Abu Dhabi, it's time to step up our AI game
Abu Dhabi is stepping up its AI ambitions with the launch of AiNative, a new training programme designed to give government employees, residents and citizens the skills to use artificial intelligence confidently and responsibly.
Launched by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE) in partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the programme aims to train 20,000 government employees by the end of 2026.
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027, with the programme focused as much on developing people’s skills as rolling out new technology.
For government employees, AiNative will offer practical training on tools, including ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot, helping staff use AI in their day-to-day work. More specialised certifications covering areas such as coding and data are also planned for later phases.
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How to access the free AI training programme in Abu Dhabi
Citizens and residents will be able to access AiNative through a new app called Tomouh, using UAE Pass. At the moment, only a pilot programme is in place, so not everyone can access the app just yet.
The public programme will focus on practical ways to use AI in everyday life, from managing personal finances and running a small business to job hunting, studying and creating content responsibly online. Training will be delivered using the free version of ChatGPT.
The curriculum is owned by DGE and has been developed with OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI. The programme is designed to remain technology-agnostic, allowing additional partners to join in the future.
An initial AiNative pilot is already under way within the Abu Dhabi Government, with the public programme set to follow.
The launch comes after Abu Dhabi announced the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot to 35,000 government employees through the Frontier Employee Programme in July.
Together, the initiatives are designed to give government employees access to AI tools while building the skills needed to use them effectively and responsibly, as Abu Dhabi works towards its 2027 AI-native government goal.
