Artificial intelligence skills are emerging as an increasingly important advantage for Emiratis entering the UAE workforce as employers expand their use of AI in recruitment and daily operations. At the Ru’ya 2026 careers fair in Dubai, students and employers highlighted AI knowledge alongside traditional academic qualifications and professional skills. Young Emiratis attending the event said AI literacy is likely to become a basic requirement for many future jobs. Skills such as writing effective prompts, working with AI agents and using generative AI tools are increasingly viewed as useful capabilities for new graduates. Employers are also beginning to incorporate AI into recruitment processes. Dubai Municipality has introduced an AI-supported recruitment system that can help filter applications, match candidates with qualifications and experience, and conduct AI-based interviews. However, AI expertise is not currently a mandatory requirement for every position. Officials have described AI skills as an additional advantage when evaluating candidates. Demand for AI capabilities is also growing across the wider UAE labour market. PwC’s 2026 AI Jobs Barometer reported that the share of UAE job postings requiring AI skills increased from 1% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2025. The report also recorded a significant increase in AI-related job postings between 2024 and 2025. AI demand is spreading beyond specialist technology positions into sectors such as financial services, professional services, manufacturing, energy, consumer markets and healthcare. This shift is also changing the skills employers seek in occupations affected by AI, increasing the importance of continuous learning and workforce development. The UAE is expanding education and training programmes to help prepare citizens for an AI-enabled economy. Abu Dhabi’s Tamkeen 5.0 programme has provided Emirati young people with access to specialised training programmes developed with government entities, private organisations and academic institutions. The UAE has also introduced a national AI literacy framework covering students from kindergarten through Grade 12. The framework includes AI concepts, data and algorithms, ethical considerations, societal impact, critical thinking and practical applications. Federal initiatives are also focusing on AI training for government employees, reflecting the broader push to develop AI capabilities across the workforce. For Emiratis entering the job market, practical AI literacy is increasingly becoming a complement to university degrees, professional qualifications and sector-specific knowledge. The changing labour market places greater emphasis on combining AI tools with human skills such as communication, judgment, creativity and problem-solving. As AI adoption continues across UAE industries, familiarity with AI is becoming an increasingly visible part of workforce preparation for the country’s next generation of employees.
