Coursera Global Skills Report 2024: Saudi Arabia Sees Remarkable Growth In AI And Cybersecurity Enrollments

As jobs and industries stand on the cusp of profound transformation, the sixth annual Coursera Global Skills Report shows a significant increase in new learners in the Kingdom keen on building skills proficiencies and acquiring new digital skills to boost their economic mobility.

Drawing on data and insights from over 148 million learners, 7,000 institutional customers, and content from 325 of the world’s leading university and industry partners, the report reveals a 31% YoY increase in new Saudi learners joining Coursera’s global community in Q1 2024. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to bridging talent gaps through upskilling, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to developing a skilled, tech-savvy workforce.

The Global Skills Report 2024 emphasizes AI literacy as a rising global imperative, with countries prioritizing investments in GenAI as a key driver to rapidly expand the AI talent pool and prepare AI-ready economies. The report data shows that the MENA region saw an 861% YoY increase in GenAI course enrollments on Coursera, with Saudi Arabia experiencing a staggering 1,788% YoY increase. Learners are building foundational AI skills through courses like Google Cloud’s Introduction to GenAI, DeepLearning.AI’s GenAI with LLMs, and Vanderbilt University’s Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT.

Additionally, the report stresses the urgent need for cybersecurity skill development amid increasing cyber threats and a growing talent shortage. In light of the escalating global challenge, where the average cost of a cyberattack in Saudi Arabia and the UAE was $6.53 million, the MENA region noted a 17% YoY rise in cybersecurity enrollments, driven by initiatives like the Saudi-led Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers. In Saudi Arabia, this surge in cybersecurity enrollments stood out, with a 65% YoY increase, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience and addressing the growing threats in the digital landscape.

“The Kingdom has made significant strides in empowering its citizens and enhancing global competitiveness by developing essential skills for the digital age,” said Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. “The nation’s commitment to digital transformation and emerging technologies aligns with its Vision 2030 goals of creating diverse job opportunities for Saudis while attracting the best global talent. Through robust innovation and collaboration, the Kingdom is leading the region in building a future-ready workforce.”

The Global Skills Report 2024 ranks Saudi Arabia as 4th in the region for skills proficiency across business (87%), technology (39%), and data science (29%). The Kingdom ranks 17th globally for training the highest percentage of its labor force on Coursera, reflecting a strong commitment in developing an employer-needed workforce. The report also identifies top skills for Saudi learners, including Leadership Development, Supply Chain Systems, Graphic Design, and Emotional Intelligence, indicating a broad focus on both technical and soft skills.

In Saudi Arabia, enrollments in professional certificates have surged by 98% YoY, with particular demand seen in areas such as data analytics, project management, and cybersecurity. However, with 60% of Saudi higher education students pursuing degrees not aligned with job market demands, there’s a pressing need for accessible, career-ready skill development to bridge the skills gap.

With two-thirds of jobs globally exposed to automation and AI expected to contribute USD 135 billion to Saudi’s economy by 2030, the Coursera report emphasizes the need for AI proficiency to build a competitive workforce. The rise in GenAI course enrollments reflects efforts to cultivate AI-ready economies. However, the gap between the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the available workforce globally has risen by 12.6% YoY, highlighting the urgent need to address this talent shortage amid rising cyber threats.

To download the full report and explore insights unique to a country or region, visit https://www.coursera.org/skills-reports.