New Abu Dhabi Programme to Equip Government Employees With AI Skills and Expertise.
Abu Dhabi Government has launched a major artificial intelligence training programme called AiNative, aimed at equipping 20,000 government employees with practical AI skills by the end of 2026.
The initiative was unveiled at Ai Everything Abu Dhabi, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to support the programme.
According to the government, the initiative is an important part of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027.
Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said Abu Dhabi’s approach recognises that the transition towards an AI-native government depends not only on technology but also on developing the skills and capabilities of its workforce.
The AiNative programme will train government employees to use AI tools including ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot confidently and responsibly as part of their day-to-day work.
The curriculum will also offer specialised certifications tailored to specific roles and functions, including areas such as coding and data.
The free training programme will later be extended to Abu Dhabi citizens and residents through Tomouh, the government’s AI-powered learning application, with access provided through UAE Pass.
Delivered using the free version of ChatGPT, the public programme will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can support a range of everyday activities, including managing personal finances, operating a small business, searching for employment, studying and creating online content responsibly.
Building AI confidence at scale
AiNative was developed by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement (DGE) in collaboration with OpenAI, Microsoft and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
A pilot phase of the programme is already under way within the Abu Dhabi Government, with the wider public programme expected to follow.
Farouk El Hamzawi, Head of Enterprise at OpenAI MENA, said the transition towards becoming an AI-native nation begins with building confidence among people in using artificial intelligence.
As AI evolves from primarily answering questions to carrying out more complex tasks, he said the technology is expected to create new opportunities in both the workplace and the way governments deliver services.
Unlocking those opportunities, however, will require people to have the right skills and confidence to use AI effectively. El Hamzawi said DGE’s initiative is designed to help government employees and the wider community translate Abu Dhabi’s ambitious AI goals into practical, everyday applications.
Courses and rollout
The AiNative initiative will offer foundation-level courses for both government employees and members of the public, alongside a dedicated training programme designed specifically for government department leaders.
More advanced and specialised certifications, including programmes focused on areas such as coding and data, are expected to be introduced during later phases of the initiative.
Wesam Lootah, Director General of GovDigital at DGE, said the programme aims to provide government employees and the wider community with the knowledge and confidence required to use AI responsibly in both their professional and everyday lives.
The initiative follows the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot to 35,000 Abu Dhabi Government employees through the Frontier Employee Programme, which was announced in July.
Officials said the two programmes will complement each other by combining access to advanced AI tools with practical training, helping employees develop the skills required to use the technology responsibly and at scale.
