Brief
Educators say human skills will outweigh AI in future jobs
Panelists at Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026 argued that interpersonal abilities will be crucial as AI reshapes the workplace.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026, educators and experts warned that human skills such as communication, judgment and collaboration will become more important than artificial‑intelligence tools in the workplace, according to Gulf News.
What happened
The panel discussion, held in Abu Dhabi, focused on how AI is changing job roles and what universities should do to prepare graduates. Speakers highlighted that while AI can automate routine tasks, it cannot replace professional comprehension, curiosity and interpersonal abilities needed to interpret information, make decisions and work effectively with others.
What the reports add
Dr Anita Patagar, Executive Director of Symbiosis International University Dubai, said universities tend to keep knowledge in disciplinary silos, but “the world doesn’t” and therefore students need broader context. Dr Vishnu, Program Director of the LLM at the University of Dubai, stressed that a strong disciplinary foundation remains essential, adding that “you need to have the substance to ensure that AI wouldn't replace you.” Dr Umesh Kathari of S P Jain School of Global Management argued that technology should be embedded within existing degree programmes rather than treated as a separate track, likening it to sustainability. Dr Riham Ahmed Ibrahim, Chair of the Pathology Department at RAKMSHU, cited AI‑assisted diagnosis in healthcare as an example where technical and human capabilities must develop together.
What was said
"Many academics and universities tend to look at disciplinary boundaries and silos. The world doesn’t, but universities do," Dr Patagar told Gulf News.
"One thing I want to defend is primary discipline, the subject that you have, to the foundation that's still needed. AI would replace some of the tasks we largely do," Dr Vishnu said.
"We don't need to have technology as a separate vertical similar to sustainability," Dr Kathari added.
"Nowadays we are working closely with AI techs and engineers to develop very important AI‑assisted tools for diagnosing disease," Dr Ibrahim said.
How it came about
The discussion builds on earlier Felo News coverage of UAE education initiatives, including the education minister’s call for universal 12‑year schooling for girls (see article) and the Higher College of Technology’s Skills 2026 competition, which highlighted applied learning in the Emirates.
Key facts
- Educators at Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026 said human skills will become more important than AI in the workplace. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Anita Patagar warned that universities’ disciplinary silos clash with the real‑world need for cross‑disciplinary understanding. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Umesh Kathari argued technology should be integrated into all degree programmes rather than a separate track. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Riham Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted AI‑assisted diagnosis as a field requiring collaboration between clinicians, engineers and legal experts. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Human skills will matter more in the age of AI, educators say”
