Dubai study to find out how ready govt staff are for AI

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) launched a research project in collaboration with the American University in Dubai, as part of Dubai Government’s strategic vision to pioneer digital transformation and AI innovation. The key aim of the study is to assess Dubai Government employees’ readiness to adopt generative AI tools in the workplace.

This initiative is a step forward in the government’s efforts to empower its human capital with the latest technological tools required to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. It promotes enhanced government performance and fostering innovation, further inspiring work environments, which are in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai AI vision.

Assim Al Khaja, Director of Human Resources Information Department at DGHR, said: “In the current era of rapid technological advancements and smart applications, adopting artificial intelligence has become a strategic necessity and a key tool for creating government systems that are prepared for the future. Through this study, we seek to gain insightful information and precisely conduct assessment of institutional and readiness of human capital, further enabling government entities to design advanced policies and programmes that drive digital transformation and make sustainable developmental impact efficiently and effectively.”

Crucial knowledge: Dr. Assaad Farah, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dean of the School of Business at AUD, added: “At the American University in Dubai, we pleased to collaborate with DGHR on this research project, which is a key example of academic and governmental collaboration in the field of AI. We are honoured to contribute to this innovative project, which serves as a testament to our dedication to supporting Dubai’s efforts in government innovation and digital transformation. The study will offer a crucial base of knowledge for evaluating how prepared government personnel are to adopt generative AI technologies, further improving operational efficiency and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub in this crucial sector.”

New avenues: The study has been designed to support the development of the government’s human resources ecosystem by exploring new avenues and identify challenges associated with integrating AI tools into daily operations. This will help increase productivity across diverse sectors, further reinforcing DGHR’s vital role in pioneering modernisation and integrating latest technological innovations into a flexible and ambitious government framework.

This research study marks a key milestone in Dubai Government’s digital transformation journey. The findings will serve as a foundation to enhance future policymaking, training programme design, and development initiatives, further raising the readiness of government talent and strengthening their ability to adapt to the fast-paced global shifts in the workplace.

Recently, The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) launched the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme in collaboration with Emirates NBD and ESCP Business School to prepare 29 distinguished Emirati financial leaders with the skills and expertise to drive sustainable economic growth and institutional excellence in Dubai.

The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy, strengthen its global investment appeal, and consolidate its position as a financial, entrepreneurial, and innovation hub.

Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR, said the programme represents a major milestone in empowering Emirati talent, adding that it goes beyond financial skills to nurture strategic leadership. He said the initiative translates the vision of the UAE’s leadership into practical steps for building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, enhancing institutional performance, and supporting Dubai’s global competitiveness through public-private collaboration.

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group, said the bank is proud to support the programme, which contributes to developing a strong pipeline of Emirati financial leaders by providing future-ready skills, world-class training, and hands-on professional experience that strengthen the UAE’s knowledge economy.

Professor Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, expressed pride in collaborating with DGHR, noting that ESCP is ranked first globally for its MSc in Finance and second for its Executive MBA by the Financial Times.