Report Two Artificial Intelligence Between Growth and Job Loss
في يوم 1 يناير، 2026 | بتوقيت 6:38 م
كتب: By Fathy Elsaeyh
By Fathy Elsaeyh
Why Arab Companies Are Falling Behind in the Digital Transformation Race
A Skills Gap Undermining Digital Investments
Despite rising investments in digital transformation, Arab companies continue to face a severe skills gap that limits their ability to fully capitalize on artificial intelligence technologies. Market estimates show that more than 70% of companies in the region struggle to find talent with advanced digital capabilities.
Limited Training Slows Transformation
Dr. Abdullah Gadallah, Regional Director of the International Marketing Board (IMB), stated that fewer than 30% of workers in the Arab world receive regular digital training within their organizations. This, he explained, is a key reason why many digital transformation projects fail despite the availability of advanced technological infrastructure.
The Egyptian Case: A Gap Between Ambition and Execution
Regarding Egypt, Gadallah noted that less than 25% of companies have structured and sustainable digital training programs, creating a clear gap between declared digital transformation ambitions and actual execution capabilities. He stressed that this gap represents one of the most serious challenges to the competitiveness of Egyptian companies at both regional and global levels.
Saudi Arabia: Tangible Progress, Ongoing Challenges
In Saudi Arabia, despite notable progress under Vision 2030, approximately 45–50% of companies still face shortages in specialized digital skills, particularly in artificial intelligence and data analytics. This reality has pushed many institutions to intensify investment in training and professional reskilling as part of their growth strategies.
The Role of Executive Leadership
Gadallah emphasized that executive leadership plays a pivotal role in managing digital transformation. Companies that link digital transformation to a clear strategic vision and invest in developing their human capital, he explained, are better positioned to balance economic efficiency with job stability.
AI Is Not an Inevitable Threat
He concluded by stressing that artificial intelligence is neither an inevitable threat to the Arab labor market nor an automatic guarantee of growth. Outcomes ultimately depend on how AI is managed and deployed. Companies that invest in digital skills as much as they invest in technology will be best positioned to compete in the economy of the future, while lagging institutions will bear higher costs over time.
