The Global Skills Development Report 2024 by Coursera highlights the increasing demand for unique skills such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and conflict management in the UAE as learners focus on leadership development. Other top skills being learned in the country include people development, leadership development, supply chain systems, blockchain, audit, general accounting, and change management. Coursera’s study shows that learners in the UAE are preparing for roles like operations manager, IT project manager, and business analyst, aligning with the country’s focus on business intelligence and digital transformation roles. Further skill development is crucial, as 82% of UAE workers seek more training for career confidence.
As of Q1 2024, the UAE has over 1 million Coursera learners, with a median age of 35 years. Among these learners, 33% are women, including 27% in STEM fields. The enrollment growth in the UAE indicates an increasing investment in education to prepare for digital jobs, particularly in areas like AI, data science, and emerging fields. Coursera uses an over-indexing methodology to identify top skills and competencies, revealing that learners in the UAE are enrolling in courses that cultivate resilience at a higher rate than learners globally. This emphasizes the recognition of the period of rapid change experienced by UAE learners.
Generative AI is transforming the skills needed by workers, with a focus not only on technical and digital skills but also on human skills required to navigate disruption. Kais Zribi, general manager for the Middle East and Africa at Coursera, emphasizes the importance of resilience in facing challenges and uncertainty, while emotional intelligence enhances interpersonal relationships and leadership effectiveness. Richard Jackson, COO of Tasc Group, highlights the essential nature of conflict management skills in resolving disputes constructively and peacefully, particularly in a culturally diverse workplace like the UAE.
Coursera’s report also indicates a significant increase of over 1,100% in GenAI enrollments in the UAE, surpassing growth rates in the MENA region and globally. This growth reflects the growing interest among UAE learners in developing proficiency in AI and machine learning. With AI representing a significant opportunity for the UAE’s skilled workforce, targeted training programs will be crucial in nurturing a skilled talent pool and increasing its contribution to the country’s economic growth. The acceleration of AI proficiency in the UAE reflects the country’s efforts to close skill gaps and build a competitive workforce.
Overall, the focus on developing skills such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and conflict management in the UAE underscores the importance of preparing for roles in leadership, digital transformation, and emerging fields. Coursera’s findings highlight the commitment of UAE learners to invest in their education and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. With the increasing demand for unique skills and competencies, learners in the UAE are positioning themselves for success in the future of work.
