ACADEMIA MUST ADAPT TO AI RESHAPING JOBS

Curricula must be redesigned with real-world AI training, research and industry collaboration

- BY SANAA KADDOURA | Special to Gulf News

We are witnessing an era-defining revolution. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to the labs of elite research institutions; it's rapidly transforming industries, redefining job markets, and reshaping the way we live and work.

AI tools have given the world a glimpse of Al's power to automate tasks once thought uniquely human: Writing, coding, customer support, even decision-making. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on economies and societies will only intensify. Yet, amid this transformation, a critical gap is widening; the gap between academic preparation and industry demand.

Today's job market is not waiting for tomorrow's graduates to catch up. A growing number of roles are being automated or transformed. Routine jobs in finance, law, journalism, and customer service are being reimagined with AI at the centre. A recent World Economic Forum report predicts that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by AI, while 97 million new roles may emerge, but these new roles will require very different skills. This is where our academic institutions must step up.

Universities and colleges can no longer operate in silos. They must actively collaborate with industry leaders to ensure that what is taught in classrooms reflects real-world demands. Curricula must be agile and responsive, incorporating practical training in AI, data literacy, ethical technology use, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.