The UAE is a high-income economy, making major investments in emerging sectors to prepare for a post-oil future. But companies in these fast-growing sectors — all under pressure to grow quickly — face a common obstacle: their workforce often isn’t equipped for the industries they’re trying to build.
Although the country is pushing ahead with national strategies in areas like AI, clean energy, and fintech, its education system still prioritises academic qualifications over practical skills. This disconnect leaves employers struggling to find highly-skilled professionals who are ready to contribute immediately.
This gap creates HR problems and limits economic growth. To compete globally, these markets need workers who can contribute immediately, adapt to new technologies, and lead in fast-changing sectors. Corporate training companies in the UAE address this directly. They build practical skills to support real-time upskilling and sector-specific knowledge, ultimately allowing companies to move faster and economies to become more competitive.
Closing the skills gap in high-growth industries
After the 2014 oil price crash, the UAE confronted the risks of depending too heavily on a single commodity. Its economy was tightly tied to oil, and this left it extremely vulnerable to global price swings. Growing international pressure around climate change added urgency to reduce this dependency.
That was when the government began actively diversifying its economy. Instead of relying solely on oil revenues, it started investing in sectors that are better aligned with a post-oil future, particularly technology and renewable energy.
This has pushed the demand for specialised talent higher than ever. But universities are not yet producing graduates with the right mix of practical skills to work productively in these sectors. Corporate training companies in the UAE help fill the gap by giving workers hands-on, market-ready skills in digital tools, technical areas, and leadership.
Targeted training boosts national competitiveness.
In 2025, the UAE jumped to second place in the MENA region and 38th globally for workforce skills, thanks to a major increase in training around artificial intelligence. Professional certifications also saw strong demand, with enrolments rising 41% and outpacing regional averages.
Corporate training companies in the UAE were major contributors to this shift, along with government-backed programs that help people move into high-growth sectors to support the country’s goals of building a knowledge-driven economy.
Training drives productivity and better performance.
Data from the public sector confirms that relevant, targeted training improves job performance. In a recent study, over 91% of public sector workers said they performed better after completing training aligned to their roles, and nearly 88% said the programs met their needs. More than 83% also saw measurable improvements in their skills.
Effective corporate training companies in the UAE can help employees build individual capability while improving how teams work and how organisations run.
Private sector innovation depends on talent development.
The market for corporate training in the GCC is expanding at an annual rate of 8.7%, with analysts expecting it to reach over $1.3 billion by 2031. Rising demand for digital skills, leadership training, and cybersecurity knowledge drives that growth.
Cybersecurity, in particular, has become a priority. With cyber threats increasing across the region, companies are investing in training programs to protect data and build internal resilience. This kind of investment builds a workforce that can handle complex challenges and support long-term growth.
Helping companies meet Emiratisation targets
Emiratisation — the UAE’s policy to increase Emirati participation in the private sector — is quickly advancing. Under a law that took effect in January 2023, mainland companies with 50 or more employees must raise their Emirati hires by 2% per year until they reach 10% by 2026, and those who fall short face steep annual fines.
This creates an urgent need for training because many new Emirati job seekers are young and have limited experience in the private sector. Businesses need to onboard and upskill them quickly to meet quotas and ensure long-term success. If you need to fulfil Emiratisation targets, be sure to work with corporate training companies in the UAE that can design tailored programs for the skills gaps you need to fill.
· Training helps new hires build essential skills they may not have gained in school, including technical knowledge and workplace communication. This helps them contribute faster.
· Employees are more likely to stay when they see growth paths. Clear development plans tied to internal promotions can reduce attrition and build loyalty among Emirati professionals.
· Effective training also prepares Emirati hires to deliver real value, making workforce nationalisation part of business success.
· Training lays the groundwork for Emiratis to move into supervisory and leadership roles, creating a pipeline of national talent for key positions.
· Cultural training that emphasises communication and teamwork helps Emirati and expatriate employees work together more effectively in diverse workplaces.
In an oil-dependent economy that is undergoing rapid transition, workforce training is as much about preparing for the future as it is about building more competitive, resilient, and inclusive economies right now.
NADIA Global is one of the most trusted corporate training companies in the UAE. We are well-positioned to design practical, role-specific programs that blend soft skills and technical know-how to help you build a workforce that can adapt, grow, and compete as the UAE market enters new economic segments. We can also help your business comply with Emiratisation and other relevant national policies while improving your overall HR performance.
Call +971 2 677 4031 or visit our Abu Dhabi office in Al Mansoor Tower to discuss how we can assist you.
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