Coursera has released its 2025 Job Skills Report, highlighting how the rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping industries and redefining in-demand skills. The report reveals that UAE learners are prioritising GenAI and business skills to stay competitive and adapt to the region’s evolving labour market.

GenAI is the fastest-growing skill
Drawing on insights from five million enterprise learners and over 7,000 institutional customers, the report identifies GenAI as the fastest-growing skill globally, with course enrollments increasing by 866% year-over-year. In the UAE, this trend is evident, with GenAI skills leading the list of learners and reflecting the country’s ambition to become a global AI leader. This is further underscored by the UAE’s ranking among the top five countries in Stanford HAI’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool.

AI and advanced technologies are projected to contribute nearly 14% of the UAE’s GDP by 2030. The country’s early investments in AI have laid a strong foundation for growth, though challenges remain. A recent SAP YouGov survey revealed that 43% of UAE IT decision-makers cite a lack of skilled employees as a key obstacle to AI implementation. This presents a significant opportunity, with 84% of UAE companies planning to hire specialized AI talent within the next 15 months.

Globally, AI is expected to add US$15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, while 70% of graduates advocate for GenAI training. Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to expand AI-focused programs. Popular courses like computer vision, PyTorch, and machine learning have seen enrollments double year-over-year. However, gender disparities persist; women accounted for only 28% of AI course enrollments in 2024, emphasizing the need for inclusive education and workplace policies to ensure diversity in technology.

UAE learners excel in business skills
The report also identifies business skills as a key area of focus for UAE learners. Skills such as compliance reporting, auditing, workforce development, human capital management, and forecasting rank among the top priorities. These capabilities reflect the UAE’s standing as a regional and global business hub, where organizations increasingly rely on data-driven insights and effective management practices to maintain their competitive edge.

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

Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said, “The UAE’s visionary digital transformation and leadership in AI require a workforce adept in both technical and business skills. By focusing on GenAI and essential business competencies, UAE learners are positioning themselves to drive innovation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Coursera remains committed to supporting the UAE’s workforce with the tools and resources needed to achieve these ambitious goals.”

Cybersecurity: a global priority
Globally, cybersecurity and risk management skills rank among the top fastest-growing tech skills, as businesses respond to a 75% increase in cyberattacks in Q3 2024. While cybersecurity is not the top focus for UAE learners, the country has made notable strides in this domain. Public sector entities in the UAE face and thwart an average of 50,000 cybersecurity attacks daily, with the UAE Cybersecurity Council preventing 71 million attacks.

To enhance digital resilience, the UAE has introduced policies focused on cloud computing, data security, IoT security, and cybersecurity operations. Supported by a growing cybersecurity market valued at US$1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to grow by 12.7% through 2028, these efforts underscore the need for ongoing workforce development in cybersecurity to address evolving challenges.

Bridging gaps in data ethics
Data ethics is among the fastest-growing skills, driven by the need for employees to responsibly manage and analyze customer data. Despite its importance, there is a notable gap in interest among students and job seekers. This presents a key opportunity for higher education institutions to enhance curricula, as 60% of data leaders identify data governance as a critical concern. A Deloitte survey found that 78% of organizations prioritize “safe and secure” AI use as a top ethical principle.

The UAE has been proactive in addressing these challenges through initiatives like the Ethical Charter for Development and Use of AI, launched as part of the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031. Learners who upskill in data ethics and governance will position themselves competitively for future roles in this critical field.

The Value of Human Skills
The report also emphasizes the importance of human skills in the workplace. Assertiveness and Communication ranked among the top 10 skills in 2024. However, while 84% of managers expect new hires to communicate effectively and contribute to meetings, 71% of Gen Z workers report challenges in doing so. Interestingly, younger students are prioritizing green skills, with sustainability-focused areas like waste management and business continuity appearing in the top 10 skills for students. While ESG-related skills are increasingly important, the report suggests that Gen Z workers should also focus on core human skills to better meet employer expectations and thrive in team-oriented environments.