The Kingdom has hosted major technology events like LEAP, which has highlighted the importance of upskilling in AI-related operations for regional businesses.

Rami Mourtada, partner and director of Boston Consulting Group, emphasized the need for companies in Saudi Arabia to establish their AI agenda and adapt to this evolution.

He advised setting a strategic AI roadmap, piloting promising use cases, and engaging the organization for this change.

In summary, Saudi Arabian businesses should prioritize AI adoption to catalyze growth and remain competitive.

A report by Oliver Wyman reveals that Saudi Arabia and the Middle East have invested heavily in AI strategies, which is benefiting the region.

The young population recognizes the productivity benefits of AI.

However, bridging the gap between employers and employees is crucial for the smooth adoption of AI in businesses, according to Ana Kreacic, Oliver Wyman's chief knowledge officer.

Events like LEAP can help business leaders learn from others' experiences, engage with experts, and get new ideas for AI use cases.

Ana Kreacic emphasizes the disconnect between employers and employees regarding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in businesses.

While CEOs see the potential of AI for productivity and competitiveness, they underestimate its impact on workers and their roles.

Kreacic advises businesses to create a shared mission around AI adoption, focusing not only on improved business productivity but also on addressing workers' concerns and providing adequate training.

A survey by Oliver Wyman revealed that over half of the employees in Saudi Arabia feel inadequately trained on AI, and 40% want peer-to-peer mentorship programs to adapt to the change.

Businesses need to communicate clearly with employees about their plans for implementing AI and provide ongoing training to help them adapt.

Young workers should be prioritized for motivation and skill-building.

AI tools are constantly improving, requiring employees to learn new skills regularly.

Employees rank AI as their top priority for reskilling due to these ongoing learning needs.

The text discusses the importance of businesses focusing on digital training for Gen Zers, born between mid-1990s and mid-2010s, to help them acquire necessary skills for AI despite their computer knowledge.

Kreacic emphasizes that as AI eliminates repetitive roles, soft skills become increasingly crucial for Gen Zers.

Additionally, the text highlights the need to address workers' fears regarding job security due to AI adoption.

Despite the productivity benefits, many workers are concerned about the potential negative impact on their jobs.

Mourtada from BCG discussed the growing concern among workers about AI's effect on job security as its use increases.

He suggested a hybrid approach where humans oversee AI-transformed processes to minimize bias and errors.

Mourtada urged employees to advocate for this setup and reap its benefits.

A study by Oliver Wyman found that 69% of young people in Saudi Arabia worry about AI's impact on job security, compared to 59% of older adults.

Senior employees may feel more secure due to the belief that AI will have less impact on higher-level jobs.

According to Kreacic, 24% of Saudi Gen Zers are considering leaving their jobs due to fears about the impact of AI on their employment, compared to 14% globally.

To address this issue, businesses and governments should communicate clearly about how AI will affect work and provide support for employees during the transition.

Kreacic also emphasized the importance of creating a shared mission around AI adoption that considers the impact on workers and their roles, as well as nurturing young workers' sense of belonging to keep them engaged and productive.