Artificial Intelligence Office and Mawaheb Talent Hub launch Abu Dhabi Digital Talent initiative to develop next generation of technology leaders

The Artificial Intelligence Office of the UAE Government, in collaboration with Mawaheb Talent Hub part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), has launched the Abu Dhabi Digital Talent initiative, a strategic partnership aimed at developing young people’s digital skills, strengthening collaboration between academia and the evolving needs of the workforce market, and preparing a generation of talent capable of keeping pace with rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.

The initiative focuses on building an integrated pathway that begins at the university level and connects academic knowledge with practical application. Through professional training and development programmes designed in collaboration with leading global technology companies, participants will gain practical skills and experience aligned with real workforce market needs, enhancing their readiness to transition from university into promising careers across the digital and technology sectors.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to invest in talent, build future capabilities, and establish a sustainable ecosystem for identifying and developing digital talent in Abu Dhabi. It aims to equip young people with the knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience needed to contribute effectively to the knowledge economy and the development of future solutions and innovations.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, affirmed that investing in people remains the UAE leadership’s first and most important priority in shaping its future. He said the UAE leadership has made empowering national talent, nurturing exceptional minds and building capabilities a cornerstone of the country’s approach to future readiness, stressing that the UAE’s ambition extends beyond adapting to technological change to developing national capabilities that can lead it and turn emerging opportunities into tangible economic and developmental impact.

His Excellency said: “Guided by the vision of its leadership, the UAE seeks to develop generations capable of leading the future and creating its opportunities, while strengthening the country’s position as a global destination for talent and expertise. The ‘Abu Dhabi Digital Talent’ initiative builds on national efforts to develop a broad ecosystem of digital capabilities and establish a model that connects education, training, and leading technology companies, ensuring that national skills remain aligned with the rapid evolution of technology and the new opportunities it creates.”

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, affirmed that developing the digital skills of Emirati talent is a key priority in strengthening their readiness for the rapidly evolving demands of the workforce market and enhancing their competitiveness across future-focused sectors.

His Excellency said: “Through Mawaheb Talent Hub, we are building pathways that connect skills development with real labour market opportunities, equipping Emirati talent with the practical experience and digital capabilities needed to compete and succeed in the jobs of the future. The ‘Abu Dhabi Digital Talent’ initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, the private sector, and academic institutions in preparing a generation capable of actively contributing to Abu Dhabi’s digital economy and shaping its future.”

The initiative offers an intensive eight-week programme combining hands-on training, specialised learning, and professional development, in partnership with Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, QudraTech, Inception42, Intel, Oracle, and upGrad.

The programme features three specialised learning tracks delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, enabling participants to develop skills applicable to real-world working environments while benefiting from the expertise of leading global technology organisations.

Private-sector collaboration plays an important role in transferring knowledge and expertise directly to young talent, connecting participants with the latest tools, technologies, and professional practices. This enables them to better understand the requirements of the technology sector and develop skills aligned with the emerging roles and specialisations created by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The launch of Abu Dhabi Digital Talent builds on the journey of the wider Digital Talent initiative, which has previously launched similar cohorts in Dubai and Sharjah. This expansion reflects continued efforts to build a nationwide ecosystem for developing digital talent and extending training and professional development opportunities to young people across the UAE.

The initiative aims to establish a sustainable bridge between universities, the workforce market, and leading global technology companies. Its impact extends beyond developing technical skills to fostering a digital mindset centred on continuous learning, adaptability, and opportunity creation, while preparing a generation equipped with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to help shape the future of the UAE’s digital and technology sectors.