Ayham Aloulabi Senior Communications Strategist – Canada (Ottawa | Toronto | Montreal)

Ayham Aloulabi believes that we are entering a defining moment for the communications industry. In an era marked by accelerated digital transformation, the rise of artificial intelligence is not just introducing new tools. It is creating an entirely new tier of professional expectations. In cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, where communications roles have traditionally prioritized clarity, consistency, and audience connection, the AI talent premium is now introducing a measurable edge. Professionals who can blend strategic messaging with intelligent systems are increasingly seen as essential to future-ready teams.

In the UAE, and especially in Dubai, this shift is already well underway. Government agencies and corporate leaders are using AI to track public sentiment, predict reputational risk, automate messaging workflows, and personalize engagement at scale. Dubai’s initiatives, including the introduction of universal icons to distinguish human and AI content, show a clear commitment to transparency and forward thinking. The city’s AI strategy is rooted in its vision for economic diversification and international leadership. It is a model that offers both ambition and structure for other nations to follow.

Canada is uniquely positioned to lead this evolution. Ottawa’s policy communications, Toronto’s commercial campaigns, and Montreal’s bilingual engagement strategies are all ripe for AI-enhanced transformation. But the future does not belong to machines alone. The real value lies in how human communicators harness AI tools to extend their impact. AI can generate dozens of message variations, flag emerging issues in real time, and analyze response rates across platforms. But it is still the communicator who interprets context, fine tunes tone, and delivers the story in a way that resonates. AI can support the process, but it is human intelligence that defines the message.

In practical terms, this means AI becomes a partner in our work. For example, an external communications campaign can start with AI mapping public sentiment across platforms. It can suggest optimal timing, identify priority audiences, and offer content drafts in multiple languages. But the human communicator evaluates tone, ensures alignment with brand values, anticipates stakeholder concerns, and makes final decisions. This collaboration expands the horizon of what is possible. It helps organizations move faster, adapt with more precision, and communicate with greater empathy.

In Toronto, this approach could be applied to corporate announcements, investor relations, or consumer engagement. In Ottawa, it could elevate public policy outreach. In Montreal, where cultural nuance is critical, it could ensure relevance across both linguistic and community lines. The combination of machine speed and human judgment is no longer optional. It is the new baseline for effective, scalable, and trusted communication.

Ayham Aloulabi sees this moment as both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is for communicators to develop the skills required to lead in this AI-driven environment. The opportunity is to amplify our value by showing that human-led communications, empowered by AI, can deliver better outcomes than either working alone. The future belongs to those who are willing to evolve, who understand that AI is not a threat, but a tool. Used wisely, it can enhance campaigns, unlock new efficiencies, and deliver messages that matter.

Canada has the talent and the vision. With leadership from Ottawa, innovation from Toronto, and cultural intelligence from Montreal, the country can become a global leader in external communications. By learning from global pioneers like Dubai, and investing in tools that support ethical, transparent, and impactful storytelling, Canada’s communicators can lead the next era with confidence.

Ayham Aloulabi believes that the AI talent premium is not just about salary or status. It is about creating a future where communicators do more than share information. They shape conversations, influence decisions, and build trust across diverse audiences. In this future, technology supports the mission. But it is the communicator who leads it.