When artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of many industries in the Middle East and permeating every profession, it is important to question if the youth are sufficiently skilled to thrive in this AI-driven world. 

A PWC report forecasts that the region’s AI contribution will increase by 20% to 34% annually, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia seeing the fastest growth rates. The study noted that in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution, governments and businesses across the Middle East are beginning to realize the shift globally towards AI and advanced technologies. They are faced with a choice between being a part of the technological disruption or being left behind.

With the ever-changing AI landscape, are young people in the region ready for the challenges and opportunities of AI advancements?

According to Peter Richtarik, Professor of Computer Science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, most students are familiar with many AI products, such as large language models (LLMs), and their potential; however, there’s a need for AI-driven educational initiatives.

“It continues to be most important to invest in hard-core STEM skills and build strong foundations in computer science, mathematics, and science. AI is not dominating our world yet, but it will become a powerful assistant to professionals in nearly every technology field.”

He emphasizes the growing need to equip students for the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and adds that educational institutions must do more. 

UAE and Saudi Arabia recognize AI’s potential and are investing substantially in this field. For instance, KAUST Academy runs several highly successful programs to train the next generation of AI experts and is preparing future leaders and professionals for the AI-driven workforce. Such initiatives are expected to yield significant benefits.

“The use of AI among students and young professionals is gaining a lot of attraction, especially when using generative AI models such as chatGPT. Within university settings, many students rely on chatGPT to strengthen their understanding of certain concepts. The adoption rates of using AI among young professionals will increase over the next few years”, says Professor Yasir Zaki, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi. 

So, how can we guide the next generation in an AI-driven world? 

Promote student involvement in AI technologies by offering AI courses and after-school clubs that provide practical experience, says Nathalie Cooper, a talent search executive and a career counselor at Linkk Search and Consultancy FZE. “This can lead to future career opportunities, with mentors and teachers guiding students to become innovators in fields such as medicine, finance, and environmental science.”

As AI increasingly integrates into nearly every profession, training must be multifaceted. Cooper highlights that everyone is at a comparable starting point regarding AI adoption with the diverse workforce. To train the next generation for a corporate landscape transformed by AI, career guidance must evolve accordingly. This means career counselors will need specialized training to assist students interested in AI careers, and curricula may need updates to better support students exploring AI-related career opportunities.

According to Nour Al Hassan, founder and CEO of Tarjama, an AI language company, the next generation’s essential skills for excelling in an AI-dominated world include effectively using AI tools, developing new applications with them, mastering prompt engineering, and leveraging AI to tackle significant problems.

The importance of specific AI skills varies depending on the task or position, says Professor Zaki. For highly technical roles, such as software engineering or research and development, mastering the fine-tuning or retraining of AI models is essential. 

Additionally, the ability to build systems that utilize AI agents will be critical for many businesses. Conversely, for careers focused on visualization and creativity, proficiency with generative AI tools like text-to-image or text-to-video will be crucial for thriving and staying competitive in these rapidly evolving fields.

He further emphasizes the significance of integrating AI-related education, noting that the main challenge is incorporating these AI tools and techniques into the education system. 

It is also crucial to provide education on AI at the school level. However, is this type of education currently being offered in schools?

“While many educational institutions are taking steps to prepare students for an AI-driven future, there is still much to be done. Our schools are pioneering AI literacy programs and embedding AI concepts across various curricula, aligning with the growing recognition of the need for such initiatives”, says Dr. Saima Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gems Education and CEO/Principal, GEMS World Academy, Dubai. 

She adds, “However, we are also aware of the challenges that remain, including the slow pace of adaptation across the sector and the need for a more comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that not only covers technical skills but also emphasizes ethical considerations and critical thinking.”

According to Dr. Rana, GEMS Schools provide AI literacy courses that cover machine learning, deep learning, and the ethical aspects of AI, helping students navigate this intricate field. 

Although the swift advancement of AI poses ongoing challenges, a combination of technical and human-centric skills is crucial for the next generation to thrive in an AI-driven world. A successful digital citizen must continually adapt to a technology-focused environment.