His Highness: “As we usher in the AI era, mastering AI skills is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic sustainability”
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, announced a partnership with Microsoft to equip one million people in the UAE with essential AI skills by 2027. This announcement was made during a meeting with Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, held on the sidelines of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024.
Importance of AI skills
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of mastering AI skills in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, stating, “As we usher in the AI era, mastering AI skills is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic sustainability. In the UAE, we’ve always embraced the role of pioneers, setting the pace and starting the journey early. We don’t wait for the future; we are building it today.”
Expanding cooperation with Microsoft
The meeting served as a platform to discuss expanding cooperation with Microsoft in advanced technologies, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both leaders explored potential collaborations aimed at driving innovation and enhancing digital solutions that contribute to sustainable development across various vital sectors of the economy. Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged Microsoft’s significant contributions to AI, recognizing its leadership in developing innovative technologies that are shaping the future.
Commitment to AI training
Microsoft’s ambitious initiative to train one million learners in the UAE in AI skills by 2027 represents a commitment that follows recent agreements with local governments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to provide AI training for 100,000 government employees. In addition, this initiative reflects Microsoft’s dedication to bridging the global AI knowledge gap and fostering a culture of innovation within the UAE, noted Smith.
Empowering through education
Smith further remarked, “To benefit from AI, people need to learn to use AI. That’s why we are helping train one million people across the UAE economy to get the most from our technology.”
Read more: Sheikh Hamdan launches ‘71 Challenge’ to empower young government leaders
Collaboration for widespread engagement
In a bid to ensure widespread engagement, Microsoft is inviting government entities to collaborate on building AI capabilities within their departments and businesses. This effort further aims to empower UAE citizens to leverage AI in their daily tasks, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency. By equipping individuals with practical AI skills, the initiative aspires to unlock new levels of productivity and support the UAE’s ongoing growth in the digital economy.
Aligning with national vision
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, said: “Microsoft’s commitment to AI skills aligns with the UAE’s vision to become a global AI hub. Its latest AI initiative in the UAE will help enhance technical capabilities and ensure that AI becomes accessible and relevant to every resident, government agency, and business in the UAE.”
H.E. further added, :”We are keen to partner with leading technology players around the world to drive innovation and create new opportunities for our nation.”
Comprehensive AI training programs
Moreover, Microsoft’s AI training programs are designed to reach all sectors throughout the UAE, from public institutions to private enterprises and individual citizens. The company also plans to collaborate with various entities to develop comprehensive skilling courses and resources that build foundational AI skills, promote practical applications, and enable users to incorporate AI into their daily lives and work environments.
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