Over 60% of UAE Workers Fear Irrelevancy
More than 60% of employees in the United Arab Emirates fear that their current qualifications and skills may not be relevant in the future, according to a recent survey. The research commissioned by the local Institute for Future Readiness surveyed over 1,000 UAE residents, highlighting attitudes towards continuous learning and skills development.
The Challenge of Skills Relevance
The survey results indicate that the majority of employees are aware of the changing demands in the labor market. Dr. Selina Neri, CEO and co-founder of the institute, emphasized that skills needed for future readiness are no longer optional but essential requirements. While participants are optimistic about the future, they are also concerned about maintaining relevance and continuous development.
A prominent finding of the research is that 71% of respondents believe in the importance of lifelong learning, which is considered crucial for future preparedness. The survey took place in the last quarter of 2024 and examined workers aged 18 to 45.
The Need for Constant Relearning
One of the main drivers of continuous change in the labor market is the development of technology and artificial intelligence. A previous report indicates that the "half-life" of skills required for work is only three to four years, meaning that employees need to update their knowledge every few years. According to the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), organizations must adapt to new working methods, and innovation will only yield results when people are willing to master new technologies.
The Role of Employers in Skills Development
Only 22% of those surveyed feel that their employer provides adequate opportunities for retraining and skills development. This figure highlights that while retraining is widely acknowledged as important, its implementation remains a challenge for companies.
According to the co-founder of the Institute for Future Readiness, investing in comprehensive development offers the opportunity for both employees and organizations not just to keep pace with change but to exploit their full potential.
A study on global talent trends by Mercer for 2024 indicates that more than 50% of leaders believe that investing in employee retraining would give the greatest boost to productivity. Nearly half of corporate decision-makers see skills shortages as a business threat.
Future Labor Market Changes
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) places the UAE in 11th place among countries undergoing the greatest labor market transformation. The report predicts that in the next five years, 41% of workers' core skills will change.
How Can Employees Prepare for the Future?
Due to the accelerating technological development and increasing automation, employees need to take a proactive approach to learning and development. Here are some steps to make future workplace preparation more successful:
1. Continuous Learning: Regularly attending online courses, workshops, and professional conferences.
2. Developing Digital Skills: Learning the basics of AI, big data, and automation.
3. Professional Networking: Building relationships with industry experts and mentors.
4. Utilizing Workplace Training Opportunities: Employees who take advantage of learning opportunities offered by companies are more likely to remain relevant.
Summary
Skills development and lifelong learning play a key role in the challenges of future workplaces. It is of paramount importance for UAE workers to not only meet current requirements but also be continuously prepared for new challenges. For companies, it is essential to support their employees in this process to remain competitive in the ever-changing market.
