UAE Launches ‘Digital Talents in Sharjah’ with Global Tech Giants

The “Digital Talents in Sharjah” initiative was launched in partnership with the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, alongside global technology companies including Google, Microsoft, Oracle and upGrad.

The two-year program is designed to bridge the gap between academic education and labor market demands by offering hands-on training, professional certifications and practical exposure to AI applications and digital technologies.

The launch ceremony was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, reflecting the government’s broader push to position the UAE as a regional and global center for artificial intelligence development.

Preparing the Next Generation for the AI Economy

The initiative arrives as Gulf countries increasingly compete to develop local AI capabilities, attract technology investment and prepare younger populations for changing employment demands driven by automation and digital transformation. While the UAE has invested heavily in AI infrastructure and policy frameworks in recent years, officials are also emphasizing the importance of workforce readiness and practical digital skills development.

Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, stated: “The initiative will play a key role in equipping students and graduates with applied digital skills, aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands, and supporting the preparation of a generation capable of leading digital transformation, advancing sustainable development, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and the knowledge economy.”

Universities and Tech Giants Join the Initiative

The University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah are expected to serve as core academic partners, while participating technology firms will contribute training modules, workshops and certification programs.

Professor Dr. Esameldin Agami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, emphasized that this partnership aligns with the university’s mission to prepare graduates who are capable of effectively integrating into the modern workforce market, rather than merely holding an academic degree.

He noted: “Aligning educational outcomes with the evolving demands of the digital economy requires more than curricula alone, it calls for strong, strategic collaboration with leading global technology companies that are shaping this landscape. This initiative, through accredited, hands-on training in advanced artificial intelligence under the guidance of world-class firms, provides a high-impact learning experience and meaningful added value that is best achieved through this level of integration and partnership.”

Rather than focusing solely on theoretical instruction, the initiative aims to expose participants to real-world applications of AI technologies and digital systems through specialized training delivered by technology companies and industry practitioners.

As part of the program, Google is expected to conduct workshops centered on artificial intelligence tools and applications, including training related to Gemini AI technologies and their use in business management, marketing and idea generation. The workshops build on the UAE’s broader “AI for All” initiative launched in collaboration with Google in late 2025.

Microsoft will also contribute through its Microsoft Elevate initiative, which focuses on AI education, governance frameworks and institutional readiness for AI adoption in learning environments.

Oracle, meanwhile, said its participation is intended to help students gain technical and digital skills aligned with future labor market requirements and digital transformation initiatives across the UAE.

UAE Expands Broader AI Strategy

The UAE has increasingly positioned AI education and workforce development as central pillars of its national digital strategy. In recent years, the country has launched multiple initiatives aimed at expanding AI literacy, digital upskilling and emerging technology adoption across government entities, universities and private sector organizations.

Sharjah itself has also expanded digital transformation efforts through government-led training programs and partnerships focused on digital governance and emerging technologies. Last month, the Sharjah Digital Department launched a separate “Digital Transformation Expert” program aimed at training government employees in areas such as AI, cloud computing and digital leadership.

Analysts and policymakers globally have increasingly warned about talent shortages in AI-related industries, particularly as governments and corporations accelerate adoption of machine learning systems, automation tools and advanced digital infrastructure. Several recent academic studies have highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between governments, universities and private sector firms in building sustainable technology talent pipelines.

The UAE’s strategy appears focused not only on attracting international expertise, but also on developing domestic talent capable of supporting long-term economic diversification goals beyond oil revenues.

The “Digital Talents in Sharjah” initiative also aligns with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which places workforce development and digital capability building among its core priorities. Officials say the broader objective is to prepare younger generations to contribute to sectors increasingly shaped by advanced technologies and data-driven systems.