Dubai to Train 50,000 Government Employees in AI Skills
Dubai's government has launched a workforce training programme to equip 50,000 public sector employees with practical AI skills. The AI+ programme, developed by Digital Dubai in partnership with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, aims to embed AI across government operations and service delivery.
The initiative targets employees at all levels, from frontline staff to leadership. Rather than focusing on technical awareness alone, the programme teaches workers how to apply AI to their daily tasks-improving decision-making, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation within government agencies.
What HR Professionals Need to Know
For HR leaders, this programme signals a shift in how governments approach digital transformation. The emphasis is clear: technology adoption fails without workforce capability building. The AI+ programme pairs both elements, treating them as equally important.
The training includes tailored learning tracks designed for different job roles. Leadership tracks feature expert-led sessions, roundtable discussions, and case studies on how other organisations have adopted AI. This role-based approach means employees learn skills relevant to their actual work.
Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the initiative underscores the role of human capital in driving transformation. He noted that equipping employees with advanced digital skills improves efficiency, boosts productivity, and builds a culture of continuous learning.
Broader Context
The programme operates under the Dubai Future Foundation and aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which sets broader economic goals for the emirate. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, described the initiative as part of a shift towards an "intelligence-driven" government model that integrates human capabilities with AI for faster decision-making.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said the focus is on translating AI capabilities into real-world applications across government functions-developing specialised skills that turn emerging technologies into measurable outcomes.
For HR professionals implementing similar programmes, the Dubai model offers a template: define role-specific learning tracks, involve leadership in training, and position AI adoption as a capability-building exercise rather than a technology rollout.
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