Sheikh Hamdan announces plan to train one million people in AI

Crown Prince of Dubai reveals plan after meeting with Brad Smith, president of Microsoft

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Photo: X

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has unveiled plans to train one million in artificial intelligence. He revealed the scheme following a meeting with the president of Microsoft at the UAE Government Annual Meetings, taking place this week in Abu Dhabi.

"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 2031," Sheikh Hamdan said in a post on the social media platform X.

"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. Our commitment remains steadfast in advancing holistic development towards a prosperous future for our nation.

"In the UAE, we have always embraced a pioneering spirit and led the charge forward. Here, we do not wait for the future, we are capable of shaping it today."

Shiekh Hamdan launched a roadmap in June to help attract top companies and talent in AI to Dubai. The AI Roadmap aims to enhance the overall quality of life in the emirate by boosting the adoption of AI, said a statement from the Dubai Government Media Office on Tuesday night.

The project was unveiled at the AI Retreat 2024, an event organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence. Last month, Sheikh Hamdan also unveiled a plan to train 5,000 UAE citizens in future technology over the next five years and boost Emiratisation targets in the private sector.

Sheikh Hamdan said at the time that the training would prepare Emiratis to work in tech in the private sector. "This initiative is part of a package of projects designed to foster start-up growth, support national talent, and drive innovation and entrepreneurship," he said on his official social media account. Dubai is a city that doesn't just compete globally – it creates its own future by nurturing national talent and offering an environment that encourages creativity and leadership."