The UAE leads the Arab world in readiness for the future job market. It excels in green, AI, and digital sectors, according to the QS World Future Skills Index.
This newly launched index evaluates global higher education systems. It is based on four key criteria: skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation. Ranking 29th globally, the UAE surpasses other Arab countries. It achieves top scores across all QS indicators.
Academic Readiness: A Strong Foundation
The UAE excels in academic readiness. It scores 90.3, which is 17 points above the global average. This achievement reflects a robust higher education system. The system is closely aligned with industry demands and designed to cultivate essential skills for the future workforce.
With a score of 77.4, the UAE surpasses the global average by 13 points in the future of work category. This underscores the nation’s advanced job market and numerous career opportunities. These opportunities are particularly in the rapidly growing AI, digital, and green industries.
Skills Fit: Equipping a Skilled Workforce
The UAE also outpaces the global average in skills fit by 13 points. Universities in the country are recognized for effectively equipping students with high-demand skills. These efforts prepare them for competitive industries.
QS Asses Driving Digital Innovation
The UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy aims to double the sector’s GDP contribution by 2031. Initiatives such as Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 position the country as a global hub for smart city innovations. Moreover, these efforts are supported by the National AI Strategy and pioneering institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). These institutions drive advancements in AI, job creation, and workforce upskilling.
Matteo Quacquarelli, Vice-President of Strategy and Analytics at QS, remarked, “The UAE’s ambitious strides in green innovation, digital transformation, and AI are reshaping its economic landscape. However, to fully realize its vision of a self-sustaining, future-proofed, and knowledge-based economy, bridging the skills gap is crucial. This requires deeper industry-academia collaboration, investment in vocational training, and empowering local talent to lead in high-growth sectors.”
With its strategic initiatives and strong performance in critical areas, the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader. It excels in future job readiness, particularly in green, AI, and digital sectors.
