Advices 22 July 2025

Report: AI and IT Skills Readiness Among Emiratis

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The report on AI and IT skills among Emiratis shows UAE nationals are in high demand for roles in customer service, sales, HR, technology, engineering, and finance—reflecting a strong appetite for digital skills and future-ready talent.
Employers across the UAE are actively seeking Emiratis with AI, IT, and digital capabilities, with a particular focus on roles that require tech-savvy, adaptable professionals.
The UAE is making significant progress in upskilling its workforce, but there’s still a gap between employer needs and available Emirati talent, especially in advanced tech and digital roles.
Flexible work models, internships, and robust training programs are key strategies to further develop Emiratis AI and IT skills and ensure long-term career growth for UAE nationals.

The vision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an economy that is driven by knowledge and powered by technology is coming to fruition. And the Emiratis are at the center of this wonderful transformation. The report on AI and IT skills among Emiratis for 2025 has made it a statistically undeniable fact that the demand for skilled UAE nationals is increasing across digital, technical and support roles.

So, what really does this mean for job seekers, employers and the future of work in UAE? Stick with us and we’ll break down the findings of this report for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

If you’re exploring how UAE companies are embracing digital tools for recruitment, you might want to check out our article on AI in Recruitment.

What the Report Highlights

The detailed report on AI and IT skills among Emiratis draws on insights from over 450 companies across the UAE. These are the things that immediately stand out in the report:

Customer service and support roles remain a key feature for Emirati employment. But there is an increasing shift toward digital and tech-driven positions.
Sales, marketing, HR, operations, and finance are all actively seeking Emirati talent that is possessed with strong digital, analytical and interpersonal skills.
The report also highlights that employers appreciate candidates who can adapt to new technologies, manage data and communicate effectively in multicultural environments.
The report has a clear emphasis on roles that mix traditional expertise with AI and IT skills. And this reflects the UAE government’s vision to lead in digital transformation.

To understand how digital trends are shaping the UAE job market, read our detailed guide on UAE Job Market Trends.

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What AI Skills Do Emiratis Currently Possess?

According to the survey highlighted in the report, a big chunk of UAE National employees are already on their way to adapting to AI (artificial intelligence). More than half, 53.68% to be precise, have reported having basic familiarity with AI concepts and potential applications of artificial intelligence. Now, this is just fantastic news that highlights the increasing awareness of AI in the workplace.

Beyond just concepts, 38.20% of respondents also possess data analysis skills. This points to a strong presence in the key area of decision-making that is backed by data. While specialized skills like Machine Learning (24.01%) and Natural Language Processing (17.38%) are less common and a bit of a rarity, they represent important areas for selective upskilling relevant to specific job functions.

But there’s more! 11.05% possess knowledge of robotics while 20.02% are familiar with automation tools. But it must be noted here that 25.04% indicated having no AI-related skills while 1.65% cited other skills. This data points to a positive baseline with clear opportunities to strengthen practical AI applications.

If you’re planning to improve your digital profile, you might also like our tips on Optimize Your Resume Writing With AI.

Where Emiratis with AI & IT Skills are in Demand

This report has highlighted multiple crucial sectors where UAE nationals with AI and IT skills are especially sought after. Here are the top job roles:

1. Customer Service and Support

Many of UAE’s top businesses are prioritizing Emiratis who can offer top-quality, culturally aware customer service. Multilingual skills and digital literacy are crucial factors, enabling Emiratis to engage effectively with diverse clients.

2. Sales & Marketing Professionals

Strong negotiation skills, market awareness and the ability to work smarter using digital tools are sought after highly. Employers are seeking Emiratis who can play a key role in business growth and improve brand positioning using insights that are data-driven.

3. Operations & HR Specialists

Roles in logistics, supply chain and HR now require a combination of tech-savvy and interpersonal skills. Emiratis are required to manage talent acquisition, employee engagement as well as digital workplace policies.

Also, check out how companies are building diverse teams in our blog on Build an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce in UAE.

4. Technology & Digital Roles

The demand for Emiratis AI and IT skills is increasingly on the rise as businesses are investing in digital transformation. According to the report, the key roles include IT support, cybersecurity, data analysis and software development. Employers are on the lookout for Emiratis who comprehend the importance of digital skills in today’s business scene.

For a detailed look at high-paying tech opportunities, see our report on Top Tech Roles for UAE Nationals Across the UAE with Salaries.

5. Public Relations Officers (PRO)

According to the report, Emiratis are preferred for the handling of government relations, licensing and regulatory compliance. Digital communication skills and knowledge of local regulations are now crucial.

6. Finance Professionals

The report highlights that roles in accounting, financial analysis and auditing now require digital literacy, and is considered essential. Hence, Emiratis with experience in budgeting, financial modeling and digital reporting are highly sought after and are valued.

To explore more about finance careers, you may want to see Types of Financial Services and Institutions.

7. Engineering Specialists

The UAE’s focus on infrastructure and sustainability has now increased the demand for more Emiratis in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. Digital project management and AI-driven design tools are quickly becoming the basic requirements.

8. Internal Audit Experts

Companies are now hiring Emiratis to ensure compliance, manage risk and maintain regulatory standards. And they hire them by mostly using advanced IT systems.

9. Internships – Fresh Graduates

The report cites many large organizations now prioritizing internships and training programs to nurture the next generation of Emirati talent, especially in the tech and digital sectors.

If you’re starting out, you should also understand What Are the UAE Nationals Job Search Methods and Preferences to boost your chances.

Why AI and IT Skills Matter More Now

The report on AI and IT skills among Emiratis makes it very clear that digital skills are now the ticket to careers, going forward. Why? Well, because:

Tech is everywhere – From customer service chatbots to AI-driven analytics, technology is now the norm in every industry.
Employers expect digital fluency – Being comfortable with new tools, platforms and data is no longer a ‘luxury’, it’s a ‘MUST HAVE’.
AI is a game-changer – The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up new opportunities (and new challenges) for Emiratis ready to upskill, upgrade and adapt.

For more insights on future hiring trends, don’t miss our article on The Future of Recruitment in the UAE: Trends & Predictions.

Key Takeaway

The 2025 report on AI and IT skills among Emiratis has revealed a quickly transforming job market where digital and tech skills are no longer an option, but a necessary requirement, a key prerequisite. Employers in the UAE are now prioritizing Emirati talent for multiple roles. But the ongoing investment in training, upskilling and flexible work options is very important in bridging the skills gap and empowering the next generation of Emirati professionals.