UAE Manufacturers Outpace Global Peers in Industrial AI Adoption, Schneider Study Finds

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

UAE manufacturers are adopting industrial artificial intelligence faster than their global peers, with a larger share of companies already considering AI a core part of their operations, according to a new study by Schneider Electric.

The 2026 Industrial AI in CPG Study: UAE, released during Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi, found that 23 per cent of UAE manufacturers surveyed consider AI a core part of their operations, compared with 16.3 per cent globally.

The study, which focuses on food and beverage manufacturers, also found that 59 per cent of UAE respondents expect AI to have a transformational impact on their organisations by 2030, compared with 42.2 per cent of manufacturers globally.

Cybersecurity is emerging as a major concern as adoption expands, with 38 per cent of UAE manufacturers identifying it as a top priority for industrial AI deployment.

The findings come as manufacturers and other industries across the Middle East and Africa increase investment in artificial intelligence, electrification, automation and digital infrastructure to improve productivity and strengthen operational resilience.

“Industrial AI is moving from experimentation to deployment,” President for MEA Zone at Schneider Electric, Walid Sheta, said. “What distinguishes the UAE is not only the pace of adoption, but the confidence manufacturers have in AI’s ability to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience.”

Sheta added that the next challenge would be ensuring that industrial AI deployments are secure, scalable and capable of delivering measurable business outcomes.

The study was unveiled as more than 2,500 energy professionals, government representatives, industry analysts, customers, partners, students and media gathered in Abu Dhabi for Schneider Electric’s two-day Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa.

Held under the theme, “Advancing Energy Tech to Power Intelligence and Resilience,” the summit examined the growing convergence of energy, artificial intelligence and industrial software, as governments and businesses seek to build infrastructure capable of supporting digital and industrial growth.

Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Electric, Olivier Blum, said AI was increasingly becoming embedded in the physical economy, despite being fundamentally digital technology.

“We are entering an Era of Intelligence in which AI is becoming embedded in the physical economy. AI may be digital, but it runs on electricity and depends on the physical systems beneath it,” Blum said.
He said the company was working with customers to connect energy and industrial operations through data, software, AI and automation.

“As an Energy Technology Partner, we help customers connect energy and operations through data, software, AI and automation, turning intelligence into action to improve performance, resilience and competitiveness,” Blum added.

The summit also highlighted the growing demands that AI and digitalisation are placing on energy systems, including the need for grid modernisation, electrification, data-centre infrastructure and stronger cybersecurity.

Speakers examined how AI-powered energy and industrial operations could improve operational efficiency, optimise energy consumption and strengthen industrial performance, while also discussing the workforce capabilities needed to support digital transformation.

Alongside the summit, Schneider Electric and the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed an agreement to launch the NEST Accelerator Programme, a 12-week initiative targeting early-stage startups working in energy technology, industrial technology and enterprise AI.

The programme will target high-potential startups across the Middle East and Africa and will be delivered through a specialised third-party accelerator under Schneider Electric’s supervision.

The summit also featured the unveiling of a 3,000-square-metre Innovation Hub showcasing technologies covering the infrastructure lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

Schneider Electric said the hub demonstrated technologies for AI-powered operations, smart buildings, sustainable data centres, industrial automation, water technologies, mobility and cybersecurity.

The company’s senior executives, customers, partners and industry experts used the summit to discuss software-defined energy systems, industrial intelligence, electrification and AI-ready infrastructure.

The event opened with a keynote address by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, in the presence of French Ambassador to the UAE, Marie Audouard.

The summit concluded with Schneider Electric reaffirming its commitment to working with governments, customers and partners to accelerate the deployment of intelligent, resilient and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and Africa.