UAE adopts AI strategy for economic growth & skilled workforce

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched ‘UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031’, an initiative to incorporate AI into key economic sectors, and educate the residents. 

As part of this national initiative, UAE government officials aim to provide advanced AI training to the workforce, ensuring their competitiveness in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The strategy also includes plans to enhance the skills of citizens, expanding the talent pool available to leading AI firms. Additionally, the government has established specialised training and research centres and offers international study opportunities for promising machine learning (ML) students. Furthermore, funds are being allocated to increase the number of STEM students (at least prepare one-third of them to explore careers in AI) in universities, ultimately strengthening the UAE's pool of AI talent.

The newly appointed Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama will be spearheading this national strategy for AI 2031, “to set a direction for their tenure and orchestrate the vision set by the leadership.” The report stated, “The UAE has a vision to become one of the leading nations in AI by 2031 in alignment with the UAE Centennial 2071, creating new economic, educational, and social opportunities for citizens, governments and businesses and generating up to AED 335 billion in extra growth.”

Previously, the country offered free AI courses in a partnership with the University of Oxford, which resulted in about 52% of employees learning AI skills. Currently, more than 20 universities offer AI courses along with scholarships to attract STEM student’s interest. Additionally, the educational plans are not only targeted at public officials but encompass private sector employees. According to a survey report by PwC, about 72% of CEOs in the Middle East believe that the workers need to embrace Gen AI skills as part of long-term sustainability.

What does National Strategy for AI 2031 include?

According to the national strategy, in order to attract and train talent for future jobs enabled by AI, the government has introduced: 

Public AI training - Free AI courses offered for UAE residents to learn about AI technologies and solve future challenges. Over 5000 UAE residents received specialised AI training with hands-on experience in the past five years.

Upskilling students - 22% students studying core STEM subjects such as ICT, engineering, and natural sciences, offered specialised courses to upskill as AI experts. This upskilling effort will also create a stronger pipeline of students capable of pursuing post-graduate AI training, thus expanding the pool of UAE talent proficient in building AI systems.

Government training - The AI Office is providing advanced courses for government employees, focusing on equipping them with the skills to become AI experts (and ambassadors) within their organisations. These courses require participants to complete a capstone project relevant to their current roles. The goal is to ensure that all senior leadership in government, including Director-Generals, Ministers, and Senior Ministers, are trained and knowledgeable in AI. Training for junior government employees will be provided on a more ad hoc basis.

Workforce upskilling - Leveraging professionals with advanced digital and analytic skills and providing them with the necessary training to become AI specialists. The AI Strategy's ‘New Generation of Regional Talent’ section emphasises the abundance of professionals in the region with strong operational and analytical skills. The AI Office aims to support the upskilling of these individuals by offering specialist training, secondments, and study tours overseas.

Career change support - Training 60% of the workforce with low digital skills to benefit from better data on existing skills in the labour force and available job opportunities. The AI Office is backing the Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills in enhancing data collection efforts and promoting the development of career guidance tools and services. These initiatives aim to assist current and future workers in making informed decisions about their careers.