How AI is Transforming Skills Development and Workforce Readiness – An Exclusive
Shereen Shabnam
As the world undergoes rapid digital transformation, the demand for AI-driven workforce solutions has never been more crucial. At the forefront of this evolution is Sean Hinton, an AI pioneer and the Founder of SkyHive by Cornerstone, a groundbreaking company using Generative AI and Quantum Labor Analysis to reshape the global labor market. SkyHive is helping organizations and governments transition from job-based to skill-based economies at an unprecedented scale.
In this exclusive interview, Hinton shares his insights on how AI is equipping Emirati and Arab youth with the skills needed for the future, the impact of Skill Passport technology in bridging education and employment, and why ethical AI and strategic partnershipsare key to fostering inclusive economic growth. From addressing the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s skill demandsto highlighting the power of AI-driven career pathways, Hinton provides a compelling vision of how AI is revolutionizing workforce development and why the Middle East is poised to lead this transformation.
How can AI be utilized to better prepare Emirati and Arab youth in the UAE for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market?
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report, 39% of workers’ key skills are expected to change by 2030. Digital access and technological advancement are expected to replace nine million jobs—and create 19 million new ones. The dynamic and rapidly transforming markettranslates into a unique opportunity for the UAE with AI.
Artificial intelligence is more than just a new technology; it’s a strategic toolthat equips Emirati and Arab youth with the real-time insights needed to navigate this constantly changing landscape with confidence. AI can analyze emerging industries and skill trends, offering a clear roadmap to adapt quickly and compete in job market, much faster than any individual person or organization can.
By bridging the gap between current skills and future needs, AI ensures that Emirati and Arab youth in the UAEare not just keeping pace but setting the pace, turning unavoidable disruptions into powerful opportunities to learn and develop their careers.
Can you elaborate on the Skill Passport platform’s key features and how it is creating a global impact in empowering individuals with verifiable skills?
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation’s new program, Massar Al Ghurair, exemplifies how SkyHive by Cornerstone’s Skill Passport technology is transforming workforce development across the UAE and the broader Arab region. Designed to benefit over 45,000 learners, 50 employers, and 20 training providers, the platform seamlessly connects key stakeholders in the labor market—learners, educators, and employers. By fostering alignment in upskilling, hiring, and training efforts, Massar Al Ghurair drives a collaborative and efficient workforce ecosystem, contributing to the region’s economic growth and talent development.
In minutes, the platform equips the individual user with a skill profileillustrating their unique ‘Skill DNA’ and the ability to explore any career pathway. For any given role or job opportunity, the user can see their precise skills match, a percentage calculated using AI to analyze their unique skill profile alongside real-time labor market data, offering a clear snapshot of where they stand today. The platform then outlines missing skills, recommending training and potential precursor roles to close the skills gap efficiently, providing confidence and clarity for the individual as they progress toward their goal.
By offering unparalleled insights into career growth and personalized learning opportunities, SkyHive by Cornerstone’s Skill Passport technology helps ensure individuals are targeting the skills that matter most. This level of precision and empowerment is redefining how workers and learners value their skills, understand their potential, and navigate the labor market.
How does Massar Al Ghurair bridge the gap between education and employment specifically for Emirati and Arab youth?
Massar Al Ghurair bridges the gap between education and employment for Emirati and Arab youth by harnessing the power of AI to align training and hiring efforts with the pulse of the real-time labor market. At the heart of this Massar Al Ghurair is the ‘Skill DNA’ analysis, assessing each user’s skills to uncover personalized learning journeys that proactively meet the demands of the evolving job market.
For learners, this means education and training that transitions more seamlessly into employment, with learning opportunities designed to target skill gaps on the journey to any individual role. Direct alignment to job market demand and employer needs dramatically increases youth employability and career readiness.
In parallel, employers gain a critical tool for precision hiring—Massar Al Ghurair’s platform enables each employer to identify and recruit candidates whose skills match to a role’s current and evolving market needs, ultimatelyenhancing the agility and effectiveness of their workforce.
Educators are equipped with cutting-edge labor market analytics, allowing them to continuously refine and update educational content. This ensures that course offerings are not only relevant and remain up to date but are also strategically tailored to empower learners with high demand skills.
Beyond bridging skill gaps for individuals, Massar Al Ghurair is pioneering a platform where education, employment, and career advancement are interconnected in a continuous loop of growth and opportunity. This ecosystem nurtures a labor market characterized by flexibility, skill-based hiring, and lifelong learning—essential features for a future where agility is increasingly paramount.
What key digital and human skills do Emirati and Arab youth in the UAE need to succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
SkyHive by Cornerstone data finds that there is a 65% increase in demand for AI and machine learning skills globally since 2019, including a 411% increase in demand for GenAI skills. Demand for Green skills is also increasing globally(76%) as sustainability continues to shape priorities, tied to goals on both organizational and national levels. In the UAE specifically, there is still three times more demand for human skills than digital skills.
To succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Emirati and Arab youth need a blend of digital skills such as AI literacy, data analytics, and cybersecurity, along with human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. This combination ensures they are prepared to leverage new tools brought on by technological advancements while also possessing the soft skills necessary to collaborate effectively and drive innovation.
In your opinion, how can ethical AI practices be integrated into workforce strategies to ensure inclusive and equitable economic growth?
Integrating ethical AI practices is a critical step in any workforce strategyleveraging AI technology, and involves ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in how AI tools are designed and used. This means developing AI systems using a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach that are trained to mitigatebiases, foster diversity, and are regularly audited for ethical compliance. By embedding these principles, organizations can use AI to foster an inclusive work environment that contributes to equitable economic growth.
What are your thoughts on how partnerships between technology providers and educational institutions can shape the future of skill development and employment?
Partnerships between technology providers and educational institutions are pivotal in shaping the skills-based future of work and learning. Thesecollaborations can help educators make more informed decisions about curriculum development and learning content, ensuring that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of learners, employers, and the economy. This synergy not only accelerates the pace of innovation but also enhances the employability of graduates by equipping them with market-ready skills. These partnerships can also further motivate learnersin the fast-paced, digital age by answering the “Why?” and “How?” around course content and real-life application.
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