UAE energy survey finds 85% sector confidence alongside workforce pressure

Penta Global published its Energy Industry Resilience Index 2026, based on research by Sapio Research that surveyed 150 professionals across the UAE energy and industrial sector. The index recorded 85% confidence in sector preparedness for challenges over the next few years, alongside operational data on workforce conditions and technology deployment.

Workforce pressure reported across 69% of respondents#

Some 69% of respondents said workload and pressure affected employee wellbeing in the past 12 months, with 30% reporting a significant impact. Respondents identified cybersecurity and digital risk at 34% and sustainability and decarbonization at 29% as critical capabilities, indicating that personnel carrying current workloads will require new training. The index treated workforce wellbeing as an operational factor rather than a secondary concern, linking pressure levels to future skill requirements.

Technology implementation lags development pace for 36%#

Some 36% of respondents said technology is developing faster than their organization can implement it. AI and generative AI are in use or being implemented at 38% of respondents' organizations. Renewable energy technologies were named most often as transformative over the next five years at 23%, ahead of AI and machine learning at 19%. Cost was identified as a barrier by 32%, and cybersecurity and data risks concerned 31%. Some 42% identified AI and digital skills as critical future capabilities.

Geopolitical instability and energy security top anticipated challenges#

Geopolitical instability and energy security were named as the top anticipated challenges over the next three years by 43% of respondents, followed by rising costs and inflation at 38%. Some 38% of respondents said their organization adapts at only a moderate pace or more slowly when circumstances change unexpectedly. Sujay Nair, Executive Director of Penta Global, said organizations must be ready to adapt when circumstances change, ensure technology delivers real benefits and support personnel who keep projects running.

Localization support recorded at 91%, local talent development at 28%#

Some 91% of respondents said localization and In-Country Value strengthen competitiveness at least to some extent. However, only 28% identified local talent development as a leading industry strength. The gap between support for localization principles and identification of local talent as a current strength was recorded at 63 percentage points in the index data.