AI Workforce Transformation in UAE: CFTE and DIFC Academy Sign Strategic MoU
Dubai, UAE | April 2025 — During the Dubai AI Festival, the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) and DIFC Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing AI workforce readiness across the UAE.
This strategic agreement reflects a shared vision: to ensure that professionals and institutions are not only aware of AI’s impact — but equipped to lead through it. UAE’s Global AI Ambitions The UAE has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Through the establishment of the Ministry of AI, the UAE National Strategy for AI, and initiatives across smart government, fintech, and education, the country is creating one of the most advanced and AI-driven economies in the world. According to PwC, AI is projected to contribute over $96 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2030. While this transformation is already underway, the partnership between CFTE and DIFC Academy reinforces a critical component: ensuring that people — not just platforms — are ready for what comes next. Partnership Objectives The MoU establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration across several focus areas, including: Strategic learning programmes for executives, institutions, and mid-career professionals Integration of CFTE’s Performance Hexagon and CDE Innovation Prism into DIFC-aligned training Collaborative events, workshops, and capability-building initiatives

These programmes will support the UAE’s broader goals for digital leadership, while creating practical tools for organisations to understand where their talent stands today — and how to develop the skills and thinking required in an AI-first economy.

Since the AI in Finance Academy launched in 2018, CFTE has been dedicated to AI knowledge within various industries. Our community spans Singapore, Europe, and MENA, with leading experts from renowned companies. To address the industry’s need to seize the opportunities of Generative AI, CFTE is launching a certification to prepare the workforce to utilise Generative AI at scale.

A People-First Vision of AI-ReadinessThe partnership supports a new model for AI-readiness — one that doesn’t start with tools or technology, but with human potential.
By combining DIFC Academy’s reach and reputation in financial and professional education with CFTE’s global expertise in AI workforce transformation, the MoU offers a practical, scalable, and regionally grounded approach to preparing talent for the future.
The first initiatives are expected to launch later in 2025.

About CFTE

The Centre for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) is a leading education technology platform focused on providing professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital finance world. CFTE’s comprehensive courses and programs are designed by industry experts to deliver practical, up-to-date insights into the latest trends and technologies.

Contact

Press: press@cfte.education
Partners: partners@cfte.education
Point of contact – Kanishka Joshi, Product Lead at CFTE (kanishka@cfte.education)

Verified by MonsterInsights