Strengthening AI capacity in the Arab States: Arabic MOOC launched at WGS
UNESCO, Oxford's Saïd Business School, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), a member of SPARK Alliance, have released the Arabic version of the free course "AI and Digital Transformation in Government." The launch took place on 4 February 2026 during the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai. This step supports future-ready governance across the region by making practical AI knowledge accessible to public servants.
With the public sector employing a large share of the workforce across the Arab States, building AI and digital transformation skills is now a strategic priority. The course centers on responsible use of AI, public trust, and human-centered delivery-so teams can deliver real outcomes, not just tech pilots.
Why this matters for government
"The future of digital governance depends on people. This course is a strategic intervention to equip civil servants with the competencies needed to govern AI responsibly and inclusively. By investing in people, we build trust in public AI systems and ensure that technology serves humanity-not the other way around." - Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
"The success of digital transformation is not limited to the adoption of technologies; it requires clear governance frameworks, ongoing investment in human capital, and the promotion of transparency, inclusion and trust in government." - Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government
What you'll learn
- Principles of responsible AI governance grounded in public values and rights.
- Digital transformation essentials: policy, ethics, service delivery, and accountability.
- Trust enablers: transparency, inclusion, accessibility, and citizen engagement.
- Capability building: upskilling teams, change management, and practical implementation.
Who should enroll
- Civil servants working on policy, regulation, service delivery, data, or procurement.
- Public-sector leaders building AI capacity in ministries, municipalities, and agencies.
- Advisors and program managers responsible for ethics, risk, or digital portfolios.
Availability and registration
The Arabic version of "AI and Digital Transformation in Government" is open for registration from 4 February 2026. It supports civil servants, policymakers, and public-sector leaders in making responsible choices on AI and delivering digital services that serve the public interest.
More information and registration (Arabic): Click here
Context
This initiative was launched during the World Governments Summit, which focuses on future-ready governance. It reflects a shared commitment by UNESCO, Oxford's Saïd Business School, and MBRSG to inclusive and accessible capacity building across the Arab region.
Related resources for public servants
- AI courses by job function - curated learning paths for public-sector roles.
- Popular AI certifications - options to formalize skills for your team.
Your membership also unlocks:
