The Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office has announced the launch of the “Digital Talents in Sharjah” initiative, in strategic partnership with the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, and in collaboration with leading global technology companies, including Google, Cisco, Oracle, upGrad and Microsoft.

The initiative aims to develop digital skills and bridge the gap between academic outcomes and the evolving requirements of the job market by providing hands-on training and professional qualification opportunities for students and graduates. It seeks to nurture talent, build capabilities, and prepare a digitally empowered generation equipped with the knowledge tools needed to actively contribute to the knowledge economy and drive innovation across vital sectors. Spanning two years, the initiative represents an advanced model of collaboration between government entities, academic institutions, and technology companies, contributing to the development of an integrated ecosystem for preparing national talent in artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.

Prof. Agamy: “The tripartite model comprising the public sector, academia, and the private sector is the pathway to national capacity building.”
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, H.E. Professor Esameldin Agami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, expressed the University’s pride in joining the “Digital Talents in Sharjah” initiative. He noted that this partnership aligns with the University of Sharjah’s mission to prepare graduates who are capable of actively integrating into the modern labor market, rather than merely holding academic degrees.
The Chancellor of the University of Sharjah added: “The gap between educational outcomes and the requirements of the digital economy cannot be addressed through curricula alone, but rather through genuine partnerships with major technical institutions that create and lead this economy. There is no doubt that this initiative, which provides accredited practical training in artificial intelligence technologies under the supervision of world-class technical companies, represents a real value-add that educational institutions cannot provide in isolation from this level of integration.”

Prof. Agamy concluded by emphasizing that the University of Sharjah is committed to strengthening this tripartite model, which brings together the public, academic, and private sectors, as it is the only model capable of producing national competencies that can compete and lead in this field on a global scale.

Saqr binghalib, Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, affirmed that the “Digital Talents in Sharjah” initiative reflects the UAE Government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s global leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced technology by investing in human capital and fostering talent, in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

He stated that the initiative will play a key role in equipping students and graduates with applied digital skills, aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands, and supporting the preparation of a generation capable of leading digital transformation, advancing sustainable development, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and the knowledge economy.

Omar Aljundi, General Manager and Vice President for Customer Success Services at Oracle for the Middle East and Africa, praised Oracle’s partnership with the AI Office, highlighting its role in empowering university students in Sharjah with the technical and digital skills required for the future job market. He noted that the initiative reflects Oracle’s commitment to building a promising generation of national talent capable of leading digital transformation, adopting future technologies, and supporting the UAE’s vision of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.

The initiative focuses on equipping students and graduates with applied knowledge and future-ready skills by designing and delivering specialized program centered on practical applications of artificial intelligence, along with certifications from participating technology companies.

In this context, Google will deliver specialised training workshops in artificial intelligence, covering 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 program delivered by industry experts and practitioners, contributing to enhanced institutional performance and supporting the UAE’s direction towards adopting advanced technologies in line with global standards.

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 safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in learning environments.

Microsoft Elevate will further strengthen this partnership by advancing an AI-first education ecosystem, in collaboration with education leaders, accelerating institutional innovation, and providing access to the latest Copilot resources and upskilling program, enabling personalised learning experiences and boosting students’ confidence to succeed in their careers.

The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which places human development at the forefront of its priorities, and reflects the UAE’s vision of empowering youth as a key driver of the digital economy by equipping them with skills and capabilities to actively contribute to building a future driven by advanced technologies