Will AI Take My Job Away? How Professionals in the MENA Region Can Get Ready

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is no exception to the way artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide. Others view AI as a chance for development and innovation, while others worry that it will replace jobs. For many professionals, the most important question is: Will AI replace my job? The good news is that AI is unlikely to replace every job, even though some may be automated. Rather, it will change how we operate. Here are some tips for MENA professionals to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of work.

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1. Recognize the Riskiest Jobs

Not every job is as susceptible to automation as others. While AI and robotics are capable of performing repetitive tasks with great precision, jobs that need creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and human interaction are less likely to be automated.

Jobs at Higher Risk of Automation

• Administrative and data input positions: AI and automation are ideal for jobs involving repetitive, routine tasks.

• Customer service roles: Chatbots and virtual assistants driven by AI are progressively replacing traditional customer service engagements.

• Jobs on manufacturing and assembly lines: Due to their heavy reliance on manual labor, these positions are susceptible to automation.

AI Poses Less of a Threat to Jobs

• Creative professions (such as marketing, design, and content creation): These positions call for human ingenuity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions.

• Medical professionals: AI can help with diagnosis, but it cannot replace human empathy, judgment, and patient engagement.

• Leadership and strategic roles: While AI can offer data-driven insights, human judgment, vision, and leadership are still necessary.

How to get ready

Be aware of the aspects of your job that could be automated and take proactive measures to improve your skills in areas that AI cannot easily replace.

2. Focus Your Attention on Learning Skills AI Can't Replace

As AI advances, focusing on skills that complement and are difficult for AI to replace ensures future security for MENA professionals.

Skills to Develop