Ahmed Bin Abdulqader ـ nabd–alhadath
Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, has released its 2025 Job Skills Report, revealing how the rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping industries and workforce dynamics in Saudi Arabia and the region. The report highlights the Kingdom’s growing focus on business acumen, cybersecurity, and data analysis to meet evolving labor market demands and achieve Vision 2030 objectives.
GenAI Skills on the Rise
Drawing on insights from five million enterprise learners and over 7,000 institutional customers, the report identifies GenAI as the fastest-growing skill globally, with course enrollments increasing by 866% year-over-year. As demand for AI and machine learning specialists is expected to grow by 40% over the next four years, Saudi learners are turning to innovative AI-powered tools to remain competitive. This trend aligns with Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion investment in AI, supporting its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global AI leader by the end of the decade.
Globally, AI is expected to add US$15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, while 70% of graduates advocate for GenAI training. Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to expand AI-focused programs. Popular courses like computer vision, PyTorch, and machine learning have seen enrollments double year-over-year. However, gender disparities persist; women accounted for only 28% of AI course enrollments in 2024, emphasizing the need for inclusive education and workplace policies to ensure diversity in technology.
Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: “Generative AI is transforming industries globally, and Saudi Arabia, with its Vision 2030 ambitions, is well-positioned to harness its potential. As advanced technologies reshape the Kingdom’s work landscape, a comprehensive approach to skills development is critical. Coursera remains committed to equipping the Saudi workforce with the technical and human skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered future.”
Cybersecurity as a Global Priority
Globally, cybersecurity and risk management skills rank among the top fastest-growing tech skills, as businesses respond to a 75% increase in cyberattacks in Q3 2024. This trend is particularly pronounced in Saudi Arabia, where over 95% of businesses faced cyber incidents in the past year, fueling demand for skills in risk mitigation, safety assurance, and asset protection.
70% of Saudi organizations, compared to 52% globally, have identified finding the right candidates as one of their top three cybersecurity talent strategies for the next 12 months. This highlights the urgent need for targeted upskilling and developing a robust pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals to address escalating and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Bridging Gaps in Data Ethics
Data ethics is among the fastest-growing skills on Coursera, driven by the need for employees to responsibly manage and analyze customer data. Despite its importance, there is a notable gap in interest among students and job seekers. This presents a key opportunity for higher education institutions to enhance curricula, as 60% of data leaders identify data governance as a critical concern. A Deloitte survey found that 78% of organizations prioritize “safe and secure” AI use as a top ethical principle. As demand for data roles increases, learners who upskill in data ethics and governance will position themselves more competitively for future employment.
The Value of Human Skills
The report also emphasizes the importance of human skills in the workplace. Assertiveness and Communication ranked among the top 10 skills in 2024. However, while 84% of managers expect new hires to communicate effectively and contribute to meetings, 71% of Gen Z workers report challenges in doing so. Interestingly, younger students are prioritizing green skills, with sustainability-focused areas like waste management and business continuity appearing in the top 10 skills for students. While ESG-related skills are increasingly important, the report suggests that Gen Z workers should also focus on core human skills to better meet employer expectations and thrive in team-oriented environments.
Upskilling The Workforce
With 9.4 million Coursera learners in the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic has emerged as the top language job seekers are learning in, after English. To meet this growing demand, Coursera has leveraged AI and machine learning to translate over 4,900 courses into 23 languages, including Arabic, enabling learners to enhance their skills, improve employability, and advance their careers.
The growing demand for skills in GenAI, cybersecurity, and data analysis signals an urgent need for action by individuals, businesses, and governments to ensure workforce readiness. By equipping learners with the skills needed to navigate an evolving job market, Saudi Arabia can build a competitive, resilient workforce aligned with the goals of Vision 2030.
For more insights from Coursera’s 2025 Job Skills Report, visit: https://www.coursera.org/skills-reports/job-skills
