A pioneering new study has revealed that while an overwhelming majority of Dubai government employees are optimistic about the potential of generative AI in transforming the workplace, more than half remain wary of its implications for job security.
Titled “Generative AI Adoption Amongst Dubai Government Employees”, the report was unveiled by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) during a dedicated session at Dubai AI Week.
The first study of its kind in the region, the report surveyed over 1,530 public sector employees across 34 government departments, incorporating insights from Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers through in-depth interviews. It offers a comprehensive snapshot of how generative AI is being perceived and utilized by Dubai’s public workforce, spanning senior executives to frontline staff.
According to the findings, 94% of respondents expressed optimism about the role of generative AI in enhancing government operations. A further 64% reported using AI tools at intermediate or advanced levels, with nearly 97% of those users citing benefits such as increased efficiency, better quality outputs, and enhanced creativity.
“Empowering government employees to engage with generative artificial intelligence is in line with the vision of our wise leadership,” said Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the DGHR. “This report represents a pivotal step in our efforts to build a future-oriented government model rooted in innovation and artificial intelligence.”
Generative AI is most frequently applied to tasks such as email drafting, content creation, and assisting with research. Advanced users are also deploying AI for more complex problem-solving activities.
However, despite the enthusiasm, the study revealed that 55% of government employees harbor concerns about job displacement due to AI adoption. The report noted that individuals with higher levels of education were less likely to perceive AI as a threat to their roles.
In addition to job security, respondents flagged challenges including data privacy risks, the potential for biased outputs, and unreliable AI performance. While 83% acknowledged the need for ethical guidelines to regulate AI usage, 40% of respondents admitted they were unaware of any such frameworks currently in place.
Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, emphasized the importance of translating the report’s insights into actionable policy. “The conclusions drawn from this study will be essential in formulating policies that support innovation while ensuring adoption of AI advancements in an inclusive, safe, and ethically guided manner,” he said.
The study’s recommendations call for targeted training programs tailored to varying competency levels, greater awareness of AI ethics, and stronger governance mechanisms to support responsible adoption across the public sector.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in digital innovation, the report provides a timely and critical foundation for shaping the next phase of AI integration in governance.
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