The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), through its Sharjah Training and Development Centre (STDC), recently held a strategic workshop to prepare the local business community for the economic shifts driven by Artificial Intelligence. The session, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Investment Compass,” focused on identifying key investment opportunities and adapting to rapid technological advancements.
Quick Facts
- Global AI market projected at $15.7 trillion by 2030.
- Every $1 invested in AI yields an estimated $4.60 return.
- Workshop focused on AI’s impact on economies and labor markets.
Navigating the AI Investment Compass
Led by Dr. Obaid Saleh Al-Mukhtin, an expert in digital transformation and cybersecurity, the workshop outlined the significant economic impact of AI. The session highlighted projections that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Attended by SCCI Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais and Director-General Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, the discussion centered on how Sharjah’s business community can strategically position itself to capture this value.
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi affirmed the Chamber’s focus on enhancing the readiness of its ecosystem for AI-driven changes. He noted that the UAE’s advanced regulatory framework and digital infrastructure create a prime market for AI adoption, offering favorable conditions for SMEs to scale.
From Predictive Analytics to Autonomous Systems
The workshop moved beyond high-level strategy to explore tangible AI use cases relevant to local industries. Key applications discussed included the use of AI in predictive analytics for stock markets and industrial maintenance.
The session also covered the evolution of autonomous agent systems capable of managing complex operations like supply chain logistics and self-managed software. This points to a future where AI handles intricate, self-directed tasks, creating new efficiencies for businesses. The discussion also touched on the foundational infrastructure needed for this shift, including cloud computing and quantum computing technologies.
Reskilling for an AI-Powered Workforce
A central theme was AI’s transformative effect on employment. The workshop addressed the reality that while AI will phase out certain traditional roles, it will also generate new job opportunities.
This transition underscores the need to build expertise in AI development, data analytics, intelligent systems management, and cybersecurity. Proficiency in human-machine collaboration was identified as a critical skill for the future workforce.
Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General at the Sharjah Chamber, stressed that investment in human capital is central to the Chamber’s strategy. “Rapid technological transformations require a strategic recalibration of future investment strategies, underpinned by strong knowledge development to effectively capture AI-driven opportunities,” she stated.
About Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) was established in 1970 as a public benefit institution. It aims to serve and develop the commercial, industrial, and professional interests of the Emirate of Sharjah. The SCCI works to support the business community by providing a range of services, fostering a favorable investment climate, and promoting Sharjah’s economic growth on a global scale.
Source: Zawya
