Fast Company Middle East · 1 Oct, 13:51 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

65% of UAE workers fear AI could make them replaceable, finds Workday

A recent Workday survey, reported by Fast Company Middle East, reveals that 65% of UAE employees worry artificial intelligence may render their roles obsolete.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills

11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019

66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent Workday survey, reported by Fast Company Middle East, reveals that 65% of UAE employees worry artificial intelligence may render their roles obsolete. This significant figure highlights growing anxiety regarding technological displacement within the region’s workforce. The data underscores a widespread perception that AI capabilities threaten job security, prompting professionals to reassess their career trajectories. Rather than viewing this as mere speculation, the findings indicate a tangible shift in workplace sentiment. Professionals are increasingly aware that automation could impact their specific functions, necessitating a proactive approach to skill development and career planning in an evolving digital landscape.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This anxiety signals that adaptability is no longer optional; it is your primary career asset. Roles focused on routine execution face the highest risk, while skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence will rise in value. You must shift from being a task-doer to a strategic integrator who leverages AI tools. Do not ignore this trend; instead, audit your current skill set against emerging automation capabilities. Focus on upskilling in areas where human judgment remains irreplaceable, such as ethical oversight and creative strategy. Engage with AI tools now to understand their limitations and synergies with your work. By positioning yourself as a tech-savvy collaborator rather than a competitor to machines, you secure your relevance. Start by mastering one AI-enhanced workflow this month to demonstrate immediate value to your organisation.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Leadership — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.