H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, met with Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen cooperation with Microsoft in advanced technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The two leaders aimed to drive innovation and accelerate the creation of digital solutions to support sustainable development. They also discussed potential technology partnerships to create new opportunities across key sectors in the economy. Sheikh Hamdan recognized Microsoft’s important role in AI, highlighting the company’s leadership in developing innovative technologies for the future.
The meeting also included Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. During their discussion, Brad Smith announced a new Microsoft program aimed at teaching one million UAE learners essential AI skills by 2027. This initiative follows Microsoft’s recent agreements with local governments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to train 100,000 government employees in the latest AI skills.
This program is part of Microsoft’s commitment to closing the global AI knowledge gap and promoting a culture of AI innovation throughout the UAE. It will offer targeted training for leaders, developers, and everyday users to create a productive, AI-enabled workforce.
Brad Smith stated, “To benefit from AI, people need to learn how to use it. That’s why we are helping train one million people across the UAE economy to maximize the potential of our technology.”
Microsoft aims to engage widely by inviting government agencies to explore ways to build AI skills within their teams. The goal is to help their workforce drive productivity and efficiency and allow UAE citizens to utilize AI for everyday tasks. By providing practical AI skills, the initiative hopes to unlock new levels of productivity and support the UAE’s growth in the digital economy.
Omar Sultan Al Olama commented, “Microsoft’s commitment to AI skills aligns with the UAE’s vision to become a global AI hub. This latest initiative will enhance technical abilities and ensure AI is accessible and relevant for every resident, government agency, and business in the UAE. We look forward to partnering with leading technology companies worldwide to drive innovation and create new opportunities for our nation.”
Microsoft’s AI training programs are set to reach every sector in the UAE, from public institutions to private businesses and individual citizens. The company will collaborate with various organizations to develop courses and resources that build foundational AI skills, create practical applications, and help users integrate AI into their daily lives and work settings.
