Coursera, a prominent online learning platform, has introduced the Generative AI (Gen AI) Academy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to provide executives and their workforce with the essential skills for success in an AI-centric workplace. The academy offers a distinctive combination of fundamental literacy and executive education programs sourced from leading research universities and industry pioneers in AI, such as Microsoft, Stanford Online, Vanderbilt University, DeepLearning.AI, Fractal Analytics, Google Cloud, and AWS. With a global emphasis on prioritizing skills-based hiring and the UAE poised to gain from an anticipated USD 5.3 billion in generative AI investments by 2030, the Gen AI Academy seeks to address AI skills shortages in the country while fostering innovation and enhancing productivity for both executives and employees.
Gen AI is anticipated to be a substantial catalyst in the worldwide economy, projected to yield an annual economic value of USD 4.4 trillion. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the integration of AI is predicted to account for approximately 14% of the country's GDP by 2030. Given the UAE's strategic emphasis on AI as a pivotal force for future expansion, the nation is positioned to leverage the considerable potential of the Gen AI Academy's top-tier education and training initiatives. This positioning aims to establish the UAE as a frontrunner in global AI leadership by the year 2031.
Kais Zribi, the General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Coursera, emphasized the critical role of Gen AI in reshaping industries, redefining businesses, and creating new career trajectories. Recognizing the pressing need to enable individuals and organizations to adapt to emerging technologies that will drive future employment, Zribi highlighted the UAE's ongoing commitment to enhancing workforce agility through reskilling and upskilling. He expressed confidence that the Gen AI Academy's carefully curated curriculum will significantly enhance these efforts. The goal is to position businesses and employees at the forefront of innovation, reshaping the UAE's workforce and bolstering the nation's readiness for a future driven by artificial intelligence.
