Future jobs in Dubai: 27 careers that will survive or disappear as AI reshapes work

Find out which jobs will grow, which need upskilling, and which roles face decline

Last updated:
Zainab Husain, Features Writer
2 MIN READ
Understand the impact of AI and automation on Dubai’s job market. Learn about emerging roles, vital skills for students, and Dubai’s roadmap for workforce readiness through education and training.
Understand the impact of AI and automation on Dubai’s job market. Learn about emerging roles, vital skills for students, and Dubai’s roadmap for workforce readiness through education and training.
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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.

Which jobs will be in demand?

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:

Nine jobs that will be in high demand

These roles are expected to see strong growth due to advances in technology, digitalisation, and sustainability:

  1. AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) specialists

  2. Sustainability specialists

  3. Autonomous vehicle (EV) and mobility specialists

  4. Data analysts and data scientists

  5. Robotics engineers

  6. Information security analysts

  7. Fintech engineers

  8. Big data specialists

  9. Digital transformation specialists

Core jobs that will remain relevant (but require upskilling)

While these traditional roles will continue to exist, workers in these fields will need to upskill regularly to stay relevant as industries evolve:

  1. Teachers

  2. Nurses

  3. Lawyers

  4. Skilled technicians

  5. Mental health professionals

  6. Doctors

  7. Traditional engineers

  8. Pharmacists

  9. Security personnel

Jobs with decreasing demand

Many routine, administrative, and clerical roles are at risk of automation, leading to a decline in demand:

  1. Bank tellers and related clerks

  2. Postal service clerks

  3. Administrative and executive secretaries

  4. Cashiers and ticket clerks

  5. Telemarketers

  6. Data entry clerks

  7. Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks

  8. Legal officials

  9. 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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