A new global study from the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and IBM’s Institute for Business Value has revealed the UAE is significantly outpacing its global peers in the adoption of AI governance platforms. The report, titled ‘Orchestrating AI at scale for sovereignty and resilience’, indicates a mature and proactive approach to managing artificial intelligence from the country’s public and private sectors
Quick Facts
- 20% of UAE firms use AI governance platforms.
- Global average for AI governance adoption is 12%.
- 98% of UAE execs now factor sovereignty into strategy.
A Proactive Approach to AI Complexity
Based on insights from over 1,000 senior executives across 20 countries, the report highlights that the UAE’s leadership in AI governance is translating into tangible confidence. UAE organizations report lower levels of concern about managing AI complexity, with 48% struggling with too many AI assets compared to 52% globally. This data suggests that early investment in governance is paying off, allowing local firms to manage their AI initiatives more effectively.
The study also underscores a strong focus on strategic independence, with 98% of UAE executives acknowledging they must now factor sovereignty into their business strategies, compared to 93% globally. This points to a strategic alignment between national goals and corporate AI implementation.
The Governance Implementation Gap
Despite the lead in platform adoption, the study identifies a crucial area for development. Only 13% of organizations in the UAE currently apply comprehensive AI governance frameworks across all their initiatives. This “implementation gap” presents a key opportunity for businesses to move from basic platform use to deeply integrated governance models that drive stronger business outcomes and higher returns on investment.
His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, commented on the findings: “This report underscores the importance of empowering both the public and private sectors to adopt advanced AI applications and expand their use in line with best governance practices. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to deliver the objectives of the ‘Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’.”
He added, “The UAE’s early efforts to advance AI across sectors reflect its national vision to build a resilient, future-ready digital economy.”
Scaling AI with Control and Visibility
The report emphasizes that as AI becomes more embedded in core business processes, a structured approach is essential for stability and growth. Nearly two-thirds of organizations in the UAE (68%) expect to adopt AI systems at scale by 2030, reinforcing the urgent need for greater control and accountability.
Saad Toma, General Manager of IBM Middle East and Africa, stated, “Organizations can no longer have fragmented AI systems that limit visibility, weaken control, and erode value. Orchestration-led AI adoption provides the visibility, control, and coordination needed to maintain operational stability, reduce risk, and ensure AI continues to deliver value.”
The study concludes that organizations moving beyond traditional, compliance-based governance to integrated, capability-driven models are far more effective. These firms report up to six times greater productivity impact from their AI initiatives compared to those using older approaches.
About Dubai Future Foundation
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) was established in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dubai by collaborating with public and private sector partners to co-create solutions for future challenges and opportunities.