Generative artificial intelligence (AI) usage among the working-age population in Uzbekistan stood at 7.2% between January and March 2026. This data was released in a recent report by the Microsoft AI Economy Institute.
As of early April this year, Uzbekistan held the 142nd position globally for AI adoption. The current figure represents an increase from the second half of 2025 when usage was recorded at 6.3%.
The United Arab Emirates leads the global rankings, with 70.1% of its population utilising AI technologies. Singapore ranks second at 63.4%, followed by the third-placed nation at 48.6%.
Industry analysts observed that AI application continues to scale rapidly across Asian countries. The region as a whole has become a primary driver for the worldwide expansion of this technology.
South Korea recorded the highest regional growth rate, expanding its AI user base by 43%. Thailand and Japan followed with increases of 36% and 34% respectively. Growth exceeding 30% was also documented in Mongolia, Iran, Laos and Turkey.
Within Central Asia, the growth metric in Uzbekistan rose by 25.5%. Neighbouring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan reported similar increases of 25.6% and 25.5% respectively.
Microsoft representatives attributed this upward trajectory to several core factors. These include sustained investments in digital infrastructure, government-led AI development strategies and a high level of user readiness to adopt new technologies.
