Knowledge Group launches research on role of learning and development in employee productivity in the MENA region

• The report spanned 1,691 organizations from the GCC and wider MENA region to gather evidence-based data on factors for persistent disconnect between L&D efforts and sustained employee productivity

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 02 July 2026: Knowledge Group has released its latest primary research report, titled Relearning Productivity: The Hidden Role of Learning and Development (L&D) in Sustained Employee Productivity. As part of the Group’s MENA Workplace Index initiative that marks its 20-year legacy of supporting workplace agility, the study offers an evidence-based perspective on how organizations are approaching talent development in an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.

Conducted across 1,691 public and private sector companies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC and wider MENA region, the report examines how organizations perceive productivity, implement learning strategies, leverage technology, and measure impact. The research exposes a growing productivity paradox across the MENA region: Despite rising investment in workforce development, most organizations are failing to convert learning into measurable business outcomes. The study notes that 85% of the respondents cite weak business alignment as the primary reason why L&D falls short in improving productivity.

The findings show that workforce productivity is increasingly being viewed as a strategic business issue that requires stronger integration between capability development, organizational performance, and business transformation initiatives. Encouragingly, 81% of participants define productivity by value delivered rather than hours worked, highlighting a significant shift toward outcome-based performance cultures. Meanwhile, AI-enabled learning adoption remains relatively immature, with only 11% of organizations reporting fully integrated implementation.

Dr. Ahmad Badr, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Group, said: “Investment in talent is a critical enabler of workforce productivity, organizational competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability. At Knowledge Group, we are committed to equipping our partners with valuable insights to strengthen workforce dynamics and talent sustainability in an increasingly complex landscape. Our new research aligns with the ambitious transformation agendas pursued by the region’s countries, such as We the UAE 2031, which place human capability, innovation, and digital readiness at the center of long-term competitiveness. The report emphasizes the role of L&D as a critical enabler of productivity, operational performance, and economic sustainability.”

Agile mindset, critical thinking, digital dexterity, problem-solving, and flexible decision-making have emerged as the most important capabilities for sustaining workforce productivity, while 63% of the participants identify outdated processes as a major barrier to improving productivity across organizations.

The World Economic Forum’s ‘The Future of Jobs Report 2025’ puts the urgency of effective talent development in the spotlight as one of its findings suggests that, while global job numbers are projected to grow by 2030, the gap between existing and emerging skills could also intensify. Knowledge Group’s report outlines practical recommendations to support organizations in boosting workforce resilience by addressing structural productivity barriers alongside capability development, prioritizing employee wellbeing, enhancing digital learning ecosystems and a culture of continuous learning.

As the region advances its efforts to develop prosperous digital and knowledge-based economies, the Relearning Productivity: The Hidden Role of Learning and Development (L&D) in Sustained Employee Productivity research provides organizations with actionable insights that can help them build agile, future-ready, and competitive workforces.