Proficiency in technology and data science among learners rises to 40% and 42%, demonstrating a significant increase from 2023
Doha, Qatar - 25 June 2024: Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has launched the sixth edition of its Global Skills Report, showcasing Qatar’s impressive progress in the global skills landscape. The report shows Qatar advancing from 76th place in the global rankings in 2023 to 58th in 2024, reflecting a significant improvement in overall skills competencies. This progress highlights Qatar’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its education system and fostering a digitally skilled workforce.
Qatar has also established itself as a regional leader, ranking third in the MENA region in business, technology, and data science skills proficiency. Drawing on data from over 148 million learners, 7,000 institutional customers, and content from 325 of the world’s leading universities and industry partners, the report reveals a 32% YoY increase in new learners from Qatar joining Coursera in the first quarter of 2024. This growth aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to bridge talent gaps through upskilling, fostering a skilled and dynamic workforce poised to drive the country’s ambition of building a knowledge-based economy.
The country’s commitment to digital transformation and proactive investment in specialized training, upskilling, and reskilling programs is creating a digitally adept and competitive talent pool. This is reflected in the Global Skills Report data, which shows a substantial increase in proficiency among Qatari learners in technology and data science, rising to 40% and 42%, respectively, from 18% and 12% last year. Qatar also continues to excel in business skills, ranking third in MENA with a high proficiency level of 83%.
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 Qatar experiencing a remarkable 1,434% YoY increase. This growth aligns with Qatar’s strategy to embrace an AI-driven future, with education and talent transformation as two of the most critical pillars. Learners in Qatar are acquiring foundational AI skills through courses such as Google Cloud’s Introduction to GenAI, DeepLearning.AI's GenAI with LLMs, and Vanderbilt University's Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT.
"Qatar's strong commitment to digital excellence, integral to its National Vision 2030, is fostering a dynamic workforce prepared to thrive in the digital age," said Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. "Through strategic investments in education and skill development, Qatar is setting a powerful example for the region and the world. The 2024 Global Skills Report gives a clear indication of the progress Qatar has made, and we are proud to support its journey towards a future of boundless opportunities and sustainable growth for all learners."
In Qatar, enrollments in professional certificates on Coursera have surged by 69% YoY, indicating a strong appetite for job-relevant skills. High demand in areas such as data analytics, project management, and cybersecurity reflects a forward-looking workforce that recognizes the importance of upskilling and developing in-demand skills as the country continues to diversify and expand its economy.
As of Q1 2024, Qatar has nearly 170K Coursera learners, with a median age of 36 years. Among these learners, 34% are women, including 25% in STEM fields. Moreover, learners in Qatar are increasingly learning on mobile devices, with 51% accessing courses through smartphones or tablets.
To download the full report and explore insights unique to a country or region, visit https://www.coursera.org/skills-reports.