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Workday's Expansion into the UAE: A New Era for HR, Finance, and IT

Introduction

On October 1, 2026, Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ: WDAY), a leading enterprise AI platform, officially launched its operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strategic move aims to empower organizations in the region to modernize their HR, finance, and IT functions. The launch is significant not only for Workday but also for the UAE's ambitious transformation objectives, as the nation seeks to enhance the capabilities of its workforce in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

New Office and Local Leadership

To facilitate its operations, Workday has established a brand-new office in Dubai. This base will serve as a localized hub, allowing Workday to engage directly with customers, strengthen partnerships, and attract top talent in the region. The company has also expanded its local leadership team to better cater to the needs of UAE businesses. The investment aligns with Workday's mission to support the national transformation goals of the UAE effectively.

Research Insights on AI Impact

Coinciding with the launch, Workday released findings from a new study titled "Beyond Productivity: Measuring the Real Value of AI in the UAE." The research revealed that AI adoption has reached remarkable levels in the UAE, with 90% of employees reporting weekly use of AI technologies. Among these, 58% utilize AI multiple times a week, while 18% use it every day. On average, employees save around 3.6 hours weekly due to AI implementation. Notably, over half of the directors and C-suite executives use AI regularly, signifying its growing relevance in decision-making processes.

The Future of Work in UAE

The Middle East represents a crucial element of Workday's global growth strategy. As demand for cloud-based solutions rises and national agendas push for modernization, organizations that embrace transformation will shape the future landscape of the workplace. According to Angelique De Vries-Schipperijn, President of EMEA at Workday, the UAE's ambitious national goals necessitate technology that enhances efficiency while ensuring compliance in a heavily regulated environment.

The Role of Human Oversight

Despite the exciting advancements in AI, the research emphasizes that harnessing its full potential still requires human oversight and trust. On average, employees spend approximately 3.4 hours weekly addressing low-quality AI outputs, highlighting that while AI can assist workloads, it cannot completely replace human judgment. Organizations are recognizing the importance of clear guidelines and processes to maximize the benefits of AI. Moreover, many UAE companies are redirecting the efficiencies gained through AI towards training and improving employee well-being, rather than solely focusing on cost reduction.

Statistics Reflecting the Trend

The study found that:

• - 33% of organizations utilize AI to manage increased workloads without expanding their workforce.
• - 32% reinvest time and cost savings into employee training and skill development.
• - 32% leverage AI efficiencies to improve flexibility and workplace dynamics.
• - Only 24% primarily use AI-generated savings for cost-cutting measures.

Frontline leaders like Zakaria Haltout, Group Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) at Workday, reiterate the importance of transitioning from experimentation with AI to its daily usage. He notes that while 90% of employees engage with AI weekly, deriving long-term value necessitates maintaining human involvement and investing in continuous skill enhancement.

Conclusion

Workday's launch in the UAE marks a pivotal moment for organizations looking to transform their operational frameworks. By integrating AI into their processes, businesses can achieve unprecedented efficiency and modernization, provided they maintain trust and invest in human talent. As Workday positions itself at the forefront of this transformation, it undoubtedly sets the stage for organizations in the UAE to thrive in the evolving digital landscape. For a comprehensive understanding of Workday’s offerings and insights, visit workday.com.

About Workday

Workday is recognized for operating at the intersection of HR, finance, and IT—areas where precision is paramount. By integrating AI into business processes alongside substantial measures and protocols, Workday transcends traditional AI applications to deliver outcomes that matter. With over 11,500 organizations trusting its services, including around 65% of the Fortune 500, Workday stands as a beacon for future-ready businesses.