Global trends like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and green energy are reshaping the global job market and demand for key skills, shifting employer priorities, and triggering a revolution in the world’s education system. As industries evolve, new roles in AI, robotics, green energy and data analytics are emerging. These roles demand a blend of technical and soft skills, including problem-solving, emotional intelligence and adaptability, which are critical for future success.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) launched today the new Jobs of the Future report, identifying key jobs that are set to increase in demand over the next three years and how Dubai can align its educational system to meet their demand.
9 jobs with increasing demand
The DET and KHDA report revealed that the following jobs are set to witness a surge in demand in the next three years.
- AI/ML specialists
- Sustainability specialists
- Autonomous and EV specialists
- Data analysts and scientists
- Robotics engineers
- Information security analysts
- Fintech engineers
- Big data specialists
- Digital transformation specialists
Maintained traditional jobs
The report also outlines traditional jobs that will not be impacted by global tech trends, including:
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Lawyers
- Skilled technicians
- Mental health professionals
- Doctors
- Traditional engineers
- Pharmacists
- Security personnel
While these traditional jobs will be maintained, they rely on accumulated skills and require upskilling programs based on industry demand.
Jobs with decreasing demand
Amid the AI revolution and the increasing adoption of digital solutions, the report reveals that the following jobs will see a decline in demand over the next few years:
- Bank tellers and related clerks
- Postal service clerks
- Admin and executive secretaries
- Cashiers and ticket clerks
- Telemarketers
- Data entry clerks
- Material-recording/stock-keeping clerks
- Legal officials
- Accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks
Prioritizing upskilling and reskilling strategies
Amidst this major shift in the global job market and demand for skills, there is an opportunity to prioritize upskilling and reskilling strategies and align with job market needs, requiring immediate changes in the education sector.
The quick pace of technological advancements is impacting current skillsets. Around 200 to 350 million people are estimated to require upskilling or reskilling in the next 5 years. In addition, the average skill shelf life is projected to shrink from 15 years to just 6 years, emphasizing the growing need for continuous learning and agility.
To effectively align education with the rapidly evolving job market, it is essential to prioritize adaptability and increase the frequency of reskilling efforts. As industries continue to transform due to technological advancements, individuals must embrace a lifelong learning mindset to stay relevant and competitive. This ongoing commitment to learning enables people to keep pace with emerging trends and evolving skill demands.
Furthermore, equipping students with emerging skillsets not only prepares them to enter the workforce with relevant competencies but also ensures they are well-positioned to adapt as the job market continues to change.
Read: Dubai inflation slows to 2.8 percent in March 2025 on lower transport costs
What can Dubai do to effectively align education with the job market?
The report revealed that student career preferences in Dubai are not aligned with global career fields. In addition, the data revealed that the majority of Emiratis are specializing in degrees that don’t align with in-demand and emerging job roles.
Notably, 82 percent of students believe that technology will have an impact on their future. This presents an opportunity for Dubai’s k-12 education system.
Several opportunities in skill-building emerge including incorporating more hands-on experimentation and real-world applications to provide students with valuable practical exposure and mentoring, integrating subjects across disciplines to deepen understanding and apply knowledge more holistically, preparing students for multifaceted challenges, and increasing focus on global communication and multicultural awareness to better equip students to thrive in an interconnected world.
It is also crucial to invest in the necessary tools, resources, and teacher training to enable the adoption of innovative learning methods and drive educational progress and shift the focus from just academic achievements to also cultivating essential foundational skills for future success.
