Page 37 - MBRF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/20/25, 9:46 AM PRESSR: Future Skills Academy records wide interaction and creates tangible knowledge impact in its first phase — TradingView …
PRESSR: Future Skills Academy records wide interaction and creates
tangible knowledge impact in its first phase

Jun 19, 2025, 12:53 GMT+4Refinitiv4 min read

COUR −0.96%

Dubai, UAE - The Future Skills Academy, one of the pioneering initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with
Coursera, has recorded significant engagement and promising results in its first phase. This marks a strong start
towards its mission to empower Arab learners with future-ready job market skills.

The wide interaction received by the academy in its first phase underscores the growing demand for individuals to
develop digital and vocational skills in the Arab world. As part of its ambitious goal, the academy aims to enable 10
million learners in the Arab region to acquire the most in-demand job market skills by 2030, targeting 25,000
learners in 2025. It offers curated courses in high-demand fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, digital
marketing, and entrepreneurship, in addition to developing transferable skills.

Within one month of its launch, the academy witnessed a surge of interest from thousands of learners across
various Arab countries. Learners completed 4,721 courses, viewed more than 191,419 educational videos, read
more than 126,136 educational materials, and completed over 108,568 assessments, totaling 45,385 hours of
effective learning.

Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States
(UNDP), said: “According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 59% of the global
workforce, including Arab graduates, young people, women, and marginalized groups, will require training and
skills development within the next five years. With 39% of basic job market skills projected to change by 2030, the
necessity to strengthen educational and vocational reskilling programs to prepare future generations for the
changing requirements within the labor market is critical.”

He continued: “The Future Skills Academy is a strategic response to these shifting dynamics in the Arab region. By
empowering 10 million Arab learners, including young graduates, with future skills by 2030, our academy
contributes to economic recovery, enhances prosperity, and supports sustainable development through inclusive,
future-focused education. With a focus on continuous learning, we seek to bridge basic skills gaps and unlock the
potential of Arab talent to lead innovation.”

Al Dardari also added: “This academy not only develops skills but also enhances the competitiveness and strength
of the workforce and economies in Arab countries.”

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “The strong response to the academy reflects the Arab
world’s growing commitment to acquiring digital and professional skills as well as lifelong learning. It also
underscores learners’ passion and interests to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for their countries,
foster sustainable development and advance a competitive, knowledge-based economy.”

H.E. added: “At MBRF, we believe that cultivating talent is the cornerstone of both intellectual and socio-economic
progress. Through this initiative, we seek to empower 10 million Arabs by 2030, inspired by our wise leadership’s
vision to prioritize human development and knowledge advancement. In collaboration with our strategic partners,

https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025-06-19:newsml_Zaw3dwxcN:0-pressr-future-skills-academy-records-wide-interaction-and-creates-… 1/2