UAE investors show strong trust in AI to handle their investments: survey

A new Alpheya-commissioned survey suggests that confidence in AI-driven investing is gaining strong momentum in the UAE, with 70.8% of respondents saying they would trust artificial intelligence to manage their portfolios.

An even larger share - 73% - said they would be comfortable using AI as an alternative to human financial advisors, according to WAM.

The study, carried out between May and July 2025, polled 509 investors across the UAE, including both high-net-worth individuals and retail investors from varied age and income groups.

Despite the broad optimism around digital tools, overall satisfaction with existing wealth management platforms remains low. Just over half of HNWIs (52%) expressed satisfaction - the highest among all investor segments - while only 37% of retail investors felt the same.

The results indicate that although demand for more advanced and integrated digital wealth solutions is rising, many platforms continue to fall short. Four in ten respondents said current product offerings do not meet their needs, pointing to a gap between investor expectations and what the market currently provides.

The survey also underscores that technology alone cannot replace the human element in financial decision-making. Nearly half of UAE investors still depend on family members when making investment choices, highlighting the continued importance of trust, reassurance, and personal guidance.

Commenting on the findings, Alpheya CEO Roger Rouhana said the results reflect the UAE’s longstanding commitment to technological leadership. He noted that the most effective wealth management models will blend AI capabilities with human insight, rather than rely solely on automation.

“As platforms bring these elements together through seamless and intuitive experiences, adoption will accelerate,” he said.

With strong investor appetite, supportive regulatory ecosystems in ADGM and DIFC, and national initiatives such as the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, the report suggests the country is well positioned to drive the next wave of digital wealth management and strengthen its status as a global financial and technology hub.