AI Puts a Third of Government Jobs at Risk in One Pioneer City
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Artificial intelligence puts at risk the jobs of one third of government workers in Dubai as the city in the United Arab Emirates increasingly makes us of AI, according to a new study.
Newsweek contacted the Dubai government media office for comment.
Why It Matters
Dubai is a pioneer in using AI and could set an example for others in using it to replace workers. It is another indication of the way in which AI can reshape labor markets and also a warning to workers worldwide of the magnitude of the change it could bring to their jobs.
Children use a robot for assistance at the newly-opened Mohammed Bin Rashid library (MBRL) in Dubai on June 16, 2022. – The design incorporates technology and artificial intelligence to make the library as accessible as… Children use a robot for assistance at the newly-opened Mohammed Bin Rashid library (MBRL) in Dubai on June 16, 2022. – The design incorporates technology and artificial intelligence to make the library as accessible as possible, including robots to help visitors and an electronic book retrieval system.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
About one-third of Dubai government employees hold jobs highly exposed to AI automation, while two-thirds fall into lower or medium exposure roles, according to a study in April 2025 by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) together with the government’s human resources department.
One of the world’s fastest growing cities under Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai is hoping to capitalize on AI with investments in initiatives such as the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and partnerships with tech giants such as Microsoft.
The study did not predict how many of the 60,000 Dubai employees could lose their jobs, but did say there would be a risk for those who did not adapt.
The survey of over 1,000 government employees found job fears highest in customer service, administrative, legal, and front-line roles—sectors both highly exposed and with low AI usage.
“With significant concerns emerging about job displacement due to AI automation and augmentation of existing roles, organizations must develop clear communication and change management strategies that help employees to transition to an AI augmented workforce,” it said.
Government jobs have traditionally been well-paid and comfortable roles in Dubai and are dominated by Emiratis while much of the private sector is heavily dependent on immigrant workers.
The UAE also plans to use AI to accelerate the drafting of laws by up to 70%, part of a broader modernization effort, according to the Emirati News Agency WAM.
What People Are Saying
Keertana Subramani, Associate Researcher at MBRSG, as quoted by The Khaleej Times: “A survey of senior managers surprisingly found that 48 per cent of them were okay with people using Gen AI without disclosing that they used it.”
Nuha Hashem, co-founder of CozmoX, a UAE-based AI startup, as quoted by Al-Bawaba News: “In less than one day, based on the last 10 years of data, we could create an AI employee who can actually do the work of 100 people so those people can focus on productive work.”
International Labor Organization in 2024: “While AI has the potential to enhance worker productivity and drive economic growth, it also raises concerns about job displacement and exacerbating existing inequalities.”
What Happens Next
Dubai is expected to scale up AI integration across government functions while grappling with the challenge of protecting vulnerable workers.
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