UAE to Train 80K Government Employees in Agentic AI
UAE launches world’s largest AI training program to transform government services by 2026.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 19 May 2026 Reading time: 4 min reads
In a bold move to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled an ambitious plan to train 80,000 government employees—from ministers to junior staff—in the use of Agentic AI. The initiative aims to ensure that half of all government services are delivered through autonomous AI systems within the next two years.
A Vision for the Future
The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, during a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed described the program as the largest AI training initiative ever launched by the UAE government, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of governance.
A Multi-Faceted Training Approach
The program is designed to enhance AI capabilities across five key categories:
- Leadership: Equipping ministers and senior officials with strategic AI decision-making skills.
- Technical Skills: Training IT and data professionals to develop and deploy AI systems.
- Specialist Roles: Preparing employees in sectors like healthcare, finance, and logistics for AI integration.
- General Workforce: Ensuring all government employees understand AI’s role in their daily tasks.
- Trainers: Providing specialized training for educators who will teach AI skills to others.
A dedicated digital platform, powered by Agentic AI tools, will offer personalized learning pathways tailored to each employee’s role and skill level.
Governance and Implementation
The UAE Cabinet has established a clear governance framework to define the roles and responsibilities of all federal entities involved in the project. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, will oversee the initiative, with a task force led by Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
The project will be implemented in phases, with ministries and federal departments gradually adopting AI agents based on performance and impact assessments. The goal is to create a fully autonomous government ecosystem that reduces operational costs, boosts productivity, and enhances efficiency.
Transforming Government Services
As part of the initiative, the UAE Cabinet has already approved the first package of government services to be powered by Agentic AI. These services are designed for citizens, residents, businesses, and investors, with the aim of making the UAE the best government in the world in adopting AI assistant technologies.
AI in Healthcare: A National Priority
In addition to the broader AI training program, Sheikh Mohammed announced plans to further integrate AI into the healthcare sector. The National Policy to Enhance Artificial Intelligence in the Health Sector will focus on:
- Developing digital health infrastructure.
- Equipping healthcare professionals with AI-driven skills.
- Enhancing personalized patient care through AI tools.
The UAE’s AI Strategy: A Global First
The UAE’s AI strategy, unveiled in April under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, positions the country as the first government in the world to operate at such a large scale through autonomous systems. By training every federal employee in AI, the UAE aims to build the world’s strongest capabilities in AI-driven governance.
What Are Agentic AI Tools?
Agentic AI refers to autonomous AI systems capable of making decisions and achieving specific goals with minimal human intervention. Unlike traditional AI, which relies on predefined rules, Agentic AI can proactively perform tasks, adapt to new situations, and optimize processes—making it ideal for government operations.
A Step Toward a Smarter Future
With this initiative, the UAE is not only embracing technological advancement but also redefining public service delivery. By empowering its workforce with AI skills, the country is laying the foundation for a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable government.
As the program rolls out, the UAE is set to become a global benchmark for AI integration in governance, setting a new standard for the world to follow.