Generative AI is gradually becoming the ‘default’ for Saudis in the workplace
A new study from Deloitte provides an in-depth view of how rapidly artificial intelligence (AI) has made inroads into the workplace, describing the technology as a “default” tool for many in daily work routines.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 people, found that 66% of respondents in Saudi Arabia now actively use AI tools, led primarily by generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. This represents a 17-percentage-point increase from last year’s number, signalling a clear tipping point: what was still experimental not too long ago is now embedded in everyday workflows and used habitually.
Deloitte’s report, which casually notes that generative AI usage in Saudi Arabia is higher than in the UK, shows that generational engagement with the technology is unsurprisingly higher amongst younger age groups. Among Gen Z (18-29 years), awareness stands at 84%, with usage at 72%. Millennials (30-45 years) show slightly lower but still strong adoption, with 75% awareness and 64% usage.
In the workplace
AI adoption is particularly evident in professional settings. Usage for work-related tasks has risen to 45%, with consumers increasingly turning to AI as a starting point for productivity. The most common use cases include searching for information (51%), generating ideas (44%), and language translation (42%).
Other widely used applications include drafting written content, generating images, and analysing large datasets. “For many in the workplace, AI is becoming the first step in how people access knowledge and solve problems,” the authors state.
Employers need to catch up
While adoption is accelerating, the report highlights that organisational maturity is still lagging behind. Much of current generative AI usage remains informal, with employees relying heavily on free tools and limited institutional guidance.
A significant share of respondents – close to one-quarter – say their organisations have no formal policy or guidance on generative AI use, while 16% are unsure whether any policy exists at all. Deloitte notes that this gap points to an urgent need for clearer governance frameworks, as well as an opportunity for organisations to introduce structured AI policies that maximise productivity while managing risk associated with unauthorised platforms.
According to the authors: “Providing certified tools, clear policies, and workforce training will not only drive business outcomes but also foster a culture of responsible innovation, aligning with national digital transformation priorities as part of the KSA’s Vision 2030 agenda.”
The impact of AI on employability
Beyond productivity gains, respondents also expressed growing concern about AI’s impact on jobs. More than six in ten Saudis told Deloitte that they believe AI will reduce job availability, while 55% are worried about AI replacing certain aspects of their roles.
Across generations, Millennials report the highest level of concern, with 63% fearing job reductions – reflecting heightened anxieties among mid-career professionals. Among Gen Z, only 51% believe AI will replace aspects of their roles, suggesting comparatively higher confidence or adaptability at earlier career stages.
The generational differences in concern likely reflect career positioning: Millennials are often in mid-career roles where disruption feels more immediate, Gen Z is still in early-career phases with greater flexibility, while Gen X professionals typically occupy more senior roles that are, for now, less directly exposed to automation pressures.
Yet across the board, the report highlights that while concern about job displacement is real, a significant proportion of respondents remain optimistic – indicating readiness to adapt, reskill, and leverage AI to enhance productivity rather than be displaced by it.
To place this concern in a global perspective, a previous report on the emergence of generative AI found that workers in the Middle East are among the least worried about the technology’s impact on their jobs and roles.
