
Such robust adoption reflects strong institutional support. Employees point to stronger training and clearer leadership guidance as key enablers: 45% of respondents are satisfied with their AI training, and, among frontline employees, 55% report receiving clear leadership guidance and support. Ahead of global peers, the GCC is effectively rising to meet the needs of a fast-changing technological environment.
Alongside stronger training and leadership support, employees in the GCC are increasingly optimistic about AI in the workplace, with optimism rising and anxiety fading compared to 2024, and both outperforming global averages. While employees‘ confidence is softening slightly (45% vs 51%), it still surpasses international peers (36%) and is consistent with the global trend.
But experience of AI at work goes beyond positive sentiment: participants report real impact
Importantly, widespread adoption and positive sentiment are translating into real impact. More than half of respondents say AI saves them over an hour each day, and many are using this time to perform additional tasks, strengthen connections with coworkers or focus on professional development – revealing a systemic shift in work practices.
From productivity to invention: the next frontier for AI in the GCC
Companies often struggle to capture meaningful value from AI. Experience shows that the highest returns come from two moves in particular: reshaping workflows and inventing new business models.
In the GCC, companies are already making strong progress in these areas. The region is a frontrunner in reshaping workflows, ranking 2nd versus global peers. Deployment of AI tools is also widespread, with 81% of employees saying their companies are rolling out GenAI tools to foster productivity. But when it comes to invention - creating new businesses and products enabled by AI - the region is still in the early stages, ranking 9th globally, signaling a significant opportunity for future growth.
Looking Ahead: The Promise of AI Agents
AI agents - AI that has learned to use tools and can observe, plan possible actions and execute them by accessing different systems - are emerging as a new frontier of workplace transformation. GCC respondents have a better understanding of AI agents than their global peers (52% vs 33%) and recognize their potential contribution to their company’s success (91% vs 77%).
Companies in the region are also substantially ahead in AI agent adoption. Eighty-six percent of respondents report agents are already in pilots or integrated into workflows, versus 69% globally. GCC significantly outpaces the global average in three areas leading this transition: customer service/support, IT/internal helpdesk, and HR/people operations. Respondents have nevertheless identified several potential risks, including decisions taken without human oversight, unclear accountability for mistakes, and misalignment with the organization’s values.
From Rapid Adoption to Sustained Leadership
The GCC has already shown tremendous progress integrating AI into the workplace, and excellent employee engagement with both the technology and changing work practices. With ambition, leadership, and investment, the region can move from early adopter to global frontrunner in reshaping work through AI. Leaders should prioritize four strategic actions:
- Continue to commit appropriate levels of investment, time and support to employees’ AI training.
- Track the value AI is generating, looking for improvements in productivity, quality, and employee satisfaction.
- Invest in their people to reshape workflows and unlock AI’s value. Anticipate AI’s impact on work, employees, and the workforce.
- Continue to experiment rigorously with agents to accelerate the innovation curve, tracking impact and potential risks via A/B testing.
To turn early momentum into lasting advantage, GCC organizations need to focus on productivity and competitiveness. This means acting decisively now - investing in people, reshaping workflows, and scaling innovation across the enterprise.
