Coursera’s annual skills report shows that the United Arab Emirates leads Arab countries in skills proficiency and the AI maturity index. Demand for generative AI courses surged by 344% year-over-year, outpacing the global average.
Article Contents:
- Introduction
- AI Maturity Index
- Skills Growth
- Learner Base
- Challenges and Gaps
- Government Initiatives
- Future Outlook
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
E-learning platform Coursera released its seventh annual skills report for 2025, revealing that the United Arab Emirates leads the Arab region in the adoption of digital technologies and advanced cognitive skills. According to the report, the UAE recorded a 344% increase in enrollments for generative AI courses, surpassing both the regional average (128%) and the global average (195%). These figures demonstrate the growing focus in the UAE on empowering human resources with skills that keep pace with the AI era.
AI Maturity Index
The report indicates that 87% of employers in the UAE place paramount importance on technology, artificial intelligence, and big data skills. It also emphasizes that this surge in demand for digital talent translates the country’s strategy to transition into a knowledge-based economy, particularly with initiatives like the “UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031,” which aims to position the nation as a global hub for innovation.
Skills Growth
The report covers the newly added “AI Maturity Index,” which is based on Coursera user data alongside indicators issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries, reinforcing a solid foundation in research, innovation, and practical AI applications.
Learner Base
The report also touched on a 41% growth in professional certificate registrations in the UAE, alongside a notable 14% increase in cybersecurity fields. According to the platform, 13% of the workforce in the UAE learns via Coursera, with the figure pointing to 1.3 million learners in the country at an average age of 36. Furthermore, 41% of these learners prefer using mobile phones to access educational content, reflecting society’s leaning toward flexible learning.
Challenges and Gaps
Although these figures paint a positive picture, the report highlights skill gaps, with 72% of employers in the UAE reporting difficulties in finding necessary talent in certain fields. Experts call for boosting women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, as female learners on the platform account for only 32%, while female enrollment in generative AI courses drops to 21%.
Government Initiatives
Among major initiatives in this framework is the concept of building a 5-gigawatt “AI Complex,” in addition to integrating artificial intelligence as a mandatory subject in public school curricula. According to Coursera, these steps contribute to raising the digital economy’s contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031, in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Future Outlook
Commenting on the results, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa stated that the UAE is witnessing accelerated AI adoption and an expansion of e-learning infrastructure, which enhances workforce readiness and establishes a culture of innovation. He added that the UAE’s top ranking in the AI maturity index and high rates in digital skill proficiency indicate its ability to bridge current gaps and build future talent pools.
Conclusion
The report confirms that the UAE earned high ratings in business skills proficiency at 85%, alongside 52% in technology skills and 59% in data science skills. Experts point out that these advanced indicators support the UAE’s ambition to achieve a diversified economy that does not rely exclusively on oil revenues, but rather builds on innovation and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new AI maturity index in Coursera’s report?
An index that measures countries’ readiness to adopt artificial intelligence, based on Coursera learner data and indicators from the IMF and OECD.
2. How does the UAE rank first in the Arab world?
Thanks to extensive investments in technical education and artificial intelligence, and government support through initiatives such as integrating AI into curricula.
3. What is the most prominent growth rate in professional certificates?
They rose by 41%, with a clear focus on cybersecurity, which recorded 14% growth.
