The UAE To Train One Million Residents In AI Skills By 2027

Following a meeting between HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, and Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024, the UAE has announced its plans to train one million residents in artificial intelligence (AI) skills, with the aim of enhancing productivity and integrating AI into everyday tasks.

The meeting, which was also attended by HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, focused on expanding AI-focused collaboration between the UAE and Microsoft. Discussions covered the potential for AI to support sustainable development, innovation, and various sectors central to the UAE’s economy. 

In a post on X, Sheikh Hamdan wrote:"I met with Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, and we announced a strategic partnership to launch an initiative that aims to equip one million individuals in the UAE with AI skills by 2027." 

He added, "We are aware that AI proficiency, alongside knowledge of its applications and tools, will soon serve as the cornerstone for fostering a sustainable, knowledge-based economy and an innovative society." 

At the 2024 UAE Government Annual Meetings, I joined Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, to announce a partnership to equip one million people in the UAE with AI skills by 2027.

As we usher in the AI era, mastering AI skills is crucial for fostering innovation and… pic.twitter.com/EH8vXjP3Mo

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 6, 2024

This AI skills initiative is in line with Dubai’s AI strategy, a roadmap launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan at the AI Retreat 2024, which was held in June, and aims to attract AI companies and talent to the emirate. This roadmap is intended to enhance the quality of life in Dubai by encouraging broader AI adoption across sectors. 

Microsoft’s AI program will provide training for government and private sector employees, developers, and individual citizens. The program is designed to support practical AI skill-building for a range of tasks, fostering a workforce equipped for the digital landscape. The training will include partnerships with government entities to build AI capabilities within departments and businesses, aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity. 

Microsoft’s approach to AI training in the UAE will feature courses and resources for foundational AI knowledge and practical applications as part of its commitment to closing the global AI skills gap and supporting an AI-driven culture in the UAE. 

This AI skills program complements other recent UAE initiatives. Last month, Sheikh Hamdan introduced a plan to train 5,000 UAE citizens in future technology over the next five years, with a focus on private-sector Emiratization. Through these initiatives, the UAE continues to advance its role in digital transformation and AI development.