Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHBAI)
C-suite executives recognise the importance of adopting AI, but there remain gaps in their understanding of the technology — particularly in knowing its capabilities, limitations, and how it can effectively enhance operations and the workforce, an expert has said.
Today’s CEOs will require more than just education, said Abir Habbal, Data and AI Strategy & Consulting Lead at Accenture in the Middle East, in an interview with Aletihad.
Habbal enumerated three key barriers to AI adoption at the executive level.
“First, there is uncertainty about where to start. The AI space is evolving so fast, it is hard to separate hype from what is actually achievable. Second, alignment across the leadership team is not always there. If your CIO, CFO, and CHRO are not working from a shared understanding, AI initiatives often stall at the pilot stage. And third, many organisations simply are not ready.”
To close these gaps, she recommended a full-immersion executive training programme.
“When you bring CEOs and their leadership teams into a focused learning environment… you give them the space to step back, learn from experts, and engage in honest, strategic conversations."
CEOs need AI fluency, Habbal said. This refers to “understanding what AI can and cannot do, how to manage risks responsibly, how to redesign operating models around AI, and how to build a future-ready workforce”.
The UAE Government is ahead of the curve in upskilling top officials across federal entities. Its recently launched Chief AI Officers’ Training Programme aims to empower AI leaders and drive sustained progress in adopting and developing smart solutions.
This is just one among several initiatives that the country has rolled out to be at the forefront of AI development.
“What sets the UAE apart is the clarity of its ambition and the speed of execution,” Habbal said.
“We are deeply aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision for becoming an AI-native government by 2027… not just by adopting technology, but by reimagining how services are delivered to citizens.”
Impact of AI Literacy
AI training programmes are not about “turning executives into data scientists”, the expert said. “It is about giving them the tools to lead in an AI-driven world.”
AI literacy fundamentally changes the dynamics between the C-suite and technical teams, Habbal said. “That alignment helps sharpen priorities, streamline decision-making, and avoid the disconnects that often slow down execution.”
Generative AI, she said, is becoming a powerful decision-support tool for executives.
“It is not making decisions for leaders; but it helps them make better, faster, more informed decisions,” Habbal said.
"At the end of the day, the judgment still lies with the human. But generative AI helps cut through the noise, boost strategic thinking, and unlock time — so leaders can focus on what truly matters.”
Differentiating Factors
Asked about measuring the return on investment (ROI) from AI implementation, Habbal explained that it’s not always about “cost savings or headcount reduction”.
The real impact, she said, would be evident from smarter decisions; teams that can make decisions on their own; better business outcomes; and the organisational agility.
Citing statistics from Accenture studies, Habbal said 63% of leading performing companies see AI deliver measurable ROI within 3 years, but only 15% of the C-suite feel they are prepared to scale.
Those who lead in AI adoption invest twice as much in talent and responsible AI practices compared to their peers — enabling them to bring new products to market up to 50% faster, their research added.
As teams get more AI fluency, collaboration improves and innovation speeds up, Habbal said.
“AI training is one of the fastest ways to unlock innovation — because it gives people the confidence and know-how to actually use the technology,” she said.
“The companies that are winning with AI are the ones that treat it as a business transformation, not just a tech upgrade.”
In line with UAE AI Strategy 2031, firms need to build AI fluency from within, the expert said.
"The UAE’s vision is ambitious, but it is also collaborative. Companies that lean in, upskill their leaders, and align their innovation agendas with the country’s strategic goals will not only stay relevant; they will help shape the future of the region.”
