Abu Dhabi Introduces AiNative AI Training for Government Staff and the Public

Abu Dhabi's Department of Government Enablement (DGE) has launched AiNative, an AI training programme for government employees and the wider public. DGE developed the programme with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and announced it at AI Everything Abu Dhabi.

The programme is part of the emirate's stated goal of becoming the world's first AI-native government by 2027. DGE aims to upskill 20,000 government employees by the end of 2026.

How the Programme Is Structured

There are two main learning tracks. On the government side, employees receive foundation learning journeys, while department leaders have a separate executive programme. The training covers practical use of tools including ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Function-specific certifications in areas such as coding and data are planned for later phases.

The public track is intended for citizens and residents. It will be available through Tomouh, DGE's AI-powered learning app, with users logging in through UAE Pass. Training on this track will be delivered through the free version of ChatGPT.

DGE owns the curriculum, which was shaped with OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI. The programme is designed to remain open and technology-agnostic, allowing additional partners to be added over time.

What Learners Will Cover

The public learning journey focuses on practical uses of AI in everyday life, including:

• Managing personal finances.
• Running a small business.
• Finding a job.
• Studying.
• Creating content responsibly online.

The programme is intended to build practical AI skills rather than simply provide access to specific tools. Users will still need to apply their own judgement, check AI-generated information and take appropriate care when handling sensitive or confidential information.

Timing and What to Check

AiNative is being rolled out in phases. An initial pilot within government is already under way, while public access will follow. The official announcement does not provide a public launch date, so citizens and residents should check DGE's official channels before assuming the public programme is available.

The launch follows the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot to 35,000 Abu Dhabi Government employees through the Frontier Employee Programme, announced in July 2026. The earlier programme expanded access to AI tools across government, while AiNative adds structured training intended to support their responsible use.

The AiNative announcement outlines the programme's learning areas and rollout goals but does not provide detailed information about public assessment methods or how later certifications will be recognised. Anyone interested in certification should check the requirements and recognition details once DGE publishes them.

The programme also includes tools from specific technology companies, while DGE describes the curriculum itself as technology-agnostic. Learners can therefore focus on transferable skills such as evaluating AI outputs, using AI responsibly and understanding when human judgement is still required.

Key Takeaways

• AiNative is a DGE programme for government employees and the wider public, developed with OpenAI, Microsoft and MBZUAI.
• DGE aims to upskill 20,000 government employees by the end of 2026. The public track will be available through Tomouh using UAE Pass and will be delivered through the free version of ChatGPT.
• A government pilot is already under way, while a public launch date has not yet been announced.

Sources: Abu Dhabi Media Office, Abu Dhabi Media Office — Frontier Employee Programme, Ahram Online.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.