22-04-2025
Worried about AI taking your job? Here's how to future-proof your career in Dubai
Dubai: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries worldwide, concerns over job displacement are growing. But according to Yousuf Bin Lahej, Vice-President of Emiratisation and Government Partnership at Emirates, and Board Member of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in the Government of Dubai, the future belongs not to those who fear AI but to those who embrace and leverage it.
For those worried about job security, Bin Lahej offered a clear roadmap: 'Upskill and reskill continuously.'
'People are afraid they'll lose their jobs to AI. But in the workforce, there's always an opportunity to upskill or reskill. You won't lose your job unless you choose to stay the same, without learning, adapting or developing. I encourage people to upskill or reskill themselves,' Bin Lahej told Gulf News on the sidelines of the inaugural Dubai AI Week.
He stressed that people shouldn't wait until AI becomes the only option, like how Zoom and Teams meetings became a necessity during the pandemic.
'We don't want to reach that point where we have to use AI because it's the only way forward.'
Fully utilising AI
Dubai is not just preparing to face the AI revolution, it's aiming to lead it by attracting and developing AI talents.
Bin Lahej defined AI talent as someone who understands artificial intelligence and knows how to use it to its 'full positive potential'.
'What we're trying to bring in is the idea of fully utilising AI – not just using it to turn a picture into a cartoon. The government is aiming to make Dubai the AI capital of the world. It's about creating a concept where we have the infrastructure, language, education, and all that needed to lead in AI.'
Making AI accessible to all
Bin Lahej highlighted the government's efforts to democratise AI tools, making them accessible to everyone – from students to professionals – so that AI becomes a practical tool, not just a buzzword.
'The government is pushing for a deeper understanding of AI and how it can truly enhance every aspect of our lives,' he said, noting the need for revamping educational systems, embedding AI in school and curricula, and promoting interdisciplinary learning that connects AI with business, culture and daily life.
He encouraged individuals to take charge of their own learning journeys, beyond what their companies offer.
'It's not about what your company gives you – it's about what you choose to learn for yourself. Continuous learning is something everyone needs to adopt.'
Message to parents
Asked how parents can prepare their children for an AI-driven future, Bin Lahej had simple advice: 'Start learning AI – together. Every new technology has pros and cons, but if you use it for good, it becomes a powerful tool. Be on top of it. Show your children how to use it for a good cause.'
