MBZUAI will train 80,000 UAE federal employees in advanced artificial intelligence. Federal authorities launched the partnership on Tuesday. The program focuses entirely on agentic AI, which allows systems to make independent decisions to achieve goals. This massive educational drive aims to modernise public services across federal entities.
Expanding AI Skills at MBZUAI
The training will take place in coordination with the Abu Dhabi-based university. Instructors at MBZUAI plan to deliver specialized courses designed to help civil servants understand and apply these advanced digital tools. This initiative aligns with the country's broader goals to integrate artificial intelligence into daily administrative workflows.
By focusing on agentic systems, the program goes beyond basic automation. These systems can plan, use tools, and execute multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. This represents a shift from simple chatbots to active digital assistants.
Supporting National Digital Goals
This partnership supports the "We the UAE 2031" national agenda, which prioritises digital transformation and economic competitiveness. Federal authorities want to ensure that public sector workers can use modern technology effectively.
Officials expect the training to improve efficiency across multiple ministries. It represents one of the largest coordinated tech-education campaigns for government workers in the region. The program will roll out in phases to avoid disrupting daily public services.
What Agentic AI Means for Public Service
Unlike traditional AI that simply answers queries, agentic systems act as autonomous assistants. They can manage complex schedules, process large datasets, and draft policy recommendations.
For federal staff, this means shifting away from repetitive administrative tasks. Employees will instead focus on strategic decision-making and direct public interaction. The curriculum will cover both the technical aspects and the ethical considerations of using autonomous systems in government.
Driving the UAE Tech Strategy
This program marks a significant step in the UAE's long-term technology plans. The country has consistently backed AI development as a core pillar of its future economy.
More details on the specific curriculum and rollout timeline are expected in the coming weeks. The first cohort of federal employees will begin their coursework later this year. This initiative shows the growing role of academic institutions in shaping public sector capabilities.
