Artificial Intelligence Career Opportunities for LAU Graduates

Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast-growing in the Middle East, creating AI jobs throughout industries and establishing solid career growth within the sector. Here, we examine AI and discuss what you can do with an AI certification or degree.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

More commonly known as AI, artificial intelligence refers to a group of technologies using large data sets that power computers to reason, make decisions or solve problems as a human would.

Though AI and the topic of machines that “think” have powered science fiction stories and movies for decades, the true history of artificial intelligence details how AI has become a reality in our daily lives. If you’ve used a chatbot on a website or taken a recommendation from a streaming service for music or movies, you were using AI.

Artificial Intelligence Technologies

AI includes machine learning and deep learning, which use algorithms to make predictions or classifications and power different AI applications.

Machine Learning: ‘If this, then that.’

Given input and corresponding output, a computer can learn the algorithm and continue to predict the correct output of data. Called supervised learning, this powers technologies like spam and recommendation filters. When a computer is given input but no output, it can identify patterns or features useful for categorizing data. This is called unsupervised learning.

Machine learning is used in AI applications such as:

• Computer vision
• Natural language processing
• Time-series prediction
• Speech recognition
• Sentiment analysis
• Cybersecurity

Deep Learning: ‘If this, then that, but WHAT IF, XYZ?’

Deep learning is considered the most advanced AI technology. It can perform deeply complex tasks because it processes data through multiple layers before it concludes. It will ask and answer a question, then based on that answer, ask another question, answer it, and continue this process until a satisfactory answer is generated. Deep learning is seen in apps that can predict damage costs from a traffic accident and help doctors diagnose patients. Deep learning is used in AI applications such as:

• Behavioral analysis
• Financial analysis
• Anomalies detection

Though AI still has to advance in areas such as language processing and problem-solving, the advancements are here to stay and will only continue to grow and create a need for more AI-based careers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence

Best practices in creating and using AI systems say they must be inclusive, easily explainable and transparent, have good intent and will use data responsibly. However, input is mainly powered by humans with intentional or unintentional biases and disagree on what “responsible” means.

AI in Business and E-Commerce

The value of big data and predictive analytics powered by AI is immeasurable in business. From providing rich customer experience and recommendations to optimizing supply chain management, AI increases cost savings and efficiencies.

The challenges of using AI in business revolve around people and technology. New technologies must be purchased and integrated into current systems, business cultures, and processes while maintaining ever-changing regulatory compliance mandates. Given the complexity of those tasks amid a shortage of talent that understands AI, it’s challenging to launch these efforts.

AI in Banking and Finance

By implementing AI, this sector has improved fraud detection and notification, can provide efficient risk assessment and portfolio management, and can even deliver better customer experience with chatbots and virtual assistants.

There are ethical concerns, however, in using algorithms to trade. Furthermore, AI algorithms can be biased, reinforcing discrimination and unfair lending practices.

AI in Cybersecurity

AI is becoming the backbone of cybersecurity. It allows humans to respond faster to threats – if a response is needed at all – by finding abnormal behavior in reading and comparing vast amounts of data and scanning numerous devices. AI can even automate patch management.

Cybersecurity is not foolproof, though. Bad actors can also use algorithms to detect and exploit weaknesses. Malware, phishing attacks, and deep fakes in social engineering are all ways cybercriminals use AI to look for ways to get information they shouldn’t have.

AI in Digital Humanities

Using AI in digital humanities helps professionals ask the right questions using the large datasets available. Asking the right questions allows professionals to reach solutions that drive improvements.

At the heart of digital humanities is natural language processing. This is an area of AI that’s known to need many improvements to capture the numerous languages and dialects throughout the world.

AI in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence can be found throughout the healthcare industry. It’s built into diagnostic machines to improve the accuracy and time of disease detection. It’s built into monitoring devices so the motions of a critical-care patient alert healthcare teams. When it’s used within healthcare technologies, AI can accurately predict patient outcomes, discover new – potentially life-saving – drugs, and help with achieving FDA approval faster.

AI in this sector is not without challenges, however. Data cleanliness, analysis and privacy remain top concerns, and the potential for AI errors in tough medical decisions exists. Additionally, the cost to healthcare providers to implement AI is high, which could result in biases in treatment.

The applications of machine- and deep learning are far-reaching across industries worldwide. While there are concerns regarding its use, there’s a lot of excitement regarding the improvements AI can make in business and healthcare and the jobs it creates.

Are Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Demand?

The artificial intelligence field is opening jobs globally. In the Middle East, the annual growth in the contribution of AI is expected to be 20-34 percent a year across the region, reaching a financial impact of $320 billion in 2030.¹

The three Middle Eastern regions expected to see the most growth are:¹

• Saudi Arabia, reaching more than $135.2 billion
• UAE, reaching $96 billion
• Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar region, reaching $45 billion

AI-based positions in the upcoming years are expected to be plentiful across the Middle East. Though the impact of AI is expected to be strong, respondents to a 2022 survey² say they lack:

• The right mix of AI talent: 70 percent
• A clear data strategy: 50 percent
• The technology infrastructure and architecture to enable strong AI outcomes: 65 percent

In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular, the percentage of job growth created in regards to the following technologies and skill sets is strong.³

Popular AI Job Opportunities

AI jobs are plentiful throughout industries. Discover some of the popular career titles in the powerful sectors.

Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

AI now powers a significant portion of cybersecurity. Algorithms that detect anomalies, find threats and release a response – such as redirecting traffic away from a particular network – are part of standard operating procedures. Below are some of the AI careers you’ll find in the sector.

• Developers
• Information security analysts
• Security engineer

Artificial Intelligence in the Banking and Finance Sector

From simplifying customer service to approving loans, market analysis, and recommendations, AI technology is playing a significant role in the banking and finance field of the MENA region. Below are a few of the careers you can find.

• Chatbot designer
• Security manager
• Data engineers

Artificial Intelligence Careers in Business and E-Commerce

The applications of AI in business center around using big data and predictive analytics to drive sales, research and customer service. Given the depth of the field in this industry, career opportunities are plentiful, including roles like:

• Data scientist
• Machine learning engineer
• Marketing scientist

Artificial Intelligence Careers in the Digital Humanities

AI meets the new frontier of digital humanities with natural language processing and design thinking at its helm.

• Natural language processing engineer
• UX designer and researcher
• Research scientist

Examples of Artificial Intelligence Careers in Healthcare

Healthcare relies on AI to discover and implement the next frontier of medicine. From improving diagnostics, patient outcomes and consistency in care to getting potentially life-saving drugs through clinical trials faster, AI is a huge benefit to the healthcare industry. AI healthcare jobs in the Middle East ensure data security, correct predictive analysis and ingenuity of design.

• Data scientist
• Data infrastructure manager
• Cybersecurity manager

Where AI Can Be Found

By implementing artificial intelligence, improvements have been made across industries.

AI is currently used for:

• Virtual assistants or chatbots
• Security and surveillance
• Sports analytics and activities
• Gaming and social media
• Agriculture and farming
• Autonomous flying and driving
• Manufacturing and production
• Retail, shopping and fashion
• Marketing
• Livestock and inventory management
• Warehousing and supply chain logistics
• Healthcare and medical imaging analysis

While AI isn’t replacing humans entirely in the workforce, there are benefits to relying on AI to help humans work smarter and faster.

Begin Your Artificial Intelligence Career Journey

If you work in information technology, computer, or cybersecurity fields and would like to learn more about using artificial intelligence across industries, our online Fundamentals of Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate will give you the information and experience you need to get started. If you want to establish your AI career or take a deep dive into the industry, explore our Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

Sources

1. PwC. “US$320 billion by 2030? The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East.” Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/potential-impact-artificial-intelligence-middle-east.html.
2. McKinsey Digital. “The State of AI in GCC Countries and How to Overcome Adoption Challenges.” Retrieved January 11, 2024, from https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-state-of-ai-in-gcc-countries-and-how-to-overcome-adoption-challenges#/.
3. World Economic Forum. “The Future of Jobs Report 2023.” Retrieved January 11, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/.

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