Why English is More Than a Language—It’s a Business Imperative By Ali Elsabban, Director, Enterprise Learning & Skills – MENAT, Pearson

Step into any boardroom, join a virtual meeting, or open your inbox, and chances are you’ll encounter English. It’s become more than a global languageit’s a key that unlocks access to opportunity, productivity, and global collaboration. The need for strong English skills at work has never been greater, fueled by the rise of global trade, the shift to remote work, and the fast pace of digital change. The language is a gateway to growth, opportunity, and connection making it indispensable in the current ecosystem.

With an estimated 1.1 billion English language learners worldwide, it is firmly rooted as the bedrock of modern business communication. Effective communication is no longer a soft skill—it’s a necessity for productivity. It helps connect people across cultures and borders, making it easier for professionals to showcase their work, collaborate with colleagues on international projects, and build a global presence. In the fast-paced corporate world, being able to clearly express your ideas in English can be a game-changer for success.

The Power of English in the Global Workplace

English is the dominant language of international business, from day-to-day operations like emails and meetings to high-level negotiations and cross-border partnerships. Tech giants and multinationals rely on English to maintain consistent communication across their global teams. In fact, nearly 58% of internet content is in English, making it essential for professionals looking to tap into the world’s largest pool of knowledge, resources, and tools.

Pearson’s Global Scale of English survey found that 85% of learners believe English is vital for professional success, and 80% believe it opens doors to better job opportunities. In Saudi Arabia, that number climbs even higher—98% of employees see English as crucial to doing business. Yet, despite its importance, only 48% of employees learning English feel confident speaking it at work, a gap that directly affects collaboration, productivity, and innovation.

English fluency isn’t just a career booster—it can also be financially rewarding. Fluent English speakers can earn up to 80% more than their non-fluent peers. In fields like technology, customer service, international trade, and the creative industries, English proficiency is often the minimum requirement for global roles.

For many professionals, mastering English can be a challenge. Common hurdles include pronunciation, limited vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and cultural nuances. But these are not insurmountable. Solutions include immersive language experiences, digital platforms, corporate training programs, and everyday practice in real-world scenarios. The key is consistency, motivation, and support from both employers and educators to promote professional development.

Businesses are increasingly treating language learning as a strategic investment rather than an optional perk. From improving internal communication to enhancing client relationships and enabling international expansion, language training unlocks employee potential and strengthens organizational agility.

The demand is reflected in market trends – the global English language learning industry is projected to reach $48 billion by 2028. In the Middle East, this demand is being driven by demand for international education, global career opportunities, and digital transformation across industries

The Future: English and Beyond

As artificial intelligence and machine translation tools continue to advance, some might wonder whether English will lose its dominance — but on the contrary, this evolution is unlocking new opportunities for translators, interpreters, data scientists, tech innovators, educators, and industries that rely on clear, nuanced communication. English will remain the world’s business lingua franca for the foreseeable future, even as multilingualism gains importance.

In fact, future-ready professionals will benefit not only from fluency in English but also from the ability to communicate in multiple languages—especially in multicultural teams and international markets. Companies that champion language learning will foster inclusion, innovation, and better global understanding.