Online learning is rising in the MENA region. According to the latest Global Skills Report from the global learning platform Coursera, the platform increased its client base in the region from 5.9 million in 2022 to 7.2 million users this year.

The report showcased that the region is strongest in business skills (52%), but leaders could further invest in developing technology (28%) and data science (25%) skills. The data showed that female learners account for 39%, with 59% learning on mobile devices.

The report benchmarked three in-demand skill areas driving employment in the digital economy – business, technology, and data science.

The report showed that there are 900,000 learners on the platform from Saudi Arabia, 800,000 from the UAE, and 2.2 million in Egypt.

UAE ranked 32nd globally, representing 7.98% of the country’s working-age population. Learners have a median age of 35 years, of which 42$ are women, and 45% learn on their mobile devices.

Learners in the UAE are increasingly investing in professional certificates to prepare for digital jobs, with a 22% enrollment growth rate. UAE scored highly in business skills (99%), with learners having a high aptitude for communication, leadership and management, and human resources skills.
UAE-based learners show high proficiency in business skills (99%), while technology (43%) and data science (24%) follow behind. UAE users were also most likely to invest in leadership skills, like people development, negotiation, and leadership development.

“The rise of digital jobs and remote work is creating unprecedented opportunities for local talent to participate in the global workforce if they have the right skills and credentials,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera. “This report provides actionable insights on the rapidly changing skills landscape and talent distribution worldwide that will help institutions inform their human capital and workforce strategies.”

While UAE leads in business skills (99%), Oman (97%), Bahrain (90%), Saudi Arabia (81%), and Qatar (78%) also achieved noteworthy traction.

Saudi-based learners showed moderately higher skills in technology (68%) and data science (43%).