Dubai’s vision for a future-ready workforce took centre stage at the Talent of Tomorrow Forum, held on 17 April at the Museum of the Future.
Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the forum unveiled the much-anticipated Jobs of the Future report – positioning education reform as a core enabler of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Education 33 Strategy.
The event brought together over 450 key players from education, government, and industry sectors for a day packed with panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. As global markets pivot towards automation, AI, and sustainability, Dubai aims to remain ahead of the curve by equipping its talent with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Jobs of the Future
The Jobs of the Future report, jointly released by DET and KHDA, outlines Dubai’s roadmap for aligning education with emerging industries. Drawing insights from a proprietary Dubai Future of Jobs survey, which gathered responses from nearly 7,800 students and educators, the report identifies critical skills for the workforce of tomorrow.
From robotics and artificial intelligence to clean energy and interdisciplinary studies, the findings highlight the necessity of revamping curricula to reflect global shifts. The report calls for increased investment in STEM education, integration of specialised skills, and the adoption of virtual learning environments. It also stresses the importance of fostering adaptability and embracing lifelong learning as the job market continues to transform.
Voices of change
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), which operates under DET, said the forum reinforced the emirate’s long-term commitment to building human capital. “A robust education sector is at the heart of Dubai’s long-term economic growth, contributing to talent development and enhancing the city’s appeal as the world’s best place to visit, live and work in,” he stated.
Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, underscored the importance of designing flexible education systems. “Through the Education 33 Strategy, KHDA is building an education sector that is agile, inclusive, and aligned with the priorities of D33,” he said. “The conversations and partnerships initiated at the Talent of Tomorrow Forum are vital to shaping a future-focused education ecosystem.”
Pathways ahead
With more than 800 vocational and training institutions, Dubai already offers a strong foundation for dynamic learning models. The city’s performance in global benchmarks such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) further supports its readiness to meet future challenges.
The report also places emphasis on breaking down barriers between education and industry. It encourages greater collaboration to ensure curricula reflect real-world demands and support employment opportunities in sectors driven by innovation and technology.
This latest initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader vision to double the size of its economy over the next decade and rank among the top three global cities. Both the DET and KHDA reaffirmed their shared commitment to harnessing cross-government efforts to future-proof the workforce, promote innovation, and sustain long-term economic resilience.
The Jobs of the Future report is now publicly accessible and is expected to guide strategic reforms across education institutions and policy frameworks in the months ahead.