Digital Dubai Launches AI+ to Train 50,000 Government Employees

Digital Dubai has launched the AI Workforce Transformation Program (AI+) to train 50,000 Dubai Government employees in artificial intelligence technologies. The strategic initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, represents Dubai's most ambitious attempt to build an intelligence-driven government model. According to Digital Dubai's announcement, the programme aims to accelerate AI adoption across government operations whilst supporting the broader objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Why Dubai is betting big on AI workforce transformation

According to H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, this programme reflects a fundamental shift in how government employees interact with technology. Rather than simply using AI tools, employees will become "key partners in designing smart, proactive services that anticipate and respond to people's needs." This approach addresses a critical challenge highlighted by recent research - whilst 92% of UAE firms prioritise AI, 100% face skills gaps that limit effective implementation.

The programme supports Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double Dubai's economy by 2033. By building AI capabilities among 50,000 government employees, Dubai is laying the foundation for an intelligence-driven public sector that can deliver more efficient services and accelerate decision-making.

How the AI+ training programme works

The AI+ programme delivers training through five specialised tracks tailored to different job categories within the Dubai Government. According to the official announcement, each track addresses specific needs and responsibilities within the organisational hierarchy.

The leadership track features expert-led sessions and roundtable discussions focusing on AI opportunities, challenges, and strategic adoption. Chief AI Officers receive dedicated training on implementing Dubai's AI policy framework through interactive workshops and communities of practice. Product and service owners learn to develop practical use cases from ideation through to impact measurement and value realisation.

Department managers gain knowledge on adopting AI within their teams, identifying relevant use cases, and applying best practices for resource allocation. The general employee track builds practical workplace skills, including prompt engineering, task automation using AI agents, and productivity tools delivered through webinars, in-person training, and virtual courses.

What this means for Dubai's digital transformation

According to H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, the programme marks "a significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of AI applications across the Dubai Government." The focus on building specialised capabilities enables entities to transform advanced technologies into practical, high-impact use cases.

This initiative builds on Dubai's existing momentum in AI adoption. The city recently hosted Dubai's expanding AI festival and has seen growing implementation of AI solutions across the government and private sectors. By investing in human capital development, Dubai is addressing the skills gap that has limited effective AI deployment in the region.

H.E. Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, emphasised that investing in people represents "the foundation for shaping the future." The programme aims to enhance government efficiency, boost productivity, and foster a culture of continuous learning and institutional innovation.

Should you expect improved government services?

Based on the programme's structure and objectives, residents and businesses should expect gradual improvements in government service delivery over the coming months. The training focuses on practical applications that directly impact customer experience, from automated processes to more responsive service design.

The programme's emphasis on building sustainable institutional capabilities suggests improvements will be long-term rather than immediate. By training employees across all levels - from leadership to front-line staff - Dubai is creating the foundation for systematic AI integration rather than isolated technology implementations.

Looking forward, this investment in AI literacy should accelerate productivity across government departments and support Dubai's broader vision of becoming a leading digital city. The success of this programme will likely influence similar initiatives across the MENA region as governments seek to build AI-ready workforces.

Programme details

The AI+ programme is delivered through a partnership among Digital Dubai, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, under the umbrella of the Dubai Future Foundation. Training is provided to all Dubai Government employees through specialised tracks tailored to different job categories, delivered in multiple formats, including webinars, in-person workshops, and virtual courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AI Workforce Transformation Program (AI+)?

AI+ is a strategic initiative launched by Digital Dubai to train 50,000 Dubai Government employees in artificial intelligence technologies. The programme offers specialised training tracks tailored to different job categories, from leadership to general employees.

Who is eligible for the AI+ program?

The programme targets all Dubai Government employees across different departments and levels. Training is delivered through five specialised tracks designed for leadership, Chief AI Officers, product owners, department managers, and general staff.

What are the main goals of the AI+ program?

The programme aims to build AI literacy, accelerate productivity, create sustainable institutional capabilities, and support broader AI adoption across government. It directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforces Dubai's position as a leading digital city.

How does the training work?

Training is delivered through multiple formats, including expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, webinars, in-person training, and virtual courses. Each track focuses on specific skills relevant to different job roles and responsibilities within government.

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