Coursera has supercharged the AI learning boom in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), unveiling an expanded catalogue of 925+ generative AI (GenAI) courses, certifications, and toolkits. This initiative underscores a strategic response to the region’s rapid transformation and the urgent demand for future-ready skills.
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Rampant Demand in a Fast-Changing Region
The digital transformation in MENA is unfolding at breathtaking speed. Projections indicate that by 2030, 46% of workplace skills in the region will undergo significant evolution, outpacing the global average of 39%. Coursera’s data reveals MENA GenAI learners have passed the half‑million mark in 2025 alone, averaging one new enrollment every two minutes. Notably, each of the UAE and Saudi Arabia has logged over 100,000 enrollments, averaging one new student every nine minutes.
Collectively, these learners have amassed nearly 500,000 learning hours—equivalent to 53 years of study time—since the debut of ChatGPT less than three years ago
User Demographics & Challenges
While growth is soaring, the journey is still in its early stages:
- 80% of MENA’s GenAI enrollments are at the beginner level, hinting at a skills gap in advanced topics.
- Millennials dominate with 60% of enrollments; Gen Xers contribute 21%, Gen Z accounts for 18%, and Boomers 1%.
- A gender disparity persists—women hold only 25% of GenAI learners, emphasising the need for inclusive upskilling initiatives.
Learning Tools & Language Access
To enhance learning outcomes, Coursera introduced GenAI-powered tools:
- Coursera Coach, a personalised AI tutor, offers real-time help with questions, feedback, summaries, and career advice. Users engaging with Coach are 9.5% more likely to ace quizzes on the first go and complete 11.6% more modules per study hour.
- In MENA alone, 175,000 learners have exchanged nearly 240,000 messages with Coach.
To further reduce barriers, Coursera has translated 5,500+ courses and 65 certificates into 26 languages, including Arabic and French. These translations have attracted 400,000+ regional enrollments and over 120,000 active users. Saudi Arabia ranks among the top three countries globally for engagement in translated materials.
New GenAI Credentials from Global Brands
In honour of AI Appreciation Day, Coursera launched a portfolio of new professional certificates in partnership with global tech firms:
AWS (2 new certificates)
- Generative AI Applications – Build AI solutions with Bedrock and Partyrock—no coding skills required.
- Generative AI for Developers – Learn to deploy GenAI apps and knowledge bases via Amazon Bedrock.
Microsoft (2 new certificates)
- AI Product Manager – Master AI product strategies, UX, and market integration.
- Microsoft 365 with Generative AI – Amplify productivity using Copilot to generate insights and streamline workflows.
Others
- Google Cloud Generative AI Leader – Focus on driving organisational transformation with GenAI workflows and AI agents.
From the Coursera Team
“Across the Middle East and North Africa, learners are embracing GenAI education at a remarkable pace to meet the changing demands of industries and workplaces. On AI Appreciation Day, we’re reaffirming our commitment to support the region’s learners as they build the skills shaping the future,” said Coursera’s global team.
By partnering with AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, IBM, Snowflake, and more, Coursera is widening access to world-class AI education—empowering learners with personalised, inclusive, and industry-aligned pathways.
Why This Matters
- Regional Reskilling Needs: With nearly half of job skills evolving by 2030, accelerated learning becomes mission-critical.
- Demand & Engagement: The steep rise in enrollments and study time confirms a strong appetite for AI education.
- Equity Efforts: Language support and beginner pathways signal commitment to broader, more equitable access.
- Global Partnerships: Collaborations with leading tech brands enhance relevance and credibility.
Looking Forward
For professionals and employers in MENA:
- Individuals: Consider jumping into beginner GenAI courses and coach tools—Mastery starts with first steps.
- Organisations: Banking on GenAI credentials (like those from AWS or Microsoft) can elevate workforce capabilities and competitiveness.
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