Over 60% of UAE Employees Fear Their Skills May Become Irrelevant in the Future

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Careerfier News
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Jan 23, 2025
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90
A recent survey revealed that more than 60% of UAE employees are concerned their current qualifications, skills, and experiences may not remain relevant in the long term. Despite the growing emphasis on upskilling, only 22% of respondents feel their employers offer sufficient opportunities for skill development.
The survey, conducted among over 1,000 UAE residents by the Institute for Future Readiness, highlights a growing concern about the rapid evolution of workplace demands. Dr. Selina Neri, CEO, dean, and co-founder of the institute, emphasized, “The skills needed to become and remain future-ready are no longer optional—they are essential. While participants are optimistic about the future, they are equally apprehensive about staying relevant by continuously upgrading their skills.”
Lifelong Learning as a Necessity
The study, conducted in late 2024, surveyed individuals aged 18 to 45. It found that 71% of respondents believe in lifelong learning as a vital strategy to remain prepared for future challenges.
According to an earlier report by Khaleej Times, Peter Cheese, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), noted that the half-life of job skills has shortened to three to four years. “This means that every three to four years, individuals will need to retrain their existing skills. The impact of technology and artificial intelligence is reshaping work and compelling organizations to adapt rapidly,” he stated.
Organizational Support: Room for Improvement
Despite the urgency to upskill, only a fraction of employees believe their organizations are adequately supporting their development. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, director general and co-founder of the Institute for Future Readiness, highlighted the need for holistic growth strategies, saying, “By investing in comprehensive skill development, individuals and organizations can not only adapt to change but also unlock their full potential and achieve future-readiness.”
This aligns with findings from Mercer’s 2024 Global Talent Trends study, which revealed that over 50% of C-suite leaders consider employee upskilling the most impactful driver of productivity. However, nearly half of the surveyed business leaders also identified skill shortages as a significant threat to their operations.
Radhika Punshi, managing director of Mercer Talent Enterprise, added, “The productivity boost expected from innovations like AI will only materialize if employees are reskilled to integrate these solutions effectively into new workflows.”
Job Market Disruption in the UAE
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks the UAE 11th among countries expected to experience significant disruptions in the job market. Between 2025 and 2030, 41% of workers’ core skills are predicted to change, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive skill development across industries.
As the global workforce faces an era of unprecedented transformation, the onus is on both individuals and organizations to prioritize continuous learning and adaptability to ensure long-term success.