The United Arab Emirates has placed first in the Middle East and North Africa and sixth globally on the new AI-Human Skills Synergy Index featured in Coursera's Global Skills Report 2026, according to Fast Company Middle East. The ranking positions the country ahead of the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, China, and India in a benchmark assessing 98 countries on technical AI capability and complementary human skills.
Learner data from the report shows that enrollments in AI-related courses in the UAE grew by 75% year-over-year. Within specialized fields, AI security learning recorded the fastest growth with a 243% surge, followed by generative AI enrollments up 117% and agentic AI workflow courses up 100%. Complementary human skills also registered growth, including complex problem-solving at 56%, critical thinking at 39%, and innovation at 7%.
Labor market indicators reflect rising demand from businesses. According to PwC's 2026 AI Jobs Barometer UAE analysis, the share of job postings requiring AI skills increased from 1% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2025. In response to industry needs, overall enrollments in micro-credentials grew 38% year-over-year, while AI-specific micro-credentials jumped 101%.
Broader ecosystem conditions have reinforced workforce development. Stanford University's 2026 AI Index Report placed generative AI adoption in the UAE at 64%, among the highest worldwide. To coordinate policy and expand digital literacy, the federal government approved an Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, complementing initiatives such as the nationwide AI for All program introduced by the UAE AI Office in collaboration with Google.
Sources
- Fast Company Middle East · 2026-10-01
