Bridging the AI Talent Gap is Crucial to GCC Retail’s Future, Reveals Al Futtaim White Paper

Dubai, UAE – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) retail sector is on the brink of an AI-driven transformation, but a new white paper warns that a critical skills gap could stall progress. The report, unveiled by the UAE-based conglomerate Al Futtaim Group during Dubai AI Week, underscores that the lack of skilled AI professionals is the primary hurdle in unlocking the full potential of personalisation technologies in the region’s retail space.

Developed in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the white paper titled "Artificial Intelligence in GCC Retail" compiles insights from a high-level roundtable featuring leading retailers, technology providers, academics, and startups.

The findings are clear: nearly 93% of participants identified skills shortages as the biggest barrier to AI implementation. Additional challenges include issues related to data preparation and management (cited by over 70%), limited executive support, and consumer concerns around data privacy.

"The GCC retail sector is at a tipping point. AI is the key to delivering personalised, high-impact customer experiences – but it all begins with talent. We must invest in skills today to meet tomorrow’s expectations," stated Moza Al Futtaim, Chief AI Officer at Al Futtaim.

Despite these obstacles, the region boasts a strong foundation to become a global AI hub, thanks to its digitally savvy population, supportive government strategies, and significant financial resources. Flagship initiatives such as the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion Project Transcendence illustrate the region’s commitment to leadership in AI.

Steve Liu, Associate Vice President for Research at MBZUAI, emphasized the need for a reimagined educational approach. “To ensure success in this new era, we must prioritise building a workforce proficient in AI technologies and equipped with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning skills needed to navigate the complexities of this rapidly advancing field,” he said.

The white paper outlines five strategic pillars for GCC retailers to overcome these challenges and embrace AI:

1. Talent Development & Skills: Promote AI-first education, develop specialised training, and partner with academic institutions.

2. Customer Engagement & Personalisation: Embrace local cultural nuances, enhance digital experiences, and build trust through transparent data practices.

3. Technology Foundations: Invest in robust data infrastructure, centralise data platforms, and train teams in data management.

4. Ecosystem Collaboration: Engage regulators, forge cross-sector partnerships, and support AI-focused startups.

5. Ethics & Governance: Embed ethical frameworks, establish internal ethics committees, mitigate algorithmic bias, and ensure security integration.

   
   

The report concludes that while technology is a powerful enabler, it is the human element—through responsible leadership, skilled talent, and ethical practices—that will ultimately determine the success of AI in retail.

AI talent gap in GCC retail