A survey suggests that AI tools are increasingly becoming part of everyday healthcare decisions, with people using them to check symptoms and search for health-related information.
More than half of UAE residents are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage their health, according to a new global survey that found the country among the world’s leading adopters of AI in healthcare.
The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust and Health found that 59 per cent of respondents in the UAE use AI to manage their health, compared to the global average of 35 per cent.
The findings suggest that AI tools are increasingly becoming part of everyday healthcare decisions, with people using them to check symptoms, access health information, understand medical conditions, and explore possible treatment options.
At the same time, trust in doctors remains very strong. The survey found that 89 per cent of UAE respondents trust their doctor to provide truthful guidance on health issues and ways to protect public health.
Researchers said the results indicate that trust in technology and trust in medical professionals are not in competition. Instead, many people are using AI as an additional source of information while continuing to rely on doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
The report also found that UAE residents are highly confident in making informed healthcare decisions, with around 70 per cent saying they feel able to find reliable health information and manage their own care effectively.
Trust in health institutions was similarly high, with 90 per cent of respondents saying they trust local and national health authorities, compared to a global average of 69 per cent.
According to the report, this strong trust environment supports the adoption of new healthcare technologies and innovation across the country.
Overall, the findings suggest the UAE may offer an early example of how healthcare is evolving—where patients are more informed, doctors remain central to medical decision-making, and technology plays an increasingly supportive role.
The survey covered more than 16,000 respondents across 16 countries between February and March this year, while the broader Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed nearly 34,000 people across 28 countries.
