dubai, The Department of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, in strategic partnership with the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, and in collaboration with leading global technology companies such as Google, Oracle, upGrad and Microsoft, announced the launch of the ‘Digital Talent in Sharjah’ initiative.
The initiative aims to provide students and graduates with practical training and professional qualification opportunities to develop digital skills and bridge the gap between academic performance and the evolving requirements of the job market. We aim to prepare a digitally empowered generation with the knowledge tools needed to develop talent, build capacity, actively contribute to the knowledge economy and drive innovation across critical sectors.
The launch was witnessed by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and signed by Mr. Saqr Binharib, Executive Director of UAE Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Authority, and Dr. Todd Laursen, President of the American University of Sharjah.
The two-year initiative represents an advanced collaboration model between government agencies, academic institutions, and technology companies, contributing to the development of an integrated ecosystem to develop the nation’s talent in artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.
Saqr Bingarib, Executive Director of the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, asserted that the “Digital Talent in Sharjah” initiative reflects the UAE government’s commitment to strengthen its global leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies by investing in human capital and developing talent, in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
He said the initiative will play a key role in equipping students and graduates with applied digital skills, aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands, helping prepare a generation capable of leading digital transformation, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and the knowledge economy.
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Professor Esameruddin Aghami, Rector of the University of Sharjah, said that this partnership is in line with the university’s mission to prepare graduates who can not only earn a degree but also integrate effectively into the modern workforce market.
He added: “Curriculum alone is not enough to align educational outcomes with the evolving demands of the digital economy; it will require strong, strategic collaboration with the world’s leading technology companies that are shaping this landscape. Through accredited, hands-on training in advanced artificial intelligence under the guidance of world-class companies, this initiative will deliver high-impact learning experiences and meaningful added value that is best achieved through this level of integration and partnership.”
Prof. Ehsameruddin Aghami, Rector of the University of Sharjah, concluded by affirming that the University of Sharjah will continue to strengthen this tripartite model that brings together government, academia and the private sector, saying it is the strongest model that can produce national talent who can compete and lead in this field at a global level.
Amr Aljundi, Oracle’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa and Vice President of Customer Success Services, praised the partnership between Oracle and the AI Office, highlighting Oracle’s role in equipping Sharjah’s university students with the technical and digital skills needed for the future job market. He said this initiative reflects Oracle’s commitment to develop a promising generation of national talent who can lead digital transformation, embrace future technologies, and support the UAE’s vision of a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
“Through this partnership, the Microsoft Elevate initiative aims to prepare students for an AI-powered future by providing the education sector with practical tools, guidance, and governance frameworks to ensure the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in learning environments,” said Caroline Mutepfa, Director of AI Skills at Microsoft Elevate.
Caroline Mutepfa added that Microsoft Elevate will further strengthen this partnership by working with education leaders to drive an AI-first education ecosystem, accelerate organizational innovation, and provide access to the latest Copilot resources and upskilling programs, enabling personalized learning experiences and increasing students’ confidence to succeed in their careers.
The initiative focuses on equipping students and graduates with applied knowledge and future-ready skills by designing and delivering specialized programs centered on practical applications of artificial intelligence, as well as earning certifications from participating technology companies.
In this context, Google will hold specialized training workshops on artificial intelligence, covering the applications of Google Gemini and its role in marketing, business management, and idea generation. This aligns with the “AI for All” initiative launched by Google in partnership with the AI Office to expand access to AI capabilities across society.
The initiative will also focus on developing participants’ skills in data analysis, smart solution development and innovative thinking through training programs delivered by industry experts and practitioners, contributing to improved organizational performance and supporting the UAE’s direction towards adoption of advanced technologies in line with global standards.
This initiative is in line with the goals of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which puts human development at the forefront of priorities, and reflects the UAE’s vision to empower youth as key drivers of the digital economy by equipping them with the skills and competencies to actively contribute to building a future with advanced technologies.
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