ServiceNow has announced new findings on workforce growth linked to the UAE digital economy. According to its Workforce Skills Forecast 2025 report, the UAE will need to add 1.03 million workers by 2030. This demand is driven by economic expansion and tech roles supporting digital transformation.

The report revealed that the projected increase represents a 12.1% rise in the human workforce. This is among the highest growth rates across markets studied. In comparison, workforce growth is expected to reach 2.1% in the United States, 2.8% in the United Kingdom, and 10.6% in India.

Conducted with Pearson, the study reported that manufacturing, education, and retail will be key contributors. These sectors are expected to add around 133,000, 78,000, and 60,000 jobs respectively. Meanwhile, finance and healthcare are projected to add more than 40,000 and 39,000 roles.

When measured by relative growth, energy and utilities is set to expand the fastest at 33%. This is followed by education at 31% and manufacturing at 18%.

ServiceNow also examined the impact of agentic AI on workforce needs. The company reported that efficiency gains from AI will not replace the growing need for human talent. In financial services, agentic AI could perform work equal to 17,000 full-time employees, or 6.6% of the current workforce. However, the sector is still projected to see a 26% increase in jobs due to growth and emerging technology requirements.

William O’Neill, area VP and general manager for GCC at ServiceNow, said AI augmentation will play a central role in economic growth across the UAE digital landscape. He added that collaboration between people and AI will define the future of work, with organisations needing to redesign roles and invest in upskilling.

To help address skills gaps, ServiceNow announced the launch of ServiceNow University in May. The platform is designed to help individuals build capabilities for an AI-driven world.

The report highlighted that technology roles will see the strongest demand. While the overall UAE workforce is forecast to grow by 12.1%, demand for technology professionals is expected to surge by 54%. Currently, tech roles account for about 169,000 of the UAE’s 8.5 million jobs. By 2030, more than 91,000 additional technology specialists will be required.

The most in-demand roles are expected to include:

• Search marketing strategists, with 5,600 new positions
• Computer programmers, adding 4,200 roles
• Computer systems analysts, with 2,700 new jobs

O’Neill reported that organisations must take a structured approach to workforce planning. He said deploying AI responsibly, setting strong governance frameworks, and investing in upskilling will be critical to building resilient and innovative workforces in an AI-augmented future.

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