I often have the most interesting conversations with my younger cousins.
I asked one of them last week about what she aspired to become when she grew up. She said by then, artificial intelligence would have taken over all kinds of jobs, so she would have a computer programme work for her.
What she said was quite interesting. As AI becomes more sophisticated, there is no doubt that a number of tasks that were once done by humans will be performed by this technology.
For instance, Interior AI is the first AI-powered interior design tool. People can drop an image of their space and the programme will transform it to a new style, depending on the user’s preference. This programme may affect the work of interior designers.
Other AI-powered tools such as Zoom IQ create an AI companion in virtual meetings that will help users to do everything – from answering emails to creating whiteboard sessions. This may affect personal assistants’ roles.
While the technology could cause job displacement in some tasks, I believe it creates opportunities in others. Those who are equipped with the necessary skills will thrive in the age of AI.
My mentor once advised me that resistance is the core of failure. He encouraged me to go with the flow instead.
As the world is changing rapidly, adaptability becomes a core skill for the workforce to keep up. Those who are willing to learn new skills and embrace technological advancements will have a competitive advantage.
While AI is taking over some tasks in the creative industry, it cannot replace human creativity.
AI can generate creative content but it cannot come up with original ideas. This is why creativity is an essential skill to have.
My work depends on creativity and I often enhance my creative skills by reading new book genres, engaging in new activities and, most importantly, allowing myself to fully unwind and recharge my creative batteries.
AI tools such as Google’s Bard and ChatGPT opened the doors to floods of data. Within seconds, users can have access to resources around a certain topic.
This helped cut down on hours of research. The availability of data at the tip of our fingers like never before means that data analysis and critical thinking skills become crucial.
After all, what is the point of having all this data if we cannot derive proper conclusions from it?
Whether it is identifying new business opportunities or optimising logistics, those who can make the data work for them will be essential in the workforce.
This takes us to the importance of technological literary. While more of us will depend on AI-powered tools to streamline tasks and simplify jobs, technological literacy will help people to use the tools more effectively.
There is no time like now to develop the skills needed in the age of AI.
Schools should offer master classes and courses that will help pupils develop these essential skills.
Machine learning, data analysis and critical thinking should be at the core of school curriculums.
Those in the workforce should take online courses, read books and articles, sign up to free email newsletters by AI experts, attend AI conferences and network with people in the industry.
Interacting with industry experts could help identify the skills needed and understand how AI is affecting different sectors.
Whether it is someone as young as my cousin or one looking for a career change, embracing these skills and adapting to the rapid changes in our lives will be pivotal for a successful career in the years to come.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications adviser based in Abu Dhabi.
The Ashes
Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Low turnout
Two months before the first round on April 10, the appetite of voters for the election is low.
Mathieu Gallard, account manager with Ipsos, which conducted the most recent poll, said current forecasts suggested only two-thirds were "very likely" to vote in the first round, compared with a 78 per cent turnout in the 2017 presidential elections.
"It depends on how interesting the campaign is on their main concerns," he told The National. "Just now, it's hard to say who, between Macron and the candidates of the right, would be most affected by a low turnout."
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
