In a powerful affirmation of the UAE’s ambition to lead in the field of artificial intelligence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, met with the inaugural batch of participants from the ‘One Million AI Talents’ initiative.
The meeting took place during Dubai AI Week, a significant event that showcases the country’s commitment to digital transformation and AI innovation. The initiative, which aims to train one million individuals in AI skills, is focused on empowering government employees with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively utilize artificial intelligence in their roles.
His Highness underlined the critical importance of AI in shaping future governance, stressing that upskilling the public sector is a strategic priority. He encouraged the participants to embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a mindset that drives innovation, efficiency, and smarter public service delivery.
His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, also attended the meeting. He emphasized that developing human capital in cutting-edge technologies is essential for achieving the UAE’s long-term vision. He noted that this initiative plays a key role in enabling government entities to remain agile and prepared for rapid technological shifts.
Participants of the program shared their experiences and the impact of the training on their professional roles. Many expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that it has broadened their understanding of AI and sparked new ideas for improving services within their departments.
The ‘One Million AI Talents’ initiative is part of a broader national strategy to establish the UAE as a global hub for AI by 2031. By investing in people and fostering a culture of continuous learning, the country is laying a strong foundation for a future defined by smart governance and technological excellence.
As the program expands, it is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the public sector and help create a digitally advanced, innovation-driven society.
