Why Investing in people is key for AI revolution

Dr. Ayesha Al Mutawa. - Photo by Dhes Handumon

The idea that technologies such as robotics, AI and machine learning will result in a huge number of job losses is an outdated one, since these technologies will also end up creating a fair number of new jobs in the industry, experts said.
Speaking at the Artelligence 2019, Dr Ayesha Al Mutawa, director of strategy and excellence, and head of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, urged businesses to explore the opportunities that will arise as a result of evolving technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
"The UAE has already taken the necessary steps that will enable it to be home to some of the smartest cities in the world," she said. "There is an investment in technology, the infrastructure necessary for it, as well as a vision from the leadership of the country."
"Right now, the most important thing is to ensure that we are investing in people that will use these technologies," she said. "We already have studies telling us that students in high schools and universities will be dealing with a rapidly-changing world when the graduate, so we need to ensure that they are taught all the skills that they will need to excel in the digital world."
Anwaar Al Shimmari, chief innovation officer at the UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development, added: "We have to use the momentum that we have today and build it for the future. We cannot afford to think about our future in the next 100 years without being prepared for where we will be in the next 10 years. We have to ensure that we have not only the investments in technology, and the infrastructure necessary to run it, but an investment in the workforce that will be working with it."
She also cautioned against investing in technologies such as AI, simply for the sake of investing in technology. "Do you need AI and will it improve your business? Technology today is not a luxury but a need, however you should ensure that you are investing in a technology that is right for you. Focus on your immediate needs and then plan for your future." 
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com