Middle East workers embrace AI while prioritising job security – survey

Employees across the Middle East are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day work while placing growing importance on job security and skills development, according to new findings from PwC’s Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025.

The survey, which drew responses from 1,286 employees across the region, indicates that the Middle East workforce is leading global peers in AI adoption and confidence with emerging technologies. Three-quarters of respondents said they had used AI tools in their jobs in the past 12 months, compared with 69 per cent globally. Nearly a third reported using generative AI tools on a daily basis.

Almost half of employees in the region, 49 per cent, expect technological change including AI, robotics and automation to have a large or very large impact on their jobs over the next three years. This compares with 45 per cent of employees worldwide.

Despite this anticipated disruption, employees largely view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Around 80 per cent said AI had improved their productivity, while 87 per cent reported higher-quality work and 84 per cent greater creativity. All figures are above global averages.

Randa Bahsoun, Partner, PwC Middle East, said: “As employees confidently embrace change, build new capabilities and show remarkable adaptability with AI, they also want to feel secure and supported. Organisations that provide clarity on how roles will evolve, expand access to learning and protect well-being will be the ones that retain talent and get ahead in a fast-changing labour market.”

The survey highlights generational differences, with Millennials and Gen Z employees showing particularly high confidence in AI and greater levels of hands-on usage. PwC said this places younger workers in a strong position to adapt to evolving entry-level roles and offers employers an opportunity to accelerate digital adoption by leveraging early career talent.

Skills development remains a key priority across the region. Nearly seven in ten respondents said they had gained new skills in the past year, compared with 56 per cent globally. More than 80 per cent said they would prefer a role that offers opportunities to build transferable skills.

While engagement levels remain high, with 78 per cent of employees saying they look forward to going to work, signs of strain are also evident. Around 45 per cent reported feeling fatigued at least once a week, and nearly half said they felt overwhelmed.

Job security has emerged as the top concern. Eighty-five per cent of employees said it was very important when considering new roles. Only 46 per cent plan to ask for a pay rise in 2026, down from 71 per cent last year, suggesting a more cautious labour market.