UAE jobs: Soon, AI will be able to perform 25% of work tasks, warns report

Up to a quarter of existing work tasks may soon be automated by artificial intelligence, with some industries expected to reach 50 per cent automation within the next five years.

This forecast was included in the newly released Jobs of the Future report, launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) during the Talent of Tomorrow Forum.

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The blueprint aims to align Dubai’s education system with emerging industries, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global innovation hub under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy.

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Drawing insights from the Dubai Future of Jobs survey, based on feedback from nearly 7,800 students and educators, the report identifies key skills required for tomorrow’s workforce.

It recommends sweeping policy reforms, a curriculum overhaul to match industry needs, and a greater focus on career counselling and interdisciplinary learning to help develop an adaptable talent pool.

Macrotrends identified by World Economic Forum

The report also references global macrotrends identified by the World Economic Forum (IMF) that will drive employment growth between 2025–2030. These include automation, green transition, and increased reliance on technology and innovation.

“Technology is predicted to be the most divergent driver of labour-market change, as it is expected to both create and displace more jobs than other macrotrends," it said.

According to the findings, ‘digital access’ will be a major job creator, generating 19 million roles. Yet, it could also result in 9 million job losses, the Dubai report cautions.

With at least 75 per cent of surveyed businesses planning to adopt new technologies by 2027, education and workforce development technologies are projected to be among the most widely adopted, highlighting their growing significance in education reform.

The report also flags a mismatch between students’ career preferences and global labour market needs, alongside a gender gap "especially with females underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) despite strong potential,” the report notes.

School performance drops post-Covid

While Dubai boasts a high-quality and diverse education ecosystem, performance levels have dipped since the pandemic. “Dubai’s average performance in private and public schools dropped post-Covid across all domains,” the report reveals.

To future-proof education, the report calls for a renewed focus in K-12 on foundational and future-oriented skills, such as emotional intelligence and ‘bionic skills’.

“Proficiency in AI, robotics, data-driven decision making, AI-enhanced creativity, and navigating virtual realities like the metaverse will be essential,” it said.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said: “A robust education sector is at the heart of Dubai’s long-term economic growth, contributing to talent development and enhancing the city’s appeal as the world’s best place to visit, live and work in. The Talent of Tomorrow Forum brings together key voices to shape the future of our workforce, while the launch of the ‘Jobs of the Future’ report reflects our shared commitment with KHDA to building a skilled and resilient talent pipeline.”

As the job market evolves, the report highlights the importance of cultivating adaptability, promoting lifelong learning across all levels of education and integration of tech with humans, as essential future skills.

Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, said, “Preparing students for the future of work isn’t only about anticipating change but designing an education system that can evolve with it. Through the Education 33 strategy, KHDA is building an education sector that is agile, inclusive, and aligned with the priorities of D33 and its social and economic agendas.”

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.