UAE Expert warn: AI Set to ‘Eliminate’ 40% of Global Back-Office Jobs

Tech-Driven Adaptation: Naas Warns 40% Job Loss to AI, Urges Reskilling

People are increasingly driven by technology, as noted by Sameer Abdullah Naas, President of the Union of Arab Chambers and Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a panel discussion at the ongoing Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Naas highlighted the remarkable adaptability of individuals to new technological advancements, particularly evident in the growing number of businesses effectively utilizing internet platforms for sales and marketing purposes.

A significant revelation emerged from Naas’s discourse, indicating that approximately 40% of jobs worldwide, especially those in back-office roles, face the threat of being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). This sobering statistic underscores the transformative impact of AI-driven automation on the global employment landscape.

In parallel, Naas emphasized the increasing acceptance of new technologies in workplaces, with both employers and employees embracing innovative solutions. He reiterated that individuals are inherently technology-driven and display a remarkable capacity to adapt to technological changes.

Delving deeper into the implications of AI integration, Naas cautioned about the imminent challenges confronting governments and companies, particularly in back-office operations. He warned that AI could potentially eliminate nearly 40% of jobs in functions such as accounting, data entry, HR, office management, and IT support, necessitating proactive measures to address this looming disruption.

Naas stressed the urgency of workforce reskilling to mitigate job losses resulting from automation. He underscored the need for retraining initiatives to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the evolving job market, especially in AI-related fields.

Furthermore, Naas advocated for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to navigate the complexities of an accelerated digital transformation. He emphasized the role of governments in engaging with the private sector and enacting supportive policies to facilitate workforce adaptation and innovation.

The AIM Congress 2024, organized by the AIM Global Foundation with support from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, serves as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts to converge and explore innovative strategies for economic growth and prosperity.

As the three-day global investment event unfolds at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, stakeholders are poised to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing digital revolution, seeking collaborative solutions to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic development.