The Evolution Of The Skills Landscape In The MENA

Shifting economic realities and rapid technological advancements are transforming industries and organizations, creating both challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic job market. Thriving in this environment requires more than adaptability; it demands an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and the mastery of digital fluency. The future belongs to those who cultivate in-demand skills, embrace change, and lead with foresight, consistently staying ahead of the curve. 

Upskilling and reskilling have become essential strategies for future-proofing organizations and empowering talent. The success of professionals and businesses now hinges on how effectively these principles are embraced. As the skills landscape evolves, it unlocks new possibilities, reshaping careers and industries in profound ways. To succeed in this transformation, professionals must focus on mastering these five critical skills, which are reshaping the future of work in 2025 and beyond: 

1. The Transformative Power Of Gen AI   

Projected to reach a staggering US$1.3 trillion by 2032, generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) has become the fastest-growing skill globally on online learning platform Coursera for career development and employee competitiveness. As organizations rapidly adopt AI-driven solutions, the demand for Gen AI expertise is outpacing supply. Gartner forecasts that 80 percent of the engineering workforce will require Gen AI upskilling by 2027. As AI’s integration into various job functions accelerates, learners across all sectors must develop Gen AI proficiency to improve employability in an increasingly automated job landscape. In the UAE, this skills gap is particularly pronounced, with 31 percent of businesses identifying a lack of skilled Gen AI talent as a key barrier to scaling AI across organizations. To bridge this gap, companies are increasingly offering tailored Gen AI training programs, and governments are investing in AI education initiatives. 

While AI and big data skills are currently ranked as the 15th most essential for mass employment, they are projected to become the third-highest priority for corporate training by 2027. Learner groups are responding by prioritizing different AI skill sets: employees focus on advanced applications like reinforcement learning and machine learning operations (MLOps), while students emphasize foundational skills such as supervised learning and feature engineering. Job seekers, on the other hand, emphasize applied machine learning to gain relevant, job-ready competencies for high-demand roles like “AI Specialist” and “Computer Vision Engineer.” 

Resolving gender disparities in AI is also critical. Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in AI fields, particularly in technical roles. To address this, initiatives like mentorship programs for young women in tech and partnerships with universities are crucial for creating pathways into the AI industry. Encouraging underrepresented groups, including women, to pursue AI skills through targeted educational initiatives will help cultivate a diverse talent pool that drives both innovation and inclusivity in this transformative field. 

2. Navigating The Cybersecurity Landscape

As the digital ecosystem matures, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to rise – up 75 percent globally in the third quarter of 2024. This has propelled cybersecurity and risk management skills to rank among the fastest-growing tech competencies. 

With cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, organizations are prioritizing safety, risk mitigation, and asset protection. This is particularly evident in the MENA, where countries like Saudi Arabia are experiencing a high incidence of cyber incidents. Targeted upskilling initiatives and a robust talent pipeline are urgently needed to address these growing threats and safeguard digital infrastructure. 

3. Demand For Data Ethics And Governance 

The exponential growth in data volume and diversity has made responsible data management a top priority. Businesses are deploying new governance frameworks to address these challenges, with 60 percent of data leaders identifying data governance as a critical concern. Deloitte reports that 78 percent of organizations prioritize “safe and secure” AI usage, highlighting the growing importance of responsible data handling as a cornerstone of competitive advantage. 

Data ethics has emerged as one of the fastest-growing skills on Coursera, offering learners a valuable opportunity to upskill in this field and master the capabilities needed for high-demand roles. As businesses deploy new governance frameworks, responsible data handling is set to become a cornerstone of competitive advantage. 

4. Human Skills In An AI Ecosystem 

Effective communication and assertiveness remain essential for navigating complex work environments, and 84 percent of managers believe new employees must possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally and articulate their ideas. Although 71 percent of Gen Z workers report challenges in doing so, organizations recognize that strong human skills will be crucial in driving innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. 

While technical expertise remains critical, balancing it with strong human skills will ensure that employees thrive in the AI ecosystem. HR skills like human capital and workforce development rank as some of the fastest-growing in the business domain, highlighting the need for companies to invest in managing and developing their teams. In an AI-driven workplace, collaboration between employees and AI tools will require skills like empathy, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution to foster effective collaboration. 

5. Embracing Sustainability   

The growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainable practices is fueling demand for green skills. Job postings for sustainability-related roles are outpacing the number of skilled workers by nearly two to one, creating a significant opportunity for learners to differentiate themselves in the job market. The World Economic Forum further reinforces this trend, ranking sustainability as the second-fastest growing job role from 2023 to 2027.  

With only one in eight people possessing the skills needed to address the climate crisis, expertise in areas such as waste minimization, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning will be vital. These skills not only advance individual careers but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The UAE and other countries in the region have already begun to invest heavily in green jobs, with governments creating incentives for organizations that prioritize sustainability training and practices. 

As organizations adopt a skills-centered approach to hiring, individuals who actively develop the most in-demand competencies will be best positioned to tackle today’s challenges and stay ahead of tomorrow's disruptions. With the skills required to thrive in the workplace evolving rapidly, those who take a proactive approach to their development will hold a clear advantage in the next phase of digital transformation.  

A commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary expertise will be essential for building resilience and maintaining competitiveness in a fast-paced, increasingly digital world. Success will not just depend on mastering new technologies, but also on integrating human-centric values and sustainability into every aspect of our careers and organizations. 

About The Author

Kais Zribi is Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa.