Hamdan Bin Mohammed Engages With Microsoft President On AI Skills And Innovation Initiatives

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently met with Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft. The meeting took place during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to drive innovation and develop digital solutions for sustainable growth.

The meeting also explored potential collaborations in technology to unlock new opportunities for key economic sectors. Sheikh Hamdan commended Microsoft's significant contributions to AI, recognising the company's role in developing innovative technologies that are shaping the future. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, attended the meeting.

Brad Smith announced a Microsoft programme aiming to equip one million UAE learners with essential AI skills by 2027. This initiative follows recent announcements to train 100,000 government employees in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah with the latest AI skills. The programme is part of Microsoft's commitment to bridging the global AI knowledge gap and fostering a culture of AI innovation across the UAE.

The initiative will offer targeted training for leaders, developers, and general users to establish an AI-enabled workforce. Brad Smith 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."

Microsoft is encouraging government entities to explore building AI capabilities within their departments and businesses. By equipping their workforce with AI skills, they aim to drive productivity and efficiency. The initiative also seeks to empower UAE citizens with practical AI skills for everyday tasks, supporting continued growth in the digital economy.

Omar Sultan Al Olama highlighted that Microsoft's commitment aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global AI hub. He 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."

Comprehensive Training Across Sectors

Microsoft's training programmes are designed to reach every sector across the UAE. They will collaborate with various entities to develop skilling courses and resources that build foundational AI skills. These efforts aim to enable users to adopt practical applications of AI in their daily lives and work environments.

This comprehensive approach ensures that public institutions, private enterprises, and individual citizens can benefit from enhanced technical capabilities. By fostering a culture of innovation through these initiatives, Microsoft aims to create new opportunities for growth within the nation.

With inputs from WAM