TLDR:
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Equipping a million UAE learners in AI.
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Expanding AI capabilities for UAE residents.
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Pioneering collaboration for AI knowledge sharing.
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — Aiming to establish itself as a global AI hub, the United Arab Emirates has announced a sweeping initiative led by Microsoft to train one million learners across the country in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027. In collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft plans to develop a comprehensive AI training framework, ensuring skills are accessible to citizens, government bodies, and private entities across the UAE.
The programme is an ambitious extension of Microsoft’s ongoing AI projects in the region, including recent partnerships with the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to train 100,000 government employees in advanced AI technologies. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, noting that the UAE’s vision to foster AI expertise aligns closely with Microsoft’s mission to advance digital innovation.
Fostering an AI-driven workforce
Microsoft’s AI training scheme is designed to reach sectors across the UAE, enhancing public and private institutions and individual citizens alike. Through this initiative, Microsoft will introduce a series of tailored courses that address foundational AI skills, practical applications, and integration into daily routines. The programme will empower UAE residents to utilise AI in their everyday tasks, further driving productivity and promoting the UAE’s growth in the digital economy.
Under the guidance of Al Olama and with the strategic support of technology entities across the UAE, this initiative will not only boost AI competencies but also reinforce the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable AI infrastructure. With a robust curriculum set to be rolled out, the programme will make AI skills attainable for a wide demographic, from entry-level learners to advanced professionals.
Microsoft and G42’s Responsible AI Centres
Furthering its commitment to responsible AI, Microsoft, in partnership with UAE-based G42, is establishing two AI centres in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to set industry standards for AI ethics and responsible practices within the Middle East and the Global South. One centre will work on best practices in Responsible AI, bringing together AI practitioners and researchers to innovate on ethical AI standards. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s “AI for Good Lab” will focus on AI applications for societal challenges, including food security, climate resilience, and language diversity in underrepresented communities.
The centres will collaborate with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), a regulatory body created to foster responsible AI practices and innovation. These steps are pivotal in positioning Abu Dhabi as a trusted leader in AI, capable of responsibly steering AI advancements across diverse sectors.
An ongoing partnership with the UAE’s future in mind
Microsoft’s long-term partnership with the UAE reflects the country’s vision of a tech-driven future, supporting its ambition to be an international AI leader. During the UAE Government Annual Meetings, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chairman, discussed expanding their cooperation to drive sustainable AI developments. Both parties see this collaboration as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience in the face of future challenges.
Smith expressed Microsoft’s dedication to ensuring AI access across the UAE economy, stating, “To benefit from AI, people need to learn to use AI.” Al Olama echoed this sentiment, highlighting the UAE’s proactive approach to AI education as a model for other nations. As AI technologies continue to transform industries, the UAE’s commitment to digital innovation stands as a blueprint for integrating AI into the fabric of modern society.∎
