UAE and Google Launch “AI for All” Initiative
▼ Summary
– The UAE’s AI Office and Google launched the “AI for All” initiative to build AI capabilities across all age groups and professional backgrounds through comprehensive training programs.
– Generative AI is projected to add AED298 billion to the UAE economy, highlighting both its economic potential and the need for widespread AI skills development.
– Educational programs will empower students, employees, content creators, and SMEs to use AI responsibly, including training on prompt writing and leveraging AI for business growth.
– The initiative includes a nationwide campaign throughout 2026 to boost public awareness and adoption of essential AI skills, including foundational AI literacy modules.
– This collaboration supports the UAE’s Vision 2031 to become a global AI innovation hub and is part of Google’s broader MENA AI Opportunity Initiative to provide AI skills across the region by 2027.
The United Arab Emirates has launched a major new program called “AI for All” in partnership with Google, aiming to provide comprehensive artificial intelligence training to citizens and residents of all ages and professional backgrounds. This ambitious initiative, officially unveiled during the UAE Codes 2025 event, is designed to build a technologically skilled society capable of harnessing AI responsibly and effectively.
A nationwide awareness and education campaign will run throughout 2026, focusing on boosting public understanding and adoption of essential AI capabilities. The program is being spearheaded by the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office. It seeks to equip individuals with foundational knowledge in AI, covering everything from basic literacy to more advanced applications.
The economic stakes are significant. Research from Public First indicates that generative AI alone has the potential to inject a massive AED298 billion into the UAE’s economy. Realizing this financial promise, however, is directly tied to the nation’s ability to cultivate a workforce proficient in these new technologies.
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that the collaboration reflects the government’s forward-thinking strategy. The core objective is to empower society to leverage AI’s potential, which is seen as a fundamental tool for enhancing well-being and transforming operations across all vital sectors. He described the partnership with Google as a prime example of effective public-private cooperation in equipping the population with future-ready knowledge and skills.
A central component of the initiative involves organizing specialized educational programs. These are tailored for a diverse audience, including students, university attendees, employees, and content creators. The curriculum will not only teach the responsible and safe use of AI but will also provide practical training on crafting effective prompts for generative AI tools and developing creative skills through AI-powered platforms.
![Image: A diverse group of people engaged in a collaborative learning session.]
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a key target group. A dedicated educational series will show business owners how to leverage artificial intelligence to stimulate growth and improve operational efficiency, ensuring they can fully capitalize on the technology’s benefits.
In a related move earlier this month, Google provided university students with 12 months of complimentary access to “Gemini 2.5,” its most sophisticated AI model. This offering is part of the broader initiative and includes additional features intended to foster continuous and creative learning.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, stated that the collaboration is founded on a mutual conviction that AI’s benefits must be accessible to everyone. He noted that this program is a component of Google’s wider commitment to helping more people utilize AI and maximize the technology’s advantages.
As part of the “AI for All” drive, participants will gain AI literacy that encompasses productivity enhancements and crucial privacy principles. The 2026 campaign will encourage everyone in the UAE to complete foundational AI modules and experience Google’s leading AI products, such as Gemini.
This effort also aligns with the UAE Government’s Vision 2031 to become a leading AI destination. It fits within Google’s larger MENA AI Opportunity Initiative, which aims to ensure the growth potential of AI is within reach for every community member across the Middle East and North Africa by the end of 2027. The overarching goal is to provide essential AI skills, research funding, and access to helpful AI products throughout the region.
Google’s educational platform, Maharat min Google, which launched in Arabic in 2018, will play a supporting role. The platform, which has already trained over 430,000 people in the UAE, offers courses on digital literacy and is continuously updated to include the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
Nakache added that by equipping students with advanced AI models, empowering SMEs with growth tools, and supporting professionals like teachers and journalists, they are helping to construct a future where every community member can participate safely and confidently in the new AI-driven economy.
(Source: Economy Middle East)
