Want to use AI to work faster, study smarter or sort out everyday tasks, but don’t want to pay for pricey courses? You have more options than you might think. Several UAE initiatives now offer free AI training, from prompt writing to generative AI basics.
Here’s a simple guide to four of them.
1. Dubai’s One Million Prompters Initiative
Launched by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), this programme aims to teach one million people AI prompt engineering skills over three years. Prompt engineering simply means learning how to give clear instructions to AI tools so you get better answers.
What you’ll learn: The free course covers generative AI and prompt literacy through interactive, hands on modules. You’ll practise writing good prompts and using AI for creative and professional tasks. These skills can help in areas like marketing, data analysis, design and content creation.
Who can join: People interested in building AI skills, including students and working professionals.
Why it helps: You can earn an AI prompt literacy certification, which shows you can use AI tools well. It can also help you handle routine work faster.
How to enrol: Visit dub.ai/en/omp.
2. Free Google AI Plus for UAE University Students
This one isn’t a classic course. It’s free access to AI tools. University students in the UAE can get 12 months of complimentary Google AI Plus through an initiative by the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Google.
What’s included: The Gemini app, tools to organise research sources, summarise study material and prepare assignments. You also get NotebookLM, which lets you interact with your notes, create summaries and listen to interactive audio. AI image and video tools and 400GB of storage are part of the package too.
Who can apply: Registered university students in the UAE aged 18 and above.
Deadline: December 31, 2026.
How to apply: Visit goo.gle/studentoffer26-uae. The offer is part of the AI for All initiative the UAE AI Office and Google launched in 2024.
3. Abu Dhabi’s AiNative Programme
The Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi (DGE) launched AiNative with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
The programme plans to train 20,000 government employees by the end of 2026, and it will also open AI learning to the public.
What you’ll learn: Government staff will train on tools like ChatGPT, Codex, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, with specialised certificates in areas such as coding and data planned for later. The public programme focuses on everyday uses, including managing personal finances, running a small business, searching for jobs, studying, and creating online content responsibly.
Who can join: Abu Dhabi government employees get dedicated training. UAE citizens and residents will be eligible for the public programme.
How to enrol: The public programme will run through DGE’s Tomouh learning app, with a UAE Pass login. Training will use the free version of ChatGPT.
Dates: AiNative is arriving in phases. A government pilot is underway, and public access will follow, but no public enrolment date has been announced yet.
Also Read: Free Dubai Government Courses That Can Help You Build Job Skills and Advance Your Career
4. IBM SkillsBuild: Over 1,000 Free Courses
In September 2026, the UAE Cyber Security Council and IBM announced a plan to widen access to free tech training through IBM SkillsBuild. The platform has more than 1,000 courses on AI, cybersecurity, and other digital skills.
What you’ll learn: AI courses cover generative AI basics, prompt writing, machine learning, and AI ethics. You can also explore data analytics, cloud computing and project management.
Who can join: The UAE initiative targets five groups: high school students, university students, entry-level employees, government employees, and people in the Start-up and Innovation Track.
Why it helps: You can build job-ready skills and earn recognised digital credentials. The plan also includes practical chances such as hackathons and industry challenges.
How to enrol: Visit skillsbuild.org. Access will also grow through the Cyber Security Council’s platforms, including CyberE71.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Want a quick start with prompts? Try One Million Prompters.
- A university student? Claim the Google AI Plus offer before December 31.
- A government employee or Abu Dhabi resident? Keep an eye on AiNative.
- Want a wider tech skill set? IBM SkillsBuild has the biggest choice.
You can also combine them. A short prompt course plus a few IBM modules could add up to a good set of skills in a few weeks.
Tips for Learning AI Well
Set a small goal, such as one lesson a day. Practise on real tasks from your own work or studies, because that’s how prompts start to click. And keep your certificates, since they can go on your CV or LinkedIn.
Take a Break Between Lessons
Learning goes better when you rest. If you’re looking for something fun this weekend, Global Village is giving free entry on November 7 to visitors who bought a ticket the day before, though only 3,100 free tickets are available.
If you commute to class or work, there’s also news on Dubai’s new nol card, which starts with a pilot this month and promises 120+ offers.
You don’t need a big budget to start learning AI in the UAE. Pick one programme, check the eligibility and deadlines, and start with a small step. The sooner you try these tools, the easier they’ll feel.