56% Of Middle East Tech Pros Utilize AI, Outpacing European Counterparts, Finds New Hays Data

A comprehensive survey by Hays, world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, involving 5014 tech professionals and 6178 employers across 20 countries in the EMEA region has revealed that the Middle East's tech sector is more advanced than Europe's. The study highlights that more tech professionals in the Middle East utilise AI compared to their European counterparts, and more organisations in the region offer AI training and support.

The findings from Hays, a global leader in workforce solutions and recruitment, indicate a strong desire among EMEA tech professionals to enhance their AI skills. In the Middle East, 56% of tech professionals are utilising AI, surpassing any European country. In contrast, only 28% of tech experts in Italy and 29% in France are using AI. While 82% of these professionals seek AI training, only 31% of organisational decision-makers currently advocate for AI usage.

AI Adoption in the Middle East

In the GCC region, 68% of tech professionals link AI with increased productivity and efficiency. Additionally, half of them are already employing AI tools as communication assistants. This contrasts sharply with Europe, where Italy sees just 28% and France 29% of tech professionals using AI.

Oliver Kowalski, Regional Managing Director at Hays Middle East, commented on the data: "Of course, AI has its risks, but it is here to stay and those that embrace it will reap its rewards. This new data brings to light a competitive advantage for companies in the Middle East looking to hire developers, data and infrastructure professionals, cyber security talent and other tech specialists. It shows these people's thirst for AI training, for working on innovative projects with the latest iterations of technologies. That Middle Eastern tech professionals and companies are a step ahead of their European counterparts is something that should be highlighted – your company's AI initiatives and vision should be explained to prospective new hires to encourage them to join."

AI remains a crucial area for skill development among tech specialists. A significant 82% of all EMEA tech professionals express a desire for AI training. This interest peaks at 92% in The Netherlands and 89% in Spain. Despite this enthusiasm, only 30% of employers across the EMEA region recommend using AI.

In terms of practical application, 66% of software developers are leveraging AI to write or debug code. However, only 24% of tech professionals in the GCC region have received training or support for adopting AI technologies in their work. This figure is higher than any European country except The Netherlands (27%).

The study's data and analysis are accessible through an interactive report called The Tech Talent Explorer. This tool compares AI adoption rates, salaries, and talent attraction factors for tech professionals across the EMEA region.

The report underscores a competitive edge for Middle Eastern companies aiming to attract top-tier developers, data experts, infrastructure specialists, cybersecurity talent, and other tech roles. Highlighting these findings could help firms better communicate their AI initiatives to potential hires.

This detailed examination showcases how Middle Eastern tech professionals and organisations are leading in embracing AI compared to their European peers. It also emphasises the importance of promoting company visions related to AI when recruiting new talent.