In 2024, AI captivated the public’s imagination, but as we move into 2025, the focus is shifting to its profound and lasting impact on society, the economy and healthcare.
As highlighted by the IMF, World Bank and World Economic Forum, this year will mark a pivotal moment when AI evolves from a technological novelty into a transformative force that shapes our lives in unprecedented ways. To harness its potential for the greater good, we must approach it with a clear understanding of both the benefits and the risks.
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Social fabric: collaboration and challenges
AI will increasingly augment human capabilities, boosting workforce productivity and enabling more personalised services across sectors. In healthcare, AI will improve diagnostic accuracy by analysing medical images and patient data, leading to earlier interventions and better outcomes.
In other fields such as architecture and education, AI will drive innovation, such as designing energy-efficient buildings and personalising learning experiences. However, the widespread adoption of AI raises concerns, including the potential for an ‘AI divide’, which could deepen social and economic inequalities.
Addressing this requires investments in infrastructure and training programmes. Ethical challenges also emerge, as AI can perpetuate biases, demanding stricter regulations to ensure fairness and accountability in its development.
Economic landscape: a closer look
AI will have a major economic impact in 2025 by transforming industries and boosting productivity. AI-powered chatbots will provide more personalised and efficient services, while automation will handle repetitive tasks such as data entry and document review, allowing workers to focus on complex tasks.
The rise of ‘no-code’ AI will further democratise access to this technology. User-friendly AI tools will empower individuals with limited coding experience to build and deploy AI solutions, fueling innovation across various sectors.
This will lower the barriers to entry for AI development and allow for a wider range of individuals and organisations to harness its potential. While some jobs will inevitably be displaced, new roles and specialisations will emerge. Expect to see increased demand for ‘AI trainers’, who can teach AI systems to perform specific tasks and ‘AI ethicists’, who can ensure AI is developed and used responsibly.
The evolving skills landscape
As AI becomes more integrated into the workforce, data literacy will become an essential skill. Understanding how to interpret and work with data will be as important as traditional literacy. Professionals will need to analyse, visualise and communicate data insights, skills that will be necessary across industries, as AI relies heavily on data.Along with technical expertise, human abilities such as creativity, critical thinking and adaptability will become more valuable. AI can automate many tasks, but it cannot replicate human judgment or strategic thinking. These uniquely human skills will be essential to navigating the complexities of an AI-driven world.
Lifelong learning and upskilling will be critical for workers to stay competitive. The rapid pace of AI development means that workers must continuously update their skills to keep up with evolving technologies. Educational institutions, businesses and governments must collaborate to provide training and support, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable in an AI-augmented world.
Economic impact
AI has the potential to drive economic growth by improving efficiency and productivity across industries. It can expand production frontiers, leading to greater output and innovation. New markets will emerge in sectors such as personalised healthcare, sustainable energy and customised education.
These advancements hold promise for economic growth and addressing global challenges. However, AI could exacerbate existing inequalities if not managed carefully. Governments and organisations must ensure that AI’s benefits are widely distributed to promote inclusive growth and prevent further disparities.
Democratising AI
In 2025, the democratisation of AI will continue to gain momentum. Open-source AI platforms will enable individuals, small businesses and startups to access and contribute to AI development, creating a more inclusive AI ecosystem. By breaking down barriers to entry, we can unlock AI’s full potential and ensure that its benefits are shared more broadly.
AI will also be increasingly used to address pressing global issues, including poverty, hunger and climate change. Collaboration between governments, NGOs and the private sector will be essential to developing AI solutions that benefit society at large.
Healthcare reimagined
AI-powered chatbots will provide mental health support, improving access to care and patient outcomes. Wearable devices and AI-powered apps will track health data, offering personalised insights and encouraging healthier behaviour, contributing to more personalised and preventative healthcare.
The path forward
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report indicates that by 2030, AI will create 78 million new jobs, but 60 per cent of the workforce will need reskilling to adapt.
To ensure AI benefits everyone, we must address ethical challenges, promote AI literacy and ensure equitable access. Collaboration across governments, businesses and individuals is needed to create a future where AI serves the collective good.
By Tony Joseph, Head of Digital Transformation Advisory – ePayments, UAE Ministry of Finance
