Future Skills Academy Records Strong Engagement in First Phase, Advancing Goal to Empower 10 Million Arab Learners by 2030
The Future Skills Academy, a joint initiative by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Coursera, has achieved significant traction in its first phase. This marks a promising start in its mission to equip 10 million Arab learners with in-demand job market skills by 2030.
The initiative, which offers high-quality online education in sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and transferable soft skills, saw robust participation in its first month. Learners across the Arab region completed 4,721 courses, watched over 191,000 educational videos, and completed 108,568 assessments, totaling 45,385 hours of effective learning.
A Response to the Region’s Skills Gap
Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, emphasized the urgency of skill development in the region.
“According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling by 2030. The Future Skills Academy is a strategic response to help Arab youth, women, and marginalized groups adapt to a rapidly evolving job market.”
He added that the academy supports economic recovery, sustainable development, and inclusive education, aligning with global trends in workforce transformation and the need for digital readiness.
Strengthening a Knowledge-Based Economy
H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy:
“The strong engagement reflects the Arab world’s rising interest in digital literacy and lifelong learning. Empowering 10 million Arab learners by 2030 is a bold goal inspired by our leadership’s commitment to human capital development and innovation-driven economies.”
Strategic Partnership and Scalable Impact
Kais Zribi, General Manager for Coursera in the Middle East and Africa, praised the partnership’s scalable impact:
“Industries are transforming under technological disruption. The Future Skills Academy gives Arab learners the tools to thrive personally and professionally, supporting regional innovation and economic growth.”
The academy builds on the success of the FutureSkills4All program, which enabled 10,000 learners to complete over 15,000 training programs. With this expanded initiative, MBRF and UNDP aim to scale learning access across Arab countries, expand strategic partnerships, and continually enhance the quality and relevance of educational content.
Available through an advanced digital library, the academy provides learners with flexible, accessible, and certified training from top universities and institutions globally, further positioning the Arab region to meet future workforce demands.
