Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Enhancing Countries' Preparedness

IMF News, February 3, 2026

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Published: February 3, 2026

Overview

Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the World Government Summit, Dubai, UAE, February 3, 2026.
Emphasis on the UAE and GCC as fast-growing global AI hubs with significant investments in human capital and partnerships with major tech firms.
Note: A recent Microsoft study reports that 64 percent of the UAE’s working age population uses AI, which is the highest rate globally.

Key findings and projections

AI could fuel a boost to global productivity of up to 0.8 percentage points per year.
This productivity boost could raise global growth to levels exceeding those of the pre-pandemic period.
In the Gulf region, AI could boost non-oil GDP in Gulf countries by up to 2.8 percent.
Countries with stronger digital infrastructure, more skilled labor forces, and robust regulatory frameworks are likely to experience the largest and fastest benefits from AI adoption.

Labor market impacts

On average, 40 percent of jobs globally will be impacted by AI—either upgraded or eliminated or transformed.
For advanced economies, 60 percent of jobs will be affected.
About one in 10 job postings in advanced economies now require at least one new skill.
Workers with in-demand skills will likely see productivity and wage gains, potentially increasing employment and wages among low-skilled workers.
Middle-skilled jobs will be squeezed.
Young people and the middle class will be hit hardest.

Policy recommendations

Macro policies
- Fiscal policies can support AI-driven investment and innovation by strengthening tax systems and by funding research, reskilling, or sector-based training programs.
- Tax systems should not encourage automation at the expense of people.
- Effective financial regulation is essential to ensure financial market efficiency and improved risk management.
Guardrails
- AI needs to be regulated to ensure it is safe, fair, and trustworthy—but regulation must avoid stifling innovation.
- Countries are adopting different approaches, ranging from risk-based frameworks to high-level principles.
- Coordination across countries on regulatory approaches is critical.
Cooperation and partnerships
- Scale is a big advantage in AI and requires cooperation among governments, AI researchers and developers.
- Cooperation is particularly important for data sharing and knowledge transfer.

Regional implications for the UAE and GCC

High AI adoption in the UAE illustrates regional dynamism and justifies major investments and partnerships by global tech companies.
For economies dependent on hydrocarbon exports, AI presents an enormous opportunity to diversify and build new sources of growth.

Conclusion

AI will transform economies, presenting immense opportunities and significant risks.
Success in translating AI’s promise into broad-based prosperity will largely depend on the policy regimes countries put in place and on international cooperation.

Source: Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva — "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Enhancing Countries' Preparedness", World Government Summit, Dubai, UAE, February 3, 2026.