Dubai Launches AI Workforce Transformation to Train 50,000 Government Employees for Smarter Public Services

Dubai has launched the AI Workforce Transformation Programme (AI+), a major training initiative that aims to equip 50,000 government employees with practical artificial intelligence skills to modernise public services, boost productivity and embed AI into day-to-day operations. The programme is led by Digital Dubai in partnership with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence under the Dubai Future Foundation.

"The initiative reflects a shift in how government employees interact with technology," said Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai. "Staff are no longer just users of digital systems but are becoming active contributors in designing smarter and more responsive services that meet people’s needs."

Programme design and partners

Officials say AI+ is designed to prepare government staff for a future in which AI plays a central role in decision-making, service delivery and everyday operations. The training will be tailored to job roles across all levels of government, from senior leadership to frontline staff, with the explicit goal of making AI "a practical part of government work rather than just a technical concept." The programme's organisers include Digital Dubai, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, operating under the Dubai Future Foundation.

• Target cohort: 50,000 government employees
• Lead agencies: Digital Dubai, Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (Dubai Future Foundation)
• Programme name: AI Workforce Transformation Programme (AI+)

Learning tracks and practical focus

The AI+ curriculum will be structured into multiple learning tracks aligned to responsibilities and seniority. According to officials, senior leaders will attend sessions on AI strategy, global best practices and adoption challenges; Chief AI Officers will focus on applying Dubai’s AI policies through workshops and case studies; product and service owners will learn to turn ideas into practical AI solutions and measure impact; managers will be trained to integrate AI into team operations, improve workflows and identify automation use cases; and employees across departments will receive hands-on training in tools such as AI-powered productivity systems, automation and prompt engineering.

"Investing in people remains central to Dubai’s development plans," said Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department. "The programme is designed to give employees practical, future-ready skills that improve efficiency, support innovation and encourage continuous learning across government departments."

"The initiative marks an important step in expanding the use of AI across government entities," said Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation. "The focus is not only on technology but also on building strong human capabilities that can turn AI into real-world solutions that improve services and customer experience."

Outlook

Officials expect the AI+ programme to strengthen digital skills across government, accelerate service delivery and underpin long-term innovation by embedding data-driven, efficient systems into public-sector workflows. By training 50,000 employees, Dubai aims to position its public services to harness AI for better decision-making, faster processes and improved customer experiences, reinforcing its stated ambition to lead in digital transformation.