AI adoption soars in UAE higher education amid ethical uncertainty

The data shows an overwhelming majority of college students in the UAE are not only familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, QuillBot, Grammarly, and Writesonic, but also actively using them to support academic work. Nearly 70% reported using AI tools daily or weekly, and more than half use at least two or more different tools. The appeal lies largely in the perceived benefits: increased productivity, enhanced writing support, personalized learning feedback, and time-saving capabilities.

A new nationwide survey of college students across the United Arab Emirates has revealed that while artificial intelligence tools are widely used in higher education, concerns about ethics, institutional guidance, and peer pressure continue to shape how students perceive and adopt these technologies. Published in Education Sciences, the study "College Students’ Use and Perceptions of AI Tools in the UAE: Motivations, Ethical Concerns and Institutional Guidelines" draws on responses from 822 students at seven universities across five emirates.

The research, conducted by scholars from Ajman University, sought to investigate not only how frequently students are using AI tools for academic purposes but also what factors influence their motivations, perceptions of usefulness, and ethical attitudes. More than three-quarters of students surveyed reported actively using AI tools, yet many expressed uncertainty about how to navigate their use responsibly within academic environments.

What Drives AI Tool Adoption Among Students in UAE Universities?

The data shows an overwhelming majority of college students in the UAE are not only familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, QuillBot, Grammarly, and Writesonic, but also actively using them to support academic work. Nearly 70% reported using AI tools daily or weekly, and more than half use at least two or more different tools. The appeal lies largely in the perceived benefits: increased productivity, enhanced writing support, personalized learning feedback, and time-saving capabilities.

However, the relationship between knowledge and perceived usefulness of AI tools is more nuanced than it appears. The study found that knowledge alone was not enough to convince students of the value of AI tools. Instead, perceived benefits such as task efficiency and improved academic performance, mediated this relationship. Students who understood how AI tools could tangibly enhance their work were far more likely to view them as useful.

These findings suggest that universities should focus on practical demonstrations of AI tools' value in coursework and assessments rather than assuming familiarity leads to effective use. The pragmatic mindset of students, driven by outcomes and performance, demands clarity on not just what AI can do, but how it concretely helps in an academic context.

How Does Peer Influence Shape AI Usage Under Academic Pressure?

While knowledge and benefits explain part of the equation, social dynamics also play a critical role. The survey explored the impact of academic stress on students’ intentions to use AI tools, revealing a strong mediating effect from peer pressure. Under academic deadlines and stress, students often turn to what their peers are doing—whether for tips, support, or reassurance.

Peer pressure fully mediated the relationship between stress and AI adoption. In simple terms, it was not just the stress that led students to AI tools, but the awareness that others in their academic circles were relying on these tools. This points to a significant cultural factor in UAE higher education, where student solidarity and shared academic strategies are common.

The implication is clear: AI adoption among students is not just an individual decision, but a socially influenced one. Universities that wish to promote ethical and effective use must account for this peer dynamic by embedding AI literacy into collaborative learning environments and mentorship programs. Failing to address the peer effect risks creating echo chambers where questionable or unethical uses become normalized simply because they are widespread.

What Role Do Ethical Concerns and Institutional Guidelines Play?

Despite the popularity of AI tools, ethical concerns remain a pressing issue. Many students voiced anxiety about plagiarism, academic integrity violations, and data privacy. However, less than 60% of participants reported hearing any clear institutional guidance from professors about acceptable AI tool use. This gap between usage and regulation leaves a large portion of students uncertain about where the ethical lines are drawn.

The study examined whether ethical perceptions influenced support for AI regulation at universities. It found that concern, rather than abstract ethical beliefs, was the key mediator. Students who felt personally concerned about misuse or being penalized for AI-generated work were more likely to support the introduction of formal institutional guidelines.

This insight reveals a gap in communication: many students are not opposed to regulation, but rather seek clarity and consistency. When guidelines are vague or nonexistent, students are left to guess, often resorting to peer interpretations or avoiding AI tools altogether out of fear. Formal, transparent policies on AI use in academia, covering plagiarism, attribution, and privacy, could help students make informed choices and reduce anxiety around ethical ambiguity.

Toward Smarter AI Policies in Higher Education

The study’s findings reflect a critical inflection point in the integration of AI tools into UAE higher education. While students are generally enthusiastic about AI’s potential, they are navigating its adoption in a space clouded by social influence, institutional ambiguity, and ethical tension.

Researchers caution against assuming that mere exposure to AI tools leads to productive or ethical usage. The full value of AI in education will only be realized when institutions address the complex ecosystem of student behavior, including motivation, peer influence, and moral judgment. Practical steps such as awareness campaigns, curriculum integration of responsible AI use, and clearer university-level policies are urgently needed.

The UAE, with its national commitment to innovation and digital transformation, is uniquely positioned to lead in shaping the future of AI in higher education. But this leadership must be built not only on cutting-edge tools, but on ethical foresight and student-centered design.