(MENAFN – mslgroup) Sentiment towards generative AI (GenAI) is overwhelmingly positive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This enthusiasm is in line with global trends that show high consumer awareness and interest in AI. A new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), “Consumers Know More About AI Than Business Leaders Think,” finds that consumer knowledge and interest in AI is surprisingly high.
The BCG study is based on a survey conducted by BCG's Customer Insights Center, which measured awareness, usage, and sentiment towards AI and GenAI among 21,000 respondents in 21 countries across six continents, and also explored questions related to the use of AI in the workplace.
“While perceptions and usage vary by market, age, and experience, UAE consumers rate AI highly, outperforming many other regions,” said Rami Mourtada, partner and director at BCG. “The survey results highlight the region's positive attitude toward the technology and should serve as a wake-up call for business leaders. The high level of engagement in the UAE signals the need for a responsible AI framework that addresses consumers' data privacy concerns. We must continue to nurture this positive outlook while addressing the concerns that come with such a major change.”
Global and UAE-specific insights into AI adoption and sentiment
Globally, over 80% of survey participants are aware of GenAI and a quarter actively use it. Younger people under 35 years of age are particularly engaged with GenAI, with 86% awareness and 32% usage, compared to 80% awareness and 20% usage among those 35 and older.
The UAE shows stronger engagement and more nuanced sentiment towards GenAI: 91% of UAE consumers are aware of GenAI and 34% have used these technologies. Sentiments are mixed, with 37% excited, 46% feeling conflicted and 17% concerned, resulting in a net sentiment of 20% (excitement minus concern).
Governments such as the UAE have demonstrated a strong AI commitment with initiatives such as the Falcon 2 AI model designed to compete with Meta and Open AI, putting the country at the forefront of AI development, highlighting the region's focus on integrating AI across industries.
Expectations for AI in the Workplace
In the UAE, 67% of employees are excited about GenAI's potential to improve their work environment, with only 13% expressing concerns. This reflects a dynamic workforce that sees AI as a tool for innovation and efficiency, with a net sentiment of support for AI at 54%.
AI applications are growing in popularity at a rapid pace, demonstrating the UAE's readiness to integrate AI at all business levels. Leaders must focus on people, process change and technology implementation to unlock AI's potential.
“The enthusiasm for GenAI among UAE professionals highlights a dynamic workforce that sees AI as a tool and partner to drive innovation and efficiency. We must continue to nurture this positive outlook while addressing the concerns that come with such a transformation,” said Mark Zaleski, managing partner and director at BCG X.
What it means for leaders
The BCG report highlights several recommendations for business leaders to effectively leverage GenAI.
• Emphasize transparency and balanced selling when inventing new consumer applications.
• Pilot new ideas and products in markets with high AI/GenAI acceptance and explore customized approaches to privacy.
• As companies roll out new AI products, it’s important to reassure customers before the application scales exponentially.
• When working with data and technology, it is important to remember the 10-20-70 rule: focus 10% of your efforts on technology development, 20% on technology stack adoption, and 70% on change management and other people-related processes.
This means that a large part of the work will need to focus on managing the change that comes with new systems, as well as relying on data and technology.
Trust is essential to AI adoption, and leaders must navigate the curve of misinformation, excitement, and concern to capitalize on market opportunities while respecting consumer and employee concerns.
About The Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to address their most important challenges and seize their greatest opportunities. BCG pioneered business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients navigate total transformation, driving complex change, accelerating organizational growth, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact.
To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. BCG's diverse, global team brings deep industry and functional expertise and broad perspectives for creating change. We deliver solutions through cutting-edge management consulting, technology and design, enterprise and digital ventures, and business purpose. BCG employs a unique model of collaboration across the firm and at all levels of client organizations to create outcomes that drive client success.
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