By Dr. Sameera Aziz, PhD
In the age of rapid technological disruption, it is no longer accurate to say that we are preparing for the future — we are already living in it. The transformative power of artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy, biotechnology, and quantum computing is not merely on the horizon; it is actively reshaping economies, governments, and societies in real-time.
A 2024 report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that emerging technologies could contribute up to $3.5 trillion annually to the global economy by 2030, with AI alone accounting for a substantial share. These shifts signal a fundamental restructuring of the world as we know it — a paradigm shift rather than mere progress.
The Accelerated Rise of AI and Automation
Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to research labs or futuristic sci-fi narratives. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Google’s Gemini are now widely accessible, transforming creative industries, journalism, education, and customer service. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025, but also create 97 million new ones — a net gain, but one that requires mass reskilling.
Governments and corporations are racing to integrate AI into national defense, healthcare, and finance. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has launched the National Strategy for Data and AI with the aim of becoming a global leader in AI by 2030. According to PwC, AI could contribute over $135 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
However, the rise of intelligent systems also raises profound ethical questions — from algorithmic bias and privacy violations to the impact on democratic processes. The future of AI depends as much on governance and moral clarity as on innovation.
The Imminent Fall of Fossil Fuel Dominance
The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global oil demand will peak by 2029, with clean energy technologies rapidly closing in on fossil fuel dominance. Renewable power capacity additions are expected to grow by over 300 gigawatts annually until 2030, led by solar and wind.
BloombergNEF’s 2024 forecast suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) will comprise over 50% of all car sales globally by 2035. In Saudi Arabia, initiatives like NEOM’s fully renewable-energy-powered city and Lucid Motors’ EV manufacturing plant in Jeddah signal a clear shift toward sustainability.
This disruption is not without casualties. Oil-dependent economies must urgently diversify or risk economic instability. The shift away from fossil fuels will not only affect revenues but geopolitical alignments as well.
Education: Reinventing the Classroom
The future of education is being rewritten by digital platforms, gamified learning, and AI-driven personalization. EdTech is now a $350 billion global industry, and during the pandemic, virtual classrooms became the new normal. Today, that transformation continues through hybrid models, VR classrooms, and AI tutors.
In the Kingdom, the Ministry of Education’s Tatweer initiative integrates AI tools and smart devices into public schools. Yet, digital inequality remains a challenge, particularly in rural regions.
The most in-demand skills of the future — critical thinking, creativity, data literacy, and emotional intelligence — are not always the focus of traditional schooling. A shift toward project-based and interdisciplinary learning is imperative.
Healthcare: From Reactive to Predictive
Medical technology is transitioning healthcare from a reactive model to a predictive one. AI algorithms can now detect early signs of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s through imaging and genetic markers, years before symptoms manifest.
Biotechnology breakthroughs — including CRISPR gene editing and mRNA vaccine platforms — are accelerating the development of personalized treatments. According to Statista, the global digital health market is expected to reach $660 billion by 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines digital health transformation as a national priority. The “Seha Virtual Hospital” launched in 2022 is now one of the largest of its kind in the region, offering advanced telemedicine services across the Kingdom.
Geopolitical Realignment in a Tech World
As nations compete for technological supremacy, geopolitical boundaries are being redrawn. The U.S.-China rivalry in semiconductors, 5G infrastructure, and quantum computing could define the next decade of diplomacy and defense.
Countries investing heavily in research and innovation — such as South Korea, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — are carving out new global roles. The Kingdom’s partnership with China on AI and smart cities, and with the U.S. on cybersecurity, reflects a multipolar tech diplomacy in motion.
Challenges Ahead: Not Just Opportunity, But Responsibility
While the promises of technological transformation are vast, so are the risks. Job displacement, surveillance capitalism, misinformation, and ecological imbalance are growing threats. Without inclusive policies, innovation could deepen global inequality.
The future demands not just faster processors or smarter machines, but wiser leadership. Regulations must keep pace with innovation. Education systems must evolve. Ethical frameworks must be enforced.
Conclusion
We are no longer preparing for the future — we are building it, byte by byte, algorithm by algorithm, decision by decision. The actions we take today will determine whether disruption becomes a renaissance or a reckoning.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic foresight under Vision 2030 places it in a strong position to lead this global transformation — not only as an adopter of emerging technologies, but as a responsible innovator.
About the Author:
Dr. Sameera Aziz is a senior Saudi journalist, author, poet, and cross-cultural commentator based in Jeddah. With a PhD in Mass Media, she has been a pioneer of female journalism in Saudi Arabia and is a prominent advocate of Vision 2030. She regularly speaks on innovation, diplomacy, and women’s empowerment.
