Why you should learn more about AI Today?
Published: 05:12 PM,Dec 17,2024 | EDITED : 09:12 PM,Dec 17,2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it is already transforming our lives at a pace faster than we think. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalised recommendations on Netflix and Spotify, AI is seamlessly woven into our daily routines. Globally, the AI applications market is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to Grand View Research, it is expected to surge from $515 billion in 2023 to over $1.8 trillion by 2030. In fact, a recent PwC report estimates that AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, further emphasising its rapid integration and impact.
At its core, AI refers to machines designed to mimic human intelligence — analysing data, solving problems, and learning patterns. While current AI systems, known as “Narrow AI,” focus on specific tasks like language processing or facial recognition, rapid advancements in AI research are paving the way for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and, eventually, Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). These developments may seem distant, but today’s breakthroughs demonstrate how close we are to fundamental shifts in the way we live and work.
AI is already revolutionising industries at a remarkable pace. In healthcare, AI systems can detect diseases like breast cancer with an accuracy that exceeds radiologists. In agriculture, AI-powered drones analyse crop health, while predictive algorithms optimise irrigation and fertiliser use.
As AI adoption accelerates, it inevitably transforms the job market. A World Economic Forum report highlights that AI and automation will create 97 million jobs globally by 2025 while displacing 85 million roles. Professor Kai-Fu Lee, in his influential book AI Superpowers, notes that jobs involving repetitive and routine tasks — such as assembly line work, bookkeeping, and even customer service — are particularly at risk. However, he emphasises that AI cannot replace human creativity, empathy, and leadership. The challenge lies in transitioning workers to higher-value roles that leverage uniquely human skills.
For Oman, this technological transformation holds immense potential. The recent opening of the 4th Industrial Revolution- 4IR Center, a partnership between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), signals Oman’s commitment to leading in this AI-driven future, with the National Programme for AI and Advanced Technologies recently approved by the Council of Ministers and other initiatives.
This 4IR centre will foster innovation, accelerate AI adoption across industries, and empower the workforce with digital skills. Oman’s digital economy is a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy, offering opportunities for local businesses to optimise logistics, improve energy management, and enhance tourism experiences through AI-powered tools.
However, embracing AI also requires Oman to address its impact on the workforce. A recent Deloitte report estimates that up to 30 per cent of jobs worldwide will be impacted by AI and automation within the next decade. Oman’s ability to remain competitive hinges on preparing its workforce for this shift. By investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes, such as Makeen, particularly in AI-related fields like data science and machine learning, Oman can ensure its people are ready for emerging opportunities rather than displaced by automation.
Despite its immense potential, AI presents challenges that must be managed carefully. The ethical use of AI is critical, as concerns about algorithmic biases, data privacy, and job displacement cannot be ignored. Balancing the rapid advancement of AI with policies that prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and trust will be essential for its sustainable adoption.
The pace of AI’s growth may seem overwhelming, but the opportunity it presents is too significant to ignore. Learning about AI today means preparing for a future where it will underpin economies, industries, and innovation. For Oman, the strategic investment in AI-driven solutions and digital upskilling ensures a path toward progress and resilience. The question is not whether AI will impact our lives but whether we are ready to embrace and harness it. By acting now, we hold the power to build a smarter, more inclusive future — one where AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for human advancement.
At its core, AI refers to machines designed to mimic human intelligence — analysing data, solving problems, and learning patterns. While current AI systems, known as “Narrow AI,” focus on specific tasks like language processing or facial recognition, rapid advancements in AI research are paving the way for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and, eventually, Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). These developments may seem distant, but today’s breakthroughs demonstrate how close we are to fundamental shifts in the way we live and work.
AI is already revolutionising industries at a remarkable pace. In healthcare, AI systems can detect diseases like breast cancer with an accuracy that exceeds radiologists. In agriculture, AI-powered drones analyse crop health, while predictive algorithms optimise irrigation and fertiliser use.
As AI adoption accelerates, it inevitably transforms the job market. A World Economic Forum report highlights that AI and automation will create 97 million jobs globally by 2025 while displacing 85 million roles. Professor Kai-Fu Lee, in his influential book AI Superpowers, notes that jobs involving repetitive and routine tasks — such as assembly line work, bookkeeping, and even customer service — are particularly at risk. However, he emphasises that AI cannot replace human creativity, empathy, and leadership. The challenge lies in transitioning workers to higher-value roles that leverage uniquely human skills.
For Oman, this technological transformation holds immense potential. The recent opening of the 4th Industrial Revolution- 4IR Center, a partnership between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), signals Oman’s commitment to leading in this AI-driven future, with the National Programme for AI and Advanced Technologies recently approved by the Council of Ministers and other initiatives.
This 4IR centre will foster innovation, accelerate AI adoption across industries, and empower the workforce with digital skills. Oman’s digital economy is a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy, offering opportunities for local businesses to optimise logistics, improve energy management, and enhance tourism experiences through AI-powered tools.
However, embracing AI also requires Oman to address its impact on the workforce. A recent Deloitte report estimates that up to 30 per cent of jobs worldwide will be impacted by AI and automation within the next decade. Oman’s ability to remain competitive hinges on preparing its workforce for this shift. By investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes, such as Makeen, particularly in AI-related fields like data science and machine learning, Oman can ensure its people are ready for emerging opportunities rather than displaced by automation.
Despite its immense potential, AI presents challenges that must be managed carefully. The ethical use of AI is critical, as concerns about algorithmic biases, data privacy, and job displacement cannot be ignored. Balancing the rapid advancement of AI with policies that prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and trust will be essential for its sustainable adoption.
The pace of AI’s growth may seem overwhelming, but the opportunity it presents is too significant to ignore. Learning about AI today means preparing for a future where it will underpin economies, industries, and innovation. For Oman, the strategic investment in AI-driven solutions and digital upskilling ensures a path toward progress and resilience. The question is not whether AI will impact our lives but whether we are ready to embrace and harness it. By acting now, we hold the power to build a smarter, more inclusive future — one where AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for human advancement.