Knowledge workers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are using AI agents at rates well above the global average, according to HP’s 2026 Work Relationship Index.
The study found that 60% of Saudi workers and 57% of UAE workers use AI agents. HP identified China, Saudi Arabia and India as leading markets for agentic AI adoption. Overall, 78% of UAE knowledge workers use AI daily or weekly, compared with 59% globally.
The research surveyed more than 19,000 desk-based workers across 15 countries, alongside a separate sample of 300 respondents in the UAE.
AI is also becoming a first stop for workplace support. Some 41% of Saudi knowledge workers and 40% of UAE workers said they turn to AI first when they need help with a work task or question, compared with 31% globally.
The report also points to a more confident workforce. Only 25% of UAE respondents described their AI proficiency as novice or basic, versus 36% globally. At the same time, 51% of UAE AI-agent users worry their jobs could be replaced by someone with stronger AI expertise.
In Saudi Arabia, 86% of business leaders said AI adoption has created new roles or teams, while 2% said it is primarily replacing or reducing roles.
Source: Middle East AI News
