UAE investors are rapidly shifting towards AI-driven wealth management, with a clear majority ready to hand key advisory and portfolio decisions to artificial intelligence — but major gaps in satisfaction, product depth and human trust continue to hold the market back, according to a new survey commissioned by Alpheya.
The results highlight a country willing to lead global digital wealth adoption, yet still seeking platforms that match its expectations.
Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of UAE investors surveyed said they would embrace AI as an alternative to human advisors, while 70.8 per cent said they would trust AI to manage their portfolios — a sign of rising confidence in technology-led wealth tools.
AI in UAE investments
The survey, conducted between May and July 2025, captured responses from 509 UAE-based investors, spanning multiple income levels, experience categories and age groups, including both high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and retail investors.
Yet despite strong appetite for AI, overall satisfaction levels remain mixed. Only 52 per cent of HNWIs expressed satisfaction with current digital wealth platforms — the highest among all groups — while just 37 per cent of retail investors reported being satisfied.
Changing demand
The findings show the UAE wealth market sits at a pivotal moment. Investor demand for smarter, more holistic digital solutions is accelerating, but many say current platforms are failing to deliver.
A significant 40 per cent of investors reported unmet needs in product offerings, indicating gaps in both breadth and personalisation.
The results underline that while investors are ready for digital wealth solutions, the market has yet to provide a seamless end-to-end experience.
Despite growing acceptance of AI, the survey highlights the enduring role of human reassurance in wealth management.
Nearly 50 per cent of UAE investors still turn to family members when making investment decisions — signalling that technology alone cannot replace personal guidance, contextual understanding and emotional trust.
AI should enhance, not replace, humans
Roger Rouhana, CEO of Alpheya, said: “The UAE has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of technological innovation, and these findings confirm that investor sentiment is aligned with the country’s forward-looking vision.
“The most effective solutions will be those where AI augments human advisors rather than replacing them entirely, combining technological efficiency with the personal relationships investors clearly value. As platforms deliver this integration through intuitive experiences, adoption will follow.”
UAE leads next phase of digital wealth
Strong investor appetite, supportive ADGM and DIFC regulatory frameworks, and national initiatives such as the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 position the country to drive the next wave of digital wealth innovation.
The survey signals a market ready for transformation — one where hybrid, AI-powered advisory models that retain human trust are likely to define the UAE’s future role as a global financial and technology hub.
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