Despite global concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, the UAE is poised for an unprecedented workforce expansion over the next five years. New research conducted by ServiceNow and Pearson reveals that the UAE’s total workforce will grow by 12.1% by 2030, adding more than 1 million new jobs to the current estimated 8.5 million roles.
While many fear AI will eliminate jobs, the UAE expects to add over 1 million new positions by 2030.
The UAE leads global workforce growth despite widespread AI adoption. In fact, the country’s AI market is projected to reach Dh170 billion by 2030, driving job creation rather than elimination. Technology roles in particular will surge by 54%, expanding from the current 169,000 positions.
AI primarily focuses on automating routine tasks, leaving higher-value work to human employees. Strong economic growth and major development projects fuel this sustained labor demand. Modern ITSM tools help streamline these workforce transitions by enabling efficient service management and resource allocation. The UAE positions itself as the fastest-growing labor market globally, outpacing even Saudi Arabia in percentage terms.
Together, these two Gulf powerhouses will require more than 1.5 million additional workers by 2030, with Saudi Arabia needing approximately 650,000 new workers to achieve its Vision 2030 goals. This continued demand creates significant opportunities for migrant workers from countries like Pakistan, particularly in construction, transport, and technical roles.
Key sectors experiencing workforce growth include:
- Manufacturing, due to modernization initiatives
- Education, with increased teacher and administrator requirements
- Retail and healthcare, expanding with service growth
- Financial services, requiring more specialized personnel
The role of AI in this workforce revolution is complementary rather than competitive. You’ll find AI handles repetitive tasks while human workers remain essential for:
- Technical expertise and supervision
- Customer interaction and relationship management
- Complex problem-solving and service delivery
- Creative thinking and innovation
This analysis, part of an extensive report released in December 2025, contradicts fears of AI-driven job losses. Jobs requiring human interaction remain critical as AI technology focuses primarily on automating repetitive and routine tasks. Instead, the UAE demonstrates how technological advancement and human workforce expansion can progress in parallel, creating a model other nations may seek to emulate in their own digital transformation journeys.
