Jobs that require human interaction, creativity, critical thinking, strategic decision-making, emotional intelligence and advanced technical expertise are best positioned to thrive amid the artificial intelligence boom, recruitment consultants say.
On the flip side, jobs that are highly repetitive or involve routine processes are at the highest risk of being automated, they warn.
“Roles like teachers, healthcare professionals, HR specialists/recruiters, and client-facing positions will still be in demand. Teams can harness AI tools to enhance productivity, generate innovative ideas and even boost creativity across all sectors,” according to Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Dubai-based consultancy Genie Recruitment.
“For example, AI can automate routine tasks such as scheduling, data analysis and personal brand management, freeing up professionals to focus on building relationships, solving complex problems and driving strategic initiatives. AI’s role is not to replace but to add value to the potential of these professions.”
The UAE has championed the use of AI and has launched various initiatives following the unveiling of the UAE Strategy for AI in 2017, which kick-started the creation of smart systems for services in key sectors.
In June last year, Dubai appointed 22 chief AI officers to key government departments. The AI officers will serve government bodies such as Dubai Police, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and the Department of Economy and Tourism.
In 2023, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, launched the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Emirates Towers. The centre in Area 2071 will train 1,000 employees of more than 30 government bodies to use generative AI to create images, videos, audio, text and 3D models.
The UAE also appointed the world’s first AI minister in 2017. Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, remains at the heart of the country's AI-powered plans.
Jobs in demand
Jobs in cyber security, business intelligence, Big Data analytics, AI development, management consulting and software engineering are in high demand, according to Taha Esmail, head of IT and technology recruitment agency AIQU at TASC Group.
“As AI adoption grows, organisations require experts to design, implement and secure AI systems. For instance, we’ve observed a 40 per cent to 50 per cent increase in hiring for cybersecurity and data analytics roles compared to five years ago, reflecting the urgency for these critical skill sets,” Mr Esmail explains.
Tom Clarke, regional leader for the technology officers practice, Asia Pacific and Middle East at executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, says the chief data officer (CDO) and chief AI officer (CAIO) are two roles that are expected to grow and evolve further with the development of AI.
While the CDO role is not new, their responsibilities have increased in importance especially since AI transformation needs to start internally, he says.
CDOs are increasingly viewed as the architects of AI success, ensuring that companies can leverage data for rapid decision-making. As this role advances, the emergence of dedicated CAIOs is gaining traction, Mr Clarke adds.
Bashar Kilani, founder and managing director of Ai360 Innovations, which deals in advisory for the digital economy, and managing partner at recruitment consultancy Boyden Middle East, says one of the top focus areas for every organisation today is to have a chief AI officer.
As organisations adapt, the C suite also need to change, he suggests. For instance, the role of the chef financial officer is transforming in the AI economy. They need to understand new dynamics such as data quality, data training and algorithm, he says.
“The role of chief HR officer is also transforming. A recent study from LinkedIn and Microsoft says that people with less experience in HR and more experience in AI are preferred for the role of chief HR officer. The role of chief risk officer is also evolving since it requires capabilities to navigate the complex domain of responsible AI,” Mr Kilani says.
“The role of chief sales and marketing officers will also change, because they need to use AI to scale, learn and transform their business. Everybody today is under tremendous pressure to transform their roles and create new roles to become an AI-native organisation, whether it's government, telecom, airline or retail.”
Which jobs are likely to be affected?
Roles such as data entry, administrative support, telemarketers or junior level positions could be affected as AI takes over these tasks with greater efficiency, Ms Wilson warns.
“This raises concerns for recent graduates or entry-level candidates who often begin their careers with such roles,” she says.
“To stand out, these candidates need to showcase their adaptability and demonstrate how they can contribute to integrating and optimising AI tools within teams. Leveraging their familiarity with emerging technologies can position them as valuable contributors in an AI-driven workplace.”
Traditional skill sets are being overshadowed by the need for tech-savvy professionals who can work alongside AI. The emphasis is now on hiring candidates who bring a blend of technical skills and human expertise, Ms Wilson explains.
Mr Esmail says AI’s ability to process data, recognise patterns and handle predictable tasks more efficiently has significantly reduced demand for some positions. Even some aspects of customer service are now handled by AI chatbots, though hybrid models still rely on human expertise for complex cases, he adds.
“AI adoption in the UAE has reshaped workforce dynamics across sectors by automating routine processes like customer onboarding, transaction handling and inventory management,” he says.
“This evolution has led to a reallocation of roles, with organisations focusing on upskilling employees and creating opportunities in areas like AI system maintenance, data analytics and customer experience enhancement. While some traditional roles have decreased in prominence, the rise of technology-driven roles highlights a positive shift towards innovation and efficiency in the job market.”
Sectors most at threat
Industries heavily reliant on algorithms and routine processes are the most vulnerable, according to Ms Wilson.
In banking, functions like credit scoring and algorithm-based trading are increasingly automated, she explains.
AI-powered robotics is transforming production lines, reducing the need for human labour. Also, chatbots and AI-driven tools are handling a significant portion of customer interactions, especially for routine queries, which may affect customer service, especially digitally, she points out.
However, while AI and automation are transforming industries like retail, manufacturing and administrative services, displacing some routine jobs, they are also creating new opportunities, Mr Esmail informs.
“For instance, in retail, while automated checkouts reduce the need for cashiers, roles in e-commerce management, AI-driven marketing and data analytics are growing. Similarly, in manufacturing, robotics may streamline production lines, but new jobs emerge in robotics maintenance and programming,” he says.
“In administrative services, AI tools reduce clerical roles but create demand for AI trainers and system administrators. This shift underscores the importance of reskilling and embracing technology to thrive in a changing job market.”
Mr Kilani believes organisations that do not embrace AI will not be competitive in two to three years.
“Learning AI skills is going to be a prerequisite for employment, because people with AI skills are going to take over the jobs of those without this knowledge and capabilities,” he warns.
“Intelligence is cheap in the AI economy. What is invaluable is creativity and leadership. These are skills that people will have to focus on in the AI economy.”
