Manal Saleh

Global research involving over 6,000 students and 58 experts offers insights for developing human capabilities alongside technical skills



News Highlights

  • Creativity and critical thinking were each identified by 56% of students surveyed globally as important future job-market skills, ahead of AI and digital literacy (44%).

·       More than eight in 10 students (82%) expressed concern that while AI helps them work faster, they may not be learning material as deeply.

·       The report calls for stronger collaboration to develop skills that remain valuable as technology evolves.

 

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,3rd November 2026– As Saudi Arabia continues to expand AI education and advance workforce readiness under Vision 2030, HP's recently published Futures 2026 report highlights the importance of developing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving alongside technical knowledge. Based on a survey of 6,206 students across 37 countries and insights from 58 education and future-of-work experts, the global report explores how to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy. The initiative is led by HP, the Global Learning Council and the Education Leaders Forum.

 

The findings offer a timely perspective as Saudi Arabia strengthens connections between education and labor-market needs. The Kingdom’s Human Capability Development Program prioritizes future-ready skills and lifelong learning. AI learning was introduced in general education in the 2025–2026 academic year, creating opportunities to develop independent thinking and practical problem-solving alongside technical knowledge.

In the global survey, creativity and critical thinking were each selected by 56% of respondents as important skills for the future job market. Communication and collaboration followed at 52%, ahead of AI and digital literacy at 44%; technical or coding skills ranked eighth at 29%. These findings indicate students value transferable human capabilities alongside AI skills.

 

David McQuarrie, Chief Commercial Officer at HP and Chair of HP Futures, said “Educators, policymakers and employers share a responsibility to prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges they will encounter throughout their lives and careers. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we learn and work, that responsibility has never been more important. Education systems must do more to help students develop, demonstrate and continuously strengthen the capabilities that will remain valuable regardless of how technology evolves.”

 

HP continues to support Saudi Arabia's ambitions to develop future-ready talent through educational initiatives and partnerships focused on practical digital skills and emerging technologies. Its education programs have reached 1.5 million beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia, while its partnership with Tuwaiq Academy has delivered nine training programs and certified more than 180 learners in game development and emerging technology skills. The HP AI Academy, including its AI Foundry learning program, supports AI literacy and practical applications without requiring technical prerequisites. HP also collaborates with the National eLearning Center and Saudi Electronic University through FutureX to support access to industry-relevant digital learning.

The report also identifies an important tension in how students experience AI. Globally, 82% worry that while the technology helps them complete tasks faster, it may affect how deeply they understand the material. The findings highlight the importance of encouraging students to critically evaluate AI-generated information while developing independent thinking and deeper understanding.

At the same time, respondents remain optimistic about their future careers. Nearly two-thirds (61%) believe AI will create more opportunities than it eliminates. Eighty percent feel confident they can use AI effectively in their future careers, while 81% believe their education is preparing them for work. The findings underline the opportunity alongside the need for human judgment.

Mayank Dhingra, Director & Global Head – Education Business and Strategy at HP, added “HP Futures 2026 gives a unique snapshot of the global student perspective on what young people today think about the skills they need to own, and the impact AI is having on their thinking, their lives and their job prospects.

 

“Most strikingly, these students warned that while they feel AI-confident and AI is helping them to work faster, they are concerned that they are not learning material as deeply. It is vital that student voices are prominent in the conversation as education systems make decisions around the future of curricula and assessment models.”

HP Futures 2026 highlights the importance of developing durable skills such as creativity, critical thinking and communication alongside technical knowledge as education systems prepare students for an AI-driven future. The report also recognizes the essential role of educators in strengthening foundational skills, promoting practical learning experiences and supporting responsible AI use. These insights align with Saudi Arabia's ongoing focus on human capability development and underscore the value of collaboration between educational institutions and employers to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

For Saudi Arabia, these global insights offer a framework for discussing future workforce needs. Readiness depends not simply on access to technology, but on the ability to use it creatively, critically and with sound judgment.

 

 

The full HP Futures 2026 report is available at  HP Futures Report 2026 - HP Futures

 

Methodology:

HP Futures conducted an online survey from May to June 2026, which received 6,206 responses from students in 37 countries across versions published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, Italian and Arabic. Respondents ranged from under 12 to over 25 years old, with 88% of those stating an age between 12 and 17.

The report also convened 58 leading experts for a series of roundtable discussions and one-to-one interviews, and compiled a series of practical case studies from schools, universities, employers, NGOs and public systems around the world.

 

About HP  

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.