Key Takeaways
- The UAE ranks third globally in AI adoption, with a usage rate of 56% by 2025, following Singapore and Chile.
- AI adoption in the UAE grew from 10% in 2023 to 27% in 2024, and then to 56% in 2025.
- The UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in 2017, supports AI integration across public services and economic sectors.
- Government and private sector uptake of AI technologies has significantly increased, fostering widespread engagement.
- The study finds that smaller digitally advanced economies tend to have stronger AI penetration levels.
The UAE ranks third globally in AI adoption in 2025, with national usage reaching 56 per cent. The ranking is based on a global study measuring artificial intelligence app downloads across 64 countries. The findings position the UAE among the leading nations in consumer AI usage.
The study calculated adoption rates by comparing downloads of the top 100 AI applications with total population figures. Data was collected from Apple App Store and Google Play Store platforms.
Growth Behind Why the UAE Ranks Third Globally in AI Adoption
The data shows rapid growth over three years. AI adoption in the UAE stood at approximately 10 per cent in 2023. The figure increased to 27 per cent in 2024. It reached 56 per cent in 2025.
Only Singapore and Chile recorded higher adoption rates. Singapore reported about 66 per cent. Chile reached around 60 per cent. The global average across all surveyed countries was approximately 25 per cent.
The report links high adoption rates to advanced digital infrastructure and early AI strategy implementation. Smaller digitally advanced economies recorded stronger penetration levels.
National Strategy Driving UAE Ranks Third Globally in AI Adoption
The UAE launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2017. The country later introduced the AI Strategy 2031 framework. These initiatives support integration of AI across public services and economic sectors.
Government entities have expanded AI usage in operations and service delivery. Public sector deployment increased significantly by 2025. Private sector adoption has also grown alongside consumer usage.
The ranking reflects widespread engagement with AI technologies, including machine learning tools, generative AI platforms, and digital assistants. Other countries with notable adoption levels include Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania.
The study highlights variation in AI penetration across global markets. The UAE ranks third globally in AI adoption based on measurable download data and population analysis.
Source: https://www.travelsdubai.com/21-Feb-2026/uae-ranks-third-globally-ai-adoption-usage-hits-56pc