The e-learning market in the UAE is expected to witness phenomenal growth next year, with a potential threefold increase in the number of people taking online courses to stay relevant in the modern workforce as compared to 2022.
In the backdrop of a rapidly evolving labour market, a study led by Coursera, a global online learning platform, in partnership with Censuswide, an international market research consultancy headquartered in London, has found that while only around a third (31%) of those surveyed took online courses up until November 2022, 95% are ‘open’ and 68% are ‘very open’ to taking an online course in 2023.
The November 2022 study surveyed individuals in the UAE, aged between 18-40, on their career goals, online learning habits, and choice of digital skills development courses.
Online learning to boost career growth
The data reveals that the degree remains highly valued by people in the UAE, with only 17% expressing a ‘strong regret’ over attending university. However, with the shift towards a digital economy, data suggests graduates need additional skills to prepare for the world of work and are embracing innovative online learning solutions to help bridge the gap.
With 1 in 5 of the survey group admitting to ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ using the skills gained during university education in their careers, 36% revealed that their degree has not prepared them for their job. The study also found that nearly 31% of people surveyed across the UAE are regretting their choice of degree and 63% would not choose their current career if they could go back in time.
Keen on equipping themselves with a wide range of high-demand skills including soft and technical skills, 45% of those exploring online learning in 2023 are looking for ‘self-improvement’ courses while 44% aim to ‘broaden knowledge’.
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, 83% of people in the UAE have upskilled via digital platforms by taking an online course, and as of September 2022, Coursera has seen a 28% YoY growth in the number of learners from the UAE.
Hadi Moussa, General Manager and Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Coursera, said: “With more than 724K registered learners in the UAE, our goal is to bridge the gaps in the labour market by preparing both the current and new generation of the workforce with in-demand skills of the rapidly transforming workplace. Our rich and diverse content aligns with the needs of the UAE’s development agenda and enables learners to equip themselves with the necessary skills needed to participate in the new digital economy.”
UAE’s online learners seek personal and professional development
Amongst the top three skills people in the UAE are keen on acquiring in 2023 are new language (36%), advanced digital skills such as programming, cloud computing, and software engineering (31%), and investing and trading (27%).
The study has also revealed that 83% of UAE consumers believe that in the next five years, skills certifications from tech giants like Google and Meta will be just as valued by certain employers as traditional degrees. This growing trend towards alternative qualifications is reflected in Coursera’s own data too, where 4 of the top 10 courses in UAE this year are Professional Certificates by Google.
2022 most popular Coursera courses in the UAE (based on enrolments)
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Yale University |
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University of Pennsylvania |
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University of Michigan |
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Georgia Institute of Technology |
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Deep Teaching Solutions |
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Yale University |
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About Coursera
Coursera (NYSE: COUR) was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 113 million registered learners as of September 30, 2022. Coursera partners with over 275 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalogue of content and credentials, including Guided Projects, courses, Specializations, certificates, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in many high-demand fields, including data science, technology, and business.
Media contact:
Atrayee Roy Choudhury
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Atrayee.Choudhury@bcw-global.com
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