UAE Workplaces Evolve with AI's Dominance

Employee Reskilling Essential with AI's Rise in UAE Job Market

The labor market of the United Arab Emirates is undergoing significant transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into daily workflows—especially in the areas of human resources (HR), education, healthcare, and the government sector. This transformation not only brings technological innovations but also fundamentally changes what skills employers seek, how they recruit, and how they manage employee development.

According to the latest data, the use of AI— particularly generative artificial intelligence— in HR management has grown from 19% in 2023 to 61% in just one year. This radical growth indicates that AI has become an integral part of organizational operations rather than just an experimental tool. However, the appearance of AI is not only about efficiency—the biggest challenge is how workers can keep pace with the demands of this new era.

Six out of six workers will need new skills

The UAE government's forecast predicts that 44% of global workers' skills could become obsolete by 2027, and 60% of workers—six out of ten—will need retraining. This is particularly true for employees working in positions where AI replaces routine tasks.

Thanks to automation performed by AI, HR professionals are freed from administrative tasks and can focus more on strategic topics such as talent development, internal succession planning, or increasing employee engagement. This, however, also means that professionals lacking digital competence or unwilling to embrace technological tools may gradually become excluded from the labor market.

The importance of new workplace skills

The role of traditional qualifications and previous job titles is fading into the background, while skill-based selection is moving to the foreground. Employers today seek composite skills which include both technical and “soft skill” elements. These include digital literacy, adaptability, leadership potential, as well as cultural sensitivity and multilingual capabilities.

The UAE is paying special attention to Emiratization programs aimed at strengthening the local workforce. These programs not only increase citizen employment but also ensure long-term competitiveness of the workforce through career pathways, mentorship, and training.

LinkedIn instead of CV?

Recruitment processes are also undergoing significant changes. Social media platforms—primarily LinkedIn—now play a crucial role for both job seekers and employers. These tools complement traditional resumes by providing real-time information about candidates' professional history, competencies, and network.

Nevertheless, the CV remains an essential part of the selection process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), or automated application filtering systems, still use traditional documents for initial selection rounds. Therefore, it is important for resumes to be clearly structured, well-organized, and contain relevant keywords tailored to the specific job.

AI as a strategic HR partner

Artificial intelligence is not just an administrative tool but a shaper of HR strategy. Predictive analytics, behavior analyses, and talent management algorithms allow companies to anticipate attrition tendencies, satisfaction levels, and gain a more precise understanding of employee motivation. Generative AI tools such as template-based interview question generation or the automation of onboarding documents also save resources.

Aligning the educational system and the business world

One of the UAE’s major challenges is to align its educational system with its rapidly evolving technological environment. The role of schools and universities is to teach skills that hold real value in the workforce. These include algorithmic thinking, knowledge of ethical questions regarding AI, and data-driven decision making.

Closer collaboration between companies and educational institutions is needed to ensure that newly graduated students enter the job market competitively. Intern programs designed in cooperation with industry partners, project-based learning, and solving real business problems enable students to acquire not only theoretical but also practical knowledge.

Summary: evolve or lag behind

The rise of artificial intelligence is not just a technological question but also brings profound social and economic changes. The example of the United Arab Emirates shows that in the future job market, those who are willing to learn, evolve, and adapt will have a competitive advantage. Reskilling, acquiring digital skills, and an openness to flexibility and self-development will be crucial not only for individuals but for companies' long-term success as well.

The transformation has already begun—the question is, who will be prepared for it.

(Source of the article is based on reports by human resource management experts.)