The MENA Skills Gap 2025–2030: What Employers Need, What Workers Lack, and How to Bridge the Divide

Published on 12 Aug 2025

Category OMUEVRSE

The MENA Skills Gap 2025–2030 report reveals the top in-demand skills shaping the region’s future — from AI and data science to leadership and green technologies. Backed by regional and global data, this mini-report highlights the urgent talent shortages impacting economic growth and how OMÜEVRSE’s localized, practical training can close the gap. A must-read for employers, educators, and professionals ready to thrive in the new economy.

The MENA Skills Gap 2025–2030:

What Employers Need, What Workers Lack, and How to Bridge the Divide
Executive Summary
Top 10 In-Demand Skills for 2025–2030 in MENA
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Data Analytics & Data Science
Cybersecurity
Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Renewable Energy Technologies
Strategic Management & Leadership
Emotional Intelligence & Communication
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure
Foreign Languages & Cross-Cultural Skills
Sector Breakdown
Tech & AI: Demand for AI specialists and data scientists will double by 2030 in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Green Jobs: Renewable energy projects are expanding in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt — requiring new technical skill sets.
Business & Leadership: With startups booming, entrepreneurial skills are essential.
Communication: Multilingual, cross-cultural communication remains a competitive advantage.
The Cost of the Skills Gap
The MENA region risks losing up to $100 billion in GDP annually due to unfilled jobs and low workforce productivity.
Employers face delays, higher recruitment costs, and stalled innovation.
Young professionals often struggle to match their skills with market needs, increasing youth unemployment rates.
Case Study: From Learner to Leader
The OMÜEVRSE Solution
Next Steps

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at a critical crossroads. With rapid economic transformation driven by digitalization, AI, and green initiatives, the demand for new skills is skyrocketing. Yet, 70% of regional employers report difficulty finding qualified talent, threatening growth and innovation. OMÜEVRSE is committed to bridging this gap by offering localized, future-ready skills training tailored to MENA professionals.

Data sources: World Economic Forum, LinkedIn Workforce Reports, UNESCO, regional surveys

Meet Amal, a marketing professional in Riyadh. After completing OMÜEVRSE’s AI Essentials and Emotional Intelligence courses, Amal secured a promotion and led her company’s first AI-driven marketing campaign — increasing sales by 25%. Amal’s story exemplifies how targeted upskilling transforms careers and companies alike.

OMÜEVRSE offers localized, practical, and accessible courses designed specifically for MENA professionals. Our AI, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs bridge the region’s skills gap by combining:

Hands-on learning with real regional case studies

Multilingual content tailored for Arabic and English speakers

Industry-recognized digital badges to boost employability

We’re not just teaching skills — we’re creating the workforce the MENA region needs for a competitive future.

Download the full report and join the skills revolution at www.omuevrse.com

Dr. LAYAL NASSAR

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3 Articles

With over a decade of global experience, I bring a multidimensional background to the field of diplomatic communications, drawing from my work as a Sworn Legal Translator, UN Public Policy Consultant, and Strategic Advisor on international legal and diplomatic affairs. I have contributed to high-level policy development and multilingual communication strategies at the United Nations, international tribunals, and global institutions, with expertise spanning diplomatic translation, international law, public diplomacy, and intergovernmental negotiations. My work also includes broadcast and business journalism, producing analytical content on global affairs and development policy. As a university lecturer, I have taught courses on international relations, diplomacy, and media strategy, integrating academic rigor with real-world insights. I hold a PhD in Diplomacy, International Affairs, and International Law from INSEEC, Paris, which grounds my approach in both theory and practice. Currently, I lead OMUÉ, a platform I founded to advance cross-cultural education and multilingual communication, delivering tailored solutions for a globally connected world. Learn more at www.omuet.com.