Expect a workforce shake-up in the UAE in the next few years as AI and digitization change requirements and demand for talent, according to the Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 (pdf). Some 41% of core skills are projected to shift by 2030, the report said.

More automation incoming: UAE based companies are accelerating automation to adapt to increased digitalization, with 43% of work tasks expected to be performed by autonomous technologies within five years — exceeding the global average of 34%. There is also an increase in demand for skills in technology, with 87% of companies highlighting the need for stronger technological literacy.

Some 91% of companies surveyed see AI and information processing as key to business transformation, while 66% emphasize the role of robots and autonomous systems. Other tech trends gaining traction include energy, materials, sensing, semiconductors, satellites, quantum computing, and biotechnology as climate mitigation efforts also rise. Meanwhile, AI and machine learning specialist roles are expected to see the most net growth.

Training and upskilling on the right track? By 2030, 44% of respondents believe they will not require any upskilling, compared to 41% globally. Some 28% in the UAE expect to be upskilled in their current roles (vs. 29% globally), while 18% expect to be upskilled and redeployed. However, 10% in the UAE (and 11% globally) feel they are unlikely to need upskilling at all.

Employers in the Middle East and North Africa are more optimistic about talent availability by 2030 compared to global companies, with 46% anticipating improved hiring prospects. The region faces a higher rate of skill disruption, with 46% of job-related skills expected to change, compared to 39% globally.

Talent availability is expected to remain stable, with only 26% of employers predicting a decline. However, two-thirds of employers expect skills gaps in the labor market to be a major barrier to business transformation.

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