Humans Will Lose 1.3 Billion Jobs to AI Robots by 2035 — Which Jobs Are at Risk and How to Protect Yourself

1.3 Billion Jobs Will Disappear — Is Yours One of Them?

The number is shocking but real: global reports indicate that 1.3 billion jobs worldwide are at risk of being eliminated or radically transformed by artificial intelligence and automation by 2035. This doesn't mean 1.3 billion people will lose their jobs tomorrow — but it means that the nature of work will fundamentally change.

Key Numbers

The paradox: AI will eliminate many jobs but will create new ones that never existed. The problem is that the eliminated and new jobs aren't for the same people — and that's the real challenge.

Which Jobs Are Most at Risk?

Very High Automation Risk (70-95%)

Medium Automation Risk (30-60%)

Low Automation Risk (Under 25%)

How Will the Saudi Job Market Be Affected?

Most Vulnerable Sectors in Saudi Arabia

The Bright Side: New Jobs Will Emerge

7 "AI-Proof" Skills

These skills AI cannot replace in the foreseeable future:

1) Critical Thinking and Human Judgment

AI analyzes data, but it cannot make decisions requiring ethical judgment or complex cultural context.

2) Authentic Creativity

AI generates content based on previous patterns. True creativity — ideas that never existed — remains human.

3) Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Managing a team, handling an angry customer, negotiating — all require deep human understanding.

4) Leadership and Change Management

Leading a team through digital transformation or crisis requires irreplaceable human presence.

5) Complex Communication and Persuasion

Impactful presentations, negotiation, building professional relationships — distinctly human skills.

6) Solving Unprecedented Problems

AI solves problems based on historical data. Entirely new problems require human thinking.

7) Working With AI Skills

The paradox: the best protection from AI is learning how to work with AI. Those who know how to use AI tools effectively will be more valuable than ever.

Practical Plan: How to Protect Your Career

Phase 1: Assessment (Now)

• Determine your job's risk level — compare with the tables above
• Evaluate your current skills — are they automatable?
• Identify gaps — what in-demand skills are you missing?

Phase 2: Development (1-6 Months)

• Learn at least one AI tool in your field:

- Accounting: SAP with AI modules

- Marketing: AI content and analytics tools

- Programming: GitHub Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT

- Design: Figma AI, Midjourney

- Management: Process automation (Zapier, Make)

• Get a professional certification proving your new skills

• Update your resume to reflect AI and digital transformation skills:

- Build a professional resume for free

- Check its ATS compatibility

Phase 3: Repositioning (6-18 Months)

• Gradually shift toward high-value tasks in your current role
• Expand your network in growing sectors
• Consider specializing instead of staying generalist — specialists are harder to replace

Is the Fear Justified? A Balanced View

Why It's Not All Bad

• Every industrial revolution created more jobs than it eliminated (steam engine, computer, internet)
• AI won't work alone — it needs humans to manage, train, and maintain it
• The transition is gradual — it won't happen overnight
• Governments will intervene — worker protection laws and retraining programs

But Why You Should Act Now

• The pace of development is unprecedented — ChatGPT appeared in 2022 and changed everything in two years
• Companies aren't waiting — layoffs have already started in tech and media sectors
• Competition is intensifying — those who delay adapting will find themselves in a difficult position
• The opportunity is available — the market needs talent combining professional expertise with AI skills

FAQ: Common Questions

Will 1.3 billion jobs really disappear?

Not exactly. The number refers to jobs at risk of significant impact — some will disappear entirely, some will change radically, and some will require new skills. The net result will be lower as new jobs emerge.

Are Gulf and Saudi jobs as threatened as the rest of the world?

Yes, but differently. Saudization programs and tech investments (Vision 2030, NEOM) will create new opportunities. The most affected sectors will be retail, administration, and customer service.

What's the best field to enter now to be "safe"?

No field is 100% safe, but cybersecurity, AI engineering, data analytics, healthcare, and education are among the least susceptible to automation.

Do I need to learn programming to survive?

Not necessarily. But you need to learn how to use AI tools in your field. The difference between two people with the same experience is that one knows how to use AI to multiply their productivity.

How do I prepare my resume for an AI-driven job market?

Highlight AI skills and technologies you use, and focus on human skills that can't be automated (leadership, creativity, critical thinking). Build a resume reflecting your future skills and make sure it's ATS-compatible.

Conclusion

1.3 billion jobs will be affected — but this doesn't mean the end of the world. It means the beginning of a new world requiring new skills. The winners in the future job market are those who combine professional expertise + AI skills + human skills that cannot be automated. Don't be a victim of the transition — be part of it. Prepare your resume for the future | Check ATS compatibility