Gulf States Need 1.5 Million Workers Despite AI Growth

A joint research report by US and UK institutions has revealed that Gulf countries will require more than 1.5 million additional workers over the next decade, despite the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation across the region.

According to the report, demand for human labour in the Gulf is expected to rise significantly over the next ten years, challenging the common perception that AI and automation reduce employment opportunities.

Instead, the study finds that these technologies are reshaping job roles and creating new forms of employment rather than eliminating jobs.

The report highlights that the United Arab Emirates will continue to rely heavily on a human workforce across multiple sectors, even as AI adoption accelerates in both government and private industries.

Workforce demand in the UAE is projected to increase by around 12 per cent by 2030, driven by growth in construction, tourism, logistics, healthcare, renewable energy, and technology.

Large infrastructure projects, population growth, and economic diversification efforts are expected to further boost demand.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia is likely to see a strong rise in employment opportunities.

Under the Saudi Vision 2030 reforms aimed at reducing dependence on oil and strengthening the private sector, workforce demand could increase by approximately 11 per cent by the end of the decade.

The report concludes that while AI and automation will transform workplaces, human skills will remain essential to sustaining economic growth across the Gulf region.