The UAE government has extended its Nafis Emiratisation programme, designed to boost Emirati employment in the private sector, until 2040. This extension includes the introduction of new family support measures as part of the initiative. The Nafis programme provides various incentives and support mechanisms for both Emirati citizens and private companies. Why it matters: This major policy decision will significantly influence the long-term workforce development and talent pool within the UAE, directly impacting the availability of local professionals for emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and technology.
The UAE is actively engaged in training its Emirati citizens in Artificial Intelligence technologies. This national initiative aims to equip the workforce with advanced AI skills to meet the increasing demands across various sectors. The program specifically emphasizes AI's expanding role in enhancing national security and improving governmental operations and efficiency. Why it matters: This strategic investment in local AI talent underscores the UAE's commitment to technological self-reliance and the proactive integration of AI into critical public and security domains.
The United Arab Emirates has launched an AI Leadership Programme specifically designed for Emirati professionals. This initiative aims to cultivate local expertise in artificial intelligence and prepare Emirati nationals for leadership positions within the burgeoning AI sector. The program signifies the UAE's strategic commitment to developing its national human capital in advanced technologies. Why it matters: This program is crucial for building domestic AI capabilities and ensuring Emiratis are at the forefront of the nation's AI transformation strategy.
The UAE is launching an initiative to train young Emiratis as 'industrial storytellers,' aiming to develop a specialized workforce capable of communicating compelling narratives about the nation's industrial sector. This program will equip participants with skills to create engaging content and effectively promote industrial advancements. The initiative is designed to enhance national talent in strategic communication and foster deeper engagement with critical economic sectors. Why it matters: This program underscores the UAE's commitment to developing a highly skilled local workforce, capable of leveraging modern communication techniques, potentially including digital and AI-driven tools, to highlight its industrial growth and attract investment.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the first 45 Emirati talents selected for the Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) ‘NexTech’ program. The NexTech program aims to develop Emirati talent in research and technology, aligning with Abu Dhabi's investment in knowledge development. ATRC will empower UAE national talent via outreach, talent scouting, and directing talent to TII research projects. Why it matters: This program signifies a strategic push towards building national competencies in advanced technology and accelerating the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The UAE's Artificial Intelligence Office is partnering with Samsung Gulf Electronics to promote AI literacy among young Emiratis. The collaboration aims to equip the youth with essential AI skills through various educational initiatives and workshops. The initiative will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to fostering AI talent and driving technological innovation by empowering its youth with crucial skills for the future.
MBZUAI's inaugural class included eight Emirati master's graduates in computer vision and machine learning, making up 15% of the Class of 2022. All eight have secured employment or will pursue Ph.D. studies at MBZUAI, contributing to healthcare, technology, energy, transport, and government sectors in the UAE. Fatima Albreiki and Wafa Al Ghallabi will continue at MBZUAI for Ph.D. studies in Computer Vision. Why it matters: MBZUAI is nurturing local AI talent to support the UAE's national strategy and address global challenges in key sectors.
MBZUAI welcomed its largest cohort of 209 graduate students for Fall 2024, selected from over 4800 applications. The new cohort includes the first students in computer science and robotics, representing 36 countries with 44 Emiratis. MBZUAI is also creating new departments dedicated to human-computer interaction, statistics and data science, and computational biology. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem and MBZUAI's position as a leading global AI institution, providing a diverse talent pool for the UAE's innovation goals.