The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said that the UAE’s strong results in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 reflect the success of the national approach to building a higher education system closely connected to economic development priorities and responsive to rapid changes in the labor market and future skills requirements.
The UAE ranked 17th globally and first in the region, achieving an overall score of 86.5 points, compared with 29th place worldwide in last year’s index.
The country also recorded the third-highest score globally in the Economic Transformation category, with a result of nearly 99 points. This reflects the national system’s ability to turn investment in education and human capital development into productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
This progress is also linked to the level of integration between higher education institutions and the needs of economic sectors, helping direct academic programs and skills toward the areas required by the economy of the future.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirmed that the results achieved by the UAE in the QS World Future Skills Index represent international recognition of the success of the country’s approach to building a higher education system that is closely aligned with national development priorities and contributes to preparing qualified talent with the skills and knowledge required by the future economy.
He said that the UAE’s higher education system continues to make steady progress, supported by a national vision focused on the quality of educational outcomes and stronger partnerships with economic sectors. He also affirmed the commitment to continuing the development of the system in line with rapid global transformations, enhancing students’ readiness to contribute to priority sectors, and supporting the competitiveness of the national economy.
Al Awar added: “We view international indicators as important tools for measuring progress and identifying opportunities for development. From this perspective, we continue to work with our partners in higher education institutions, the private sector, and international organizations, including QS, to benefit from these indicators in developing policies and academic programs and strengthening the competitiveness of the higher education system in the UAE.”
An Index Focused on Skills and Economic Needs
The QS World Future Skills Index differs from traditional university rankings because it does not focus solely on evaluating individual universities. Instead, it measures the ability of higher education systems to provide economies with the skills they need.
The index also assesses the impact of education on innovation, productivity, and economic growth, as well as the extent to which countries are prepared to develop skills linked to future jobs and industries.
It is based on four main categories: Skills Fit, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation.
The index covers 89 countries and relies on an analysis that combines the supply side, represented by the higher education system, with the demand side, represented by the labor market and the wider economy.
A Rapid Response to Economic and Technological Change
The report showed that the UAE has successfully benefited from its rapid response to economic and technological changes, turning that responsiveness into a competitive advantage that strengthens its position in future skills.
This achievement is supported by the close connection between the higher education system, economic policies, and labor market requirements, helping the country prepare the talent needed for future industries.
The report also highlighted the UAE’s advanced position in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, describing both as key factors in aligning skills with the needs of the new economy.
A Partnership to Strengthen the Competitiveness of Higher Education
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research had previously established a strategic partnership with QS to support the international competitiveness of the UAE’s higher education system and make use of global indicators and analyses in the development of academic policies and programs.
The partnership has also helped strengthen cooperation in providing data and information related to higher education institutions, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of the performance of the UAE’s education system.
It also supports a deeper understanding of global indicators and helps highlight the progress achieved by higher education institutions in the UAE, as well as their alignment with economic transformation and future labor market requirements.
