UAE learners will prioritise AI in 2025, report says

People seeking to learn new skills in the UAE for 2025 are rapidly embracing the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, a study has found. Online learning platform Coursera published the findings in its 2025 job skills report.

"By focusing on generative AI and essential business competencies, UAE learners are positioning themselves to drive innovation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market," said Kais Zribi, general manager for the Middle East and Africa division of Coursera.

"The UAE’s visionary digital transformation and leadership in AI require a workforce adept in both technical and business skills," he added, praising the Emirates' drive in recent years to become a significant player in the fast-evolving field of artificial intelligence.

According to Coursera, global course enrollment in AI-related subjects is increasing 866 per cent year-over-year, and in the UAE in particular, AI-related courses are at the top of the list for those looking to enroll on the learning platform.

Coursera's findings come only weeks after Stanford Institute for Human-Centred AI announced that the UAE ranked fifth on the 2024 Global Vibrancy Tool, and attributed the high ranking to the UAE's continued interest in AI.

In the Middle East and North Africa, for enrollment and interest in AI classes, generative AI is at the top of the list, followed by computer vision, generic AI, machine learning software and machine learning methods, Coursera's report shows.

According to Coursera, learners in the Middle East and North Africa are seeking to embrace and upskill for AI at an incredible pace.

The recent data echoes similar reports and studies that show the Middle East not being reticent about AI.

In the first quarter of this year, a global survey by Boston Consulting Group found 11 per cent of executives in the Middle East indicated that their workers were training on generative AI tools, compared to 8 per cent in North America, 7 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region and 5 per cent in Europe.

“In workforce development, the Middle East is leading in upskilling efforts related to GenAI,” the study read.

Earlier this year, Coursera's chief executive Jeff Maggioncalda told a packed auditorium at Saudi Arabia's Leap technology conference that AI had brouught about an increase in course sign ups in the Middle East, with many wanting to stay ahead of the curve to future-proof their chances of employment.

“The world is facing the need for upskilling that’s only getting bigger and bigger,” he said.

“Developing a habit of learning is going to be critical to maintaining good economic opportunities in front of you.”

Coursera's 2025 job skills report also indicated that staying up-to-date on the latest business skills will remain a key focus for UAE learners.

In particular, the learning platform's study found an interest in compliance reporting, auditing, workforce development and human capital management.

"The UAE’s emphasis on business acumen is closely tied to its ambitious economic goals, including its push to attract multinational corporations and foster entrepreneurship," read a portion of the report.

"By mastering these high-demand skills, UAE learners are equipping themselves to support the country’s long-term economic growth and resilience," the report added.

Coursera also said that the platform now has 9.4 million individuals enrolled in classes throughout the Middle East and North Africa, that's up from 8.4 million enrolled at the start of the year.

With the Middle East market online learning growth expected to continue into 2025, Coursera said it continues to make Arabic a major priority.

"Arabic has emerged as the top language job seekers are learning in, after English," the company's news release said.

"To meet this growing demand, Coursera has leveraged AI and machine learning to translate over 4,900 courses into 23 languages, including Arabic, enabling learners to enhance their skills, improve employability, and advance their careers," it added.

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Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.

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Name: Airev

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Sector: Generative AI

Initial investment: Undisclosed

Investment stage: Series A

Investors: Core42

Current number of staff: 47

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The Dictionary of Animal Languages
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Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019

December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'

JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.

“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”

November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’

SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.

SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."

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MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.

“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December."