Home Tech Coursera Report Highlights Surge in AI Upskilling Interest in UAE

Coursera Report Highlights Surge in AI Upskilling Interest in UAE

The country ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa region for skill proficiency and holds the second position globally in business.

by Soofiya

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach in adopting cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovation. A recent report by Coursera highlights a significant surge in interest among UAE professionals in AI upskilling. This trend aligns perfectly with the nation’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

The Coursera Report

Coursera, a leading online learning platform, released a comprehensive report revealing a marked increase in the number of UAE learners enrolling in AI-related courses. The data indicates that AI, machine learning, and data science are among the most sought-after skills. This growing enthusiasm reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its workforce’s capabilities in these critical areas.

Why the Surge in Interest?

Several factors contribute to the rising interest in AI upskilling in the UAE:

  1. Government Initiatives: The UAE government has launched several ambitious initiatives to promote AI and digital innovation. The UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence, also known as BRAIN, and the establishment of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, are key examples of this commitment.
  2. Economic Diversification: With a vision to diversify its economy beyond oil, the UAE is investing heavily in technology sectors. AI is seen as a pivotal component in driving future economic growth, enhancing productivity, and creating new job opportunities.
  3. Corporate Adoption: Many UAE-based corporations are rapidly adopting AI to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages. This corporate push further fuels the demand for AI-skilled professionals.
  4. Educational Reforms: Educational institutions in the UAE are increasingly incorporating AI and related subjects into their curricula. Partnerships with global online learning platforms like Coursera make advanced AI education accessible to a broader audience.

The Role of Coursera

Coursera plays a crucial role in this upskilling wave by providing accessible, high-quality AI education. The platform offers courses from top universities and companies worldwide, enabling UAE learners to gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. The flexibility of online learning allows professionals to balance their work commitments while advancing their education.

Impact on the Workforce

The surge in AI upskilling is poised to have a transformative impact on the UAE workforce. As more professionals acquire AI expertise, they bring innovative solutions to their organizations, driving efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This skilled workforce is essential for the UAE to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the UAE’s focus on AI upskilling is expected to intensify. With ongoing investments in AI infrastructure, research, and education, the nation is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. The Coursera report serves as a testament to the UAE’s proactive approach and commitment to harnessing the power of AI for sustainable development.

Enrolments in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) courses in the UAE have surged by 1,102 percent over the past year, significantly outpacing regional and global trends, according to Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2024.

The UAE’s enrolment rate has outstripped the Middle East and North Africa’s 861 percent year-on-year growth and the global rate of 1,060 percent, underscoring the growing interest among UAE learners in enhancing their AI and machine learning skills.

“Compared to other markets, the UAE has a higher number of expats, so the workforce structure may be more inclined to adopt technology-related or technology-impacted roles,” explained Nikolaz Foucaud, Coursera’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The report indicates that this surge positions the Emirates at the forefront of AI education globally, ranking third in the GenAI sector after the US and China.

Coursera attributes this growth to the increased interest among UAE learners in acquiring essential AI and machine learning skills.

However, Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East in GenAI course enrolment, with a 1,788 percent year-on-year growth. “The launch of ChatGPT as a global phenomenon has certainly impacted the appetite for learning,” said Mr. Foucaud, noting the sustained momentum of AI curiosity following OpenAI’s introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022.

Regarding overall skills proficiency, the UAE leads the MENA region and ranks 34th globally in business, technology, and data science.

The report also highlights a critical need to improve technology skills proficiency, currently at 42 percent. The top skills sought by UAE learners include leadership development, resilience, blockchain, and supply chain systems, aligning with roles such as operations manager, IT project manager, and business analyst.

“Given the job titles that are of primary interest to learners, there is a heightened requirement for technology skills compared to other countries,” Mr. Foucaud said. “To meet the demands of local employers, the expectation for technology assessments could be even higher.”

The MENA region, driven by significant investments in technology infrastructure and logistics, is poised to become a leader in digital transformation and trade, according to the report.

Coursera’s report also noted that the establishment of The Council of Arab Ministers for Cybersecurity during the 2023 Arab League Summit underscores the region’s proactive approach to cybersecurity, leading to a 17 percent year-over-year increase in cybersecurity course enrolments.

“The urgency of understanding technology has never been higher, and it’s not just ChatGPT-related,” Mr. Foucaud said. “It’s more about the realization that AI is becoming a reality in people’s lives,” he added, highlighting the accelerating pace of AI adoption in corporate environments. He also noted that the potentially impersonal aspects of AI were creating a renewed interest in other skills for those seeking an advantage in the job market.

“What’s interesting is that when you speak to employers, they emphasize skills that AI disruption cannot easily replace or enhance in the short term – social skills, human skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate, lead teams, and communicate effectively, including public speaking,” he said.

The UAE also ranks third globally for training the highest percentage of its labor force on Coursera.

As of the first quarter of this year, Coursera reported that the UAE had over 1 million users on the platform, with a median age of 35.

The UAE also has the highest percentage of its population learning on the Coursera platform, Mr. Foucaud noted.

Women in the UAE represent 33 percent of Coursera learners, with 27 percent pursuing fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In Saudi Arabia, 28 percent of learners are female, with 33 percent in STEM fields.

Despite these advancements, the report underscores the importance of accessible, career-focused skill development and initiatives to promote gender inclusivity in online learning.

The Coursera report highlights a significant trend in the UAE’s approach to AI and digital transformation. The surge in AI upskilling reflects the nation’s dedication to preparing its workforce for the future, fostering innovation, and achieving economic diversification. As the UAE continues to prioritize AI education, it sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to thrive in the digital age.

By staying ahead of the curve and investing in its people, the UAE is not only embracing the future but also shaping it. The collaboration between government, educational institutions, and platforms like Coursera will undoubtedly propel the UAE to new heights in the realm of artificial intelligence.

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