Nearly all senior data executives in the UAE admit they cannot fully trace how artificial intelligence systems make decisions, even as the country accelerates its AI ambitions under the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, a study showed.

According to Dataiku's latest Global AI Confessions Report: Data Leaders Edition, 94% of UAE data leaders say they lack complete visibility into AI decision-making processes-a figure among the highest globally.

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll across eight countries, paints a picture of rapid AI adoption outpacing governance. Only 17% of UAE respondents require AI systems to“show their work” consistently, while nearly two-thirds (62%) are not confident their organisation's AI systems could pass a basic audit. Despite these concerns, 72% would still trust AI agents to make autonomous business decisions-even without explainability.

“This report reveals that enterprises in the UAE, much like those globally, are betting on AI they don't fully trust,” said Florian Douetteau, Co-founder and CEO of Dataiku.“The encouraging news is that governance challenges, such as explainability and traceability, can be overcome.”

The findings highlight a disconnect between executive expectations and operational realities. Almost six in ten UAE data leaders believe their C-suite overestimates AI accuracy, while 64% say leadership underestimates the time and complexity required to make AI production-ready. Alarmingly, nearly a third have been asked to approve AI initiatives that made them uncomfortable, and three in four say their company's AI strategy is driven more by technological ambition than business outcomes.

Despite the risks, perceived consequences remain low. Just 35% of UAE respondents expect a CEO to lose their job over AI-related complications by 2026-the lowest globally. Over half also feel their own roles are secure even if AI fails to deliver measurable business gains in the next two years.

Still, UAE organisations show caution in sensitive areas. More than half would never allow AI to make hiring or firing decisions, while significant numbers would exclude AI from legal, compliance, or employee wellness functions.

UAE organisations are leading the charge in adopting AI at scale, but the findings show that work must still be done to ensure responsible growth remains the priority,” said Sid Bhatia, Area VP & General Manager – Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Dataiku.

The report underscores a critical moment for the Emirates: as regulators explore AI governance frameworks, businesses have an opportunity to build internal accountability and strengthen transparency across the AI lifecycle.

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