Microsoft has launched a major AI training drive in the UAE, aiming to equip more than 300,000 people with cutting-edge digital skills. The initiative, part of its Elevate UAE programme, was unveiled during the Dubai edition of Microsoft’s global AI Tour on Thursday.
The company said it will train over 250,000 students, teachers, and faculty members, along with 55,000 government employees across the country. This effort supports Microsoft’s wider regional goal — to skill one million people in the Middle East by 2027.
The Elevate UAE programme will reach all education levels. It plans to embed AI literacy and hands-on training in schools and universities. Around 10,000 teachers and 150,000 students from GEMS private schools will be part of this early rollout.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, said the new investment reinforces the company’s long-standing partnership with the UAE. “For more than three decades, Microsoft has worked with the UAE to expand opportunity through technology,” he said. “Today’s investment strengthens that partnership by building the talent that makes AI transformative. It empowers people with skills to unlock possibilities and enabling industries to innovate and improve lives,” he added.
During the event, Smith also joined Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, and Samer Abu-Ltaif, President of Microsoft EMEA, for a fireside chat. They discussed the next phase of Microsoft’s collaboration with G42, following the company’s $15.2 billion investment in the UAE.
Smith emphasised that the investment merges technology, talent, and trust, three pillars essential to strengthening the country’s AI ecosystem. The goal is to develop local expertise, expand innovation, and unlock economic opportunities across industries.
As part of this effort, Microsoft announced a new phase of training with G42 and the JAHIZ platform. The collaboration will upskill 55,000 federal government employees in AI over the next year. The training will focus on practical applications, helping officials use AI to improve public services and efficiency.
In addition, Microsoft will continue offering leadership development programmes for senior executives, focusing on responsible AI adoption and digital transformation.
