Empowering Emirati Women: The “AI-Forward” Initiative
Introduction
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, witnesses a groundbreaking collaboration as The National Program for Coders partners with Ureed.com and Meem Foundation to launch the “AI-Forward” initiative. This joint effort aims to empower 100 Emirati women by providing a comprehensive and free training program in data labeling and annotation. The strategic focus is to enhance their skills, paving the way for their entry into the rapidly evolving fields of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Commitment to Development
Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director at the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications office, underscores the significance of the National Program for Coders. Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the program is a hub for digital skills development, emphasizing talent and capability as fundamental elements in the UAE’s journey towards success and excellence. Through such initiatives, the goal is to enhance societal empowerment by keeping pace with the latest technological developments.
AI-Forward Initiative Structure
The “AI-Forward” initiative unfolds over a comprehensive 24-week timeline, organized into three cohorts. Each cohort, extending for 8 weeks, delivers the same curriculum, quizzes, and classes to ensure a thorough learning experience for all participants. The virtual program provides a flexible, self-paced learning environment on a module-by-module basis, accommodating diverse schedules and offering multiple opportunities for participation.
Meem Foundation’s Generous Support
Meem Foundation, under the leadership of Muna Easa Al Gurg, plays a pivotal role in supporting the “AI-Forward” initiative. The foundation believes in holistic and innovative approaches to address the unique challenges faced by women in the region. Their generous support significantly contributes to fostering gender inclusion, skill development, and empowerment in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence.
Ureed.com: Connecting Talent and Opportunities
Ureed.com, the region’s largest talent marketplace, is a key partner in the initiative. As an online marketplace, Ureed.com connects employers globally with vetted and certified freelance talents across various professional fields. This collaboration provides Emirati women with access to a large pool of talents, offering them control and visibility over their projects, thereby facilitating their entry into the workforce.
Another Stride for Women in Technology
In a parallel development, the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) and Oracle have launched the “sAIdaty” initiative. This initiative aims to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) skills among women professionals and entrepreneurs in Dubai and the wider UAE. Led by Oracle Women Leadership (OWL), the “sAIdaty” initiative will upskill 500 women members of the DBWC, supporting the country’s AI economy goals.
“sAIdaty” Initiative: A Collaborative Effort
The “sAIdaty” initiative, running for a year, involves Oracle experts organizing training sessions on various AI-related topics. These sessions will help enhance participants’ understanding of AI basics, cloud computing, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and leadership skills. The initiative includes classroom sessions, virtual meetings, speed mentoring events, and networking activities.
Empowering Women in the Digital Economy
Nick Redshaw, Senior Vice President at Oracle, emphasizes the importance of equipping women professionals and entrepreneurs with AI skills. He notes that women represent a significant percentage of the UAE’s workforce, and their active participation is crucial to achieving the country’s digital economy goals. The collaboration between Oracle and DBWC aims to empower women, enabling them to play a vital role in accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in the UAE.
Conclusion
Both the “AI-Forward” initiative and the “sAIdaty” initiative stand as powerful examples of collaborative efforts to empower women in the rapidly advancing fields of technology and artificial intelligence. These initiatives not only provide tangible opportunities for personal and professional development but also contribute to the broader goals of gender inclusion, skill enhancement, and societal empowerment in the UAE’s digital landscape.