SHARJAH — In a significant step towards enhancing digital skills across its government workforce, Sharjah has launched a national initiative aimed at training thousands of government employees in artificial intelligence (AI). The comprehensive program comes as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Sharjah Digital Authority and Microsoft UAE, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive productivity and innovation.
The initiative will focus on equipping employees from various government sectors, including executive leaders, developers, and IT specialists, with AI skills. This effort aims to integrate AI technologies into daily operations, boosting efficiency, fostering creativity, and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and economic growth.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative. “We are committed to digital excellence in line with the vision of Sharjah, with a focus on harnessing emerging technologies to serve human cadres and achieve sustainable development,” he said. “This initiative with Microsoft will open new horizons for our employees to lead the digital future with efficiency and creativity.”
A key objective of the program is to empower government employees with the knowledge to develop ethical and sustainable technological solutions, thereby enhancing innovation and improving the quality of life in Sharjah and beyond. The initiative is aligned with the UAE’s broader strategy to integrate AI into the public and private sectors as part of its efforts to drive economic and social development.
Naim Yazbek, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Sharjah Digital on this pioneering initiative that underscores our commitment to providing ethical and sustainable AI solutions. We aim to empower government employees with the skills that qualify them to leverage modern technologies to serve the UAE and global community.”
By providing specialized AI training, the initiative not only aims to improve operational efficiency within the government but also seeks to foster a culture of innovation, positioning Sharjah at the forefront of digital transformation efforts in the region.
As AI continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global economy, Sharjah’s focus on building a skilled workforce equipped to harness these technologies reflects its dedication to creating a sustainable and competitive future. This initiative is also expected to contribute to the UAE’s overarching goal of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031.
The training is expected to take place in phases, covering a wide range of AI-related topics, from data analysis to the ethical use of technology, ensuring that government employees are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
