The online education platform, Coursera, has reported a significant annual increase of 344% in the number of individuals enrolling in generative artificial intelligence courses in the United Arab Emirates. This growth surpasses the regional average for the Middle East and North Africa, which stands at 128%, and the global average of 195%, as outlined in the platform’s annual Skills Report.
The seventh edition of the report reveals that 87% of employers in the UAE emphasize the critical importance of equipping their employees with technological knowledge and skills related to artificial intelligence and big data. This signals a substantial rise in demand for talent equipped with the technological capabilities necessary to meet future needs.
The UAE leads the region in the artificial intelligence maturity index—a new addition to this year’s report. This index assesses countries’ readiness to adopt artificial intelligence by combining data from Coursera learners with external indicators from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
According to this index, the UAE ranks first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 nations, highlighting its strong foundation in innovation, research, and the practical application of artificial intelligence skills.
The UAE’s advanced ranking in the artificial intelligence maturity index and its rapid adoption of generative AI across various sectors underscore its ambitions to become a global hub for this technology.
Notable initiatives to achieve this include the planned establishment of a 5-gigawatt AI hub and the introduction of artificial intelligence as a mandatory subject in public schools. These efforts align with the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, aimed at consolidating the country’s position as a leading global destination for artificial intelligence by the year 2031.
These initiatives contribute to the broader goal of increasing the digital economy’s share to over 20% of the non-oil GDP by 2031, reflecting a long-term vision for digital and economic leadership.
The 2025 Global Skills Report affirms the significant progress made by the UAE in developing a specialized digital workforce. The country continues to play a leading regional role in enhancing digital skills, with 13% of its workforce learning through Coursera.
Moreover, there has been a 41% rise in enrollments for professional certifications, including a 14% increase in cybersecurity, reflecting the growing demand for job-relevant certifications.
Based on data from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners, the report identifies areas of talent competency growth, existing gaps, and the factors influencing learner behavior across more than 100 countries. The strong performance of the UAE and the substantial increase in enrollments for generative AI programs highlight its strategic pursuit of building a knowledge-based economy supported by skilled Emirati professionals, in line with the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision.
Qais Al Zaribi, the General Manager of Coursera for the Middle East and Africa, stated: “The UAE is experiencing rapid growth in the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies and expanding its learning infrastructure, which enhances workforce readiness and supports regional innovation.”
The UAE’s robust positioning on the Coursera AI maturity index, along with its high ratings for skill proficiency overall, showcases the country’s increasing capability to address skill gaps and develop well-qualified personnel for the future. As the role of digital transformation reshapes various sectors, the UAE stands out as a model for leveraging education to build a more competitive and inclusive digital economy.
The UAE ranks 38th globally and first in the Arab world regarding skill proficiency in business, technology, and data science. The country has achieved notably high scores, especially in business skills (85%), with strong competencies in technology (52%) and data science (59%). Additionally, 41% of learners in the country access educational content via mobile devices, indicating a clear shift towards flexible learning.