Over a third of UAE’s workforce and student population are leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies without the knowledge of their employers and educators, according to a recent study.
The study conducted by by global management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman noted that this highlights a significant gap in awareness within organisations.
Generative AI technology, known for creating various types of content like text, audio, and visuals, has quietly become essential for productivity in the UAE. Examples of generative AI applications like ChatGPT, GPT-4, Bard, and Synthesia are gaining popularity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region for their innovative contributions.
The UAE’s covert utilisation of generative AI, which stands at 39 percent, closely mirrors the global average, shedding light on a broader pattern of under-the-radar AI integration. In an international context, Mexico leads the pack with 46 percent covert adoption, while Italy trails at 34 percent. A breakdown by industry reveals intriguing insights: 45 percent of individuals in manufacturing, 38 percent in the tech sector, and 33 percent in financial services in the UAE have surreptitiously harnessed AI capabilities, often outpacing the awareness of their employers.
The research on UAE’s AI behaviours was done in July 2023 by the Oliver Wyman Forum, affiliated with the consultancy, aimed at addressing global challenges through collaboration.
Jad Haddad, Head of Digital at Oliver Wyman in India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasised the profound influence generative AI technology is poised to exert on the workforce of the future.
“The workforce of the future will be hugely, and in many ways positively, impacted by generative AI technology. That’s no longer up for debate. However, the rate of adoption, and therefore transformation, will vary widely by industry and company, and that will depend greatly on policies, actions, and general openness. Enabling people who can use AI with purpose will be key to growth in the future.
Haddad also noted that the covert integration of AI by 39 percent of UAE employees and students is unsurprising, given its potential to enhance and expedite laborious processes. While acknowledging the importance of addressing associated risks, Haddad cautioned that a failure to acknowledge and incorporate AI into organisational structures could lead to increased covert usage, thereby amplifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
“All GCC organisations need to be thinking seriously and boldly about early generative AI adoption policies now – it’s not something that we can just ignore. The AI technologies are well and truly out there,” said Haddad.
As the UAE’s workforce and educational institutions surreptitiously tap into the vast capabilities of generative AI, the call to action resonates clearly: organisations must embrace and navigate the AI revolution with strategic foresight, ensuring that its potential is harnessed for the benefit of all. The era of generative AI has arrived, and its influence will shape the landscape of industries and education for years to come.
