G42, a technology group based in the UAE, has released a report in collaboration with Semafor titled “What AI Experts Want from Their Employers.” This report sheds light on the motivations of sought-after AI professionals and emphasizes what employers need to provide in order to attract and retain talent in a competitive global market.

The study draws insights from 750 AI specialists across various leading talent hubs. It examines key factors that influence their career decisions, such as job satisfaction, career advancement, compensation, and the increasing importance of flexible work environments and advanced AI infrastructure.

The findings of this report can significantly impact workforce development policies and help shape recruitment strategies for organizations worldwide aiming to attract top AI talent.

Among the key findings, compensation was noted as a priority for 68 percent of respondents, but only 43 percent felt satisfied with their earnings. Job security and work-life balance were also major concerns, with 70 percent and 67 percent of AI professionals, respectively, highlighting their importance. The main drivers for offers included competitive salaries and bonuses, opportunities to work on advanced AI projects, and comprehensive benefits packages.

Regarding skills, deep learning, data engineering, and programming were identified as essential across all experience levels. Senior professionals particularly emphasized the need for machine learning specialization, while those focused on implementation valued skills in cybersecurity and intellectual curiosity.

The report also noted that different roles within the AI field have varying priorities. Research-oriented AI professionals often seek autonomy and global exposure, whereas implementation specialists are drawn to competitive salaries, rapid career growth, and a commitment to ethical AI.

Interestingly, 70 percent of associate-level respondents indicated a preference for hybrid work models, contrasting with 53 percent of team leaders who shared this preference. Additionally, senior professionals were attracted to leadership roles and sustainability-focused projects, while junior talent preferred flexibility, hands-on learning, and accelerated career progression.

Maymee Kurian, who serves as the group human capital and culture officer at G42, remarked that attracting and retaining AI talent extends beyond mere compensation. She emphasized the importance of purpose, opportunity, and impact in the workplace, noting that the most sought-after professionals want to engage in innovative projects with organizations that align with their values and provide growth opportunities.

Furthermore, G42’s collaborations with major companies like NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, Qualcomm, and OpenAI, along with a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in 2024, position the group to offer transformative opportunities for leading AI experts. This also underscores the UAE’s rising status as a global AI leader, with projections by PwC suggesting the country will have the third-highest contribution of AI to its national GDP by 2030 due to strategic investments in AI infrastructure, forward-thinking regulations, and effective public-private partnerships.