UAE learners will prioritise AI in 2025, report says

Business skills are also a key area of focus, Coursera study indicates

Online learning platform Coursera says 2025 will see a sharp increase in AI-related course enrollment in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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.

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.