AI Tools Have Increased Workloads in UAE and Saudi Arabia
A new industry survey details how workers in the Middle East feel stretched despite reported productivity gains from AI.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The Korn Ferry Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report found that a majority of professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia feel their expected tasks have increased due to AI tools. While many workers report efficiency gains, significant portions also report feeling overwhelmed and stretched beyond their capabilities.
Why it matters
This trend suggests that productivity improvements from AI may be leading to higher operational expectations rather than lighter workloads for employees. It highlights a growing friction where technological efficiency is currently resulting in increased pressure rather than reduced labor.
The report surveyed 16,000 global professionals, including 500 respondents each in the UAE and Saudi Arabia across all organizational levels. These figures show that 56% of Saudi workers and 53% of UAE workers currently feel stretched beyond their professional capabilities.
The players
Korn Ferry
A global organizational consulting firm that specializes in talent acquisition and workforce research.
The details
The report captures sentiment by polling professionals from individual contributor roles up to the CEO level. Participants evaluated how AI tools interact with their daily task lists and perceived work volume. Efficiency gains are defined by the participants as a reduction in time spent on specific tasks, yet this is being offset by a broader increase in the quantity of expectations placed on these workers.
Timeline
The Korn Ferry Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report was published in 2026.
A survey regarding role expansion was released in August 2026.
The Tech Race
This research follows the pattern set by the Robert Walters August 2026 survey on role expansion regarding the shifting nature of work. It clarifies that the current competitive landscape is prioritizing increased output volumes over simple labor time reduction.
Professionals should prepare for potential shifts in performance metrics as organizations look to capture the efficiency gains reported by peers. Those feeling stretched beyond current capacity may need to realign expectations with management as AI-driven workflows become standard.
The takeaway
While AI is delivering the promised efficiency gains, it is currently functioning as an engine for increased task volume rather than decreased labor. Monitor upcoming industry performance reviews to see if these heightened expectations result in measurable changes to organizational output benchmarks.
Further reading
For broader context on how automation is changing labor markets, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
Live Poll
Do you feel that using AI tools at your job is improving your overall career experience?
