AI Displaces Jobs Held by Gulf Nationals

AI's Impact on Employment and the Need for Upskilling

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global job market, and its effects are being felt across various industries. From customer service to sales and engineering, many traditional roles are now at risk of automation. This shift has raised concerns among professionals worldwide, as companies increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs.

In regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the implications of AI on employment are particularly significant. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have implemented policies aimed at localizing jobs, ensuring that citizens fill positions in sectors like customer service and retail. However, with the rise of AI technologies, these efforts are now facing a new challenge: how to adapt to a rapidly evolving job landscape.

Key Sectors at Risk

According to recent analyses, certain professions are more vulnerable to AI disruption than others. Customer-service agents, call-center operators, and receptionists are among the most affected. These roles often involve repetitive tasks that can be efficiently handled by AI systems. In the GCC, governments have invested heavily in creating local job opportunities, but the emergence of AI-powered solutions threatens to undermine these efforts.

For example, in Saudi Arabia, the government mandated that all remote customer-service agent roles be filled by local citizens. However, with the introduction of AI-driven services, such as those developed by companies like Sawt, this policy may soon become obsolete. Sawt, an Arabic AI customer-service agent, is already making waves in the market, raising $1 million in pre-seed funding for its innovative approach.

The Growing Presence of Call-Centers

The scale of this potential disruption is immense. According to Rentech Digital, there are over 500 call centers in Saudi Arabia and more than 60 in the UAE. These facilities employ thousands of individuals, many of whom are now at risk of losing their jobs. The same pattern is evident in other sectors, where AI is gradually replacing human labor.

Nikhil Nanda, director at Innovations Group, a staffing company based in the UAE, highlighted that roles such as customer-service agents and call-center operators are among the most localized and therefore more susceptible to automation. He emphasized that while the pace of change may be slow, authorities must rethink their strategies to keep up with the digital transformation.

Gradual Transformation

Anil Khurana, director of the Baratta Center for Global Business, noted that the impact of AI on employment in the GCC is likely to unfold gradually. While some jobs may be displaced, new opportunities are also emerging. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report predicts that AI will displace 92 million jobs globally but create 170 million new ones by 2030.

In the Gulf region, significant investments in data centers and digital infrastructure are generating these new roles. However, Khurana pointed out that not everyone may find technical or blue-collar positions appealing. This raises important questions about the future of work and the need for a skilled workforce.

The Importance of Upskilling

As AI continues to reshape the job market, upskilling has become a critical priority. Governments and organizations are recognizing the need to equip workers with the skills required for the digital age. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has launched a national initiative to train 1 million Saudis in AI skills. So far, 300,000 citizens have enrolled in the program.

Nanda believes that AI can be a catalyst for career advancement. While it may replace repetitive tasks, it also opens the door for individuals to transition into more strategic and advanced roles. This evolution could lead to better, more future-ready careers for many nationals.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into the workforce is an ongoing process, and its effects will continue to shape employment trends globally. For the GCC, the challenge lies in balancing the benefits of technological innovation with the need to support local workers. Through strategic planning, investment in education, and a focus on upskilling, countries can navigate this transformation and ensure a sustainable future for their citizens.