More than 60% of employees in the UAE are concerned that their qualifications, skills, and experiences may become irrelevant in the long term, according to a recent survey of over 1,000 residents. The survey, conducted by the Institute for Future Readiness, explored attitudes toward continuous learning and skill development.
Dr. Selina Neri, CEO and co-founder of the institute, emphasized the importance of future-ready skills, stating, "The skills required to remain future-ready are no longer optional but essential." She noted that while respondents were optimistic about the future, they also expressed concerns about staying relevant and continuously updating their skills.
Lifelong Learning and Company Support
The majority of respondents, 71%, see lifelong learning as essential for preparing for the future. The survey targeted UAE residents between 18 and 45 years old and was conducted in the final quarter of 2024.
An earlier report highlighted by Khaleej Times noted that the half-life of job skills has now dropped to between three and four years, meaning that individuals will need to retrain every few years to keep up with evolving job demands. Peter Cheese, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), commented on the impact of technology and AI, emphasizing that companies must adapt to the changing landscape.
However, despite the growing emphasis on skill development, only 22% of respondents felt that their employers were offering adequate opportunities for upskilling. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, director general of the Institute for Future Readiness, stressed the importance of investing in holistic development to unlock both individual and organizational potential, ensuring long-term preparedness.
Global Trends in Upskilling
A global study by Mercer, published in 2024, revealed that more than 50% of C-suite leaders believe that investing in upskilling would provide the biggest boost to productivity within their organizations. Nearly half of the leaders in the survey also recognized skills shortages as a significant business threat. Radhika Punshi, managing director of Mercer Talent Enterprise, emphasized that the rise of AI innovations would only lead to increased productivity if employees are reskilled and prepared to integrate these technologies into new work practices.
The World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2025 Future of Jobs Report ranked the UAE 11th globally for potential disruptions in the job market. The report forecasts that 41% of workers' core skills will change between 2025 and 2030 in response to technological advancements.
