UAE AI Office Launches 'AI For All' Initiative To Equip Citizens With Essential Technology Skills

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office has teamed up with Google to launch the "AI for All" initiative. This programme is part of the UAE Coding Day event, "UAE Codes 2025." It aims to enhance technological skills across all age groups and professions in the UAE through comprehensive AI training programmes, which will continue until 2026.

Generative AI is expected to boost the UAE economy significantly, potentially adding AED 298 billion by 2025, according to Public First. This economic growth highlights the need for skill development in AI. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasised that this collaboration with Google aligns with the UAE Government’s vision of empowering society through AI.

Al Olama noted that partnering with a leading global technology company exemplifies effective collaboration between government and private sectors. This partnership aims to equip society with future knowledge and skills, supporting an advanced digital economy. The initiative reaffirms the UAE Government’s commitment to making AI solutions accessible to everyone and driving its vision to become a global hub for innovation and advanced technologies.

Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, commented on the collaboration: "Our collaboration with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office on the 'AI for All Initiative' is built on a shared belief - AI's benefits must be accessible to all. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to helping more people leverage AI and make the most of the technology."

Nakache added that by providing students with advanced Gemini models and empowering small businesses with growth tools, they aim to support teachers and journalists. The goal is to build a future where everyone can participate safely in the AI economy. Educational programmes will be organised as part of this initiative in collaboration with Google.

These programmes are designed to empower students, university learners, employees, content creators, and individuals of all ages to use artificial intelligence responsibly. Training will include writing effective prompts for generative AI applications and developing creative skills using AI-powered tools.

Supporting SMEs Through AI

The initiative also targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through an educational series focused on leveraging artificial intelligence for growth and operational efficiency. This effort aims to help businesses fully utilise AI capabilities. Earlier this month, Google provided university students with free access for 12 months to "Gemini 2.5," their most advanced model.

This access includes additional features designed to promote continuous learning as part of the initiative in collaboration with the UAE Government. A nationwide campaign throughout 2026 will boost public awareness and adoption of essential AI skills. It encourages everyone in the UAE to complete foundational modules on AI literacy.

Google's Broader MENA Initiative

This initiative supports the UAE Government’s Vision 2031 for an AI Destination. It is also part of Google's broader MENA AI Opportunity Initiative aimed at ensuring AI’s growth potential is accessible across communities by 2027. The initiative provides essential skills training, research funding, and access to helpful products across MENA.

In 2018, Google launched its educational platform Maharat min Google in Arabic. The platform offers courses on digital literacy with new courses continually added covering developments in artificial intelligence. Since its inception, over 430,000 people in the UAE have been trained through this platform.

With inputs from WAM