UAE AI Office offers free Google Gemini access to university students

The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office, in collaboration with Google Gemini, has launched a one-year complimentary subscription to the Google AI Plus plan for university students in the UAE, giving them access to a range of AI-powered tools for learning, research and content creation.

The initiative is aimed at helping students build practical digital and AI skills and prepare for the changing requirements of the future workforce. Eligible university students aged 18 and above can register for the offer free of charge, provided they complete their registration by 31 December 2026.

Under the Google AI Plus plan, students will gain access to the Gemini app and its latest AI model, along with tools designed to support academic work. These include capabilities to organise sources and information, summarise study materials and references, and assist with research preparation.

The package also includes AI-powered tools for generating images and videos, as well as Gemini Notebook, which allows students to interact with academic materials and sources, create summaries and access interactive audio content. Students will also receive 400 GB of storage.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said the UAE's approach to the future places people at the centre of its development and focuses on equipping younger generations with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to economic and social progress.

He said the next phase of AI adoption would require students to move beyond simply using AI tools and develop a deeper understanding of how they can be applied responsibly in learning and research.

“Empowering students with the latest models and tools, and developing their skills in using them, fosters a culture of continuous learning, exploration, and innovation,” Al Olama said.

As part of the collaboration, the UAE AI Office and Google will also conduct virtual and in-person training programmes for university students. The sessions will focus on using Gemini and Gemini Notebook for study and research, while promoting responsible use of AI technologies.

The latest programme builds on the strong participation recorded in last year's university student initiative and expands its reach to a larger number of students in the Arab world.

The initiative is part of the AI for All programme launched by the UAE AI Office and Google in 2024. The programme seeks to broaden access to AI technologies, build essential AI skills, support research and encourage the development of AI solutions for different sections of society.

The UAE government has increasingly positioned AI skills development and access to advanced technologies as key elements of its workforce and national capability-building agenda. The latest student initiative is intended to give young people early exposure to AI tools while encouraging their responsible and practical use.