As the use of artificial intelligence expands across the UAE, several training programmes and free learning opportunities have become available to different groups, covering skills ranging from prompt engineering and generative AI to cybersecurity, data analysis and the practical use of tools such as ChatGPT.

Some of these programmes are open to the public, while others have specific eligibility requirements, such as student status. Public access to one of the programmes is also expected to begin at a later stage.

1. One Million Prompters programme

The One Million Prompters initiative was launched by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, part of Dubai Future Foundation, with the aim of teaching prompt engineering skills to one million people.

The programme covers the fundamentals of AI and generative AI, prompt engineering, AI-powered productivity and creative applications of the technology.

The course content comprises four sections: understanding the power of AI, interacting effectively with AI chatbots, improving productivity with AI tools and exploring creative applications of generative AI.

Registration is open worldwide, and participants receive a certificate after completing the training modules.

Cost: Free

Registration:
dub.ai/en/omp

2. Free one-year Google AI Plus subscription for students

Eligible students in the UAE can receive free access to the Google AI Plus plan for one year if they register by December 31, 2026.

The offer is available to active university students aged 18 and over and forms part of broader efforts to expand student access to AI tools.

The Google AI Plus plan provides access to a range of AI features for study, research and content creation, including Gemini and Gemini Notebook tools for working with course materials and producing summaries and interactive audio content.

The plan also includes 400GB of storage.

A broader partnership between Google and the UAE Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications was announced in 2025 under the AI for All programme, which includes AI training initiatives for different segments of society.

Cost: Free for one year for eligible users

Registration deadline: December 31, 2026

Registration:
goo.gle/studentoffer26-uae

3. More than 1,000 Courses Through IBM SkillsBuild

IBM and the UAE Cybersecurity Council announced an initiative during GISEC Global 2026 to expand access to the free IBM SkillsBuild training programme in the UAE.

The initiative covers five groups: high school pupils, university students, new entrants to the workforce, government employees, and participants in the startup and innovation track.

Learners can access more than 1,000 courses in fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, project management and workplace skills.

The programme also offers industry-recognised certificates and digital credentials for selected learning pathways.

Cost: Free

View courses:
skillsbuild.org

4. Abu Dhabi’s AiNative Programme

The Abu Dhabi Government Enablement Department has launched the AiNative programme in collaboration with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

Designed for government employees and the wider public, the initiative aims to upskill 20,000 government employees by the end of 2026. The programme is part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027.

Under the dedicated government employee track, participants are introduced to tools such as ChatGPT, Codex and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling them to use AI practically and responsibly in their daily work.

A public version of the programme is also planned for citizens and residents. Once public access is launched, users will be able to join through the Tomouh learning app using UAE Pass.

This track will focus on practical applications of AI in everyday life, from managing personal finances, running a small business and finding employment to studying and creating online content responsibly. The content will be available through the free version of ChatGPT.

Cost: Free

Registration status: The programme is being rolled out in phases, with the pilot stage for government employees currently under way. Public access will be introduced in the next phase.

For updates on the launch of public access, users can follow the Tomouh app or visit the Abu Dhabi Government Enablement Department’s website.