Microsoft, in partnership with local UAE government entities, has launched of the AI National Skills Initiative, a comprehensive AI training program aimed at upskilling 100,000 government employees across local government institutions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
The 12-month program, unveiled on the opening day of GITEX Global 2024, will help accelerate the UAE’s journey towards becoming a global leader and hub of AI innovation and technological excellence.
The AI National Skills Initiative will provide role-specific training tailored to organizational leaders, developers, and frontline workers within various government departments across the three emirates.
The program’s content is designed to address AI knowledge gaps, drive AI fluency, and equip government employees with the skills needed to effectively harness the power of AI to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the quality of public services. By leveraging Microsoft-powered AI technology, the initiative is said to deliver personalized learning experiences that will empower employees to seamlessly integrate the latest developments in AI into their roles, fostering a culture of innovation across the UAE Government.
Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said, “AI represents a transformative force that is reshaping industries and driving innovation globally. As the UAE pursues its ambitious goal of becoming a leading AI nation, we recognize that skilling is fundamental to this vision. By equipping government employees with the tools and knowledge to effectively leverage AI, we are not only fostering local talent but also ensuring that the UAE government has the right expertise to capitalize on the limitless opportunities that AI presents. The AI National Skills Initiative is a key milestone in supporting the UAE’s AI journey, and we are proud to contribute to building a pool of talent that will drive excellence and benchmark innovation in the new AI era."
In light of this, Dubai Digital signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft UAE, a subsidiary wholly-owned by Microsoft Corporation.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Digital Dubai by its Director General, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, and on behalf of Microsoft UAE by Naim Yazbeck, its General Manager.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, welcomed this collaboration, which contributes to enhancing digital transformation in Dubai.
He said: "Our partnership with Microsoft UAE aligns with our approach to building global collaborations to achieve common objectives. It reflects the mutual trust between us and our partners as well as our joint commitment to working together in light of the rapid global changes, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence and industrial revolution technologies in general."
The agreement provides for qualifying and training developers in artificial intelligence domains, as well as providing suitable content to raise awareness among the broader population, equipping them with the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence.
This initiative supports Digital Dubai’s efforts to bridge digital skill gaps and prepare individuals and job seekers for future opportunities.
By investing in the skilling of government employees, Microsoft aims to help the UAE unlock the full potential of AI, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of regional and global AI innovation.
