G42, a UAE-based global technology group, has released a report in collaboration with Semafor titled “What AI Experts Want from Their Employers.” This study highlights the motivations of the world’s most sought-after AI professionals and outlines what employers must provide to attract and retain them in an increasingly competitive global talent market.
Drawing on insights from 750 AI specialists across leading talent hubs, the report explores critical decision-making drivers, including job satisfaction, career advancement, compensation, and the growing importance of flexible work environments and advanced AI infrastructure.
The findings presented in this report can inform workforce development policies and shape recruitment strategies for organizations worldwide aiming to attract top AI talent.
Key findings
What they value most
Compensation (68 percent important vs. 43 percent satisfied), job security (70 percent vs. 48 percent), and work-life balance (67 percent vs. 48 percent) were identified as top concerns. Key offer drivers include salary and bonuses, access to advanced AI projects, and comprehensive benefits packages.
Skills that stand out
Deep learning, data engineering, and programming are leading skills across various experience levels. Senior professionals emphasize machine learning specialization, while implementation experts value cybersecurity and intellectual curiosity.
Different roles, different priorities
Research-focused AI professionals seek autonomy and global exposure; implementation specialists are attracted to competitive salaries, rapid career growth, and a commitment to ethical AI.
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Hierarchy and hybrid work
Seventy percent of associate-level respondents prioritize hybrid work models compared to 53 percent of team leaders.
Experience matters
Additionally, senior professionals are drawn to leadership roles, sustainability-focused projects, and long-term impact. In contrast, junior talent seeks flexibility, hands-on learning, and fast-tracked career progression.
UAE’s position as global AI leader
Maymee Kurian, group human capital and culture officer at G42, stated, “This report reinforces what we see every day: that attracting and retaining AI talent goes far beyond compensation; it’s about purpose, opportunity, and impact. The most sought-after professionals today want to work on cutting-edge projects, in organizations that align with their values and offer room to grow and lead. As the global competition for AI talent intensifies, at G42 we’re committed to building a workplace that not only meets those expectations but redefines them.”
Moreover, with international collaborations with NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, Qualcomm, and OpenAI, and backed by a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in 2024, G42 is uniquely positioned to offer transformative, high-impact opportunities for the world’s leading AI minds. This further reflects the UAE’s status as a global AI leader, with PwC projecting the country to have the third-highest contribution of AI to national GDP by 2030—a result of its strategic investments in sovereign AI infrastructure, forward-looking regulations, and effective public-private collaboration.
