Making AI an ally in a fast changing workplace

Making AI an ally in a fast changing workplace

Making AI an ally in a fast changing workplace
Shutterstock illustration image
Short Url

For decades, software was centered around data. Initially, this meant digitizing mountains of paper records, storing them in databases, and retrieving them more efficiently. Tasks that once required sifting through file cabinets, mainframes, or early enterprise systems were then streamlined by technology.

Still, the bulk of real work — whether in a travel agency, a human resources department, or a hospital — continued to be handled by humans. These early digital tools functioned as advanced filing cabinets, saving space and time, but still relied on people to interpret and act on the data they contained.

Then came the cloud era. Large servers maintained offsite replaced the need for clunky hardware in office basements, making information more accessible and less expensive to manage. Yet, this convenience did not dramatically reduce the need for human labor. Even with cloud-based software, professionals continued to handle everything from customer support queries to accounts receivable.

The digital platforms served mainly as centralized repositories; employees were still opening emails, typing responses, making phone calls, and moving information from one system to another. In short, software stored data more efficiently, but it did not fundamentally alter the fact that people were doing the heavy lifting of day-to-day operations.

That is changing. The wave we are witnessing now goes beyond merely adding features or improving convenience. Artificial intelligence is evolving from a tool that primarily organizes and processes data into one that performs tasks traditionally handled by people.

Just a few years ago, the idea of an AI system managing legal paperwork, responding to support emails, tracking payment schedules, or scheduling appointments in multiple languages might have sounded far-fetched. Yet, these capabilities already exist in prototype or limited-release forms, and many organizations find them particularly appealing because AI effectively fills labor gaps.

The difference this time is both economic and practical on a large scale. In the past, software accounted for only a small percentage of most companies’ budgets — a helpful tool to boost employee productivity. Meanwhile, labor costs, benefits, and training far outweighed expenses for databases or office software. When an organization grew, it needed to hire more staff to handle the increased workload.

AI is changing the equation. Instead of only one person answering a number of calls or emails daily, AI can operate around the clock at a fraction of the cost. This shift makes previously unthinkable applications of software not only possible but highly appealing from a business perspective.

This is especially evident in customer support and communication roles. Early chatbots were often clumsy and had frustrating interfaces, only handling the simplest queries. In contrast, new-generation models — trained on massive datasets — can now generate coherent, context-aware responses in real-time.

Instead of functioning as bare-bones frequently-asked-questions systems, these AI agents can learn the nuances of a company’s product line, reference past customer interactions, and adapt their tone to suit different audiences. In many cases, they handle the bulk of mundane interactions independently. Humans now step in only for exceptions or complex issues, effectively becoming “managers” of AI rather than the frontline agents.

The real opportunity lies in combining AI’s labor capabilities with human empathy and insight.

Mohammed A. Al-Qarni

This shift from data to labor extends well beyond customer service. In healthcare, AI can process standard patient forms, allowing nurses and administrative staff to focus more on bedside care. In finance, AI can chase overdue invoices, notify individuals who fall behind on payments, and even negotiate payment plans. In compliance, AI-driven systems can flag suspicious transactions and prepare preliminary reports for human review. In countless other fields, such as insurance underwriting, market research, and creative brainstorming, AI is taking on core responsibilities that were once handled by entire teams.

Naturally, this raises significant questions about employment and skills. If software replaces much of operational work, what happens to those roles?

The history of technological change shows that while some jobs are lost, new opportunities often emerge in areas where technology falls short. When software digitized record-keeping, it didn’t eliminate HR departments; instead, it made them leaner and shifted staff responsibilities from managing paper forms to more strategic, human-centered tasks.

AI promises a similar reallocation. Tasks requiring complex problem-solving, genuine empathy, relationship-building, or physical presence and advanced judgment will remain within human expertise. However, it would be naive to assume this transition will be painless or that new roles will naturally appear for everyone. Success will require active planning, reskilling, and a willingness to redefine roles within organizations.

What sets this wave apart — and makes it potentially more disruptive — is the sheer depth and range of tasks AI can now perform. It is no longer confined to predictable, mechanical processes.

Modern AI systems can analyze nuanced language, generate personalized content, and adapt to new information in real time. This makes them more than just a time-saving device; they become the backbone of operations where speed, consistency, and scale are paramount. Such capability compels organizations to weigh whether to pay people for tasks that AI can handle faster and at lower cost.

At the same time, it is crucial to remember that humans possess inventive, relational, and interpretive qualities that AI cannot replicate. No model — however advanced — can fully capture the warmth of genuine human interaction or the creativity born from lived experience and social context. The real opportunity lies in combining AI’s labor capabilities with human empathy and insight. Freed from repetitive duties, employees can dedicate more energy to strategic thinking, customer relationships, and, ultimately, innovation.

Software was once focused solely on managing data, not on performing the labor behind it. AI has changed that. Tasks once handled by staff, from administrative duties to client follow-ups, can now be managed by intelligent systems at scale. Companies that embrace this shift thoughtfully and responsibly are likely to outpace those that hold onto legacy models. This is not just another upgrade or a feature set; this is a fundamental rethinking of how work itself is accomplished.

Embracing this transition requires building the right frameworks, safeguards, and strategies to make AI an ally, not a threat — transforming what was once a tool for data into a powerful partner in getting things done.

Mohammed A. Al-Qarni is an academic and consultant on AI for business.
 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Russia’s Medvedev calls Ukraine’s territory exchange proposals ‘nonsense’

Russia’s Medvedev calls Ukraine’s territory exchange proposals ‘nonsense’
Updated 3 min 18 sec ago
Follow

Russia’s Medvedev calls Ukraine’s territory exchange proposals ‘nonsense’

Russia’s Medvedev calls Ukraine’s territory exchange proposals ‘nonsense’
  • Dmitry Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president from 2008-2012, said Russia had shown that it can achieve ‘peace through strength’

MOSCOW: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s powerful Security Council, on Wednesday dismissed as “nonsense” Kyiv’s proposal to trade pockets of Russian territory it holds in exchange for Moscow-controlled parts of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Guardian newspaper that he planned to offer Russia a straight territory exchange to help bring an end to the war.
Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president from 2008-2012, said Russia had shown that it can achieve “peace through strength,” including through drone and missile strikes which hit Kyiv on Wednesday.
Russia controls just under 20 percent of Ukraine, or more than 112,000 square kilometers, while Ukraine controls around 450 square kilometers of Russia’s western Kursk region, according to open source maps of the battlefield.


Loli Bahia, Mona Tougaard walk at Tory Burch’s Fall/Winter 2025 show in New York  

Loli Bahia, Mona Tougaard walk at Tory Burch’s Fall/Winter 2025 show in New York  
Updated 7 min 23 sec ago
Follow

Loli Bahia, Mona Tougaard walk at Tory Burch’s Fall/Winter 2025 show in New York  

Loli Bahia, Mona Tougaard walk at Tory Burch’s Fall/Winter 2025 show in New York  

DUBAI: Regional models Loli Bahia and Mona Tougaard took center stage at the Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2025 show during New York Fashion Week, walking the runway in layered, textured ensembles.

Bahia, who is French Algerian, wore a navy pullover sweater with an oversized white collar, paired with brown trousers featuring a panel running down the sides. The sweater’s sleeves were rolled back to reveal a lighter lining, and a small gold pin fastened the collar. She carried a structured black leather bag with a long strap and wore polished brown leather shoes. 

Meanwhile, Tougaard — who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry — wore a rich navy look, featuring a shaggy-textured coat draped over matching velvet pants. 

Bahia wore a navy pullover sweater with an oversized white collar, paired with brown trousers featuring a panel running down the sides. (Supplied)

A structured scarf was wrapped around her shoulders, secured with a gold pin. The look was completed with glossy pointed-toe shoes and she carried a slouchy black leather handbag with soft folds and a long strap.

Tory Burch’s latest collection played with the familiar, offering a “twisted” take on classic sportswear, according to show notes. 

Pieces that might traditionally be considered wardrobe staples — such as cardigans, sweatpants and blazers — were reimagined. Banker shirts flared at the cuffs, cardigan sleeves were slashed and pinned at the shoulder, and shirt dresses followed a spiral construction, giving them a sculptural drape. 

Tougaard wore a rich navy look, featuring a shaggy-textured coat draped over matching velvet pants. (Supplied)

“A wardrobe collected over time, where each piece becomes irreplaceable: the perfect blazer, a favorite dress, a worn-in sweatshirt,” Burch said in a released statement.

The fabrics reflected the collection’s focus on deconstruction and transformation. Corduroy shaped cut-out dresses, needle-punched wool resembled fleece, and Japanese brushed jersey refined sweatpants and rugby tops.

Footwear incorporated details like heels, zippers and seams that appeared asymmetrical. The Twisted Pump from Spring/Summer 2025 returned in a distorted T-strap and slingback sandal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TORY BURCH (@toryburch)

For the jewelry, the designer introduced a hint of ’70s glamour. Shoulder-dusting chain earrings, oversized crystal flower brooches, and gold-tone sunglasses brought a vintage sensibility to the collection. Notably, the whimsical animal-inspired jewelry seen in recent seasons continued. 

The show took place at the Museum of Modern Art, and was attended by guests including Amanda Seyfried, Jodie Turner-Smith and Alexandra Daddario, who shared a bench with singer-songwriter Ciara and media icon Martha Stewart. 

The event was set to a soundtrack curated by Wladimir Schall. 


Saudi Cabinet approves MoU with Turkiye in the field of central banking

Saudi Cabinet approves MoU with Turkiye in the field of central banking
Updated 27 min 24 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Cabinet approves MoU with Turkiye in the field of central banking

Saudi Cabinet approves MoU with Turkiye in the field of central banking

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding with Turkiye designed to strengthen cooperation in central banking between key financial institutions in the countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet on Feb. 11, during which the Kingdom’s economy and the progress of various government-led initiatives were discussed, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The approval of the MoU between the central banks of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye highlights the progress of economic and trade ties between the two nations.

In December, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved the signing of an MoU between the Kingdom and Turkiye to boost cooperation in the field of energy. 

Turkiye is a key destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods, with the Kingdom sending outbound shipments worth SR960.4 million ($256.09 million) to the West Asian nation in November. 

Hakan Fidan, foreign minister of Turkiye, visited the Kingdom in January, where he met his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, and discussed ways to develop ties in various sectors to increase trade volume.

An MoU was also approved by the Cabinet to enhance cooperation in the financial sector between the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the Qatari Ministry of Finance.

It also gave the green light to an MoU between the Saudi General Authority for Foreign Trade and Maldives’ Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to strengthen commercial ties. 

An additional MoU approved by the body was between the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Omani Ministry of Economy to enhance cooperation between both sides. 

The Cabinet also praised the continuing economic diversification efforts in the Kingdom, particularly the launch of the King Salman Automobile Manufacturing Complex. 

The initiative is expected to boost the economic contribution of the non-oil sector to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product and support the National Industry and Logistics Development Program.

The body also commended the completion of the Financial Sustainability Program’s executive plan, which seeks to enhance Saudi Arabia’s spending efficiency, develop effective revenue streams, and bolster the Kingdom’s economic resilience under Vision 2030.


Pakistani, UAE deputy PMs express concern over US proposal to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza

Pakistani, UAE deputy PMs express concern over US proposal to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza
Updated 27 min 33 sec ago
Follow

Pakistani, UAE deputy PMs express concern over US proposal to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza

Pakistani, UAE deputy PMs express concern over US proposal to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza
  • Trump has announced plans to resettle Palestinian residents and redevelop enclave and said they should not have the right to return
  • Palestinian territory, encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been occupied by Israel since 1967

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday spoke to his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and expressed concern about a proposal by US President Donald Trump to displace Palestinians from Gaza, the foreign office in Islamabad said.

Trump has recently announced plans to resettle Gaza’s Palestinian residents and redevelop the enclave and said they should not have the right to return. Under Trump’s scheme, Gaza’s about 2.2 million Palestinians would be resettled and the United States would take control and ownership of the coastal territory, redeveloping it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Palestinians fear that Trump’s plan would enforce another Nakba, or Catastrophe, when they experienced mass expulsions in 1948 with the creation of Israel.

“The two leaders discussed the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressed concerns at the proposal to displace or relocate the Palestinian people from their ancestral homeland,” the foreign office said after Dar’s call with his UAE counterpart.

The Pakistani deputy PM reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering” support for Palestinian rights, and the foreign office said both leaders agreed to stay in close contact to achieve a “just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.”

Israel began its latest assault on Gaza after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people, while some 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air and ground operations since, Gaza health authorities say, and much of the enclave has been obliterated. 

The Gaza war has been paused since Jan. 19 under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that was brokered by Qatar and Egypt with support from the United States.

Palestinian territories – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – have been occupied by Israel since 1967.

Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”


Jan Zuiderveld blends AI and creativity in interactive installation in Qatar

Jan Zuiderveld blends AI and creativity in interactive installation in Qatar
Updated 28 min 49 sec ago
Follow

Jan Zuiderveld blends AI and creativity in interactive installation in Qatar

Jan Zuiderveld blends AI and creativity in interactive installation in Qatar

DOHA: Dutch artist Jan Zuiderveld has repurposed a standard office photocopier into an interactive AI-powered tool for his installation “Machine-Aided Creativity,” currently on display at Qatar’s “Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent” exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum. 

The exhibition, running until May 15, 2025, explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, creativity, and identity through more than 20 works by regional and international artists.

With Zuiderveld’s installation, visitors can sketch on paper, insert their drawings into the machine, and press a red button to watch as it prints vibrant, intricate AI-generated images.

Jan Zuiderveld has repurposed a standard office photocopier into an interactive AI-powered tool for his installation “Machine-Aided Creativity.” (Supplied)

Initially, Zuiderveld presented the drawings on a computer, but he found the response underwhelming. “A lot of people were not as impressed as I thought they would be,” he told Arab News. 

“People often don’t find what happens on a computer screen special anymore. Because it is a computer, you are used to it. It does special things, magic things,” he said. 

This realization led Zuiderveld to rethink his approach. “I wanted to take machine learning algorithms out of the computer and embody them physically, so they feel more tangible for people,” he said.

He deliberately chose a photocopier as the interface for its familiarity. “I wanted to create something intuitive, where people don’t need instructions. It allows them to focus on the interaction itself,” he said. 

The artist also believes that the installation fosters social engagement as participants share their creations. “It works really well at events—people play with it, share their outputs, and it becomes a nice social lubricant,” he added. 

Zuiderveld spent months refining the installation so it could operate entirely offline, with all algorithms running locally on the machine. “That was the most significant update,” he noted, adding that real-time interactivity remains central to his work despite the challenges. 

“For me, the most enjoyable part is watching people interact with the machine. It always brings in elements of surprise and new ways of thinking,” he said.