Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise is quickly growing, but the number of skilled professionals is not currently high enough, according to technology giant SAP.
As AI application usage quickly increases across business areas, many UAE companies are looking to move quickly to leverage the technology’s benefits. However, 43 per cent of IT decision-makers identified a lack of skilled employees as a key challenge to implementing AI, according to a recent SAP survey.
Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of UAE companies (84 per cent) are also planning to hire specialised AI staff within the next 15 months. While the current levels of existing talent seem unlikely to meet increasing demand, SAP is aiming to address this talent shortage through new training programmes aimed at university students and Emirati graduates.
Many UAE firms are also boosting training for existing staff. While 57 per cent of companies surveyed had already implemented some form of AI training, a further 35 per cent plan to do so in the next 15 months
“Large-scale digital transformation, the rapid evolution of AI, and the need for a highly skilled UAE workforce to sustain a diversified, digital economy are all contributing to a surge in demand for employees with advanced technology skills, particularly AI expertise, and SAP is addressing this challenge head-on,” explained Marwan Zeineddine, UAE managing director at SAP. “In addition to our own Emiratisation and skills-development programmes, SAP invests significantly in external technology training in the UAE to develop a highly-skilled, sustainable workforce.
“Many initiatives are aimed at young people, for example, we collaborate with UAE universities to deliver the SAP Dual Study programme, which enables students to gain technology experience that complements their academic studies, so they enter industries equipped with essential hands-on knowledge. We also help to shape future leaders in the public and private sectors by identifying top Emirati talents to receive high-value technology training through our Young Professionals programme.”
Fostering the next generation of AI professionals
SAP’s Young Professionals programme has offered training to Emirati candidates for over a decade, and also encourages more women to join technology fields, with over 80 per cent of recent graduates being Emirati women.
SAP says these courses are designed with business AI in mind, as it continues to embed AI capabilities across its portfolio of products. The comprehensive courses aim to provide a solid foundation of excellence backed by certification to launch the attendees’ careers. Participants graduate from the programme as SAP Associate Consultants, with the course achieving a 95 per cent placement rate globally for graduates.
Jawaher Alhosani, product owner of technology services and tech academy at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, one of the UAE private institutions participating in YPP programmes, said: “The Young Professionals programme empowers ADCB employees with advanced digital skills necessary to drive innovation in an evolving AI-driven landscape.
“By investing in their development, we elevate our standards and ensure that our workforce remains prepared to support sustainable growth and high-performance outcomes. We recently onboarded new UAE nationals to join the program, further strengthening our commitment to building a future-ready, highly skilled workforce. I anticipate that the Young Professionals programme will significantly enhance our employees’ professional development, confidence, and contribution to the team.
Backing local talent during education
SAP also supports UAE universities and students through two main initiatives: the SAP University Alliances programme, and its Dual Study programme.
The SAP University Alliances programme enables universities to collaborate on research projects, gain access to SAP software, teaching materials and related support. It aims to educate the next generation in advanced technology solutions and the experience economy, while providing students with the opportunity to engage at SAP events, build industry partnerships, and prepare for the SAP ecosystem.
Meanwhile, SAP’s Dual Study Program (DSP) has enabled more than 800 students at participating UAE universities to gain hands-on technology experience to complement their academic studies, ensuring they hit the ground running once employed. SAP’s Digital Skills Center runs the programme, which AI, business processes integration and certifications in analytics, material management, financial, and control functions.
In 2025, SAP University Alliances will launch a new learning tour, which will see students from top UAE universities, including Zayed University, spend an immersive week at SAP Headquarters in Walldorf. The program will include interactive workshops covering SAP key focus areas and technologies, from AI to sustainability, and visits to SAP partners and local universities in Germany.
