SAP UAE: AI Skills in High Demand, 84% Hiring in 15 Months

- Words by Marwan Zeineddine - Managing Director - SAP UAE

The need for artificial intelligence (AI) skills among UAE businesses across a range of industries has significantly increased. In order to assist in creating a workforce that is qualified to use AI technologies, SAP is responding to this rise by providing specialised training programs aimed at university students and recent Emirati graduates. Companies in the UAE are looking for AI capabilities more quickly due to the rapid growth of AI applications across business sectors. One of the biggest obstacles to successfully integrating AI, according to 43% of IT decision-makers, is a shortage of qualified personnel. 84% of UAE businesses intend to acquire specialised AI personnel within the next 15 months, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.

SAP’s Commitment to Workforce Development

SAP is making significant investments in Emirati workforce development in order to support the UAE's aim for a digital economy. In keeping with this commitment, SAP partners with UAE universities to offer the SAP Dual Study Program, which enables students to gain real-world technology experience in addition to their coursework. This program is a component of a larger strategy to cultivate a highly qualified and sustainable workforce ready to succeed in AI-driven positions, in conjunction with SAP's Emiratization and skills-development initiatives.

Young Professionals Program and Gender Diversity

Through its Young Professionals Program (YPP), SAP has been offering high-value training for more than ten years, giving Emirati candidates practical experience with cutting-edge technologies. With more than 80% of recent cohorts being Emirati women, the program is notable for encouraging women to pursue careers in technology. Through close collaboration with government and commercial businesses, SAP adapts YPP's curriculum to industry demands, emphasising Business AI, SAP Analytics Cloud, and SAP S/4HANA Cloud to give graduates industry-recognized credentials and skills that facilitate instant employment.

University Alliances for Enhanced Academic Collaboration

Through the SAP University Alliances program, which promotes research collaborations, academic alliances, and access to SAP's cutting-edge software and instructional resources, SAP also interacts with universities in the United Arab Emirates. By giving students early access to industry events and networking opportunities and laying the groundwork for cutting-edge technological solutions, the program serves to prepare the next generation of tech workers in the United Arab Emirates.

SAP’s University Learning Tour

A learning tour for UAE students from prestigious universities, such as Zayed University, will be introduced by SAP University Alliances in 2025. Through this immersion program, students will tour SAP partners and nearby academic institutions in addition to attending workshops covering important topics like sustainability and artificial intelligence at SAP's headquarters in Walldorf, Germany. Students' perspectives on global technological breakthroughs are intended to be expanded by the experience.

Dual Study Program: Bridging Academia and Industry

More than 800 university students in the UAE can gain practical experience in AI, analytics, business process integration, and other crucial technological fields through the SAP Dual Study Program (DSP), which is run by SAP's Digital Skills Centre. The program places a strong emphasis on soft skills including communication, project management, presentation, negotiation, and design thinking in addition to technical expertise. Graduates of this all-encompassing program are guaranteed to be completely equipped to contribute right away to the workforce.