Despite massive investments in education across Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, a crucial question remains: Are our graduates truly ready for the workforce?
Studies from McKinsey and World Bank show a persistent skills mismatch—graduates may have degrees, but they often lack workplace-critical capabilities like communication, teamwork, digital fluency, and real-world problem solving.
Top 5 Graduate Skill Gaps in the GCC:
Critical Thinking
Business Communication
Collaboration & Teamwork
Time & Task Management
Case Example – TAQA & Sharef & Co:
Our strategic graduate program blended technical knowledge (power & utilities sector) with behavioral training, site visits, and capstone business challenges. Result? A 78% retention rate and fast-tracked career paths.
What GCC Organizations Can Do:
- Design experience-based graduate programs (not just classroom sessions)
- Include coaching, mentoring & peer learning
- Partner with consulting firms that understand the local ecosystem
Policy Connection:
Vision 2030 and Vision 2040 both emphasize “Human Capital Development” — and graduate readiness is its cornerstone.
Closing the gap isn’t just about hiring more graduates. It’s about transforming the bridge from campus to company into a robust development highway.