Up to 25% of current job functions could soon be automated by artificial intelligence, with certain sectors predicted to achieve 50% automation within the next five years.
This projection is part of the recently launched “Jobs of the Future” report by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) during the “Talent of Tomorrow Forum.”
### Aiming for Alignment
The initiative is designed to synchronize Dubai’s educational framework with emerging sectors, reinforcing the city’s position as a center of global innovation in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy.
### Workforce Insights
Insights derived from the Dubai Future of Jobs survey, which gathered opinions from nearly 7,800 students and educators, have pinpointed essential skills for the workforce of tomorrow. The report recommends comprehensive policy changes, a curriculum redesign to reflect industry demands, and an increased emphasis on career counseling and interdisciplinary learning to cultivate a flexible talent base.
### Global Employment Trends
The report also highlights widespread employment trends recognized by the World Economic Forum (IMF) projected to influence job growth from 2025 to 2030. Key drivers include automation, a shift towards green technologies, and heightened reliance on innovation and technology.
It notes, “Technology is anticipated to be the most significant factor impacting the labor market, expected to both generate and eliminate more jobs than other trends.” According to the findings, the area of ‘digital access’ is estimated to create 19 million new jobs, although it might also lead to the elimination of 9 million positions, as cautioned by the report from Dubai.
With about 75% of responding companies intending to adopt innovative technologies by 2027, tools supporting education and workforce development are expected to be among the most commonly embraced, underscoring their increasing importance in educational reform.
### Education vs. Market Needs
The report points out a disconnect between students’ career aspirations and the actual demands of the global job market, along with a notable gender gap, especially in STEM fields, where women are significantly underrepresented despite their potential.
### Post-Pandemic Classroom Performance
Despite having a robust and varied educational environment, Dubai has experienced a decline in academic performance since the pandemic. “Dubai’s average scores in both private and public schools have fallen post-Covid across all areas,” the report observes.
To safeguard future educational effectiveness, it advocates for a strengthened focus on foundational and forward-thinking skills in K-12 education, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence and what it describes as ‘bionic skills.’
### Future Skills Requirements
“Competence in AI, robotics, data-driven decision-making, AI-enhanced creativity, and navigating virtual environments like the metaverse will be crucial,” the document states.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), remarked, “A strong educational framework is essential for Dubai’s long-term economic development, fostering talent growth and enhancing the city’s appeal as a top destination for living, working, and visiting. The Talent of Tomorrow Forum unites key stakeholders to shape our workforce’s future, while the introduction of the ‘Jobs of the Future’ report underlines our collective commitment with KHDA to cultivate a skilled and resilient labor pool.”
As the employment landscape changes, the report emphasizes the necessity of fostering adaptability, encouraging lifelong learning at all educational levels, and integrating technology with human capabilities as critical future competencies.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, emphasized, “Preparing students for the evolving job market goes beyond merely anticipating shifts. It requires designing an educational system that can adapt alongside it. Through the Education 33 strategy, KHDA is developing a flexible, inclusive educational sector in alignment with the objectives of D33 and its social and economic initiatives.”