Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Google Cloud have announced a strategic upskilling initiative tailored for Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) as part of Dubai AI Week.
The initiative is designed to enhance the practical expertise of AI leaders and accelerate Dubai’s AI goals, aligning with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence.
The initiative builds on the achievements of the blueprint launched in April 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation. As part of this effort, Chief AI Officers have been appointed across Dubai government entities.
The new program will equip Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) with access to Google Cloud’s advanced AI tools, specialized training, and strategic insights, enabling them to spearhead impactful AI implementations, drive innovation, and generate tangible value across their organizations.
This strategic collaboration intends to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global Government AI Readiness Index, while ensuring that government leaders are equipped with the tools and insight needed to responsibly scale AI in service of society.
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said that, “Dubai is leading the way globally with the appointment of Chief AI Officers in government—an initiative overseen by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in June 2023. Today, just one year on, we have CAIOs across government. At Dubai Future Foundation, we’re committed to forming global partnerships that support these leaders in staying ahead in one of the world’s fastest-moving fields.”
“This initiative couldn’t come at a more important time. Investing in the capabilities of Dubai’s Chief AI Officers is essential to future-proofing the government and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global innovation hub. By equipping them with advanced knowledge in applied AI, we’re accelerating adoption and laying the groundwork for transformative impact across sectors,” noted Ziad Jammal, General Manager for Google Cloud UAE, Levant, and North Africa.
