April 2025 | Dubai, UAE
How does a nation prepare its talent for the age of artificial intelligence?
Not only by investing in technologies — but by rethinking how professionals learn, lead, and contribute in an intelligent economy.
During the Dubai AI Festival, CFTE and DIFC Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formally collaborate on advancing AI-readiness for professionals and organisations across the UAE and wider region.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment: to ensure that human capability grows in step with technological innovation.
A National Vision for AI and a Human-Centred Response
The UAE has positioned itself as one of the world’s most ambitious AI economies. With the establishment of the Ministry of AI, the launch of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, and an expected $96 billion contribution from AI to the national GDP by 2030, the country is not just adopting technology — it is shaping global AI leadership.
But as investment in tools, platforms, and infrastructure accelerates, so does the need to invest in people — to equip professionals, institutions, and leaders with the right frameworks, mindsets, and strategic capabilities.
The CFTE × DIFC Academy MoU supports this vision by building the systems and learning pathways that help organisations not only use AI — but lead with it.
From Frameworks to Capability
The collaboration will focus on embedding strategic, human-centred approaches to AI-readiness into the UAE’s talent ecosystem. This includes introducing CFTE’s Performance Integral and CDE Innovation Prism — frameworks that help organisations understand how AI is transforming work, and what it means to develop talent in that context.
Rather than starting with tools or software, these frameworks start with the individual — their cognitive approach, adaptability, and ability to solve, build, and contribute meaningfully in a world where intelligence is increasingly automated.
This is the core of CFTE’s philosophy: AI-readiness is not a technical upgrade — it’s a transformation of professional identity and capability.
"We are proud of this partnership between CFTE and DIFC Academy, which represents a pivotal step in our mission to place people at the heart of the AI transformation. As the UAE accelerates its journey to global AI leadership, we are committed to supporting this vision by equipping professionals with the mindsets, frameworks, and capabilities they need to thrive. AI-readiness is not about tools — it’s about talent. In a world where AI is reshaping work, economies, and leadership, this collaboration lays the foundation for a future where people remain at the centre of transformation."
What Comes Next
As part of this MoU, CFTE and DIFC Academy will begin to explore joint initiatives that include:
- Executive education sessions on AI-readiness and performance thinking
- Capability-building workshops for institutions and leadership teams
- Collaborative events and regional thought leadership forums
- Roadmapping activities that align with UAE’s national strategies
The first programmes will begin launching later this year, with the aim of creating long-term impact across both public and private sector organisations operating in and around the DIFC ecosystem.
In an era where AI is reshaping work, economies, and leadership, this partnership sets a foundation for readiness — one that puts people at the centre of transformation.
