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Dubai, UAE – June 2025 — The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a regional leader in the adoption of Generative AI (GenAI), with a staggering 344% year-over-year increase in GenAI course enrollments—far surpassing the MENA average of 128% and the global average of 195%, according to Coursera’s newly released Global Skills Report 2025.
The report underscores the UAE’s ambitious push to equip its workforce with future-ready skills, aligning with its national development agenda. The country continues to lead the Middle East in digital learning adoption, with 13% of the workforce actively engaged in online upskilling.
Strategic Workforce Transformation
Driven by national strategies like ‘We the UAE 2031,’ the country’s focus on cultivating a tech-savvy talent pool is reflected in a 41% jump in professional certificate enrollments, including a 14% rise in cybersecurity training. These trends signal an increasing demand for industry-aligned, technology-centric credentials.
Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, noted, “The UAE is rapidly scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive workforce transformation and regional innovation. Its strong performance on the AI Maturity Index demonstrates its growing ability to close skill gaps, nurture talent, and lead in AI readiness.”
Topping the Arab World in AI Readiness
In a new feature of the report—the AI Maturity Index, which combines learner data with IMF and OECD indicators—the UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries. This reflects its holistic approach to AI integration, including initiatives such as the upcoming 5GW AI Campus and embedding AI education into the national school curriculum.
These efforts are part of the UAE’s broader Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to make AI responsible for more than 20% of the country’s non-oil GDP.
Persistent Challenges: Skills Gaps and Gender Disparity
Despite its notable progress, the UAE still faces challenges. The country ranks 38th globally in overall skills proficiency—leading the Arab world but lagging in technology-specific skills (52%), compared to higher scores in business (85%) and data science (59%).
Among 10.8 million online learners in the MENA region, 1.3 million are based in the UAE, with a median age of 36. Mobile learning is on the rise, with 41% of users accessing content through smartphones and tablets.
Yet, a significant 72% of UAE employers continue to cite skills shortages as a critical barrier—above the global average. Gender gaps in emerging technologies remain a concern, with women comprising only 32% of online learners. Enrollment numbers are even lower in STEM fields (24%) and GenAI courses (21%).
A Vision Forward
As the UAE continues its push to become a global AI powerhouse, its commitment to digital education and inclusive innovation will be vital. Expanding access to AI and tech training—especially for underrepresented groups—will determine the depth and sustainability of its transformation.
With world-leading growth in GenAI learning and a strategic focus on upskilling, the UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution in the region and beyond.
