The UAE has been recognized as the most prepared Arab nation to meet the future job market demands in the green, AI, and digital sectors, according to the QS World Future Skills Index. The index evaluates global higher education systems based on four key criteria: skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation. In this assessment, the UAE ranked 29th globally, achieving the highest scores among Arab countries across all QS indicators.

The UAE’s standout performance is particularly notable in the area of academic readiness, where it scored an impressive 90.3. This score is 17 points higher than the global average, showcasing the strength of the country’s higher education system. This alignment with industry needs is critical in developing the skills that will be essential for the future workforce.

Moreover, the UAE excels in the future of work category, scoring 77.4, which is 13 points above the global average. This high score indicates an advanced job market with abundant career opportunities, especially in AI, digital, and green industries. The country’s universities also outperform the global average in skills fit, equipping students with the in-demand skills that employers are seeking.

To further enhance its position, the UAE has launched the Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the sector’s GDP contribution by 2031. This strategy is positioning cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi as leading smart city hubs through initiatives such as Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71. The backing from the National AI Strategy and institutions like Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is also driving innovation, job growth, and the upskilling of the workforce in AI.

Matteo Quacquarelli, Vice-President of Strategy and Analytics at QS, highlighted the UAE’s significant advancements in green innovation, digital transformation, and AI. He stated that while these efforts are reshaping the economic landscape, it is essential to bridge the skills gap to fully realize the vision of a self-sustaining, future-proofed, and knowledge-based economy. This goal calls for deeper collaboration between industry and academia, increased investment in vocational training, and empowering local talent to lead in high-growth sectors.