New Initiative to Empower UAE Workforce in Artificial Intelligence

A groundbreaking initiative was announced on Wednesday, aimed at equipping the UAE workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, which was unveiled by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, seeks to reskill, retool, and retire employees in the UAE.

During the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2023, Al Olama emphasized the importance of preparing individuals to effectively utilize AI tools. “If someone is going to be augmented by AI, we want to retool them to actually be able to use these tools,” he stated. In addition, he highlighted the option of early retirement for those nearing the end of their careers and uninterested in retooling.

Furthermore, the minister stressed the need for government programs to completely reskill individuals in job classes that are at risk of being displaced by AI. This ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to transition into new roles that will not be affected by AI.

Although the details regarding the implementation of this program are yet to be disclosed, it is expected to have a significant impact on the UAE workforce. By addressing the challenges posed by AI, the initiative aims to empower employees and ensure their continued relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Climate and Human Development Also Discussed

The Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2023 also delved into pressing concerns surrounding sustainable development, women’s empowerment, data equity, and the interconnectedness of climate and human development.

Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, underscored the need to view the climate agenda as inseparable from the human development agenda. “We can no longer separate the climate agenda from the human development agenda or the nature agenda. It can no longer be a zero-sum game where we can progress one at the expense of another,” he affirmed.

Nili Gilbert, vice-chairwoman of Carbon Direct in the USA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of various factors. She called for the organization of ecosystems that can effectively address the challenges at hand.

In addition, Lauren Woodman, CEO of DataKind in the US, highlighted the importance of data equity in responding to social challenges. Recognizing the potential of AI technology, she stressed the need for a human-centered approach to ensure its positive impact on society.

Empowering Women in AI

Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First, underscored the significance of empowering women in future-oriented fields such as AI. She highlighted the challenges faced by women in countries with broken structures of care and emphasized the need to address gender disparities in the workforce.

The Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2023, which took place from October 16-18 in Dubai, brought together 600 experts from academia, government, international organizations, business, and civil society. The event aimed to facilitate meaningful discussions and collaborations on pressing global issues and shape a better future for all.

As the UAE takes proactive steps to prepare its workforce for the AI revolution, it is poised to become a global leader in harnessing the potential of this technology and driving sustainable development.