A majority of UAE investors are open to using artificial intelligence as an alternative to human financial advisors, with 73% saying they would embrace AI and 70.8% willing to trust it to manage their portfolios, according to a survey commissioned by Alpheya.

Conducted between May and July 2025, the study surveyed 509 UAE-based investors across age groups, experience levels, and income brackets, including high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and retail investors.

Satisfaction levels varied notably across segments. Just over half of HNWIs (52%) said they were satisfied with current digital wealth management platforms, compared with only 37% of retail investors. The findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of the UAE’s digital wealth management market.

While demand for advanced and integrated digital wealth tools is rising, many platforms still fall short. Four in ten respondents reported unmet needs in available products, indicating that although investors are ready for digital wealth solutions, the market has yet to deliver the seamless, personalised experiences they expect.

The survey also highlights the enduring importance of human trust. Nearly half of investors continue to rely on family members when making investment decisions, reflecting the role of personal relationships and contextual understanding in shaping financial confidence, even as AI-driven tools gain traction.

Commenting on the findings, Alpheya CEO Roger Rouhana said the results reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in technological advancement. “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,” he said.

Rouhana added that the most effective models will be those that combine AI with human expertise. “The most effective solutions will be those where AI augments human advisors rather than replacing them entirely, merging technological efficiency with the personal relationships investors clearly value. As platforms deliver this integration through intuitive experiences, adoption will follow.”

The findings suggest a market on the verge of significant transformation. With strong investor appetite, supportive regulatory frameworks in ADGM and DIFC, and national initiatives such as the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, the country is well positioned to shape the next phase of digital wealth management and strengthen its role as a global financial and technology hub.