GCC Emerges as Global AI Leader with Strong Adoption Rates

According to the latest study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is projected to rank second globally in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by 2025. This finding underscores the region’s growing confidence and optimism in AI technologies, which significantly exceed global averages.

The BCG study, titled “From Pilots to Progress: AI at Work in the GCC,” reveals that 58% of respondents in the GCC expressed optimism about AI’s impact, a notable increase of 9 percentage points from 2024. Additionally, 45% reported confidence in their organizations’ AI initiatives. These figures highlight a robust regional commitment to integrating AI into various sectors, bolstered by effective leadership and digital transformation strategies.

Regional Insights and Leadership Support

Conducted in collaboration with BCG X, BCG’s technology design division, the survey included responses from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, representing a diverse spectrum of roles from executive leaders to frontline employees. The findings indicate that the GCC is advancing rapidly in AI adoption, aligning with national strategies focused on digital transformation and economic diversification.

Dr. Lars Littig, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, emphasized the significance of these insights, stating, “The GCC is emerging as a global leader in AI deployment, with high frontline adoption and leadership support nearly twice the global average. For companies and public sector entities alike, this signals a clear mandate: strategic investment in AI, paired with strong leadership and training, offers a blueprint for enterprise-wide transformation.”

The report highlights that 78% of frontline employees in the GCC regularly use generative AI, which is 27 percentage points higher than the global average. Among managers and leaders, usage rates soar to 90% and 92%, respectively, outpacing global averages of 78% and 88%. This widespread usage underscores the region’s commitment to embedding AI into everyday workflows.

AI Training and Productivity Gains

Training levels in AI also reflect a positive trend, with 45% of respondents finding their AI training satisfactory, compared to 36% globally. Furthermore, 54% of frontline employees reported receiving clear guidance from leadership, a significant contrast to the 25% global average. Despite these advancements, the study highlights a potential concern: 63% of respondents indicated they would use AI tools without company authorization, surpassing the global figure of 54%.

The productivity benefits of AI are tangible, as over half of the respondents—53%—reported saving more than an hour daily through AI applications. This time savings is reallocated to various tasks, enhancing overall efficiency in the workplace.

As the GCC continues to embrace and invest in AI technologies, its position as a leading player in the global AI landscape becomes increasingly evident. With strong leadership support and a proactive approach to digital transformation, the region is well-positioned to leverage AI for economic growth and innovation.