While the United Arab Emirates continues to position itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI), a new study shows that 91% of Emirati companies believe it will shape the economic landscape for future growth in the region.
The new study, conducted by online learning platform Coursera, in partnership with YouGov, revealed that 83% of UAE companies were ready to integrate generative AI into their operations.
Another 82% of the survey group, made up of more than 500 business leaders in the United Arab Emirates, revealed that they had already implemented AI in their existing offerings, with 51% stating a broad implementation covering all functions.
The study, which aimed to uncover perceptions of generative AI and its impact on businesses and the workforce, said that 85% of business leaders believed that generative AI would reshape their customer offerings or business operations in the next few years. next three years.
“The remarkable implementation of generative AI and the commitment by UAE companies to embrace this transformative technology highlight the nation’s successful investment in shaping the future. This strategic move aligns with ongoing digital transformation efforts, unlocking unprecedented efficiency and productivity for the workforce,” said Kais Zribi, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Coursera, in a statement.
“The data from our study emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for both employees and job seekers, enabling them to proactively adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the modern workplace,” he added.
AI concerns
Even as the United Arab Emirates was poised to incorporate AI into its business landscape, the survey also noted concerns about job displacement and data privacy violations with the adaptation of this technology.
The Coursera study revealed that 55% of respondents raised concerns about job posting, while another 49% worried about privacy and data security. Another 43% expressed concern about a lack of transparency in decision making as one of the main risks of implementing AI in operational functions.
Despite the concerns, the consensus revealed that half of those surveyed believed that generative AI would change the skills required for the workforce. In particular, 87% of respondents expressed a desire for new employees to possess the necessary AI skills. Additionally, 2 in 3 of the companies surveyed planned to use online training to upskill their employees and close the AI skills gap.
AI adaptation in the region
In line with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the country aims to position itself as a global hub for AI, with an emphasis on attracting talent for future jobs, funding research and innovation centers, developing suitable infrastructure and ecosystems of data and establish a balanced legislative framework. atmosphere.
The AI market in the Middle East is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute close to 14% of the UAE’s national GDP by 2030, while the Middle East is expected to capture 2% of the total global benefits of AI in 2030, equating to 320,000 millions of dollars.
(Written by Bindu Rai; Edited by Seban Scaria)
