With news everyday coming from Middle Eastern countries -namely the UAE – and international cities – like Dubai- discussing the implementation of new AI technologies, one has to wonder what the job market will look like for human capital in cities that have taken to digitizing everything and anything.
A new report – published by the World Economic Forum – has sought to discuss this topic. And, with new technologies being implemented everyday, all Arabs must be aware of the meaningful impact of these novel applications on their daily lives. I mean beyond the tagline of “efficiency” what is the price of automizing everything? And what can be done to ensure that humans in cities like Dubai and countries like the UAE do not find themselves unemployed, and replaced by machines?
Here are the six principles that the World Economic Forum suggests we keep in mind, in cities like Dubai, where labor force technology is particularly evolving.
1. Expect massive disruption
We are on the verge of a “fourth industrial revolution”. Of course, most new technologies create new opportunities at the same time, as they eliminate old ones. Hence, you need to learn as much as you can and keep your skills up to date.
2. AI will replace repetitive tasks more than jobs
The newest studies highlight the fact that AI will mainly take away most of the repetitive tasks, leaving us with more time to spend on creative problem solving. To help prepare for this future, investigate AI powered tools in your own field.
3. Middle-skilled jobs will be hit the hardest
Both mid and low-level jobs will be hit the hardest as they are the easiest to automate. At the same time, there will be fewer people qualified for high-skilled jobs. Thus, to mitigate the effect of this impact, we need to provide education and job placements for those effected.
4. Opportunities will be unequally distributed – at first
Studies have shown that for every new robot introduced in a particular region, an estimate of 6.2 jobs were lost. Over time, jobs will return. But it won’t be enough.
5. Technology designers have a responsibility
The sole purpose of these advancements, should be facilitating human productivity and happiness, not just replacing humans for the sake of it. Therefore, designers and creators of AI need to understand the ethics of creating them.
6. The long-term trend can be positive – if we make it so
Change is not necessarily bad. We’re facing a massive change In technologies, similar to that faced by our grandparents in the early 20th century, and we can choose to make the best of it to ensure that AI technology creates opportunity for all, not just a lucky few.