# In the first quarter of 2026, 27.5 per cent of people aged 15 to 64 in developed countries used a generative AI tool, compared with 15.4 per cent in the developing world.

*genai · news · 2026-05-07 · The Straits Times*

## Key points

- Microsoft reports generative AI is used by 17.8% of the world's working-age population.
- UAE leads global AI usage at 70.1%, while the US ranks only 21st with 31.3%.
- The digital divide between developed and developing countries in AI usage widened by 1.5 percentage points since 2025.
- Microsoft's estimates primarily rely on Windows and its products, with limited Apple, Russia, Iran, and China data.
- Progress in non-European language AI is driving catch-up adoption, especially in Asian countries.

**Companies:** Microsoft
**Countries:** United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Norway, Ireland, France, China

[Read the full story on The Straits Times](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/ai-use-surges-globally-but-rich-poor-divide-widens-microsoft-says)

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