Find out which jobs will grow, which need upskilling, and which roles face decline
Dubai: As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation advance at a rapid pace, the global job market is on the brink of a major transformation. In just a few years, many traditional roles may become obsolete, while entirely new career paths will emerge.
For workers and students alike, understanding which jobs will be in demand is essential to stay relevant and competitive.
Recognising this shift, Dubai has taken proactive steps to prepare its workforce. In April 2025, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), released the 'Jobs of the Future' report.
This comprehensive study provides a roadmap for aligning education and training with the evolving demands of the job market.
The report analyses how emerging technologies, sustainability goals, and global trends are reshaping the job landscape. It highlights Dubai’s current educational system, identifying gaps and recommending ways to integrate future-ready skills into school curricula.
Based on data from global studies including the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report and the Dubai Future Foundation’s Global 50, the Jobs of the Future report outlines clear trends for jobs that are set to grow, remain stable, or decline:
These roles are expected to see strong growth due to advances in technology, digitalisation, and sustainability:
AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) specialists
Sustainability specialists
Autonomous vehicle (EV) and mobility specialists
Data analysts and data scientists
Robotics engineers
Information security analysts
Fintech engineers
Big data specialists
Digital transformation specialists
While these traditional roles will continue to exist, workers in these fields will need to upskill regularly to stay relevant as industries evolve:
Teachers
Nurses
Lawyers
Skilled technicians
Mental health professionals
Doctors
Traditional engineers
Pharmacists
Security personnel
Many routine, administrative, and clerical roles are at risk of automation, leading to a decline in demand:
Bank tellers and related clerks
Postal service clerks
Administrative and executive secretaries
Cashiers and ticket clerks
Telemarketers
Data entry clerks
Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks
Legal officials
Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks
For Dubai and other global economies, investing in education reform, skills development, and lifelong learning will be key to remaining competitive in the decades ahead.
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