42% of Emirati youth are seriously considering the impact of artificial intelligence on their professional future

A new study inside the country revealed that 58% of young Emiratis consider retirement pensions to be a very important matter when choosing an employer, and 36% are open to working outside the country, while 42% of respondents confirmed that they are seriously considering the impact of artificial intelligence on their professional future, while only 33% focused on data literacy, as it is an essential factor for success.

Challenges and ambitions

The study, prepared by Al-Futtaim Group in cooperation with the G42 Group, the American University in Dubai, and KPMG Middle East, included 500 citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 of both sexes, and was titled “The Future of Emirati Youth.”

Balance between professional and personal life

53% of the participating Emirati youth stressed the importance of balance between professional and personal life when choosing an employer, compared to 51% who stressed the importance of having a positive and supportive work environment, and 46% considered that cultural dynamics play a pivotal role in their career path, as the role of parents and family emerges as a major influence on their professional decisions.

The study also discussed the most prominent obstacles facing young people in smoothly entering the labor market, topped by intense competition for entry-level jobs (33%), lack of practical experience (28%), limited training opportunities (23%), and vocational guidance (21%). 82% of the study participants reported that a distinguished work environment enhances creativity and innovation as well as celebrating individual achievements, and 81% confirmed that they are looking for environments that give priority to personal growth, 81% preferred environments that promote moral values, and 79% preferred those that encourage teamwork. Through strong leadership, open communication, and collaboration, organizations can build a culture where the next generation feels empowered, valued, and inspired to succeed and thrive.

Features of the future of work

In her comment on the study, the Chair of the Emiratisation Council at Al-Futtaim and the CEO of the Future of Education at the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, Mira Al-Futtaim, said: “The current Emirati youth generation is actively contributing to shaping the features of the future of work, as the results of the study show that young people have advanced digital capabilities, and a wide awareness of the developments the world is witnessing, in addition to their high ability to adapt to modern global trends, such as artificial intelligence and automation.” She added: “Despite the promising elements, young people face tangible challenges, most notably the intense competition for entry-level jobs, and the lack of some applied skills necessary for the labor market, considering that this study constitutes an important road map for all concerned parties, to empower young people.”

Future skills

G42 Group Head of Human Resources and Culture, Mayme Kurian, said: “In an era characterized by rapid technological progress, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, preparing our youth for the future of work is no longer just an option, but rather an imperative necessity. This study highlights the urgent need to provide Emirati youth with skills to keep pace with the future and foster a culture of innovation, and G42 is committed to leading this transformation, ensuring that our national talents flourish and lead in the digital economy.”

Thinking and ability

Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai, said: “Teachers are keen to provide Emirati youth with the skills, mentality, way of thinking, and adaptability needed to succeed in a complex world. “By instilling curiosity, curiosity and critical thinking, they ensure that the next generation is able to seize opportunities, meet challenges and stimulate innovation in the UAE’s society and economy.”

Talent management

Partner and Head of Human Resources at KPMG Middle East, Marketa Simkova, said: “The insights and results produced by this study represent a clear call to action for all organizations. It confirms that effective talent management strategies today must go beyond traditional human resources management methods and embrace the concept of comprehensive well-being, purpose, and continuous development.”

Recommendations

The study presents a comprehensive set of recommendations for government, business, academia and employees, most notably developing nationalization frameworks from quantity to quality, harmonizing pension systems, integrating early career experience into education, empowering managers to develop talent, investing in prominent national models, and highlighting best practices and case studies from the UAE.

• 53% stressed the importance of balance between professional and personal life when choosing an employer.

• 46% of participants believe that parents and family strongly influence career decisions.