Dubai establishes an AI training centre for 1,000 government employees

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, inaugurated the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Emirates Towers. Located in Area 2071, the centre aims to provide training on generative artificial intelligence to 1,000 government employees from over 30 government bodies. The training will focus on various applications of AI, including the creation of data such as images, videos, audio, text, and 3D models.

The primary objectives of the centre are to launch multiple pilot projects, enhance government services, increase the productivity of government employees, and support more than 20 domestic and global advanced technology start-ups. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to adopting new technologies and preparing for future opportunities and challenges.

He expressed his vision for Dubai’s government to become a global leader in deploying artificial intelligence across its entities. The establishment of the Dubai Centre for AI marks the first step towards achieving this goal and developing future services that keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

Sheikh Hamdan encouraged government employees across all departments to leverage generative AI tools to enhance productivity and optimize government services. He emphasized the need for practical applications of AI technologies within the government sector and highlighted the importance of harnessing technological advancements for the benefit of society.

The Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Media Council, and Dubai Digital Authority will oversee the implementation of the centre’s AI initiatives. Through simulations, the centre will study the effects of new policies and legislation, predict outcomes of different scenarios, evaluate program effectiveness, and support complex decision-making processes.

Utilizing data analysis tools, the centre aims to identify trends and insights that can assist government offices in making well-informed decisions. The introduction of AI has the potential to contribute significantly to Gulf economies, with estimates suggesting it could add up to $150 billion, equivalent to around 9% of their combined gross domestic product (GDP), according to recent research by global consultancy McKinsey.

Overall, the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence serves as a strategic hub for advancing AI capabilities, driving innovation, and shaping the future of government services in Dubai.