New UN Report Examines How AI Could Reshape Employment Across the Arab Region

AI and labour market change expected to accelerate between 2025 and 2035

A new joint publication from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has explored how artificial intelligence could significantly reshape employment patterns across the Arab region over the next decade.

Published on 21 May 2026, the report titled Artificial Intelligence and Employment Futures for the Arab Region examines how AI technologies may affect jobs, industries, workforce participation, and skills demand between 2025 and 2035.

The study focuses on the potential impact of AI across key sectors and occupations while also examining how labour market changes may affect different demographic groups including young workers, women, older employees, migrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

According to the report, AI is expected to influence both the structure of employment and the types of skills employers will increasingly require in the coming years.

Focus on Skills, Inclusion and Workforce Readiness

The publication highlights growing demand for:

AI literacy
Digital skills
Technical expertise
Data capabilities
Governance and ethical AI knowledge

The report stresses that workforce preparation will be critical as AI adoption expands across both public and private sector organisations.

It also warns that unequal access to training and digital infrastructure could widen existing labour market inequalities if governments and employers fail to prepare effectively.

The study identifies the importance of inclusive workforce policies designed to ensure that technological change does not disproportionately disadvantage vulnerable groups.

Different Future Scenarios Explored

Using strategic foresight methods, the report presents several future labour market scenarios designed to help policymakers and employers assess possible outcomes linked to AI adoption.

The scenarios examine:

Automation trends
Employment displacement risks
Emerging job categories
Skills shortages
Economic transformation
Public policy responses

Researchers say the goal is to help governments, education providers, and employers prepare more resilient labour market strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

AI Expected to Influence Recruitment and Hiring

The findings are also likely to have implications for recruitment trends across the region.

As businesses continue adopting AI-driven systems and digital workflows, employers may increasingly prioritise candidates with:

Strong digital adaptability
Technology awareness
Analytical thinking
Communication skills
Continuous learning capability

The report suggests that upskilling and workforce development will become increasingly important across many sectors.

Growing Importance of Training and Lifelong Learning

Education and professional development are identified as major priorities throughout the report.

The publication emphasises the need for stronger investment in:

Digital education
Technical training
AI awareness programmes
Workforce reskilling
Lifelong learning initiatives

Labour market experts continue to stress that workers who adapt to changing technologies are likely to be better positioned as AI adoption expands globally.

Morocco Continues Growing as a Regional Innovation Hub

The report comes as Morocco continues strengthening its position as a growing centre for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital investment within North Africa.

Casablanca in particular has seen increasing interest from:

International technology companies
Startups
Recruitment firms
Investors
Skills development providers

AI, digital transformation, and future workforce planning are expected to remain major topics across recruitment and business sectors throughout the region in the years ahead.

Looking for New Career Opportunities in Morocco?

Professionals interested in digital careers, technology roles, and emerging employment opportunities can connect with employers and recruiters at Jobs Expo Casablanca 2026 taking place on 25 July 2026 in downtown Casablanca.

The event will bring together employers, recruiters, training providers, and jobseekers from across multiple industries, helping candidates explore career opportunities in Morocco’s growing labour market.