Report: 76% of UAE Leaders Urge Faster AI Adoption
A new wave of digital transformation is emerging, driven by AI’s ability to continuously learn and operate autonomously. According to Accenture’s Technology Vision 2025 report, organisations must prioritise trust in AI’s performance for it to deliver on its full potential.
The report, now in its 25th year, highlights how AI is accelerating enterprise reinvention at an unprecedented pace. In the UAE, 76% of executives believe AI demands urgent changes to how technology systems are designed and managed. AI is expected to evolve into a development partner, brand ambassador, and autonomous agent in the physical world, fostering a new relationship between humans and technology.
Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, stated: “Our Technology Vision provides leaders with a glimpse into the future, where AI continuously learns, acts on behalf of people, and drives enterprise reinvention. But realising AI’s full benefits depends on embedding trust into its performance and outcomes, ensuring it delivers reliably and responsibly.”
Trust as the Foundation
Beyond technical accuracy, AI must operate transparently, predictably and ethically. While 65% of UAE executives acknowledge that AI’s benefits depend on trust, this is lower than the global average of 81%. Meanwhile, 69% agree that trust strategies must evolve alongside AI strategies.
Karthik Narain, Accenture’s CTO, described this as a pivotal shift: “AI’s autonomy is transforming business operations, moving away from static systems to more dynamic, intention-driven digital frameworks. However, AI systems will only be as autonomous as they are trustworthy.”
AI’s Expanding Influence
The report explores AI’s growing role in four key areas:
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Technology Development – The rise of generative AI is reshaping software engineering, with AI-assisted coding transforming developers into systems engineers. As multi-agent AI models become more sophisticated, they will drive a shift towards intention-based architectures, optimising processes from travel planning to inventory management. Accenture’s platforms, GenWizard, SynOps, and AI Refinery, are already enabling businesses to build and scale AI-driven workflows.
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Customer Experience – AI is becoming a new brand touchpoint, but differentiation is key. While 81% of UAE executives worry that AI-powered chatbots could make brands sound identical, 96% agree that businesses must embed unique cultural and brand elements into AI interactions.
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Physical World – Generalist AI-driven robots will gain more autonomy, adapting rapidly to new tasks. Accenture’s collaboration with KION Group and NVIDIA is advancing AI-powered warehouse robotics, enhancing efficiency and safety. 74% of UAE executives believe human-robot collaboration will strengthen trust and teamwork.
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Workforce Evolution – AI’s learning loop means the more people use AI, the more effective it becomes. 73% of UAE leaders see a strong human-AI relationship as vital, though slightly below the global average of 80%. Accenture’s Generative AI Scholars Programme with Stanford Online is helping businesses equip employees with AI skills, ensuring they can harness AI as a valuable digital assistant.
As AI reshapes industries, its success will depend not just on innovation but on the trust organisations place in its autonomy.
