UAE Tops Global AI Adoption at 70%, Widening North-South Divide
The UAE became the first nation to surpass 70% AI adoption among working-age adults, leading 147 economies as the Global North-South gap widens.
The United Arab Emirates ranked first globally in artificial intelligence adoption for the first quarter of 2026, becoming the first country to surpass a 70% AI usage threshold among its working-age population. The Microsoft AI Economy Institute reported a UAE diffusion score of 70.1%, up from 64% in 2025 and 59.4% in earlier findings, far exceeding the global average of 17.8%. Singapore, Norway, Ireland, and France followed in the top five.
The report, which analyzed 147 economies, highlighted Taiwan's first entry into the top 20 with a 31.8% usage rate, surpassing the United States, Denmark, and Germany. The United States landed in 21st place. Asian economies overall showed the fastest growth since June 2025, led by South Korea.
The institute attributed the UAE's lead to long-term strategic investments and a focus on diversifying its economy away from hydrocarbons. However, the report warned of a widening adoption gap between the Global North and Global South, citing limited electricity, poor internet connectivity, and lower digital skills as primary barriers to equitable adoption in developing regions.
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