Artificial intelligence is reshaping the labor market in Dubai, with a new study indicating that one-third of government workers in the city are at risk of losing their jobs due to increased use of AI. The Dubai government is a pioneer in utilizing AI and could potentially set an example for other regions looking to replace workers with technology. This development serves as a warning to workers worldwide about the significant changes that AI could bring to their jobs as it continues to reshape various industries.
A study conducted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) in April 2025, in collaboration with the government’s human resources department, revealed that about one-third of Dubai’s government employees hold jobs that are highly exposed to AI automation. The city, under the leadership of Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has been rapidly growing and investing in AI initiatives, such as the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), and forming partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft. The study did not provide an exact number of potential job losses among Dubai’s 60,000 government employees, but highlighted the need for adaptation in the face of AI integration.
The survey of over 1,000 government employees in Dubai identified job concerns highest in customer service, administrative, legal, and front-line roles, which are sectors with both high exposure to AI automation and low current AI usage. Organizations are urged to develop clear communication and change management strategies to help employees transition into an AI-augmented workforce. While government jobs in Dubai have traditionally been well-paying and comfortable, these roles are primarily held by Emiratis, unlike the private sector which heavily relies on immigrant workers. The UAE government also plans to use AI to accelerate the drafting of laws, as part of a broader modernization effort.
Keertana Subramani, an Associate Researcher at MBRSG, highlighted the need for organizations to be transparent about the use of AI, with some senior managers being open to embracing AI without disclosing it. Nuha Hashem, co-founder of CozmoX, a UAE-based AI startup, emphasized the potential of AI to automate tasks, enabling workers to focus on more productive work. The International Labour Organization in 2024 emphasized the dual nature of AI, which can enhance productivity and drive economic growth, while also raising concerns about job displacement and exacerbating existing inequalities. Dubai is expected to increase AI integration across government functions while also addressing the challenge of protecting vulnerable workers in the face of technological advancements.
With Dubai leading the way in AI integration, the city is likely to witness further changes in the labor market as automation and augmentation of existing roles become more prevalent. The use of AI in various sectors, such as customer service, administrative, legal, and front-line roles, presents both challenges and opportunities for workers to adapt to the evolving landscape. As AI continues to transform industries globally, the importance of communication, change management, and skills development for employees is paramount to navigating the future of work in the age of automation. Dubai’s efforts to capitalize on AI while also addressing potential job displacement underscore the need for proactive strategies to ensure a smooth transition for workers in the face of technological advancements.
