Microsoft Elevate UAE launched to train over 250,000 students in AI skills
A new nationwide initiative called Elevate UAE has been launched to significantly expand AI training across the country. The program builds on an existing regional commitment to skill one million people by 2027, and it now aims to train more than 250,000 students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, it will support more than 55,000 government employees through sustained partnerships and advanced AI tools. Therefore, the rollout is positioned as a major boost to the UAE’s long-term AI readiness.
The announcement took place during a major AI event in Dubai where leaders from government, education, and industry gathered. Since the event highlighted innovation and productivity, it offered attendees a firsthand look at how AI is reshaping real-world workflows. Keynotes, developer sessions, and product showcases demonstrated how organizations across the UAE are turning AI ambition into tangible results.
AI Skills Embedded Across Education
The program will expand access to AI learning resources across all educational institutions in the UAE. Because of this, 10,000 teachers and 150,000 students in GEMS private schools will gain hands-on AI skills. The goal is to integrate AI literacy throughout all levels of learning, ensuring that future graduates enter the workforce with stronger technical capabilities.
“For more than three decades, Microsoft has partnered with the UAE to expand opportunity through technology. Today’s investment strengthens that partnership by building the talent that makes AI transformative empowering people with skills to unlock possibilities and enabling industries to innovate and improve lives,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president.
During the Dubai AI Tour, Smith opened the event and later joined other technology leaders to discuss the next phase of collaboration, including a previously announced $15.2 billion investment in the UAE. He emphasized how this investment unites technology, talent, and trust to support the nation’s AI infrastructure and economic vision. Since the UAE continues to prioritize inclusive growth, the initiative aligns closely with national ambitions.
The event also showcased a series of startup success stories at the Connection Hub. Emirati founders presented platforms such as Takalam, PRYPCO, and Otera. These companies demonstrated how local innovation continues to accelerate because of increased AI support. Smith also met these founders to acknowledge their contributions to the country’s growing tech landscape.
Major Government Training Effort and Next-Phase Partnerships
The launch included another important announcement involving G42 and the JAHIZ platform. They are working together to train and credential 55,000 federal government employees in AI over the next 12 months. Since the program blends foundational knowledge with practical applications, it helps public-sector professionals use AI to improve services and introduce new forms of innovation. Leadership development efforts are also ongoing, especially around responsible AI and digital transformation.
“AI represents one of the most transformative opportunities of our time, and nowhere is that more evident than here in the UAE. We are proud to stand alongside visionary partners as we bring Elevate UAE to life. Together, we are helping to translate the country’s bold AI vision into meaningful progress, empowering educators with Copilot, equipping students with future-ready skills and enabling government employees to harness AI responsibly and effectively. There is a remarkable sense of momentum and collaboration in the UAE, and we are excited to continue contributing to a future where innovation and opportunity are accessible to all,” said Amr Kamel, general manager.
Throughout AI Tour Dubai, developers, IT professionals, and business leaders engaged in practical sessions and product demonstrations across Copilot, Azure OpenAI Service, and the cloud platform. Consequently, attendees gained a clearer roadmap to accelerate AI adoption responsibly and at scale. The event serves as one chapter of a global series designed to help partners unlock meaningful value from AI across major markets.
