UAE

How AI Is Reshaping Jobs in the UAE, Pressuring Businesses and Workers

AI is no longer a future promise in the UAE. It is already shaping how people work, how companies invest, and how residents think about their careers.

Two recent reports — from enterprise technology firm Kyndryl and consulting giant PwC — suggest the country has reached a turning point. Businesses are starting to see returns from artificial intelligence, while employees across the region are using AI tools in their daily jobs. At the same time, cracks are emerging around skills, infrastructure and long-term readiness.

“The UAE has set out one of the most ambitious AI agendas in the world, from its drive to build an AI-powered government to the transformation of key industries and the development of an AI-ready workforce,” said Raoul Van Engelshoven, Managing Director of Kyndryl UAE.

AI gains, scaling pains

According to Kyndryl’s UAE Readiness Report, 93% of business leaders expect AI to transform jobs in their organisations within the next year. Many companies have moved beyond experimentation, yet the pressure to prove results is rising fast.

About 70% of UAE organisations say they feel increased pressure to show a clear return on AI investments. Even so, two-thirds admit their AI projects often stall after early pilots. Foundational technology issues remain a major hurdle, with many firms saying their systems are not yet built to scale innovation.

Bosses remain confident, but the pace of change is stretching teams. More than 90% say they struggle to keep up with rapid technological advances, while others point to complex IT environments and weak coordination between business and tech teams.

For UAE residents, the impact of AI is becoming tangible. While companies expect roles to change quickly, many are unsure how ready their people are.

Kyndryl found that nearly one in three organisations worry about how to reskill employees whose roles may be affected by AI. Gaps in technical capabilities and problem-solving skills are already emerging, raising concerns about whether the workforce can keep pace with automation.

Workers embrace AI

PwC’s Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey shows employees are not waiting for change — they are already using AI. Three in four workers across the region have used AI tools in the past year, with daily use of generative AI higher than global averages.

Most employees see AI as a positive force. Many say it has improved productivity, work quality and creativity. Younger workers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are driving adoption and often lead experimentation inside organisations.

“As employees confidently embrace change and build new capabilities with AI, they also want to feel secure and supported,” said Randa Bahsoun, Partner at PwC Middle East.

Yet optimism is paired with caution. Job security has become the top priority for workers, outweighing pay rises. Fewer employees plan to ask for higher salaries next year, reflecting a more careful outlook.

Cloud and cyber risks

As AI use grows, infrastructure decisions are becoming more sensitive. Kyndryl found widespread concern about data sovereignty and geopolitical risk, pushing many UAE organisations to rethink cloud strategies and keep more data closer to home.

Cybersecurity is another weak spot. Most firms experienced a cyber-related outage in the past year, yet many admit their defences are still catching up.

“Organisations that provide clarity on how roles will evolve and expand access to learning will be the ones that retain talent in a fast-changing labour market,” Bahsoun added.

What comes next

Together, the findings point to a workforce that is engaged, adaptable and ready to learn — but increasingly focused on stability. AI is moving fast in the UAE. Whether businesses can modernise systems, build skills and protect wellbeing at the same pace may define the next chapter of work in the country.

Story by Gulf News

Sports

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in UAE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner meaning football fans in the UAE need to prepare for a summer of late nights and early mornings.

While not having free-to-air World Cup coverage, the UAE will still have full access to every single match through beIN SPORTS, the official broadcaster for the Middle East and North Africa region. That means all 104 games will be shown live, but via subscription-based platforms.

There are a few ways fans can tune in with the most traditional option through a beIN SPORTS satellite subscription, which delivers dedicated World Cup channels straight to your TV.

For those who prefer streaming, beIN CONNECT offers live coverage on mobile, laptop and smart TV devices. Meanwhile, TOD by beIN has become a popular standalone streaming option, giving fans more flexibility to follow the action without needing a full satellite package.

What time do the games kick-off in UAE?

With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spanning multiple time zones, matches will follow a structured daily rhythm designed for global audiences, but it isn’t so helpful for UAE fans.

During the group stage, the matches will most frequently rotate through the following set of kick-off windows:

11:00 PM GST
2:00 AM GST
5:00 AM GST
8:00–11:00 AM GST

It means fans in the Emirates will get a real mix of late night and sunrise football. Whether it’s gathering with friends late at night or catching highlights over morning coffee, the World Cup will be part of daily life across the country for a month-long stretch.

While the absence of free-to-air coverage means viewers need a subscription to follow every match, the upside is complete access to the entire tournament in one place, with full coverage, analysis, and dedicated World Cup programming across beIN’s platforms.

And of course, football in the UAE rarely stays behind closed doors. Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, fans can expect packed sports bars, fan zones, and public screenings throughout the tournament, creating that shared World Cup atmosphere that brings people together no matter who they support.

So, whether you’re watching at 11pm, 2am or even grabbing a quick nap before a 5am kick-off, one thing is certain, the World Cup is set to take over life in the UAE once again.

UAE

UAE Expands VAT Refunds for New Home Builders

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new initiative that expands the range of expenses eligible for value-added tax (VAT) refunds for UAE nationals building new homes, in a move aimed at supporting families and reducing construction costs.

The initiative comes in line with the UAE leadership’s directives and coincides with the Year of Family, reinforcing efforts to support home ownership and family wellbeing.

According to the FTA, the expanded list of eligible expenses is expected to generate around AED 200 million in VAT savings for Emirati citizens, with the average refund estimated at about AED 25,000 per claim.

The authority said the total value of approved refund claims is expected to exceed AED 1 billion in 2026, compared to around AED 754 million recorded in 2025.

More construction costs covered

The FTA explained that the initiative is now active and applies to all VAT refund applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, provided all requirements are met.

Under the updated rules, UAE nationals can now claim VAT refunds on a wider range of construction-related expenses that form part of the residence and are intended for personal or family use.

Newly eligible items include staff accommodation for watchmen, drivers and domestic workers, home gyms, game rooms, integrated smart home systems and security systems, as well as electronic and smart doors for homes and garages.

The expanded list also covers swimming pools, fountains, decorative indoor water features, landscaping works and complete home reconstruction projects, including demolition and rebuilding costs.

The FTA said these features must be part of the residential property, built on the same plot of land and directly connected to the main residence in order to qualify for a refund.

Awareness campaign planned

The authority said it will organise awareness sessions across the UAE to help citizens understand the new initiative and how to benefit from it.

These sessions will be held at local district councils and will also provide an opportunity for residents to share feedback and suggestions on FTA services.

Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director-General of the FTA, said the initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting citizens and providing services that improve their quality of life.

He added that the expanded refund programme aims to make the process more transparent and easier for UAE nationals constructing new homes.

The FTA also confirmed that its digital VAT refund platform has been updated to include the newly approved categories, making it easier for applicants to identify eligible expenses and submit their claims.

Officials said the initiative is expected to provide meaningful financial support to families while encouraging home ownership and helping reduce the overall cost of building a new residence.

UAE

Petrol, parking and Salik costs rise in Dubai

UAE motorists are entering June with a clearer picture of what to expect on the roads as new fuel prices, updated parking charges and Salik fees come into effect. While some driving costs are set to rise, Dubai is also advancing its smart mobility agenda with fully cashless parking payments, making it easier for motorists to manage their journeys through digital channels.

With petrol prices rising for a fourth consecutive month and new VAT charges kicking in from June 1, here is a guide to what motorists can expect and how much more they may end up paying.

Fuel prices rise again in June

Petrol prices have increased steadily since March, and June brings another hike.

New fuel prices for June 2026 are:

• Super 98: Dh3.95 per litre (up from Dh3.66 in May)
• Special 95: Dh3.83 per litre (up from Dh3.55)
• E-Plus 91: Dh3.76 per litre (up from Dh3.48)

Diesel prices have offered some relief, easing to Dh4.33 per litre from Dh4.69 the previous month, providing a slight offset amid broader fuel and transport cost changes.

While the increase is smaller than the sharp jump seen during the Iran conflict, motorists will still pay more at the pump. Petrol prices are now almost 50 per cent higher than in February, when Super 98 cost Dh2.45 per litre.

Dubai parking charges to increase

From June 1, Parkin will apply a 5 per cent VAT to all parking services in line with UAE tax regulations.

The tax will apply to:

On-street parking
Off-street parking
Seasonal parking cards
Parking permits
Reservations

The underlying parking tariffs remain unchanged, but VAT will be added to the final amount paid by motorists.

How much will parking cost now?

Premium parking during peak hours:

Current: Dh6 per hour
New: Dh6.30 per hour

Standard parking:

Current: Dh4 per hour
New: Dh4.20 per hour

Lower-tariff zones:

Dh3 becomes Dh3.15
Dh2 becomes Dh2.10

Peak parking hours remain:

6am to 10am
4pm to 8pm

What remains free?

Motorists will still enjoy free parking between 1am and 6am.

In most public parking zones, Sundays and public holidays remain free unless otherwise indicated.

Salik toll fees also rise

VAT will now apply to all Salik toll crossings and tag activation charges.

New Salik charges:

Peak hours:

Current: Dh6
New: Dh6.30

Off-peak hours:

Current: Dh4
New: Dh4.20

Sunday crossings:

Current: Dh4
New: Dh4.20

Late-night crossings between 1am and 6am remain free.

Salik tag activation becomes more expensive

The Salik tag activation fee rises from Dh50 to Dh52.50 after VAT.

Drivers purchasing new tags should expect a slightly higher overall cost, depending on how VAT is applied to eligible service charges.

Dubai goes cashless for parking payments

Another major change arrives on June 1 as Dubai phases out cash payments at parking meters.

Motorists will no longer be able to pay using coins or paper notes at physical parking machines.

Parking can instead be paid through:

nol cards
Parkin app
SMS parking service
Dubai Now app
RTA app

What changes for motorists

From June 1, UAE motorists will pay more for fuel, parking and tolls, while cash parking payments become a thing of the past in Dubai.

For occasional drivers, the increases may only add a few dirhams each month. However, daily commuters who regularly use Salik gates, premium parking zones and petrol-powered vehicles are likely to feel the impact more significantly as transport costs continue to climb.