Abdulaziz Al Shamsi warns workers that skipping AI training will lag them. The co‑founder of Abu Dhabi‑based AI Diverge and a PhD researcher in AI at the University of Manchester says the gap between AI‑savvy staff and those left behind is widening. He describes this divide as a “growing and tangible gap” that creates a split in the UAE workplace, noting that the technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for career survival.
His warning arrives as the federal government rolls out a massive AI upskilling drive. Al Shamsi compares the current shift to the rise of computer literacy two decades ago, arguing that knowing the basics of artificial intelligence is now an essential skill for any employee, regardless of their specialisation. This perspective aligns with the UAE’s accelerated push to become the world’s first government to operate autonomous systems on a massive scale.
In April 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice‑President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced a national plan to shift 50 per cent of federal government sectors, services and operations to Agentic AI systems within two years. To support this transition, the state has launched the largest training programme in its history. The initiative aims to upskill 80,000 government employees, ranging from ministers and senior officials to new hires, specifically on Agentic AI tools.
Al Shamsi, whose company designs systems that plan, make decisions and execute tasks semi‑autonomously, explains that AI is a “cross‑sectional tool” applicable across almost all fields. The impact varies by profession: for office and knowledge workers in writing, analysis, customer service, HR and marketing, the benefits are direct and quickly visible. In technical and research roles, AI has shifted from an assistive tool to an integral part of the core work system. Even field and physical jobs face rising impact as robotics advance. Addressing fears of job displacement, Al Shamsi clarified that AI is designed to augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the impact of AI on jobs in the UAE?
According to Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, AI is designed to augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs, changing the nature of work but not necessarily leading to displacement.
Why is AI training important for UAE workers?
Al Shamsi warns that skipping AI training will leave UAE workers lagging behind as the nation pushes a massive upskilling programme for 80,000 government staff; basic AI knowledge is now essential for any employee.
What is the UAE's plan for implementing Agentic AI systems?
The UAE aims to shift 50% of federal government sectors, services, and operations to Agentic AI systems within two years, as announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2026.
How many government employees will receive AI training in the UAE?
The programme targets upskilling 80,000 government employees on Agentic AI tools, making it the largest training initiative in the country's history.
What is the role of AI in the UAE's government sectors?
Al Shamsi describes AI as a cross‑sectional tool applicable across almost all fields, delivering direct benefits in office, knowledge, technical, research, and even field jobs.
What is the significance of the UAE's AI upskilling programme?
The initiative supports the UAE's accelerated push to become the world’s first government to operate autonomous systems on a massive scale.
