The “QS Global Report” confirms the UAE’s leadership in building an educational system that keeps pace with the skills of the future

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research confirmed that the results achieved by the UAE in the QS Global Future Skills Index 2027 reflect the success of the national approach in developing a higher education system that is closely linked to economic development priorities and keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the labor market and skills of the future.

The UAE ranked seventeenth globally and first in the region, with an overall score of 86.5, compared to 29th globally in last year’s index. The country also recorded the third highest score globally in the economic transformation axis with a score of nearly 99, in confirmation of the success of the national system in transforming investment in education and human capital into productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth, through integration between the higher education system and the needs of economic sectors.

The Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Awar, confirmed that the results achieved by the UAE in the QS Global Future Skills Index represent an international confirmation of the success of the approach adopted by the country in building a higher education system that is closely linked to national development priorities, and contributes to preparing competencies that possess the skills and knowledge required by the future economy.

He said that the higher education system in the UAE represents continuous progress, thanks to a national vision that focuses on the quality of educational outcomes and strengthening partnerships with economic sectors, stressing the determination to continue developing the system in keeping with the 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 anticipating development opportunities, and from this standpoint, we continue to work with our partners in higher education institutions, the private sector, and international institutions, including the global QS Foundation, to benefit from these indicators in developing academic policies and programs, and enhancing the competitiveness of the higher education system in the UAE.”

The QS Global Future Skills Index is distinguished from traditional university rankings by focusing on the ability of higher education systems to provide economies with the skills they need, and measuring the impact of education in supporting innovation, productivity, and economic growth. The index assesses the ability of countries to develop future skills across four main axes, including aligning skills with the needs of employers, academic readiness, the future of work, and economic transformation.

The index covers 89 countries, and is based on an integrated analysis that combines the supply side through the higher education system, and the demand side through the labor market and economy.

The report indicated that the UAE has succeeded in transforming the speed of its response to economic and technological transformations into a competitive advantage, thanks to the integration between the higher education system, economic policies, and labor market requirements, which has enhanced its ability to prepare the necessary competencies for future sectors. He also highlighted the advanced position achieved by the country in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, as key factors that enhance the alignment of skills with the needs of the economy.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research had concluded a strategic partnership with the QS International Foundation with the aim of enhancing the international competitiveness of the higher education system in the country, and benefiting from global indicators and analyzes in developing academic policies and programmes.

The partnership also contributed to deepening cooperation in the field of providing data and visuals for higher education institutions, which enhances understanding of global indicators of the performance of the UAE higher education system, and supports highlighting the development it has achieved in a more comprehensive manner.