A recent report from risk advisory firm Marsh has identified employee resistance to artificial intelligence as the primary workforce risk for UAE companies, surpassing long-standing concerns like cybersecurity and escalating healthcare costs. The "2026 People Risks" study, which surveyed over 100 local HR and risk professionals, highlights that these "mindset barriers" are now critical factors affecting everything from business continuity to organizational resilience. Alarmingly, the data suggests that internal collaboration is lagging, with only 40% of firms reporting seamless cooperation between their HR and risk management departments.

To mitigate these challenges, UAE organizations are increasingly prioritizing staff training, focusing on areas such as identifying AI-generated misinformation and strengthening data privacy protocols. Despite the digital shift, traditional concerns regarding employee welfare remain significant; 62% of companies anticipate a continued rise in health and benefit costs, while many acknowledge that inadequate mental health support and psychological safety in the workplace pose a real threat to operational success. As the business landscape evolves, the report emphasizes that UAE firms must foster tighter alignment between leadership, finance, and HR to build a more resilient workforce capable of navigating this complex, AI-driven environment.