UAE Workforce Embraces AI’s Future Potential

A recent study by ServiceNow revealed that an impressive 79% of employees in the UAE believe that possessing digital skills provides a competitive advantage in the business world. Additionally, 84% expressed that new technologies are instrumental in helping them realize their full potential.

The study, which surveyed 5,500 working adults across the UAE, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK, explored employee sentiments regarding the impact of technology and digital skills on their careers and the future of the workplace. Notably, UAE employees exhibited a more positive outlook on the influence of AI on their jobs compared to their peers in the EMEA region. A significant 74% in the UAE, surpassing the EMEA average by 26 percentage points, view AI as the most significant opportunity for the future workforce. Similarly, 74% believe AI will enhance workforce productivity, while only 52% of EMEA employees share this perspective.

Despite their optimism about the value of tech and digital skills, half of UAE workers (54%) acknowledged that their formal education did not adequately prepare them for the contemporary work environment. An overwhelming 82% expressed that additional education in technology and digital skills would boost their confidence in career prospects. Consequently, 72% of UAE workers suggested that formal education on AI should be mandatory before the age of 18, and a corresponding proportion (71%) advocated for the same for coding. Moreover, 72% agreed on the necessity of a standardized qualification for digital skills that employers can recognize. In terms of responsibility, 81% of UAE employees believe that businesses have a duty to foster the development of AI skills in the workforce.

Mark Ackerman, Area VP for Middle East & Africa at ServiceNow, emphasized two key takeaways from the findings. Firstly, while UAE employees embrace digital technologies, organizations must adopt a thoughtful approach when making investments, ensuring that technology unifies and simplifies processes for both employees and customers. Secondly, organizations need to commit to providing employees not only with a career path but also with opportunities for re-skilling, up-skilling, and training programs, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the company and the broader community.