Featuring Adnan Sohail, MBA, CNP – L&D Expert and Business Development Manager, Spearhead Training

Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future. It is a powerful force reshaping how businesses operate and how careers evolve in the Gulf. From Dubai’s smart city initiatives to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, AI integration is growing rapidly across sectors. But what does this mean for professionals navigating their career paths?

To explore this shift, we turn to Adnan Sohail, a learning and development strategist who works closely with leading organizations across the GCC. With over 12 years of experience, Adnan helps companies bridge skill gaps, embrace innovation, and build resilient workforces prepared for the future.

AI Is Changing, Not Replacing, Jobs

There is a common fear that AI will replace human jobs. But Adnan emphasizes a more balanced view.

“AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them. The key difference will be in the tasks we do, the speed at which we work, and how we collaborate with machines,” he explains.

In fields like finance, logistics, healthcare, and customer service, automation is already handling repetitive work. But the human side of roles such as decision-making, empathy, and strategy, remains essential.

Jobs will not disappear overnight, but they will evolve. Professionals who adapt and grow with the change will stay ahead of the curve.

The Growing Demand for Human-Centric Skills

While AI is taking over technical tasks, the demand for soft skills is increasing. According to Adnan, skills like communication, leadership, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are now among the most valuable assets in any team.

“AI may write the report, but it cannot lead the meeting or motivate the team,” Adnan says.

The future workplace in the Gulf will reward professionals who can lead hybrid teams, solve problems creatively, and communicate across cultures. These human skills are difficult for machines to replicate, making them crucial for long-term career growth.

Reskilling Is a Must, Not an Option

As AI tools become common in Gulf workplaces, the need to reskill and upskill is greater than ever. Adnan works directly with multiple clients across diverse industries and sectors, helping them implement training programs that align with future business needs.

He recommends a continuous learning approach, encouraging professionals to:

• Learn how AI tools work in their industry

• Take short courses or certifications in digital skills

• Stay informed on emerging trends like machine learning, data literacy, and automation

• Participate in internal workshops, mentoring, or coaching programs

Companies that invest in employee development today will build more agile, competitive teams tomorrow.

Gulf Employers Are Investing in Learning and Development

The good news is that organizations in the Gulf are not standing still. L&D is now a business priority, especially as companies align with national digital transformation goals.

Through his work at Spearhead Training, Adnan supports companies in building ROI-focused training solutions that are tailored to specific business challenges. This includes running training needs analyses, designing hybrid learning paths, and coaching leadership teams.

“Success in the age of AI depends on how well people are prepared. Organizations that equip their teams to work alongside AI will thrive,” Adnan notes.

Job Seekers Need to Show Adaptability

For Gulf-based job seekers, the message is clear: you do not need to be a coder to stay relevant, but you do need to be adaptable.

Recruiters are looking for individuals who demonstrate curiosity, willingness to learn, and comfort with change. Highlighting any exposure to tech tools, digital systems, or AI applications even in non-technical roles can give you an edge in the hiring process.

If you are applying for a job today, think about how you can position yourself as someone who adds human value in a digital world.

The future of work in the Gulf is being shaped by artificial intelligence, but success still depends on human strengths. As automation grows, so does the need for adaptable, skilled, and emotionally intelligent professionals.

With guidance from L&D leaders like Adnan Sohail, Gulf professionals can take proactive steps to build future-proof careers. Whether you are a job seeker, a manager, or a lifelong learner, the message is clear keep evolving, keep learning, and stay ready for what’s next.

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