GCC Emerges as Global AI Leader, Surpassing Global Adoption Rates

According to a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to rank second globally in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by 2025. The findings, detailed in the report titled “From Pilots to Progress: AI at Work in the GCC,” reveal an increasing optimism and confidence in the region, outpacing global averages.

The survey indicates that 58% of respondents in the GCC expressed optimism regarding AI, a notable increase of 9 percentage points from the previous year, while 45% reported feeling confident about AI’s potential. This sentiment reflects a robust regional embrace of AI technologies, supported by strong leadership and effective digital transformation initiatives.

Growing Adoption Rates Highlight Regional Commitment

The BCG study, conducted in partnership with BCG X, the company’s tech build and design division, included responses from various stakeholders across the GCC, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Participants ranged from executive leaders to frontline employees, showcasing the region’s swift advancement in AI integration.

Dr. Lars Littig, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, emphasized the implications of these findings, 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 study highlights that 78% of frontline employees in the region regularly use generative AI, surpassing the global average by 27 percentage points. For managerial roles, usage rates are even higher, with 90% of managers and 92% of leaders engaging with AI tools, compared to global averages of 78% and 88%, respectively. This widespread utilization underscores a strong commitment to embedding AI within daily workflows.

Training and Productivity Gains Reflect AI’s Impact

In terms of AI training, approximately 45% of GCC respondents rated their training as satisfactory, which is higher than the global figure of 36%. Additionally, 54% of frontline employees reported receiving clear guidance from leadership, compared to 25% globally. However, these encouraging numbers also come with concerns, as 63% of respondents admitted they would use AI tools without company authorization, in contrast to 54%

The tangible benefits of AI are becoming evident, with over half (53%) of respondents indicating they save more than one hour each day through AI applications. This time saving allows employees to reallocate their efforts across various tasks and responsibilities, enhancing overall productivity.