According to the QS World Future Skills Index, the UAE has become the top Arab nation for meeting the demands of the future labor market in the digital, AI, and green sectors. The UAE, which is ranked 29th in the world, performs better than the region on a number of important metrics, such as academic preparedness, skills fit, future of work, and economic change.
With an outstanding score of 90.3, which is 17 points higher than the worldwide average, the UAE demonstrates exceptional academic preparedness. This indicates a strong system of higher education that is able to create the skills needed for the workforce of the future while also being in line with industry demands.
The UAE also tops the future of work category with a score of 77.4, 13 points higher than the global average. This shows how sophisticated the job economy is, especially in the digital, green, and AI sectors.
In terms of skill fit, UAE universities are likewise at the forefront, giving students highly sought-after abilities that satisfy needs from the global economy. The nation's Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to significantly increase GDP contribution by 2031, solidifies its standing as a hub for smart city initiatives in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Through programs like MBZUAI and the National AI Strategy, the UAE is supporting innovation, job creation, and upskilling in AI and related fields. Vice-President of Strategy and Analytics at QS Matteo Quacquarelli stated that closing the skills gap is crucial even if the UAE is changing its economic environment through digital transformation, AI, and green innovation. In order to achieve this, greater industry-academia cooperation, investments in vocational training, and the development of indigenous talent in high-growth industries are needed.
