UAE: Leading the Arab World's Workforce

At the Forefront of a Knowledge-Based Economy - The Most Qualified Workforce in the Arab World

The United Arab Emirates has reached another milestone as the Coursera Global Skills Report 2025 revealed that the country's workforce possesses the highest skill levels in the entire Arab world. The UAE excels particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, machine learning, and digital transformation, which is noteworthy not only on a regional but also on a global scale.

Digital Transformation: The Rise of AI and Data-Driven Skills

In the fields of AI and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), the UAE demonstrates remarkable growth with a 344 percent year-on-year increase in enrollments for relevant courses, far ahead of other Middle Eastern countries. This dynamic interest is not surprising, as the country aims to become a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.

According to Coursera data, 13 percent of the population actively participates in the educational platform's courses, the highest rate among the countries examined in the region. This figure clearly reflects a commitment to personal and professional development.

Ranking High Globally

Globally, the UAE ranks 38th in skill index, and it stands at the 32nd place in the AI maturity ranking. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it has secured the second position, surpassing countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge Economy: Strategic Shift in the Workforce

The UAE's long-term strategy is to build a knowledge-based economy. The aim is not only to expand the technology sector but also to prioritize white-collar jobs while reducing the proportion of manual labor roles. The employment focus is clearly shifting towards highly skilled professionals, including engineers, IT experts, and financial analysts.

State programs such as Nafis help exceed employment goals in the private sector. This is especially crucial in an environment where 72 percent of companies cite skill shortages as one of the greatest challenges—an indication even higher than the global average.

Which Skills Are in Demand?

The most popular training areas include artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and customer service. However, among the most important skills acquired by learners are corporate accounting, predictive analytics, knowledge of emerging technologies, leadership skills development, and the ability to analyze competitors.

Summary

The UAE's goal is to become one of the world's leading knowledge-based economies over the next decade, where innovation and technological advancement become engines not only for economic growth but also for sustainable development. The country is already strongly present in digital education and skill development, and all signs suggest that the UAE will lead in the technologies defining the future labor market.

(The article is based on the Coursera report.)