Will AI Replace Our Jobs?

Will AI Replace Our Jobs? Retraining is Key

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) across the globe has rekindled the age-old question: will technology take away our jobs? The answer is not straightforward, but it is increasingly clear that it's not AI we should fear, but rather our failure to adapt in time. On the first day of Dubai AI Week, an expert highlighted that the most crucial skills today are reskilling, upskilling, and in some cases, unskilling.

We Have Been Here Before

Technological revolutions have always transformed the job market. The industrial automation, the IT boom, and now the revolution of artificial intelligence have eliminated jobs—yet they have also created new ones. Historical experience shows that every new technology has given back more than it has taken—provided that people were able to adapt.

The Real Threat: Monotonous Work

AI will not take everyone's job, but it will significantly transform them. Positions that involve low-level, repetitive tasks—such as data entry, simple administration, or routine customer service—are particularly vulnerable. In contrast, jobs requiring physical presence and creative thinking, like plumbing or welding, remain safe for now. While AI is smart, it can't solder pipes in a bathroom or lead a team with empathy.

The 'Soft Skill' Revolution

The future workplace requires not only technical knowledge but also 'soft skills'. Skills like creativity, collaboration, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and empathy are coming to the forefront. These cannot be programmed into an algorithm and provide the human value-add that AI cannot replace.

A New Profession: Prompt Engineering

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, a new competency emerges: prompt engineering. This involves the ability to give precise, effective instructions to artificial intelligence. Learning this skill is not age-bound—anyone can learn it, and soon this skill will be as essential as word processing or email management.

Who Might Be Left Behind?

One of the biggest challenges is that not everyone can or wants to adapt. It can be particularly difficult for the older generation to adjust to new technologies. For them, a well-functioning social safety net, such as universal basic income, might offer a solution—something already being tested in several countries as preparation for future AI waves.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is not the enemy of jobs—but a catalyst for change. The question is not whether it will take our jobs, but whether we are willing to learn, evolve, and acquire new skills. In Dubai and across the UAE, such training is gaining more emphasis, and the future employee will be one who can continuously develop—as both a person and a professional.