Hamdan bin Mohammed meets ‘1 Million AI Talents in UAE’ participants

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation, met with hundreds of government employees taking part in the ‘1 Million AI Talents in the UAE’ initiative during the Dubai AI Week, held from April 21 to 25, 2025.

This national program, launched by the UAE Government in partnership with Microsoft, is designed to help government employees develop the skills needed to work with artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027. The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce, speeding up AI adoption in key sectors, and improving the country’s global position in AI technology.

In his speech, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan stressed that investing in local talent is not just a priority, but a promise from the leadership to secure the future of the nation. This approach, he said, has guided the UAE since its founding. He also mentioned that the country is preparing its youth with the advanced skills and tools needed to solve the challenges of the future. He called for bold thinking and an ambitious vision to create long-lasting positive change.

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The meeting was attended by several officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

The ‘1 Million AI Talents in the UAE’ program is part of a strategic partnership that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan discussed with Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, at the UAE Government's Annual Meetings in 2024. This partnership aims to support innovation in AI, encourage collaboration across different industries, and help the UAE create a forward-thinking economic model.

The program, which is being implemented across the UAE government sector, offers specialized training content that is tailored to the needs of government employees. More than 50 government entities took part in the program's launch session. The training is designed to boost the national workforce’s skills, promote lifelong learning, and help speed up the use of the latest technology in government work. It also supports the development of a competitive knowledge-based economy.

The training program includes four tracks: ‘AI for Everyone,’ ‘AI Academy,’ ‘AI for Champions,’ and ‘AI for Leaders.’ These tracks are available in both in-person and virtual formats. They aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to make the most of AI in decision-making and goal achievement, which will help the UAE become a leader in AI and a global competitor in the field.

Dubai AI Week 2025, organized by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, is a major event that brings together global experts, policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders. The event features a range of activities, including the AI Retreat, Dubai Assembly for AI, Global Prompt Engineering Championship, and other key sessions.

The ‘1 Million AI Talents in the UAE’ initiative is an important step in shaping the future of the UAE by empowering the government workforce with AI skills and supporting the country’s development in this field.