Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Academy, a major step in preparing professionals for the future of artificial intelligence. Located within the Dubai AI Campus at the DIFC Innovation Hub the largest concentration of AI and tech companies in the region the Academy was launched during the Dubai AI Retreat at the Museum of the Future, gathering over 150 global tech leaders and government officials as part of the city’s first AI Week.
Established under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative reflects Dubai’s vision to lead the digital economy. The Academy, developed with the support of the DIFC Academy, aims to train 10,000 professionals from both the public and private sectors. The goal is to build a skilled workforce capable of applying AI across industries, thereby strengthening Dubai’s global position in technology and innovation.
The Academy offers specialized training and certification programmes that emphasize practical, real-world use of AI. These include learning how to identify AI opportunities, implement solutions, integrate AI into strategic operations, and navigate the ethical considerations of AI technologies. Key offerings include “AI for Civil Service” in partnership with Udacity, and “Leadership in the Age of AI” in collaboration with the Minerva Project. Additionally, a partnership with Oxford’s Saïd Business School will support leadership development in AI.
This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader objective of doubling AI’s contribution to the economy, part of the DIFC 2030 strategy. As reported by McKinsey, AI has the potential to unlock up to $4.4 trillion in global productivity, highlighting the urgency of developing talent in this area.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, underscored the importance of the Academy, stating that widespread AI education is crucial to maintaining Dubai’s edge in innovation. “This Academy will empower the next generation of leaders to implement AI across all sectors and cement Dubai’s role as a global tech hub,” he said.
Beyond education, the Dubai AI Campus also provides resources such as high-performance computing and a dedicated AI business licence, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a growing center for AI-driven enterprise and innovation.
