Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (IHC) recently created sensation by inducting a non-voting board observer position for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) entity named Aiden Insight. This groundbreaking decision marks a potential turning point in how companies in the Gulf region, and perhaps globally, are governed and highlights the growing capabilities and disruptive potential of AI technologies.
Aiden Insight, powered by IHC subsidiary G42 and developed in collaboration with Microsoft, is designed to offer real-time analytics and insights to the human board members during meetings. This AI board member will draw on vast amounts of company data, market trends, and global economic indicators to provide the board with information far beyond what a team of human analysts could achieve. IHC Chairman Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the decision as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking leadership.
While the addition of an AI observer might seem like a bold and futuristic move, it underscores a growing concern permeating boardrooms across the Gulf region: the potential of AI to not only automate tasks but also threaten traditional executive positions. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey and Company, up to 45% of tasks currently performed by workers in the region could be automated using existing AI technologies. This translates to a potential displacement of millions of jobs, primarily in sectors like retail, hospitality, and transportation.
The Gulf’s reliance on low-wage foreign labor makes the region particularly vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions. Many of the tasks performed by these workers are routine and repetitive, making them prime targets for automation. As AI-powered systems become more sophisticated and affordable, companies might find it increasingly attractive to replace human workers with machines that don’t require salaries, benefits, or breaks.
However, the rise of AI in the Gulf is not just a threat to low-wage workers. Even positions traditionally considered safe from automation, such as those in finance, law, and healthcare, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. AI systems are now capable of analyzing complex data sets, writing comprehensive reports, and even making diagnoses with greater accuracy than some human professionals. As these technologies continue to mature, it’s possible that even boardroom seats will be contested by AI entities in the future.
IHC’s decision to embrace AI at the board level could signal a shift in corporate strategy. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, companies in the Gulf might see it as an opportunity to enhance decision-making processes, gain a competitive edge, and ultimately become more successful. By integrating AI as a partner rather than a replacement, businesses can harness its analytical power to make better strategic decisions, while allowing their human leaders to focus on creative problem-solving and relationship building.
Some experts warn that the use of AI in the boardroom raises ethical concerns. Issues such as the lack of transparency in how AI systems reach their conclusions, the potential for biases to be embedded in the data they analyze, and the question of accountability in the case of a decision made by an AI entity that causes harm, will need to be carefully addressed.
Despite these challenges, the march of AI in the Gulf appears unstoppable. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they will undoubtedly reshape the region’s workforce and corporate landscape. The companies that succeed in this new era will likely be those that effectively navigate the challenges and leverage AI technologies to their advantage. The era of the AI board member may have just begun. – A Hyphen Digital Special
Also published on Medium.
