DET And KHDA Unveil 'Jobs Of The Future' Report At Talent Of Tomorrow Forum In Dubai

The Talent of Tomorrow Forum, hosted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), aimed to redefine education for a changing world. This event, held on 17 April at the Museum of The Future, gathered over 450 educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss aligning education with emerging industries.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, emphasised the importance of education in Dubai's economic growth. He stated, "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."

The forum introduced the ‘Jobs of the Future’ report, co-published by DET and KHDA. This report examines how trends like automation, AI, robotics, and green energy are reshaping job markets. It identifies gaps in Dubai's educational landscape and suggests ways to align learning with future workforce needs.

Dr. Wafi Dawood from KHDA highlighted the need for an adaptable education system. He said, "Preparing students for the future of work isn’t only about anticipating change but designing an education system that can evolve with it." This reflects KHDA's commitment to creating an agile and inclusive education sector.

The ‘Jobs of the Future’ report also draws insights from a survey involving nearly 7,800 students and educators. This survey assessed critical skills needed for tomorrow's workforce. The findings aim to guide educational strategies that prepare students for future challenges.

Dubai's diverse education system includes over 800 vocational institutions. This provides a strong foundation for future-ready learning. The city consistently ranks high in global benchmarks like PISA, positioning it well to prepare young people for upcoming challenges.

Strategic Educational Initiatives

The D33 Agenda and Education 33 Strategy focus on equipping students with necessary skills for a rapidly changing world. These initiatives ensure local talent is ready for new opportunities while attracting global talent to Dubai.

The report outlines priorities such as boosting STEM education and promoting interdisciplinary studies blending science with arts and technology. It also suggests integrating specialised skills into curricula and using technologies like AI to enhance classroom experiences.

The Talent of Tomorrow Forum fostered discussions on how Dubai can stay ahead by equipping its people with relevant skills. The event underscored cross-government collaboration in delivering on Dubai's Economic Agenda D33.

This initiative aims to position Dubai as a global hub for talent by building a skilled workforce through innovative educational strategies aligned with industry needs.

With inputs from WAM