The Job Market Is Evolving Because of AI - Are You Prepared or Worried?

The job market worldwide is undergoing a significant transformation. It is expected that by 2030, projections indicate the creation of 170 million new jobs, while 92 million existing roles may be displaced. 

It might look like there is a surplus of new jobs, and some might think that the AI boom is not that scary at the end. But you need to look again at the details, not all jobs will stay the same, and you definitely don't want to change your job from an accountant to a farmer overnight. 

*The figures and numbers in this article are from the World Economic Forum 2025 Future of Jobs Report.

Emerging Professions

Several sectors are expected to experience substantial growth:

• Farmworkers: An increase of 34 million jobs is anticipated, driven by sustainability and climate-adaptation initiatives.

• Delivery Drivers: The expansion of e-commerce continues to boost demand for logistics professionals.

• Software Developers: As digital solutions become integral across industries, the need for skilled developers rises.

• Construction Workers: Urbanization and infrastructure projects are generating more opportunities in construction.

• Retail Salespeople: Despite the rise of online shopping, in-person retail roles remain essential for customer engagement.

Check the figure below for a broader list.

Skills for the Future

Core skills required in the workforce are expected to change. Key competencies to focus on include:

• Technological Literacy: Understanding and utilizing digital tools effectively.

• Creative Thinking: Innovative problem-solving and idea generation.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate evolving work environments.

• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing education and skill development.

• Leadership and Influence: Ability to guide teams and drive positive change.

Where is technology heading?

Technology itself is becoming a core part of each industry and not only a mere enabler. A deeper dive into technology trends reveals a diverse technological focus. 

The figures below illustrate the trends and the expected future collaboration between humans and machines.

How is the Middle East reacting?

The UAE and KSA are currently focusing on diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil and gas. The main areas of focus include renewable energy, government efficiency, and smart cities. Additionally, a strategic emphasis is placed on Artificial Intelligence as a cornerstone for accelerating innovation.

Biggest AI initiatives in the Middle East:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE aims to become a global leader in AI by 2031, with plans to integrate AI across various sectors, enhance government performance, and create new economic opportunities.

• Saudi Arabia: Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in AI and smart city initiatives, aiming to transform its cities and create a thriving ecosystem for technological innovation.

How about you?

As an individual, a leader, or a decision maker, how are you preparing yourself or your organization for such changes?

• Role Awareness Are you clear on which roles in your team or organization might shrink, grow, or be reshaped in the next few years?

• Hard Skills Gaps Do you know which skills your workforce lacks today that will be essential tomorrow? 

• Soft Skills Gaps Are you, your teams, and your leadership teams equipped with the critical cognitive skills needed for tomorrow to be irreplaceable even by AI? Including critical thinking, emotional intelligence, problem solving, and design thinking?

• Workflow Optimization Have you mapped the tasks within your teams to identify where automation or assistance can make a measurable impact?

• Strategic Alignment Are your AI or digital initiatives tied to actual business outcomes, or are they driven by hype or technology alone and not aligned to your business objectives?

• AI Literacy Are you getting familiar with how AI can help your business beyond playing with ChatGPT and Midjourney? Do you have an AI business strategy or know how to build one?

These are not theoretical questions. They point to real gaps and real opportunities.