Hamdan bin Mohammed Meets Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair

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 Executive Council of Dubai, met with Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, today during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the event, focused on exploring opportunities for further collaboration between Dubai and Microsoft, particularly in the field of advanced technologies, with a special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan commended Microsoft’s pivotal role in the development of AI technologies, highlighting the company’s leadership in advancing the digital landscape and its significant contributions to shaping the future of AI innovation. The two leaders discussed various ways in which Microsoft and Dubai could work together to foster innovation, drive the development of digital solutions, and contribute to sustainable development goals across key sectors of the UAE economy.

Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged the central role of AI in transforming industries and improving the efficiency of public and private sector services. Both leaders agreed that AI could serve as a powerful tool to unlock new possibilities for growth in sectors vital to the economy, such as healthcare, education, and finance. They also discussed the potential of AI to enhance Dubai’s status as a global leader in technological advancement and digital transformation.

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The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, who praised the alignment between Microsoft’s objectives and the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for AI innovation.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the announcement made by Brad Smith regarding Microsoft’s ambitious new initiative aimed at upskilling one million UAE residents in essential AI skills by 2027. This new program is a part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to bridge the global AI knowledge gap and is a natural extension of the company's commitment to fostering a culture of AI innovation across the UAE.

Smith explained that the programme would focus on providing targeted training to various groups, including leaders, developers, and general users, with the aim of building a productive, AI-enabled workforce. The announcement follows Microsoft’s earlier initiatives in collaboration with the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, which aim to equip 100,000 government employees with essential AI skills.

Brad Smith emphasized that, in order to fully benefit from AI, it is crucial for people to learn how to use and apply the technology effectively. He stated, “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."

The new programme will target a broad range of sectors across the UAE, from public institutions to private businesses, as well as individual citizens. Microsoft is keen to collaborate with government entities to enhance their departments’ AI capabilities and build a workforce that is equipped with the skills necessary to drive productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, Microsoft is encouraging UAE citizens to leverage AI for everyday tasks, aiming to raise the country’s overall AI literacy and foster a culture of innovation.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama also expressed his support for Microsoft’s commitment to upskilling the UAE population. “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,” he said. “We are keen to partner with leading technology players around the world to drive innovation and create new opportunities for our nation.”

The training program will include a wide range of AI-related courses and resources, covering everything from foundational AI skills to practical applications, and helping individuals and organizations incorporate AI into their daily operations. Microsoft is working closely with local organizations, educational institutions, and businesses to design skilling opportunities tailored to the needs of the UAE’s diverse workforce.

By empowering citizens with practical AI knowledge, Microsoft’s initiative aims to support the UAE’s ongoing growth as a digital economy leader and unlock new levels of productivity across all sectors of society. Through this program, Microsoft is committed to making AI accessible to everyone in the UAE, from government officials to private sector workers and individuals, ensuring that the country is well-positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by AI.

With this partnership, both the UAE and Microsoft are setting the stage for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life and driving forward the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

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