Recent research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, indicates that professionals in the UAE are eagerly preparing for a transformative shift in their work environment, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), including generative AI.
A substantial majority of UAE employees (67%) anticipate significant changes in their work due to AI within the next year, and an even larger portion (72%) expect AI to have a substantial impact within the next 5 years.
Intriguingly, more than three-quarters (81%) believe that AI will function as an “invisible teammate” that aids them in their work within the next 5 years.
The UAE has been a pioneer in AI, launching its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 in 2017, aiming to position the nation at the forefront of AI innovation across various sectors, a groundbreaking initiative both regionally and globally.
This enthusiasm for AI is palpable in the UAE workforce, with slightly over half (54%) already using AI in their roles, including 41% experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT.
The Potential of AI at Work Knows No Bounds
Despite limited formal AI training, the lack of knowledge is not deterring UAE professionals from wanting to explore AI further. A notable 59% express a desire to learn more, even if they are uncertain about where to start.
UAE professionals exhibit optimism about the potential of AI in their careers, with an overwhelming majority (98%) expressing excitement about using AI at work, and an equally high percentage (97%) believing it will contribute to their career advancement.
Many are already contemplating how AI can enhance their productivity, with 82% envisioning AI improving their work-life balance. Additionally, 67% plan to leverage AI to streamline mundane tasks and seek answers to questions they might hesitate to ask colleagues, while 63% are interested in using AI for career guidance.
However, there is a recognition that more education is needed, as 45% of respondents feel their colleagues possess more AI knowledge than they do, and 48% admit to feigning familiarity with AI to appear knowledgeable in front of their peers.
Balancing Soft Skills with AI Proficiency is Crucial for the Future
Overall, there is a prevailing sentiment in the UAE of embracing AI while emphasizing the development of skills that complement AI’s capabilities, consistent with the country’s early adoption of AI.
Professionals in the UAE believe that interpersonal skills such as problem-solving (66%), time management (69%), resilience, and strategic thinking (67%) will become even more vital as AI continues to gain prominence.
LinkedIn’s data reveals a substantial 21-fold increase in global job listings mentioning AI technologies, including Chat GPT, since November 2022. This underscores the importance of embracing AI for those seeking career advancement.
Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader and Head of LinkedIn MENA, remarks, “Just as we have navigated past the pandemic, professionals are once again adapting to a new wave of change as generative AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace. In a technologically progressive country like the UAE, where innovation and the integration of new technologies have long been evident, it is heartening to witness its people embracing this transformation. Moreover, our data unequivocally demonstrates that UAE workers are focusing on the myriad benefits AI can offer in their professional lives, including more time for meaningful work and enhanced career progression.”
He adds, “It is evident that people are eager to learn more about AI, with a significant uptick in discussions on LinkedIn and members adding AI skills to their profiles. However, our data also highlights the immense value of soft skills as individuals learn to collaborate effectively with AI. This is shaping the future of work.”
