ADGM Academy, ADDA and ADSG launch new programme to boost digital literacy

The new scheme will train government employees in disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science and FinTech

The new framework will regulate how third-party FinTech providers gain access to, process and transfer customers' financial data. Alamy

Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy, the education arm of the UAE capital's financial free zone, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and Abu Dhabi School of Government are jointly launching a digital programme to boost the emirate’s smart government strategy.

Abu Dhabi Digital Programme is the first joint initiative following a deal signed between the government entities in November. Government employees will be invited to take part in the programme, where they will earn certification on their successful completion of the scheme, according to a joint statement on Tuesday.

"Digital Literacy is no longer a simple matter of adding value to existing systems … it has become a staple requirement for all government employees who wish to be the next generation of digitally-aware and technology-driven young professionals,” Mansoor Mohamed Al Marzooqi, executive director of strategic planning sector at Adda, said.

The new programme aims to develop the digital readiness skills of participants and will cover various technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science and FinTech.

The initiative's advanced curriculum and expert specialists will be instrumental in pushing forward Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, chief operating offer of ADGM and managing director of the ADGM Academy, said.

"We look to equip eager, capable government employees with the necessary insights and knowledge to utilise and navigate pertinent digital technologies and concepts,” he said.

After the completion of the awareness and application stages, participants will join one of the three digital leadership tracks - the Future Digital Leader Programme, the Young Digital Leader Programme and the Executive Digital Leadership Programme.

Dr May Laith Al Taee, acting dean of ADSG academy, said digital skills are “no longer an option but an urgent necessity” for any leader in the new digital world.

“ADSG is committed to empowering government employees and enhancing their digital competencies and skills in support of reaching an integrated knowledge economy.”

Abu Dhabi is harnessing emerging technologies and moving rapidly to enhance the digital literacy of its workforce. In June, Adda signed an agreement with America's biggest chip maker, Intel, to speed up digital transformation in the emirate.

In October 2019, it also inked an agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to accelerate the execution of data management programmes.