Al Shamsi, co-founder of an Abu Dhabi-based genetic AI company, stressed that artificial intelligence is designed to support and enhance human capabilities, not eliminate jobs.
Employee hesitation or delays in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) are creating a widening skills gap in UAE workplaces, according to an Emirati AI expert. He warned that AI is no longer simply an optional advantage but has become an essential skill for long-term career growth and competitiveness.
Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, a PhD researcher in AI at the University of Manchester and co-founder of Abu Dhabi-based AI Diverge, said there is a “growing and tangible gap” between employees who effectively integrate AI tools into their work and those who remain disconnected from the technology.
“As the UAE advances at this scale and pace, understanding the fundamentals of artificial intelligence has become an essential skill for every employee, regardless of their profession,” Al Shamsi told Khaleej Times. “Similar to computer literacy two decades ago, AI knowledge is no longer simply an added advantage — it is becoming part of the basic requirements of the modern workplace.”
His comments come as the UAE intensifies efforts to position itself as the world’s first government to deploy autonomous systems at a large scale.
In April 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced a national initiative to transition 50% of federal government sectors, services and operations to Agentic AI systems within two years.
As part of this transformation, the UAE has launched its largest-ever AI training programme, designed to equip 80,000 government employees — from ministers and senior officials to new recruits — with skills in Agentic AI technologies.
AI as a universal tool, with different impacts
Al Shamsi, whose company focuses on developing Agentic AI systems capable of planning, decision-making and semi-autonomous task execution for government and private sector organisations, described AI as a “cross-sectional tool” that can be applied across almost every industry.
However, he noted that the pace and scale of its impact differ depending on the nature of each profession:
- Office and knowledge-based roles: Employees in fields such as writing, research, customer service, HR and marketing are already seeing direct and measurable benefits from AI adoption.
- Technical and research professions: AI has evolved from a supporting tool into a core component of many professional workflows.
- Field and physical occupations: Although current adoption remains lower, the influence of AI is expected to grow with advances in robotics and automation.
“No sector is completely untouched by this technology, but the speed and extent of its impact vary depending on the type of work involved,” he said.
AI to enhance productivity, not replace people
Addressing concerns about job losses, Al Shamsi emphasised that AI is intended to strengthen human capabilities rather than replace employees.
He highlighted several ways AI can immediately improve workplace productivity, including:
- Summarising and analysing lengthy documents and reports in minutes rather than hours.
- Preparing official emails, presentations and initial content drafts.
- Automating repetitive tasks such as organising data and responding to common enquiries.
- Helping with decision-making by analysing large datasets and identifying trends.
- Supporting brainstorming and early-stage project planning by acting as a “thinking partner”.
“The main principle is that AI generally does not replace the employee; instead, it reduces the time spent on preparation and routine tasks, allowing people to focus on areas that require human judgement, expertise and experience,” he said.
Using AI responsibly
While highlighting the benefits of AI, Al Shamsi advised employees to remain cautious when incorporating the technology into their daily work. He identified four key areas requiring attention:
- Data privacy: Employees should understand where AI tools store information and avoid entering sensitive workplace data that could create security risks.
- Human oversight: AI-generated responses can sometimes be inaccurate, making human review essential for important decisions and official communications.
- Workplace policies: Employees should follow their organisation’s rules on approved AI platforms and usage practices.
- Avoiding over-reliance: AI should support human thinking rather than replace critical analysis and professional judgement.
Starting the AI journey
For employees feeling uncertain about the rapid pace of technological change, Al Shamsi advised taking a practical approach and beginning with small steps.
“My main advice is to start through direct practical experience. This field is learned more through practice than through theoretical reading alone,” he said. “The key is understanding when and when not to use these tools in a professional setting, rather than focusing only on the technical side of how they work.”
He recommended experimenting with small, specific tasks on a daily basis instead of trying to master every AI capability at once.
“The learning curve remains flexible for those who begin today with commitment and consistency,” Al Shamsi said. “The real difference is not when you started, but whether you actually started and continued.”
