Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Kuwait

Kuwait is a booming economy driven by the Kuwaiti government’s Vision 2035 to transform Kuwait into a financial and trade hub regionally and internationally. Amidst this, the country has a big challenge to overcome. Currently, due to an aging population and skill gaps, the country is facing a severe shortage of skilled professionals. 

As stated in the Times Kuwait, there is an urgent need to fill the gap between the labor market demands and the existing skills that the universities are providing. If you are a professional seeking for opportunities, knowing the most in-demand skills in Kuwait will help you stay ahead in this changing landscape.

Key Aspects of Kuwait Work Culture

Currently, there is an interesting mixture of tradition and modernization of work in Kuwait. This is because of the country’s oil-based economy and continuous diversifying attempts. Here are the main cultural points of the Kuwaiti work culture: 

• Work Ethic and Professionalism: Kuwait is known for its dedication where professionalism in the workplace corresponds with respect towards traditions. Honesty and dependability are the key characteristics commonly appreciated in the workplace.
• Innovation and Economic Diversification: Kuwait is now opening up to other sectors of the economy with an emphasis on sectors. As per Kuwait Times, the non-oil economy of Kuwait is expected to grow by 2.6% by 2025. Resultingly, it calls for a workforce proficient in areas such as information technology (cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics), as well as financial technology (FinTech). Developing both technical and soft skills, including project management and adaptability, is essential to support this economic transformation.

“As someone who has built and scaled a recruiting agency into a full-service HR provider, I’ve seen firsthand that Kuwait’s unemployment issue isn’t about a lack of jobs; it’s about a mismatch between candidates' skills and employers' needs.”

CEO Talentscript,
Faisal Buzuobar.

Which Skills are in Demand in Kuwait?

As per a PwC study, Kuwait is facing a shortage of skilled professionals in key sectors like healthcare, IT, and finance, impacting economic growth and development initiatives like Kuwait Vision 2035.

The shortage of specialized workers, particularly in fields like digital transformation is posing challenges to companies looking to implement new technologies and infrastructure development.

1. Petroleum Engineering Skills

Kuwait’s economy is oil-dependent, and Kuwait’s plan is to increase its production capacity to 4 MMbpd by 2035, driven by strong global demand for oil. As per experts, it will require a large number of skilled professionals in petroleum engineering.

As the industry grows, there will be a need for experts to manage complex operations, innovate new technologies, and ensure efficient and sustainable production. This increased demand for petroleum engineers will not only contribute to the country’s economic growth but also provide opportunities for professionals.

2. IT Skills

According to the Kuwait IT Report, the demand for IT skills in Kuwait is high and will remain so in the coming years. The rapid adoption of advanced technologies and digital infrastructure has outpaced the availability of local talent, creating a significant skills gap. Roles such as IT project managers and cloud architects are in especially high demand, but limited specialized training programs hinder the development of these competencies. To bridge this gap, Kuwait must invest in targeted training initiatives and collaborate with global technology leaders to build a skilled and sustainable IT workforce.

3. Healthcare Skills

According to a report by Naukri Gulf, healthcare was one of the hiring sectors that had the most hiring in 2023 and will continue to grow in 2024. The demand is driven by the government’s investment in healthcare infrastructure and Kuwait Vision 2035 to improve the overall healthcare landscape.

Key roles are medical specialists, nurses and allied health professionals. This sector is growing fast due to an aging population and focus on health services. Therefore, healthcare skills are a must-have for job seekers in Kuwait.

4. Hospitality and Tourism Skills

Kuwait’s hotel market is expected to grow to $353.70 million by 2024 with a further growth rate of 2.95% anticipated between 2024 and 2029. This expansion is expected to create a surge in job opportunities for professionals in the hospitality and tourism sector. Hence the demand for hospitality professionals will increase significantly. Key skills that are going to be in demand are hospitality management, customer service and marketing. Professionals with digital marketing and data analytics skills will be in high demand as hotels will be leveraging technology to enhance guest experience.

5. Digital Marketing Skills 

As a digital marketing professional you have a great opportunity in Kuwait’s growing digital advertising market. According to Statista, it’s expected to reach $612.5 million by 2024. Also, 45% of ad spending is expected to shift to mobile by 2028, so mastering mobile marketing will add to your value in this space. With search advertising leading this growth, skills in search engine optimization, content creation, and social media strategy are in high demand.

6. Accounting Skills

Kuwait's accounting sector is facing a pronounced skills gap due to the limited availability of professionals with expertise in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and modern accounting software. 

As per the report, 59.7% of workers in Kuwait's labor market lack the competencies required, with accounting being one of the most impacted fields. The sector's demand for specialists adept in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and digital accounting tools has outpaced the supply of qualified graduates. This skills gap poses a significant challenge to economic diversification and efficient financial governance, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted training and development initiatives.

7. Teaching Skills

Kuwait is facing a big teacher shortage in its government schools, especially in scientific subjects. To address this gap, the Ministry of Education is planning to rehire Kuwaiti teachers. This initiative is to utilize their experience and knowledge to maintain the quality of education. A report from Education Middle East has listed 15 specializations needed, including English, mathematics, science, etc. The Ministry stresses the importance of this strategy to have a steady teaching workforce and to improve the student experience.

8. Cybersecurity Skills

Kuwait, like many countries, is seeing a huge demand for cybersecurity solutions. This is driven by the increasing digitization of industries and the increasing complexity of threats. According to Statista, the global cybersecurity market will reach US$87.56 million in 2024, with security services taking a big chunk. This is because businesses and organizations worldwide are realizing the importance of protecting their digital assets. Nonetheless, this job market is already well established but Kuwait is facing a shortage of advanced skilled individuals. 

9. Bioprocesses Monitoring Skills

The bioprocess monitoring market in Kuwait is growing fast, driven by the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology research. As a result, there is a growing demand for bioengineers to design, optimize, and monitor bioprocesses. With the market expected to reach US$6.7 million by 2030 and a CAGR of 8.4%, bioengineers with expertise in process development, equipment design, data analysis, and regulatory compliance will be in high demand in Kuwait.

10. Marine and Environmental Sciences Skills

Marine scientists and environmental scientists are in demand in Kuwait because of the country’s efforts to address overfishing and protect its marine ecosystems. The EBMMR Program requires experts in these fields to conduct research, assess environmental impacts and develop sustainable management strategies. These professionals need strong analytical skills, a passion for conservation, and the ability to work in field conditions. Their expertise is crucial to ensure the long-term health of Kuwait’s marine environment.

How to Boost Your Skills for the Job Market in Kuwait?

In order to stay updated for the job market, engage in ongoing learning and skill development by exploring online and offline platforms that provide courses and certifications tailored to your industry. Gaining new skills and qualifications will not only strengthen your resume but also give you a competitive edge to thrive in Kuwait's job market.

Amideast Training Center:- AMIDEAST (America-Mideast Educational and Training Services) is a leading American nonprofit organization founded in 1951. They are dedicated to promoting educational and professional development opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. Their mission is to create hope, opportunity, and mutual understanding among people in the region and the United States through life-changing opportunities for education and cultural exchanges.

The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET):- The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in Kuwait is a governmental organization responsible for providing applied education and training. PAAET offers a variety of programs, including technical and vocational education, higher education, and continuing education. Their goal is to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce to meet the needs of the country's economy.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s economic transformation is an opportunity for skilled professionals. By acquiring in-demand skills in fields like petroleum engineering, IT, healthcare, and digital marketing, you can contribute to the nation’s progress and have a fulfilling career. 

By acquiring in-demand skills and staying updated with industry trends, you can position yourself to capitalize on the exciting opportunities that Kuwait's economic transformation presents.

For companies looking for a reliable partner in skill development, Edstellar is the way to go. It offers industry-specific training programs to keep your team ahead of the curve. Furthermore, you can go for Skill Matrix for skill gap analysis to help your team to reach their full potential.