A recent survey has found that over 60 percent of employees in the UAE are concerned that their skills, qualifications, and experiences may not remain relevant in the long run. This concern was highlighted in a study conducted by a local institute, which surveyed over 1,000 residents. The research was commissioned by the Institute for Future Readiness, a UAE-based organization focused on capacity building and skill development.

According to Khaleej Times, Dr. Selina Neri, CEO, dean, and co-founder of the Institute for Future Readiness, emphasized the importance of continuous learning. She said, “The skills required to become and remain future-ready are no longer optional, but a must.” While the surveyed individuals expressed optimism about their future, they also shared worries about the need to continuously update their skills to stay relevant.

The survey, conducted in the last quarter of 2024, found that 71 percent of participants believe in the concept of lifelong learning as essential for future readiness. The respondents were aged between 18 and 45, reflecting a demographic that is keenly aware of the rapid changes in the job market.

An earlier report by Khaleej Times cited Peter Cheese, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), who indicated that the half-life of job skills is now between three and four years. He noted, “That means every three or four years we’re going to have to retrain half the skills we have,” highlighting the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the workforce.

Despite the emphasis on upskilling, only 22 percent of those surveyed felt their employers offer sufficient opportunities for skill enhancement. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, director general and co-founder of the Institute for Future Readiness, remarked that investing in holistic development allows individuals and organizations to adapt to change and realize their full potential.

Additionally, a 2024 global talent trends study by consulting firm Mercer showed that over 50 percent of C-suite leaders believe that investing in employee upskilling can significantly enhance productivity. A spokesperson for Mercer pointed out that nearly half of the surveyed leaders view skills shortages as a critical threat to their businesses. “In other words, the lift in productivity expected from innovations like AI will only come if people are reskilled and ready to incorporate these solutions into new working practices,” explained Radhika Punshi, managing director of Mercer Talent Enterprise.

Furthermore, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranked the UAE 11th among countries expected to experience significant job market disruption. The report forecasts that 41 percent of workers’ core skills will change between 2025 and 2030, underscoring the urgency for ongoing skill development in the region.