G42, the UAE-based global technology group, released a report in collaboration with Semafor titled “What AI Experts Want from Their Employers.”
The study sheds light on what motivates the world’s most sought-after AI professionals and what employers must offer to attract and retain them in an increasingly competitive global talent market.
Drawing on insights from 750 AI specialists across leading talent hubs, the report explores critical decision-making drivers, including job satisfaction, career advancement, compensation, and the growing importance of flexible work environments and advanced AI infrastructure.
G42 AI survey
Key findings from the report include:
- What they value most: Compensation (68 per cent important v 43 per cent satisfied), job security (70 per cent v 48 per cent), and work-life balance (67 per cent v 48 per cent) were top concerns. Key offer drivers include salary/bonuses, access to advanced AI projects, and comprehensive benefits packages
- Skills that stand out: Deep learning, data engineering, and programming lead across experience levels. Senior professionals emphasise machine learning specialisation, while implementation experts value cybersecurity and intellectual curiosity
- Different roles, different priorities: Research-focused AI professionals seek autonomy and global exposure; implementation specialists are drawn to competitive salaries, rapid career growth, and a commitment to ethical AI
- Hierarchy and hybrid work: 70 per cent of associate-level respondents prioritise hybrid work models compared to 53 per cent of team leaders
- Experience matters: Senior professionals are drawn to leadership roles, sustainability-focused projects, and long-term impact. Junior talent seeks flexibility, hands-on learning, and fast-tracked career progression
Maymee Kurian, Group Human Capital and Culture Officer at G42, said: “This report reinforces what we see every day: that attracting and retaining AI talent goes far beyond compensation, it’s about purpose, opportunity, and impact.
“The most sought-after professionals today want to work on cutting-edge projects, in organisations that align with their values and offer room to grow and lead”.
With international collaborations with NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, Qualcomm, and OpenAI, and backed by a landmark $1.5bn investment from Microsoft in 2024, G42 is uniquely positioned to offer transformative, high-impact opportunities for the world’s leading AI minds.
This reflects the UAE’s position as a global AI leader, with PwC projecting the country to have the third-highest contribution of AI to national GDP by 2030 – a result of its strategic investments in sovereign AI infrastructure, forward-looking regulations, and effective public-private collaboration.
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