Technology and AI reshaping the job market, says expert

Innovation, strategy, and institutional transformation expert Reem Al-Nafaisa has emphasized the importance of Saudi students preparing for the rapid changes taking place in the global job market, stressing that self-directed and continuous learning has become one of the most essential skills for keeping pace with technological and professional developments.

Her remarks came during a recent lecture titled "Concepts of Innovation," organized by the London Cultural Salon under the patronage of the Saudi Cultural Attaché in the United Kingdom and moderated by Al-Jawhara Al-Sudairy.

Al-Nafaisa explained that the job market is undergoing fundamental shifts driven by technology and artificial intelligence, citing estimates that predict significant changes in the employment landscape in the coming years, with some jobs disappearing and new ones emerging. She noted that the ability to learn and adapt to new tools and specializations will be a key factor in professional competitiveness.

She stressed that while the internet and artificial intelligence provide people with tools and answers, they do not bear responsibility for the decisions made. Al-Nafaisa highlighted the importance of using technology responsibly to preserve culture, identity, and humanity, and clarified that technological advancement does not necessarily mean replacing humans.

Al-Nafaisa addressed Saudi students studying abroad, urging them to make the most of their educational experience, embrace different cultures and knowledge, study successful models and understand the reasons behind their success, and then consider how to adapt these lessons to meet the needs of Saudi Arabia, rather than simply replicating foreign models.

She emphasized the importance of keeping the homeland in mind, so that the knowledge and experience gained during their studies become an added value upon their return, contributing to development and building the future.

Al-Nafaisa described "self-learning" as one of the most important skills students should invest in, explaining that knowing how to learn independently is the starting point that enables individuals to take on multiple roles, whether as practitioners, trainers, entrepreneurs, or change leaders.

The lecture also addressed the importance of building a supportive ecosystem and culture for innovation, noting that development does not stop at having a new idea, but requires an environment that fosters continuous learning and turns ideas into evolving applications and practices.

She pointed to several initiatives supporting students, including the "Fikra" and "Wishaj" initiatives, and praised the role of the Saudi Cultural Office in the UK in supporting students and enhancing their educational experience.

Al-Nafaisa concluded by stressing the importance of equipping the next generation with knowledge, culture, and adaptability amid a rapidly changing Saudi and global job market. She called on students to be patient, confident, and to make the most of their study abroad experience, returning with knowledge and expertise to contribute to the Kingdom's future.