Microsoft Report: Global AI Usage Hits 17.8% of Working-Age Population — UAE Leads at 70.1%, US Ranks 21st at 31.3%

Microsoft·medium signal

Microsoft's 'State of Global AI Diffusion in 2026' report (published May 7) shows global AI adoption rose 1.5pp to 17.8% of the working-age population in Q1 2026. The UAE leads at 70.1%; 26 economies now exceed 30%. The US moved from 24th to 21st at 31.3%. Asia showed accelerating adoption driven by improving AI capabilities in Asian languages, with South Korea, Thailand, and Japan seeing the greatest movement. For builders: the adoption curve is steepening outside the English-speaking world.