ServiceNow Predicts Over 1 Million New Jobs in the UAE by 2030 Due to AI and Digital Transformation
ServiceNow has projected that the UAE will see the creation of more than 1.03 million jobs by 2030 as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies become ingrained in the economy. This highlights the country’s ambitious goal of establishing itself as a global AI hub.
This forecast is backed by significant investments in AI-led initiatives by both the public and private sectors in the UAE. These efforts include the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, the establishment of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, and the widespread adoption of cloud platforms, automation, and data-driven services across various industries.
ServiceNow emphasizes that the majority of these new roles will not be traditional “AI jobs” focused solely on data science or machine learning. Instead, they will encompass a wide range of functions such as IT service management, cybersecurity, workflow automation, digital operations, and business roles enhanced by AI-enabled tools. The company asserts that AI will act as a productivity enhancer across organizations, transforming existing jobs while creating a demand for new skills.
These projections align with the findings of ServiceNow’s Enterprise AI Maturity Index 2025, developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics. The study reveals that organizations worldwide are ramping up their AI investments despite facing challenges in effectively deploying AI at scale. The research indicates a decline in overall enterprise AI maturity year-on-year due to issues like governance, skills development, and leadership alignment lagging behind innovation.
In the UAE, organizations stand out for their commitment to investing in AI. Survey respondents in the country demonstrate a strong willingness to increase AI spending in the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting confidence in the economic benefits of AI and automation. The UAE also ranks highly for its perceived availability of AI-related talent compared to European markets like France, Italy, and Spain.
ServiceNow highlights that this investment drive is reinforced by the UAE’s focus on digital government, smart cities, and AI-powered public services. Initiatives aimed at digitizing citizen services, modernizing infrastructure, and implementing advanced analytics in sectors like finance, energy, aviation, and logistics are driving the need for platforms that can facilitate data connectivity, workflows, and automation on a large scale.
Despite the positive outlook, the research underscores challenges in areas like data security and governance in the UAE. Many organizations lack the necessary frameworks to manage risks, ensure compliance, and measure ROI as they explore AI technologies like generative and agentic AI.
ServiceNow’s study emphasizes the significance of “AI pacesetters,” organizations that excel by adopting a platform-based approach, integrating AI into end-to-end workflows, and prioritizing governance and leadership. These organizations are more likely to see enhanced productivity, quicker innovation, and increased margins from their AI investments.
The report also spotlights agentic AI as a key emerging trend with potential applications in critical sectors of the UAE economy such as cybersecurity operations, infrastructure management, and customer service.
Furthermore, the importance of human capital in driving the UAE’s AI-driven growth is highlighted. While automation will streamline routine tasks, organizations will need to invest in reskilling and upskilling their employees to collaborate effectively with AI systems. Roles focusing on AI governance, workflow design, change management, and ethical oversight are expected to become increasingly important.
ServiceNow concludes that the UAE’s strategic vision, regulatory support, and willingness to invest position it favorably to capitalize on the economic benefits of AI. However, realizing the projected 1.03 million new jobs will hinge on organizations effectively translating ambition into action, balancing innovation with governance, and integrating technology deployment with workforce transformation.
