Dubai – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, its integration into academia and the workforce is becoming an increasingly debated topic. While AI is seen as a powerful tool for enhancing productivity, educators and industry professionals emphasize the importance of using it responsibly rather than as a replacement for human skills.
AI: The New Reality for Students and Professionals
With thousands of fresh graduates entering the UAE job market each year, many are realizing that familiarity with AI tools is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Experts warn that failing to embrace AI could leave students and professionals behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
"I wish I had learned more about AI during my university years," said Khaled Elkersh, a coastal engineer.
"When I started working, I was surprised at how much AI was already being used in my field. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes."
Elkersh, like many other professionals, uses AI-powered tools for:
- Design automation
- Data analysis
- Report writing
He believes that learning to use AI effectively is crucial but warns against over-reliance, emphasizing that hands-on experience remains essential for building expertise.
The Debate in Higher Education: To Embrace or Restrict AI?
While industries are actively integrating AI into workflows, many universities are still grappling with how to regulate its use.
Dara Varam, a master's student in machine learning, noted that while engineering professors and students often use AI for research, it is still not fully embraced in official coursework due to concerns about misuse.
"AI helps with organization and finding patterns in data, but it doesn’t have independent creativity. That’s the human element that remains irreplaceable," Varam explained.
However, educators are beginning to recognize AI’s potential in academic settings.
- Professor Payyazhi Jayashree, Dean of the University of Wollongong Business School, believes AI is essential for business growth and innovation.
- Professor Fehmida Hussain, Head of Computer Engineering at Middlesex University Dubai, emphasizes the need to teach AI’s technical, ethical, and societal impacts.
- Professor Giacomo Chiozza of the American University of Sharjah advocates for a transparent approach, allowing students to use AI in a monitored setting.
"AI should not be something we use in secret, as if it were a dirty thing," Chiozza stated.
"I allow my students to use AI, but they must document every instance in an AI declaration."
AI’s Impact on the Job Market: Opportunity or Threat?
The discussion around AI’s influence on employment opportunities is divided.
- Professor Jayashree predicts that automation will phase out entry-level jobs, making reskilling essential for career survival.
- Professor Hussain views AI as an enabler, helping graduates adapt to real-world job demands more efficiently.
- Professor Chiozza argues that the human touch will always hold value, stating: "No one wants to be known for wearing a fake Rolex. The same applies to AI."
Balancing AI and Human Ingenuity
As AI becomes an integral part of academic and professional life, the consensus among experts is that it should be used ethically and strategically—not as a replacement for critical thinking but as a tool to enhance productivity and innovation.
The challenge moving forward is ensuring that AI is used in ways that empower students and professionals while maintaining intellectual honesty and creativity.
Will AI revolutionize learning and employment?
Or will it create over-reliance, diminishing essential skills?
As universities and industries continue to adapt, one thing remains clear: those who learn to use AI effectively—without depending on it blindly—will thrive in the digital age.
