UAE Ranks as the Most Prepared Arab Country for Future Job Market Demands

The UAE has emerged as the leading Arab country to meet future job market needs in green, AI, and digital sectors, according to the QS World Future Skills Index.

Ranking 29th globally, the UAE outperforms the region with top scores across key indicators, including skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation.

The UAE excels in academic readiness, achieving an impressive score of 90.3, 17 points higher than the global average. This reflects a robust higher education system, well-aligned with industry needs and adept at developing the skills required for the future workforce. Additionally, the UAE leads in the future of work category, scoring 77.4, which is 13 points above the global average. This highlights its advanced job market, particularly in AI, digital, and green industries.

The UAE's universities are also ahead in skills fit, equipping students with highly sought-after skills that meet global industry demands. The country’s Digital Economy Strategy, targeting a significant boost in GDP contribution by 2031, further strengthens its position as a hub for smart city projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

With backing from initiatives like the National AI Strategy and MBZUAI, the UAE is fostering innovation, job growth, and upskilling in AI and related sectors. Matteo Quacquarelli, Vice-President of Strategy and Analytics at QS, noted that while the UAE is reshaping its economic landscape through green innovation, digital transformation, and AI, bridging the skills gap is essential. This requires stronger industry-academia collaboration, vocational training investment, and empowering local talent in high-growth sectors.

News Source: Khaleej Times