AI: A Threat to Government Jobs?

A Third of Government Jobs Threatened by AI - What to Expect?

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a privilege of technology companies – according to the latest research, it may fundamentally reshape Dubai's governmental sector. A comprehensive study indicates that generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) could affect up to 33% of government jobs, especially in administrative and office roles.

Which positions are most at risk?

The research, conducted by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government in cooperation with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, surveyed 2,480 employees across 34 governmental organizations. The results show that Gen AI is primarily used in content creation, strategy development, and data analysis. The most vulnerable positions are clinical and administrative support roles, where up to 24% of tasks could be automated in the future.

The technology is already here – the question is how we use it?

According to the survey, 64% of employees already use some form of Gen AI tool. However, only 16% consider themselves advanced or expert users. Surprisingly, nearly half of senior managers find it unnecessary to publicly indicate if someone is using artificial intelligence – which also reflects the rapid integration of technology into everyday life.

The main advantages include time savings (reported by more than 80%), and improvements in work quality and productivity (46%). However, not everyone sees AI’s impact as purely positive: 40% of respondents mentioned inaccuracies in information as a problem, and many are concerned about data privacy and bias issues.

Key to the future: training and openness

The study emphasizes that the most important factor now is the education and development of employees. Acceptance and integration of technology are not just the responsibility of IT departments – every unit must be open to embracing new solutions. Special attention should be given to better representation of local cultural and linguistic specifics, which is often lacking in international AI tools.

What about small and medium-sized enterprises?

Another study suggests that 99% of small and medium-sized enterprises are already using or considering the use of Gen AI. The most common application areas are marketing, customer service, design, and analysis. However, challenges are significant here too: the lack of affordable computing capacity and data management infrastructure, as well as a scarcity of talent, hinder progress. The protection of intellectual property related to AI also needs improvement – only 9% of international patent registrations occur among such companies.

Summary: artificial intelligence doesn’t ask – it brings change

Dubai and the entirety of the UAE approach AI expansion in an exemplary manner, as they are already ranked fifth according to the Stanford AI Vibrancy Index and 13th in the Oxford Government AI Readiness Index. Since small and medium-sized enterprises make up 94% of companies, applying AI is of critical importance for the future of the economy.

The question is no longer whether AI will arrive, but whether we are prepared for it. Proper education, awareness, and openness are essential if we want to keep up with changes – especially in the governmental and business sectors, where artificial intelligence is no longer the future but the present.

(The article source is Dubai Government Human Resources Department announcement.)