Over half of UAE workers lack digital skills, survey finds
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — A new study by ServiceNow exploring employee sentiments on technology and digital skills has found that most employees (54%) in the United Arab Emirates admitted their formal education inadequately prepared them for today’s digital workplace.
The software-as-a-service (SaaS) company surveyed over 5,500 employees from nine countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
In the UAE, 79% of respondents agreed that digital skills give people a competitive edge, while 74% see artificial intelligence (AI) as the biggest opportunity for the workforce of the future.
As a result, 72% recommended compulsory AI education before age 18, while 71% said the same for coding skills.
“Organizations have to make a commitment to providing their employees with not just a career path, but also with the re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities and training programs,” said Mark Ackerman, ServiceNow’s Area VP for the Middle East & Africa.
Meanwhile, approximately 45% of employers in the United States plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions in 2024, highlighting the growing demand for practical experience and AI skills.
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