
Dubai: Imagine AI not only hiring you but also training you and even advising when to take breaks at work. A new study by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement (DGE) reveals that by 2040, artificial intelligence will fundamentally change how we get hired, work, and advance in our careers.
According to the Emerging Trends Report in Talent Management (2024–2040), AI will go beyond simple task assistance. It will:
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Recommend personalized wellness plans
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Support career changes
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Use data to assign you to the ideal team
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Predict if you’re considering quitting
The report outlines 16 key trends expected to reshape talent management in governments and companies, including AI-driven hiring and training, and new team structures with self-managed groups instead of traditional bosses. Workdays could become gamified with leaderboards and badges to boost motivation, while virtual reality (XR) training might become commonplace for skill development.
These advancements are already in progress. The DGE uses AI tools to monitor employee growth, reduce turnover, and create smarter career pathways in Abu Dhabi’s public sector.
“Spotting trends is the easy part,” says Ruba Yousef Al Hassan, Director General of Strategic Affairs and Future Foresight at DGE. “The real challenge is building systems to prepare our workforce for what’s next.”
The UAE is actively embracing AI with initiatives like the AI Accelerator Programme and AI-powered planning tools designed to streamline goal alignment across government departments, cutting down on unnecessary meetings and confusion.
What does this mean for you? Future jobs may place less emphasis on traditional degrees and more on practical skills. Working alongside AI daily will become the norm. For UAE residents—especially those in tech and the public sector—this report sends a clear message: now is the time to upskill, adapt, and prepare for the future of work.