A groundbreaking report titled ‘What AI Experts Want from Their Employers’ has been released by G42, a UAE-based global technology group, in collaboration with Semafor. The study offers valuable insights into the motivations and drivers of the world’s most sought-after AI professionals, providing crucial information for employers looking to attract and retain top talent in the increasingly competitive global AI market.
Key Findings
The report, based on insights from 750 AI specialists across leading talent hubs, explores critical decision-making factors including job satisfaction, career advancement, compensation, and the growing importance of flexible work environments and advanced AI infrastructure. Some of the key findings include:
- Top Concerns: Compensation (68% important vs. 43% satisfied), job security (70% vs. 48%), and work-life balance (67% vs. 48%) were identified as top concerns among AI professionals.
- Key Offer Drivers: Salary/bonuses, access to advanced AI projects, and comprehensive benefits packages were found to be significant drivers for attracting top talent.
- In-Demand Skills: Deep learning, data engineering, and programming were highlighted as leading skills across various experience levels. Senior professionals emphasized the importance of machine learning specialization, while implementation experts valued cybersecurity and intellectual curiosity.
- Different Roles, Different Priorities: Research-focused AI professionals sought autonomy and global exposure, while implementation specialists were drawn to competitive salaries, rapid career growth, and a commitment to ethical AI.
- Hierarchy and Hybrid Work: 70% of associate-level respondents prioritized hybrid work models, compared to 53% of team leaders.
- Experience Matters: Senior professionals were attracted to leadership roles, sustainability-focused projects, and long-term impact, while junior talent sought flexibility, hands-on learning, and fast-tracked career progression.
Maymee Kurian, Group Human Capital and Culture Officer at G42, emphasized that attracting and retaining AI talent goes beyond compensation, stating, “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.”
With international collaborations with major tech companies like NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, Qualcomm, and OpenAI, and backed by a significant US$1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in 2024, G42 is well-positioned to offer transformative opportunities for leading AI minds. This development reflects the UAE’s emerging position as a global AI leader, with PwC projecting the country to have the third-highest contribution of AI to national GDP by 2030.
The report’s findings have significant implications for workforce development policies and recruitment strategies for organizations worldwide looking to attract top AI talent. For more information about G42 and to access the full report, please visit their website.
