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The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
UAE ranks first for AI maturity in Arab world, report says
The UAE ranks first in the Arab world in a new AI Maturity Index that examines country readiness for artificial intelligence, according to a new report from online learning platform Coursera. The 2025 Global Skills Report said the country's recent announcement of a UAE-US 5GW AI Campus - unveiled during US President Donald Trump's visit in May, along with the decision by UAE schools to begin teaching mandatory AI classes from age four - helped propel it to to the top in various areas of the report. 'The UAE is rapidly scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive workforce transformation and regional innovation,' said Kais Zribi, Coursera's manager for Middle East and North Africa. 'Its strong performance on Coursera 's AI Maturity Index, combined with high rankings in overall skills proficiency, demonstrates the country's growing ability to close skill gaps, nurture future talent, and lead in AI readiness.' For AI maturity globally, the UAE ranked 32nd out of 109 countries, according to Coursera. Saudi Arabia ranked 37th place and Qatar placed 45th. Singapore, Denmark, Switzerland, the US and Finland ranked in the top five. In terms of overall AI skills proficiency, the UAE also ranked top in the Arab world. Coursera's report also said that with a 344 per cent increase in AI course enrolment compared to last year, the UAE outpaced the Middle East and North Africa regional average, as well as the global average AI courses selected on the company's learning platform. 'As digital transformation reshapes industries, the UAE is setting a powerful example of how nations can leverage education to build a competitive, inclusive digital economy that prepares its workforce for the future,' said Mr Zribi. Towards the end of last year, a similar report from Coursera projected that UAE interest in AI courses was on the path to grow significantly. Coursera's data for its 2025 Global Skills Report is based in part on the company's stats from its learning platform, along with 'third-party metrics to ensure a more comprehensive assessment, complementing the insights provided by Coursera data'. For the AI Maturity Index, data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is used as well. Over the past decade, the UAE − the Arab world's second largest economy − has been open about its desire to be an AI front-runner as it diversifies its economy away from oil. The country's efforts have resulted in the establishment of start-ups as well as partnerships and investments from industry leaders like Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI. Through the creation of language models such as Falcon Arabic, the UAE has also sought to ensure aspects of Arabic culture are not left behind by the AI surge, with many large language models based on English-language data. AI Minister, Omar Al Olama.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Accelerates Digital Transformation with 344% Growth in GenAI Enrollments and Leading AI Maturity Ranking: Coursera
87% of UAE employers prioritize AI, big data, and tech literacy; Professional Certificate enrollments grow 41% Dubai, UAE –June 2025: Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has announced a remarkable 344% year-over-year increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments in the UAE, significantly outpacing the MENA regional average of 128% and the global average of 195%, according to the platform's annual Global Skills Report. Now in its seventh year, the report also reveals that 87% of UAE employers prioritize technology literacy, AI, and big data, signaling a robust rise in demand for future-ready talent equipped with emerging tech capabilities. The Global Skills Report 2025 further confirms the UAE's strong progress in building a digitally skilled workforce. The country continues to lead the region in digital upskilling, with 13% of its labor force actively learning on Coursera. Professional Certificate enrollments also rose by 41%, including a 14% increase in cybersecurity, reflecting growing demand for job-relevant credentials. Drawing on data from Coursera's global community of over 170 million learners, the report identifies where skill proficiencies are rising, where gaps remain, and what drives learner behavior across more than 100 countries. The UAE's strong performance and sharp rise in GenAI enrollments highlights its strategic push toward building a knowledge-based economy powered by skilled Emirati talent, aligned with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. New to this year's report is the AI Maturity Index, which assesses countries' readiness for AI by combining Coursera learner data with external metrics from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The UAE ranks first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries, showcasing a solid foundation in AI innovation, research, and the real-world application of AI skills. The UAE's strong AI Maturity ranking and accelerated GenAI adoption across sectors underscore its ambition to become a global AI hub. Initiatives such as the planned 5GW AI Campus and the integration of AI as a mandatory subject in public schools support this ambition and align with the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country as a global AI leader by 2031. These efforts are central to the UAE's broader goal of increasing the digital economy's contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031, a target that reflects the country's long-term vision for digital and economic leadership. Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: 'The UAE is rapidly scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive workforce transformation and regional innovation. Its strong performance on Coursera's AI Maturity Index, combined with high rankings in overall skills proficiency, demonstrates the country's growing ability to close skill gaps, nurture future talent, and lead in AI readiness. As digital transformation reshapes industries, the UAE is setting a powerful example of how nations can leverage education to build a competitive, inclusive digital economy that prepares its workforce for the future.' The UAE ranks 38th globally in overall skills proficiency across business, technology, and data science, placing first in the Arab world. The country scores especially high in business skills (85%), with strong proficiency in technology (52%) and data science (59%). Among the 10.8 million Coursera learners in MENA, 1.3 million are based in the UAE, with a median age of 36. Notably, learners in the UAE are increasingly embracing mobile learning, with 41% accessing content via mobile devices. While these indicators show meaningful progress, challenges remain. 72% of UAE employers continue to cite skills gaps as a major barrier, above the global average. Closing these gaps will require increasing women's participation in emerging technology fields, which is essential not only for achieving gender equity but also for driving long-term economic transformation. Currently, women make up 32% of Coursera learners in the UAE, with 24% enrolled in STEM courses and 21% in GenAI, highlighting untapped potential to advance gender equity in the tech sector. About Coursera: Coursera was launched in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 175 million registered learners as of March 31, 2025. Coursera partners with over 350 leading universities and industry leaders to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees. Coursera's platform innovations enable instructors to deliver scalable, personalized, and verified learning experiences to their learners. Institutions worldwide rely on Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in high-demand fields such as GenAI, data science, technology, and business. Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp.
TECHx
3 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Coursera UAE Reports 344% Surge in GenAI Enrollments
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » Coursera UAE Reports 344% Surge in GenAI Enrollments Coursera UAE, a leading online learning platform, has announced a 344% year-over-year increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments in the UAE. This growth far exceeds the MENA regional average of 128% and the global average of 195%. The data comes from Coursera's latest Global Skills Report, now in its seventh year. The report revealed that 87% of employers in the UAE prioritize technology literacy, AI, and big data. This highlights a rising demand for future-ready talent with emerging tech capabilities. Coursera also reported that 13% of the UAE's labor force is actively learning on the platform. Professional Certificate enrollments rose by 41%. Cybersecurity courses saw a 14% increase, signaling demand for job-relevant credentials. Drawing from over 170 million learners worldwide, the report identified skill proficiencies, gaps, and learning trends across more than 100 countries. The UAE's rapid rise in GenAI enrollments reflects a national drive toward a knowledge-based economy. This effort aligns with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. This year's report introduced the AI Maturity Index. It assesses a country's readiness for AI using Coursera data and external sources like the IMF and OECD. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries. This ranking highlights the country's strong foundation in AI innovation, research, and real-world application of AI skills. Coursera noted several government-led initiatives that support this growth: A planned 5GW AI Campus Mandatory AI curriculum in public schools These efforts support the UAE's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The goal is to increase the digital economy's contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031. Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said the UAE is scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive transformation and innovation. He added that the UAE's high AI Maturity Index ranking and skill proficiency show its readiness to close gaps and lead in digital growth. The UAE currently ranks 38th globally in overall skills proficiency. It leads the Arab world in this metric, with 85% in business, 52% in technology, and 59% in data science. There are 1.3 million Coursera learners in the UAE, out of 10.8 million across MENA. The median age of learners is 36. Additionally, 41% access Coursera through mobile devices. Despite the progress, 72% of UAE employers still cite skills gaps as a major challenge above the global average. Increasing women's participation in tech is seen as key to bridging this gap. Women make up 32% of Coursera learners in the UAE. Of these, 24% are enrolled in STEM and 21% in GenAI. Coursera emphasized that boosting gender equity in tech is vital for long-term economic transformation.
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Coursera: 97% of Employers in Saudi Arabia are Willing to Offer Higher Starting Salaries to Micro-Credential Holders
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 2025: Coursera, a leading online learning platform, today released its Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025, offering new insights into how micro-credentials are transforming education and employment. Drawing on insights from students and employers across six regions, the report underscores the rising global momentum behind micro-credentials, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a regional leader in adopting skills-based hiring. Findings reveal that 98% of employers in Saudi Arabia are already leveraging or exploring skills-based hiring practices to build a future-ready workforce. This aligns with a global trend, as rapid technological change and economic uncertainty drive demand for fast, flexible, and job-relevant learning. Micro-credentials are emerging as a powerful solution—accelerating onboarding, improving salaries, and reducing training costs. With employers and learners reporting strong returns, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this global shift, advancing a knowledge economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The report highlights the tangible value of micro-credentials for both learners and employers. In Saudi Arabia, 96% of employers say micro-credentials strengthen a candidate's application, and 97% are willing to offer higher starting salaries to micro-credential holders. Employers also show strong preference for candidates with credit-bearing credentials (94%) and those focused on Generative AI (70%), indicating they are more likely to hire such candidates over those without these credentials. 'Micro-credentials are emerging as a game-changer for Saudi Arabia's workforce transformation. Employers are not only recognizing their value but also rewarding it with higher salaries and faster hiring decisions,' said Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. 'As the Kingdom accelerates toward Vision 2030, industry-aligned credentials will play a pivotal role in bridging skill gaps and preparing talent for the jobs of the future.' The report also identifies the skills in greatest demand. In Saudi Arabia, employers place the highest value on everyday skills such as Resilience and Adaptability, Collaboration, and Business Communication, particularly in new hires with micro-credentials. This trend reflects the region's shift toward continuous, agile learning. Among technical skills, demand is highest for Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. Over the past year, 84% of Saudi employers have hired at least one candidate holding a micro-credential, highlighting a growing shift toward skills-based recruitment. To further accelerate this momentum, the report recommends that institutions align credential programs with the Kingdom's economic diversification agenda. It calls for deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and government to ensure programs address in-demand skills and support national workforce development. Across the broader MENA region, the uptake of micro-credentials continues to grow. More than two in five students have already earned at least one micro-credential—one of the highest adoption rates globally. Learners are increasingly focused on outcomes, with 94% of students in MENA believing that earning a micro-credential will help them succeed in their jobs. This confidence is shared by employers across the region: 92% believe entry-level employees with micro-credentials demonstrate stronger capabilities in areas like problem-solving and communication, and 94% agree that these individuals possess skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. Additionally, 97% of MENA employers are willing to offer micro-credential holders higher starting salaries, and 91% believe hiring them reduces the time and cost of first-year training. The findings of the Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025 provide the strongest evidence yet that students and employers are realizing real returns from these credentials, signaling a clear path forward for education systems looking to stay relevant in an evolving job market. About Coursera: Coursera was launched in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 175 million registered learners as of March 31, 2025. Coursera partners with over 350 leading universities and industry leaders to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees. Coursera's platform innovations enable instructors to deliver scalable, personalized, and verified learning experiences to their learners. Institutions worldwide rely on Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in high-demand fields such as GenAI, data science, technology, and business. Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp.
