UAE labour market set for AI-led transformation, with demand rising for 87% of jobs.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has highlighted a significant transformation in the labour market across the industrial and energy sectors, with growing demand for advanced technical expertise while routine administrative positions continue to decline.
The ministry said the shift highlights the importance of investing in workforce development and preparing Emirati talent with the skills needed to succeed in the future economy.
According to the ministry’s Emirates Skills indicators, demand is projected to rise for 87% of existing jobs, particularly in advanced engineering and sales positions. The trend reflects the increasing need for professionals capable of driving technological progress and supporting economic transformation.
At the same time, 20% of future jobs are expected to be entirely new roles, including positions such as robotics operations supervisors, AI systems quality assurance technicians, and advanced manufacturing engineers. These emerging careers are being driven by artificial intelligence and the wider impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The indicators also reveal that 13% of current jobs are classified as stagnant, mainly covering routine administrative, support, and office-based roles that are increasingly being transformed by digitalisation, automation, and the adoption of smart technologies.
The ministry said the findings highlight the need to align education outcomes with evolving labour market requirements and increase investment in future-ready skills to strengthen the UAE’s competitiveness in the knowledge-based economy.
