Digital Dubai, Microsoft To Train Government Staff In AI

Digital Dubai, the Dubai government entity responsible for driving the emirate’s digital transformation, has penned an agreement with global tech giant Microsoft to enhance government employees' artificial intelligence (AI) skills, aligning with Dubai’s AI strategy.

With the aim of fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Dubai's digital economy, the initiative is set to equip as many government employees as possible with AI expertise through a year-long training program, which has been designed to integrate AI knowledge and applications across government sectors.  

The program consists of three tracks. The IT developers track targets employees with basic technical knowledge, as well as software developers, data scientists, project managers, and IT specialists. The ‘AI for All’ track provides an overview of AI history, techniques, and trends, and is available on the learning management system (LMS). The third track is designed for executives, offering AI-focused content tailored for leadership roles. 

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said in a statement, "Developing digital skills and talent is a key focus in our strategy to digitalize life in Dubai, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. Today, artificial intelligence serves as the foundation upon which we base our plans to accelerate the pace of creating the future. It strengthens Dubai's leadership and position as a global model for digital cities that harness technology for the benefit of humanity. To achieve this, we are committed to enhancing our partnerships with leading organizations in this field, both locally and globally." 

"Our partnership with Microsoft is a significant step in this direction, as it fosters a knowledge-driven and application-oriented culture within government sectors. By enhancing expertise in artificial intelligence and its diverse fields, we are laying the groundwork for a digital knowledge economy and society. This initiative directly aligns with and supports the ambitious goals outlined in Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33," he added. 

Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said, "We are excited to collaborate with Digital Dubai to drive skills development and empower government professionals across the UAE to fully leverage the potential of artificial intelligence technologies. This initiative represents a crucial step in enhancing digital capabilities, offering specialized training programs for software developers, professionals, and leadership. This will foster a culture of innovation and boost digital competitiveness in Dubai. 

"At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to supporting Dubai's bold vision for digital transformation. We are dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary tools to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence across various sectors, thereby laying a solid foundation for a sustainable digital future and advancing the UAE's strategic goal of becoming a global hub for technology and innovation." 

Last year, the UAE announced plans to train one million residents in AI skills by 2027, with the aim of enhancing productivity and integrating AI into everyday tasks.