Universities are grappling with significant challenges in equipping graduates to meet the evolving demands of future job markets, driven by rapid global labor market changes and technological advancements.

Academic experts have identified five primary challenges facing higher education in preparing the future workforce: misalignment of curricula with future market needs, inadequate training programs, reliance on degrees instead of skills, traditional educational approaches, and the need to adapt to fast-changing labor market conditions.

Dr. Issa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, pointed out that many university curricula remain traditional and do not reflect the skills sought by employers.

He indicated that academic programs often focus more on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application, resulting in graduates lacking the practical skills that employers demand.

Many universities continue to rely on traditional classroom learning, whereas the labor market increasingly requires hands-on skills and real-world experience.

Dr. Abdullah Ismail Al Zarouni from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai noted that both students and academic institutions often prioritize obtaining degrees over acquiring skills.

He remarked that many employers still evaluate job applicants based primarily on academic qualifications, despite the growing importance of practical skills and experience.

Dr. Al Zarouni emphasized that academic education alone is no longer sufficient, urging institutions to offer technical and vocational pathways that focus on skills in programming, artificial intelligence, and project management, alongside encouraging students to pursue internationally recognized professional certifications.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Abdul Rahman, Director of Al Wasl University in Dubai, stated the need for academic curricula to be updated in collaboration with businesses and employers to ensure alignment with evolving labor market trends.

He reiterated that academic education must go hand-in-hand with technical and vocational pathways targeting essential skills in areas like programming, artificial intelligence, and project management.

Dr. Ghada Obeido, a Professor of Media at the Canadian University in Dubai, advocated for the incorporation of technology into education through modern teaching methods such as online learning, virtual simulations, and training using artificial intelligence.

She emphasized the need for utilizing big data to analyze labor market demands and guide students toward relevant fields of study.

Dr. Vanessa Northway, Executive Director of Education and Student Life at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, highlighted that the past few years have witnessed unprecedented shifts in the labor market, primarily driven by rapid technological progress and changing industrial requirements.

She pointed out that skills that were previously in high demand might not align fully with the quickly evolving job market.

Dr. Northway noted that the global workforce is undergoing a transformative shift, with automation, artificial intelligence, and the green economy reshaping job roles across various sectors.

According to predictions from the World Economic Forum, half of the global workforce will need to reskill this year due to technological advancements to prepare for future employment.

She emphasized the critical role of individuals and institutions in prioritizing the re-skilling and up-skilling of the workforce.

Dr. Northway indicated that universities play a pivotal role in providing relevant skills that meet the changing landscape of workplace needs through updated programs and curricula designed to equip learners for growth in a dynamic labor market.

Furthermore, she pointed out that Heriot-Watt University offers executive education programs tailored to industry and government needs to prepare both students and the broader industry for future challenges.

She also highlighted the expected high demand for job roles in data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and sustainability, while traditional roles are likely to evolve to include new skill sets.