Will 2025 become the year of skills transformation? It seems so, as recent reports reflect this thought, with the majority of experts, organisations, and workforces rethinking current skills in the job market.

According to a recent study by the Institute for Future Readiness, about 63 percent of the UAE residents are increasingly concerned about their qualifications, skills, and experience not matching the evolving job market. For 71 percent of them, continuous learning to adapt to this shift offers optimism and excitement for the future of work. 

What are the top skills needed for the future of work?

The report also reflects on the outlook of young and experienced talent toward continuous learning and skill development. For example, with the rising concern about skill relevance, 63 percent of the survey respondents said leadership and technology are much-needed skills for future preparedness. 

Whereas, around 60 percent said soft skills—i.e., listening, communication, empathy, critical thinking, motivation, and problem-solving—are necessary, while 58 percent believe that mental health and well-being is crucial, followed by green skills as believed by 49 percent of the respondents.

Another key skill considered essential for the future is an entrepreneurial mindset, as conveyed by 42 percent of respondents.

Lack of support becoming a challenge..

The report also underlined a key concern – employers’ role in skill development of their workforce. Only 22 percent of the respondents agreed that they were receiving adequate training and upskilling opportunities from their employers. The respondents asserted that company-lead learning and development opportunities are crucial for their future readiness. 

Dr. Selina Neri, CEO, Dean & Co-Founder of The Institute for Future Readiness offered suggestions based on the insights from the report. She said, “As we navigate a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, the skills required to become and remain future-ready are no longer optional, but a must. While participants in the study are optimistic about the future, they are equally worried about how to stay relevant and continuously update their skills. Addressing these concerns requires viewing future readiness as a multi-dimensional framework – one that encompasses a lifelong commitment to developing competencies, experiences, drivers, and preferences, all aligned with the critical priorities of the future.”

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Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Director General & Co-Founder added that the UAE 2031 vision's Forward Society pillar emphasises human capital's growing importance in long-term value creation. Investing in holistic development allows individuals and organisations to keep pace with change, unlock their full potential, and secure their future-readiness.