UAE leads global shift towards chief AI officers, says IBM and Dubai Future Foundation study
The United Arab Emirates is at the forefront of a growing global trend in artificial intelligence governance, with more organisations appointing chief AI officers (CAIOs) than any other country surveyed, according to a new global study by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV), conducted in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).
The study, based on a global survey of over 600 CAIOs across 22 countries and 21 industries, reveals that 33 per cent of organisations in the UAE have appointed a CAIO, compared to the global average of 26 per cent. These leadership roles are proving valuable — organisations with a CAIO report 10 per cent higher return on investment (ROI) on AI spending. Where CAIOs lead a centralised or hub-and-spoke operating model, ROI rises by as much as 36 per cent.
The report features a foreword by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, who emphasised the cultural and operational importance of AI leadership. 'AI is not a singular breakthrough, it's ten thousand small shifts. It's cultural. It's institutional. It's a habit. The CAIO will be the one pushing that habit forward – across public administration, healthcare, education and logistics. More than a technologist, the CAIO is a translator between vision and execution, a bridge between strategy and science, and a steward of value across the enterprise.'
The report includes contributions from key UAE entities such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Customs, showcasing a cross-sectoral view of AI strategy in the country.
'Dubai's early adoption of the Chief AI Officer role reflects our national commitment to a responsible, future-ready government,' said Saeed Al Falasi, director of the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence.
'This study reinforces that CAIOs are strategic enablers and catalysts that drive the city's vision for the future. By empowering these leaders with the right tools, we are setting the stage for scalable, measurable AI impact across key sectors in Dubai.'
Shukri Eid, VP and GM, IBM Gulf, Levant and Pakistan, added: 'The UAE is setting a global benchmark by embedding Chief AI Officers within organisations, ensuring AI is a strategic enabler across sectors. This is a testament to the nation's foresight in shaping a future-ready economy. As we continue our collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, IBM remains committed to helping organisations scale their AI capabilities to drive measurable, long-term impact.'
Lula Mohanty, managing partner, Middle East and Africa, IBM Consulting, said: 'By appointing CAIOs early and giving them visibility and budget control, UAE organisations have laid a strong foundation for enterprise AI. The next step is execution, moving beyond pilots, embedding AI into core business functions and delivering measurable ROI. IBM is proud to partner with UAE clients on this next phase of their AI journey.'
Key findings: UAE CAIOs driving stronger results
UAE CAIOs benefit from stronger senior leadership support:
90 per cent say they receive sufficient CEO support, vs. 80 per cent globally.
86 per cent have broader C-suite backing, vs. 79 per cent globally.
69 per cent were appointed internally, compared to 57 per cent globally.
Their roles are broader and more strategic:
79 per cent control the AI budget (vs. 61 per cent globally).
62 per cent prioritise building business cases (vs. 45 per cent globally).
50 per cent oversee direct implementation of AI, in line with global peers.
However, 38 per cent of UAE CAIOs find implementation 'very difficult', higher than the global average of 30 per cent.
UAE CAIOs bring deep operational expertise:
69 per cent have a background in data, mirroring global figures.
48 per cent come from operations, compared to 38 per cent globally — reflecting an execution-oriented approach.
Balancing experimentation with accountability
While impact measurement is a priority, UAE CAIOs are not waiting for perfect metrics to act:
76 per cent say their organisation risks falling behind without measurement of AI impact (vs. 72 per cent globally).
74 per cent initiate AI projects even if results can't yet be fully measured (vs. 68 per cent globally).
Room to scale
Despite the leadership momentum, AI adoption maturity is still developing:
76 per cent of UAE organisations remain in the pilot stage, compared to 60 per cent globally — indicating significant growth potential in operationalising AI at scale.
The study also reflects broader national goals. As part of the UAE's AI Strategy 2031, the country aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence across sectors such as health, education, energy, and smart cities. This collaborative research from IBM and Dubai Future Foundation positions CAIOs as central to achieving that ambition.
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