The newly introduced Abu Dhabi AiNative AI training programme aims to boost the skills of government employees, department leaders, citizens and residents. Abu Dhabi has launched AiNative, a new artificial intelligence training programme aimed at government employees, department leaders, citizens and residents.
The initiative was announced on October 7 at Ai Everything Abu Dhabi by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE). Developed with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the programme is designed to build practical AI skills across government and the wider community.
The first major target is clear: 20,000 Abu Dhabi government employees are expected to receive AI training by the end of 2026. The programme supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027.
Abu Dhabi Wants AI Skills Across the Government Workforce
The AiNative programme reflects a shift in Abu Dhabi’s AI strategy from simply adopting new technologies to preparing the people who will use them. Government employees will receive structured training designed around practical applications, giving them the skills to work with AI as part of their daily responsibilities.
The government learning journey includes tools such as ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Employees will learn how to use these systems confidently and responsibly, while later phases will introduce more specialised certifications covering areas such as coding and data.
That approach gives the programme a much broader purpose than a one-off technology course. Abu Dhabi is effectively trying to establish a common level of AI capability across its government workforce.
20,000 Employees Are Expected to Complete AI Training
The 20,000-employee target gives AiNative a sizeable first test. Abu Dhabi is not positioning AI training as something reserved for technology specialists or a small group of senior officials. The programme is intended to reach government employees at scale.
DGE said the initiative will help employees develop the confidence and knowledge needed to use AI in their everyday work. That includes understanding how to work with AI tools while maintaining appropriate human judgement and responsible use.
The training forms part of Abu Dhabi’s larger plan to become an AI-native government by 2027, making workforce capability a central part of the emirate’s digital transformation programme.
OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI Help Shape the Programme
AiNative brings together government, the technology sector and academia around a single workforce development programme. DGE owns the curriculum, while OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI contributed to its development.
The collaboration gives the programme access to expertise spanning AI models, workplace software and academic research. At the same time, DGE said AiNative will remain open and technology-agnostic, allowing additional partners to participate as the programme develops.
That technology-agnostic approach is important because AI tools are changing quickly. A government training programme built around one platform could become outdated. AiNative is instead designed around broader AI capability while giving employees exposure to specific tools currently used in the workplace.
Citizens and Residents Can Join the AI Learning Programme
Abu Dhabi is extending the initiative beyond government offices by creating a public learning journey for citizens and residents. The move reflects the growing role AI plays in ordinary activities, from job searches and education to small-business management.
The public programme will be available through Tomouh, DGE’s AI-powered learning app, using UAE Pass for access. Participants will use the free version of ChatGPT to explore practical applications such as managing personal finances, running a small business, finding employment, studying and creating content responsibly online.
This gives AiNative a wider social dimension. The programme is not only preparing government workers for AI adoption; it is also attempting to raise practical AI literacy among the wider population.
Abu Dhabi Creates a Separate Track for Government Leaders
Senior officials have different AI requirements from employees using AI tools for everyday tasks, so AiNative includes a dedicated executive learning journey for department leaders. The leadership track is intended to address the decisions that come with introducing AI across government organisations.
For senior officials, the challenge extends beyond knowing how to use ChatGPT or another AI system. Leaders must understand how AI can affect productivity, decision-making, public services and organisational capability.
By separating the executive programme from the broader workforce learning journey, Abu Dhabi is recognising that successful AI adoption requires both hands-on skills and leadership capable of directing larger transformation programmes.
AI Training Is Becoming Part of Abu Dhabi’s Government Transformation
The launch of AiNative comes as Abu Dhabi moves toward a government model in which artificial intelligence becomes embedded into everyday public-sector operations. That requires more than infrastructure and access to advanced models. Employees must know how to use the technology properly and understand where human judgement remains essential.
DGE Director General of GovDigital Wesam Lootah said the programme puts knowledge and confidence at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s AI strategy. OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI also stressed the importance of practical skills, responsible adoption and lifelong learning.
The underlying message is fairly simple: buying AI tools does not create an AI-native government by itself. People have to know what to do with them.
AiNative Could Shape Abu Dhabi’s Next Phase of AI Adoption
Abu Dhabi’s 2027 AI-native government target puts unusual pressure on workforce development. Thousands of employees need to become comfortable with AI while government departments work out where the technology can create genuine value.
AiNative gives that effort a formal structure, combining government training, executive education and public AI literacy under one programme. The initial 20,000-employee target is only the first major milestone, with specialised training expected to expand into areas such as coding and data.
For Abu Dhabi, the bigger test will be what happens after the training. If employees begin using AI to improve everyday government work, public services and decision-making, AiNative could become an important part of the emirate’s push to make AI a normal feature of government rather than a separate technology project.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) — Abu Dhabi launches AiNative training initiative for entire government workforce and the public
Read the original WAM report
