Microsoft has announced a major expansion of its ‘Elevate UAE’ initiative, part of its global commitment to equip one million people across the United Arab Emirates with essential artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The company said the programme is progressing rapidly, with more than 2,50,000 students, educators, and staff and over 55,000 government employees already being trained in high-demand AI competencies.
The announcement follows Microsoft’s pledge to invest $15.2 billion in the UAE by the end of the decade. The investment aims to strengthen the nation’s AI ecosystem by combining technology, talent and trust to support sustainable economic growth.
In partnership with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Microsoft will train more than 30,000 educators and 70,000 students over the next year to foster widespread AI adoption in classrooms and beyond. Emirati graduates will also benefit from technical skilling programmes designed to develop expertise in building and managing future AI models.
The initiative includes deep collaborations with leading educational institutions. Through its partnership with GEMS Education, AI-focused content is being integrated across schools, offering training to 10,000 teachers and 1,50,000 students. Custom AI agents, Copilot workshops, and AI fluency programmes are helping educators and learners embrace next-generation tools. Additionally, nonprofit partnerships such as INJAZ UAE have credentialed over 58,000 learners in AI fundamentals and digital safety.
Microsoft is also partnering with MBZUAI, Higher Colleges of Technology, and UAE University to advance AI literacy and research through specialised academic programmes and fellowships. These collaborations aim to build a strong local talent pipeline for the UAE’s knowledge-driven economy.
For the public sector, Microsoft and G42 are rolling out specialised AI courses through the JAHIZ platform, targeting the credentialing of 55,000 government employees in the coming year. Leadership- development programmes also continue to train senior executives on digital transformation and responsible AI governance.
Microsoft said the Elevate UAE initiative represents a long-term promise to empower people, close the digital skills gap, and help the country maintain its global leadership in AI innovation.
