December 18, 2024 – Dubai, UAE: Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, has unveiled its 2025 Job Skills Report, which underscores the transformative role of generative AI (GenAI) in reshaping industries and in-demand skills. The report reveals that UAE learners are prioritizing GenAI and business skills to remain competitive and adapt to the rapidly evolving labor market in the region.
GenAI Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Skill
Drawing from insights gathered from over five million enterprise learners and more than 7,000 institutional clients, the report highlights GenAI as the fastest-growing skill worldwide, with course enrollments increasing by 866% year-over-year. This surge is particularly evident in the UAE, where GenAI skills top the list among learners, reflecting the nation’s goal to become a global AI leader. The UAE’s ranking among the top five countries in Stanford HAI’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool further affirms this ambition.
AI and advanced technologies are expected to contribute nearly 14% of the UAE’s GDP by 2030. The nation’s early investments in AI have laid a solid foundation for future growth. However, challenges persist. According to a recent SAP YouGov survey, 43% of UAE IT decision-makers cited a shortage of skilled employees as a key hurdle to AI implementation. This gap presents a significant opportunity, with 84% of UAE companies planning to hire specialized AI talent within the next 15 months.
Globally, AI is projected to add US$15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, and 70% of graduates advocate for GenAI training. Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to expand AI-focused programs. Courses like computer vision, PyTorch, and machine learning have seen enrollment rates double year-over-year. However, gender disparities persist, with women representing only 28% of AI course enrollments in 2024. This highlights the need for inclusive education and workplace policies to ensure gender diversity in technology.
Business Skills Remain a Priority for UAE Learners
The 2025 Job Skills Report also emphasizes the growing focus on business skills among UAE learners. High-demand areas such as compliance reporting, auditing, workforce development, human capital management, and forecasting are at the forefront of skill development. These capabilities reflect the UAE’s status as a key global business hub, where organizations increasingly rely on data-driven insights and effective management practices to stay ahead.
The UAE’s focus on strengthening business acumen is aligned with its strategic economic goals, including attracting multinational corporations and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By mastering these in-demand skills, UAE learners are positioning themselves to drive the country’s long-term economic growth and stability.
Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, commented: “The UAE’s visionary digital transformation and leadership in AI demand a workforce proficient in both technical and business skills. By prioritizing GenAI and business competencies, UAE learners are positioning themselves to lead innovation and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market. Coursera is dedicated to supporting the UAE’s workforce with the tools and resources they need to achieve these ambitious goals.”
Cybersecurity: A Global Priority
Globally, cybersecurity and risk management skills are among the fastest-growing tech skills, driven by a 75% increase in cyberattacks in Q3 2024. Although cybersecurity is not a primary focus for UAE learners, the country has made significant progress in this field. UAE public sector entities face and thwart an average of 50,000 cybersecurity attacks daily, with the UAE Cybersecurity Council preventing 71 million attacks.
To strengthen digital resilience, the UAE has introduced policies focusing on cloud computing, data security, IoT security, and cybersecurity operations. With the cybersecurity market valued at US$1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to grow by 12.7% through 2028, there is a clear need for ongoing workforce development to address the evolving challenges in this domain.
Bridging the Gaps in Data Ethics
Data ethics is rapidly gaining traction as one of the fastest-growing skills on Coursera, driven by the increasing demand for responsible data management. Despite its importance, there remains a gap in student interest and engagement. This presents an opportunity for higher education institutions to enrich their curricula, as 60% of data leaders view data governance as a critical concern. A Deloitte survey also found that 78% of organizations prioritize “safe and secure” AI use as a key ethical principle.
The UAE has proactively addressed these challenges with initiatives such as the Ethical Charter for Development and Use of AI, part of the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031. Learners who upskill in data ethics and governance will be well-positioned to meet future demands in this vital field.
The Importance of Human Skills
The report underscores the significance of human skills in the workplace. Assertiveness and communication skills rank among the top 10 essential skills for 2024. While 84% of managers expect new hires to communicate effectively, 71% of Gen Z workers report difficulties in this area. Interestingly, younger students are also prioritizing green skills, with sustainability-focused areas such as waste management and business continuity ranking among the top 10 skills for students. As ESG-related skills gain importance, the report advises Gen Z workers to also focus on core human skills to meet employer expectations and thrive in collaborative environments.
Upskilling the Workforce
With 9.4 million Coursera learners in the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic has become the second most popular language for job seekers after English. To meet the growing demand, Coursera has leveraged AI and machine learning to translate over 4,900 courses into 23 languages, including Arabic, enabling learners to upskill and improve their career prospects.
As the UAE accelerates its AI adoption, developing a workforce skilled in both technical and human skills is crucial to maintaining its position as a regional and global innovation hub. By championing education and embracing innovation, the UAE is not only preparing its workforce for the future but also reinforcing its role as a global leader in technology and business excellence.
