Abu Dhabi Government has launched AI-Native, a training programme targeting practical artificial intelligence skills for 20,000 government employees by year-end.
The Department of Government Enablement developed the initiative with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Officials signed a memorandum of understanding at Ai Everything Abu Dhabi on October 7.
The programme supports the emirate’s ambition to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027. Its focus extends beyond providing software to helping employees use AI confidently and responsibly.
“Abu Dhabi’s leadership understands that becoming an AI-native government is as much about people as it is about technology,” said Amr Kamel. He serves as Microsoft UAE’s general manager.
Government employees will learn to use ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot in their daily work. The curriculum includes foundation courses and a dedicated programme for department leaders.
Later phases will introduce specialised, function-specific certifications, including coding and data. A government pilot is already under way, with public access to follow.
Free training for citizens and residents
Abu Dhabi citizens and residents will eventually access the free programme through Tomouh, the government’s AI-powered learning app. They will log in using UAE Pass.
The public learning programme will use the free version of ChatGPT. Lessons will demonstrate everyday applications, including managing personal finances, running small businesses, finding jobs, studying and creating online content responsibly.
This broadens the initiative beyond workplace training. Residents will learn how to apply AI to practical needs in their professional and personal lives.
“Becoming an AI-native nation starts with AI-confident people,” said Farouk El Hamzawi, head of enterprise at OpenAI MENA.
He said AI’s shift from answering questions to handling complex tasks would create opportunities for workers and government services. Realising those opportunities, he added, requires the skills and confidence to use the technology effectively.
“DGE is helping government employees and the wider public to turn Abu Dhabi’s bold AI ambitions into everyday impact.”
Wesam Lootah, director general of GovDigital at DGE, emphasised responsible adoption. He said the programme would help employees and the wider community use AI at work and in everyday life.
Training builds on 35,000 Copilot licences
AiNative follows the Frontier Employee Programme, announced in July, which expanded Microsoft 365 Copilot across Abu Dhabi Government.
DGE’s July announcement detailed deployment to 26,000 civil servants across 27 government entities. Combined with 9,000 existing licences, that brought the total to 35,000.
The department said the deployment included Advanced Data Residency, with AI processing taking place within UAE borders. It also outlined security, data governance and readiness assessments to support responsible use.
Officials said the two initiatives would pair access to advanced tools with the skills necessary to use them at scale.
The immediate target remains training 20,000 government employees before the end of 2026. The subsequent public rollout will extend that learning opportunity to Abu Dhabi’s citizens and residents.
