As Saudi Arabia continues to undergo rapid digital transformation, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Will AI take my job?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the job landscape, but rather than replacing humans outright, it’s creating new opportunities. While some traditional tasks may be automated, entirely new roles are emerging that require unique skills in AI, data, and digital expertise.
The future of jobs in an AI-driven world
Many are surprised to learn that AI is as much about creating jobs as eliminating them. The World Economic Forum (WEF) anticipates that 69 million new roles will be created over the next five years, particularly in areas that demand a strong understanding of AI. For instance, roles such as AI trainers, data engineers, and AI strategists are set to become essential across industries. Additionally, AI is creating a profound shift not only in how work is done but also in the skills required to succeed.
According to a recent Innovation Catalyst Research, two-thirds (65 percent) of KSA respondents claim there is currently a shortage of talent required for innovation in their industry. Learning agility and desire, AI fluency, and creativity and creative thinking rank as the top skills and competencies for the next five years.
In line with this, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the growth of its digital economy by nurturing local talent and drawing global expertise as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. Initiatives such as the ITXcelerate program, play a pivotal role in this transformation, equipping Saudi students with training and certifications in advanced fields such as AI and data science.
Read: Global AI market to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033: 40 percent of jobs at risk
New professions in the AI landscape
AI isn’t only transforming existing roles and driving the need for new skills; it’s also opening doors for entirely new job categories. Here are some anticipated new roles that reflect the future of work in an AI-powered world:
1. Thermal plumbers: These specialists optimize heat and power usage in AI data centers.
2. AI agent conductors: As AI-powered agents (such as chatbots) take on more sophisticated tasks, AI agent conductors will design and manage these agents, creating seamless interactions between human and AI teams.
3. Data engineers: Data is the fuel of AI. Data engineers ensure that complex systems interact effectively with enterprise data, maintaining data accuracy and usability.
4. AI policymakers: As AI becomes more pervasive, policymakers will play a crucial role in defining guidelines and ethical standards for AI systems, especially in areas such as healthcare and finance.
5. AI system support technicians: These specialists configure, monitor, and troubleshoot AI technologies, filling a role similar to auto mechanics in the automobile industry, to ensure smooth AI operation and maintenance.
Expanding human potential and skills
The rapid rise of AI mirrors past technological revolutions, where the invention of tractors and computers reshaped the workforce and led to higher-value jobs. This presents an exciting opportunity to rethink and reinvent how we approach our work, making it more fulfilling and efficient.
Ultimately, AI’s core strength lies in handling repetitive and data-driven tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on strategic and creative work. The most valuable skills will be human qualities – such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and ethical judgment – to complement AI capabilities. These human insight roles, extended with AI, represent the sweet spot of future job opportunities.
The result is a more dynamic, fulfilling workplace where humans and AI work in tandem, solving higher-order problems, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth in Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape.
Mohamed Talaat, vice president for Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Dell Technologies.
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