Following mass layoffs at global giants like Amazon, experts say the Gulf market is next, urging professionals to upskill as AI reshapes roles from engineering to administration.
The wave of AI-driven job cuts impacting global tech giants is set to reach the UAE job market, recruitment experts have warned, urging professionals to prioritize upskilling to remain relevant.
This caution comes as Amazon confirmed another round of corporate layoffs, part of a broader industry shift towards automation. UAE-based recruiters state that this trend is inevitable in the region, with AI already beginning to replace roles in sectors like oil and gas, banking, and technology.
“This is definitely a wave that is coming our way 100 per cent,” said Zaid Al Hiali, co-founder of Marc Ellis Consulting and Training. “What is happening in the US — at Amazon, for instance — started there and will pass by all of us.”
Al Hiali cited a stark example from his own work: a team of ten engineers reviewing technical maps was replaced by an AI system that completes the same task in minutes. He predicts that administrative roles could be reduced by 70-80%, and even entry-level positions targeted for Emiratisation are at risk from AI-powered customer service agents.
The Ethical Counterpoint: Retraining Over Replacing
However, a more nuanced picture is emerging. Some employers are choosing to retrain valuable staff rather than replace them outright.
“One of our biggest clients is asking engineers to upscale themselves to AI,” Al Hiali noted. “Rather than laying off 200 employees, they’re training them — because they’re an asset to the business.”
His business partner, Aws Ismail, co-founder of Marc Ellis, strongly advocates for this approach, viewing AI as a productivity tool rather than a pure replacement. “I’m one of the people who think AI should be an enabler, not a replacer,” Ismail said.
He revealed that his company has grown its team by hiring people who can leverage AI effectively. Marc Ellis has also pioneered an ‘AI recruiter’ that conducts initial candidate screenings, increasing their recruitment speed by 40%.
Jobseekers Respond Positively to AI Interviews
The human response to AI in hiring has been surprisingly positive. Sakina Abdulhusein, a graphic designer who was interviewed by the ‘Sarah AI’ system, found the experience less intimidating than a traditional interview.
“I actually felt more confident and less intimidated,” she said. Joshua Limcaoco, a content strategist, agreed, noting the AI’s neutrality eliminated bias and allowed him to focus on his answers.
Despite these innovative uses, the underlying warning remains. Experts advise that professionals who fail to adapt will be left behind.
“The smart employee will say, ‘I will be replaced at some point, so let me go upscale myself,’” Al Hiali concluded. “Awareness is key — whoever works hard on themselves now will be at ease later.”
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