Latest news with #AIMaturityIndex
Arab Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Ranked 5th in Gulf for Overall Skills
KUWAIT CITY, June 14: The Global Skills Index (GSI) 2025, issued by the online learning platform Coursera, showed that Kuwait ranked fifth in the Gulf and 69th globally in terms of overall skills under the 'Emerging Countries' category, which includes countries with skill performance score ranging from 25 to 49 percent, reports Al-Rai daily. Kuwait was ranked among the relatively average performing countries in skills in the fields of Business, Technology and Data Science, but lagged in the AI Maturity Index -- a subindex -- where it ranked 72nd globally. Comparing Kuwait's performance with its Gulf counterparts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) topped the Arab world, ranking 38th globally; followed by Qatar at 40th, Bahrain at 51st, Saudi Arabia at 54th, and Oman at 75th. Thus, Kuwait surpassed Oman among Gulf countries in the overall skills ranking, but ranked sixth in the Gulf on the AI Maturity Index. Meanwhile, Switzerland topped the overall ranking, followed by the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, and Finland in the top five, reflecting their superior mix of technical, business and Data Science skills. In contrast, Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Iraq ranked last -- all these countries are suffering from multiple crises in education and technical infrastructure. The report is based on an analysis of data from more than 170 million learners on the Coursera platform, along with external indicators from organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The GSI is a global benchmark for measuring workforce readiness for digital market demands. It provides comprehensive rankings for more than 109 countries in three main areas: Business, Technology and Data Science, in addition to the new AI Maturity Index. The authors indicate that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies have become the most in-demand skill globally, with enrollment in AI courses increasing by 195 percent in one year. However, the skills gap remains a global challenge, with data from the report confirming that more than two-thirds of employers worldwide consider skills shortages a major barrier to adopting new technologies.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Skills-first learning, hiring transforms talent pipelines, report shows
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Skills-first learning is driving a wave of skills-based organizations and influencing talent pipelines from recruitment to advancement, according to Coursera's 2025 Global Skills Report. In North America, 99% of surveyed employers said they've adopted or are exploring skills-based hiring by focusing on verified skills alongside traditional degrees. This aligns with 94% of U.S. firms that said they anticipate significant AI-driven transformation by 2030, the report found. 'North America's learners are turning AI hype into measurable progress,' Zac Rule, head of global enterprise sales and channel for Coursera, said in the North America report. 'Integrating industry-aligned micro-credentials into workforce development programs and higher education curricula can boost GenAI literacy and strengthen the region's talent pool,' Rule said. 'Actively promoting these opportunities to underrepresented groups will transform skill gaps into skill gains.' The U.S. ranks fourth globally on Coursera's AI Maturity Index, indicating it is an AI learning hot spot and AI talent hub. Course enrollments in North America primarily focused on generative AI, data analytics and professional credentials. Across North America, course enrollment trends grew about 135% for generative AI, 37% for professional certificates (including Google's project management, digital marketing and IT support certificates) and 15% for critical thinking skills. Top in-demand skills for employers included AI and machine learning, customer service, curiosity, creative thinking and talent management. By focusing the hiring process on documented competencies, businesses can more effectively find job-ready talent, lower turnover and streamline career pathways, according to the report. In addition, businesses can 'evolve into skills-based organizations by emphasizing robust skill tests, validated micro-credentials, and job postings built around key proficiencies instead of blanket experience,' the report found.
CairoScene
10-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE Ranks 1st in Arab World & 32nd Globally for AI Readiness
Coursera's 2025 AI Maturity Index places the UAE first in the region and 32nd globally out of 109 countries. Jun 10, 2025 The United Arab Emirates has ranked first in the Arab world and 32nd globally on Coursera's AI Maturity Index, which evaluates countries' readiness to adopt artificial intelligence based on user data and external metrics from the IMF and OECD. The index reflects the UAE's accelerating efforts to integrate generative AI across public and private sectors. Key government-led initiatives include the planned development of a 5-gigawatt AI cluster and the introduction of AI as a mandatory subject in government schools. These steps align with the UAE's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country as a global hub for AI innovation and increase the digital economy's contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by the same year. The report shows that the number of learners enrolling in generative AI courses in the UAE grew by 344% year-on-year—more than doubling the global average of 195% and far surpassing the MENA regional average of 128%. According to Coursera's data, 87% of UAE employers prioritise equipping their workforce with technology, AI, and data analysis skills, reflecting rising demand for digital talent. 13% of the UAE's workforce is currently engaged with Coursera's online courses, and the country has seen a 41% increase in professional certificate enrolments, including a 14% rise in cybersecurity programmes. This growth underscores the UAE's regional leadership in digital skill development and workforce readiness. The UAE also ranks first in the region and 38th globally in overall skill proficiency across business, technology, and data science. The country scored particularly high in business skills (85%), with strong results in technology (52%) and data science (59%). Of the 10.8 million users on Coursera across the Middle East and North Africa, 1.3 million are based in the UAE, with an average learner age of 36.
Mid East Info
10-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Accelerates Digital Transformation with 344% Growth in GenAI Enrollments and Leading AI Maturity Ranking: Coursera
87% of UAE employers prioritize AI, big data, and tech literacy; Professional Certificate enrollments grow 41% Dubai, UAE –June 2025: Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has announced a remarkable 344% year-over-year increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments in the UAE, significantly outpacing the MENA regional average of 128% and the global average of 195%, according to the platform's annual Global Skills Report. Now in its seventh year, the report also reveals that 87% of UAE employers prioritize technology literacy, AI, and big data, signaling a robust rise in demand for future-ready talent equipped with emerging tech capabilities. The Global Skills Report 2025 further confirms the UAE's strong progress in building a digitally skilled workforce. The country continues to lead the region in digital upskilling, with 13% of its labor force actively learning on Coursera. Professional Certificate enrollments also rose by 41%, including a 14% increase in cybersecurity, reflecting growing demand for job-relevant credentials. Drawing on data from Coursera's global community of over 170 million learners, the report identifies where skill proficiencies are rising, where gaps remain, and what drives learner behavior across more than 100 countries. The UAE's strong performance and sharp rise in GenAI enrollments highlights its strategic push toward building a knowledge-based economy powered by skilled Emirati talent, aligned with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. New to this year's report is the AI Maturity Index, which assesses countries' readiness for AI by combining Coursera learner data with external metrics from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The UAE ranks first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries, showcasing a solid foundation in AI innovation, research, and the real-world application of AI skills. The UAE's strong AI Maturity ranking and accelerated GenAI adoption across sectors underscore its ambition to become a global AI hub. Initiatives such as the planned 5GW AI Campus and the integration of AI as a mandatory subject in public schools support this ambition and align with the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country as a global AI leader by 2031. These efforts are central to the UAE's broader goal of increasing the digital economy's contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031, a target that reflects the country's long-term vision for digital and economic leadership. Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: 'The UAE is rapidly scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive workforce transformation and regional innovation. Its strong performance on Coursera's AI Maturity Index, combined with high rankings in overall skills proficiency, demonstrates the country's growing ability to close skill gaps, nurture future talent, and lead in AI readiness. As digital transformation reshapes industries, the UAE is setting a powerful example of how nations can leverage education to build a competitive, inclusive digital economy that prepares its workforce for the future.' The UAE ranks 38th globally in overall skills proficiency across business, technology, and data science, placing first in the Arab world. The country scores especially high in business skills (85%), with strong proficiency in technology (52%) and data science (59%). Among the 10.8 million Coursera learners in MENA, 1.3 million are based in the UAE, with a median age of 36. Notably, learners in the UAE are increasingly embracing mobile learning, with 41% accessing content via mobile devices. While these indicators show meaningful progress, challenges remain. 72% of UAE employers continue to cite skills gaps as a major barrier, above the global average. Closing these gaps will require increasing women's participation in emerging technology fields, which is essential not only for achieving gender equity but also for driving long-term economic transformation. Currently, women make up 32% of Coursera learners in the UAE, with 24% enrolled in STEM courses and 21% in GenAI, highlighting untapped potential to advance gender equity in the tech sector. About Coursera: Coursera was launched in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 175 million registered learners as of March 31, 2025. Coursera partners with over 350 leading universities and industry leaders to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees. Coursera's platform innovations enable instructors to deliver scalable, personalized, and verified learning experiences to their learners. Institutions worldwide rely on Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in high-demand fields such as GenAI, data science, technology, and business. Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp.
TECHx
09-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Coursera UAE Reports 344% Surge in GenAI Enrollments
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » Coursera UAE Reports 344% Surge in GenAI Enrollments Coursera UAE, a leading online learning platform, has announced a 344% year-over-year increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments in the UAE. This growth far exceeds the MENA regional average of 128% and the global average of 195%. The data comes from Coursera's latest Global Skills Report, now in its seventh year. The report revealed that 87% of employers in the UAE prioritize technology literacy, AI, and big data. This highlights a rising demand for future-ready talent with emerging tech capabilities. Coursera also reported that 13% of the UAE's labor force is actively learning on the platform. Professional Certificate enrollments rose by 41%. Cybersecurity courses saw a 14% increase, signaling demand for job-relevant credentials. Drawing from over 170 million learners worldwide, the report identified skill proficiencies, gaps, and learning trends across more than 100 countries. The UAE's rapid rise in GenAI enrollments reflects a national drive toward a knowledge-based economy. This effort aligns with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. This year's report introduced the AI Maturity Index. It assesses a country's readiness for AI using Coursera data and external sources like the IMF and OECD. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 32nd globally out of 109 countries. This ranking highlights the country's strong foundation in AI innovation, research, and real-world application of AI skills. Coursera noted several government-led initiatives that support this growth: A planned 5GW AI Campus Mandatory AI curriculum in public schools These efforts support the UAE's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The goal is to increase the digital economy's contribution to over 20% of non-oil GDP by 2031. Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said the UAE is scaling AI learning and infrastructure to drive transformation and innovation. He added that the UAE's high AI Maturity Index ranking and skill proficiency show its readiness to close gaps and lead in digital growth. The UAE currently ranks 38th globally in overall skills proficiency. It leads the Arab world in this metric, with 85% in business, 52% in technology, and 59% in data science. There are 1.3 million Coursera learners in the UAE, out of 10.8 million across MENA. The median age of learners is 36. Additionally, 41% access Coursera through mobile devices. Despite the progress, 72% of UAE employers still cite skills gaps as a major challenge above the global average. Increasing women's participation in tech is seen as key to bridging this gap. Women make up 32% of Coursera learners in the UAE. Of these, 24% are enrolled in STEM and 21% in GenAI. Coursera emphasized that boosting gender equity in tech is vital for long-term economic transformation.
