A new report from Coursera and Amazon Web Services reveals that tech leaders in the UAE consider cloud transformation (93%) and generative AI (89%) as key priorities, highlighting the urgent need to invest in skills development to support digital transformation.
Article contents:
- Introduction: Digital transformation is a top priority in the UAE
- Priorities and drivers of tech leaders in the UAE
- Global context: Cloud skills first
- The role of automation: Technology cannot work alone
- Investing in human capital is key
- Conclusion: A clear recommendation for the digital future
Introduction: Digital transformation is a top priority in the UAE
The majority of technology leaders in the United Arab Emirates have identified cloud-based digital transformation (93%) and generative AI (89%) as top business priorities over the next three years, emphasizing that they represent a core pillar for future growth. This came according to a new report by Coursera, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Titled “From Cloud to AI: How Tech Leaders Are Investing in Skills Development to Drive Digital Transformation,” the report provided in-depth data and insights on how organizations are addressing skills gaps to achieve their digital transformation goals.
Priorities and drivers of tech leaders in the UAE
The report’s findings showed that tech leaders in the UAE consider keeping pace with technological developments (61%) and anticipating security threats (60%) among the most important factors for skills development. The report also noted that improving cloud computing spending (59%) and managing complex infrastructures (52%) are among the most prominent challenges, underscoring the urgent need for a skilled workforce.
Global context: Cloud skills first
The report also highlighted that 95% of technology leaders worldwide consider cloud transformation to be a primary business objective. Globally, foundational skills are prioritized, with 63% ranking cloud computing skills as the most important, followed by data skills (58%) and cybersecurity (54%). AI skills ranked fourth, deemed important by 47% over the next three years.
The role of automation: Technology cannot work alone
More than half (52%) of global tech leaders predicted the automation of 30% to 50% of tasks. However, 88% expressed the belief that human contributions cannot be replaced, emphasizing that the success of AI relies on increased investment in talent development. In fact, 77% of leaders worldwide recognize that upskilling current employees will be essential to achieving digital transformation goals over the next 12 to 18 months.
Investing in human capital is key
In this context, Kais Zribi, general manager of Coursera in the Middle East and Africa, stated: “While automation is a necessary factor for transforming teams, workflows, and operations, data in the UAE reveals that strategic investments in human capital through skill development and upskilling will be crucial to driving and fostering innovation. As organizations strive to fully leverage the potential of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, a balanced investment between technology and human resources will be a cornerstone for building qualified cadres to meet future demands.”
Conclusion: A clear recommendation for the digital future
The report offers a clear recommendation to tech leaders that investing in skills development should be an integral element of every digital transformation strategy. Building a successful digital future depends not only on adopting the latest technologies, but fundamentally on empowering the workforce with the skills needed to use these technologies effectively and innovatively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud computing?
It is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Why are cloud skills a higher priority than AI skills right now?
Because cloud computing is the foundational infrastructure upon which AI applications are built and run. Companies must first master the cloud before they can fully leverage AI at scale.
Who participated in this study?
The study surveyed over 750 technology leaders responsible for digital transformation initiatives in large organizations (more than 1,000 employees) across the United States, United Kingdom, India, UAE, France, and Mexico.
