In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the job market significantly. A recent study reveals that a staggering 80% of recruitment executives in the region believe AI will impact current jobs, with 19% anticipating that over half of their tasks could be affected by generative AI.
The AI Readiness Gap
The “HR Priorities with AI in the Workplace – Mena Perspectives 2025” study, conducted by SHRM and the Department of Human Resources, Ras Al Khaimah Government, uncovered a significant readiness gap:
- Only 33% of GCC firms feel their HR teams are well-prepared to lead AI integration into HR functions.
- Another 33% acknowledge their HR departments need upskilling and digital training to handle this transition.
- This preparedness gap is most pronounced in the education and public services sectors.
Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM East, emphasises the transformative role of HR in this technological shift:
“HR is at the forefront of one of the most significant workplace transformations in modern history. As artificial intelligence becomes integral to business operations, the role of HR evolves from traditional practices to data-driven, strategic decision-making.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
To address the AI readiness challenge, organisations must prioritise:
- Training programmes that enhance HR professionals’ digital skills
- Developing knowledge needed to work effectively with AI technology
- Shifting from traditional processes to AI-driven solutions
Vivek Arora, managing director of SHRM Mena, offers a reassuring perspective:
“It is not that jobs will be lost due to AI, but they will need to evolve. AI is bringing a lot of change for HR executives, as the role of human HR managers is going to change. These people will have to evolve.”
HR Priorities for 2025
The study highlights key focus areas for HR executives in the GCC over the next two years:
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Employee well-being
- Talent development
- Leadership development
- Employee inclusion and engagement
- Digital transformation and technology adoption
- HR compliance and governance
Challenges in Executing HR Priorities
HR executives identified several obstacles in implementing these priorities:
- Budget constraints for HR projects
- Relevant skill shortages
- Rising impact of AI on organisations and workforce
- Business pressure demands
- Managing remote and hybrid workforces
AI-Powered HR Tools
To streamline recruitment processes, HR executives plan to leverage AI-powered tools such as:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Chatbots
- AI – Recruitment Solutions such as JobXRecruiter.com
As Arora notes, “As we move toward 2025, the intersection of HR and AI will determine how organisations thrive in the future of work.”
Conclusion
The GCC region stands at the cusp of an AI-driven transformation in the workplace. While challenges exist, particularly in HR readiness, the potential for AI to revolutionise talent management and recruitment is immense. As organisations adapt to this new reality, the focus on upskilling, digital transformation, and strategic HR management will be crucial for success in the AI-enhanced future of work.
JobXDubai 
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