Google has announced the launch of the AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marking its largest AI endeavor in the region.
This initiative aims to equip half a million individuals with essential AI skills by 2026, fostering a workforce primed for an AI-driven economy. Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, pledged $15 million to regional organizations to support these efforts.
The initiative builds upon Google’s investment in MENA, where three million people have been trained on core digital skills since 2018. With AI projected to contribute $320 billion to the MENA economy by 2030, Google's new program seeks to ensure accessible and inclusive AI education across the region.
Key elements of the initiative include AI skills building, research funding, and development of AI-powered solutions in Arabic. Highlights of the educational program include an Arabic AI curriculum under “Maharat min Google,” with a focus on AI literacy, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices for underserved communities. In partnership with Village Capital and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Google.org will also support entrepreneurs and teachers in delivering AI training.
Additionally, Google will invest in AI-powered Arabic-language tools and expand its infrastructure across MENA with Google Cloud data regions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet, emphasized Google’s commitment to regional growth, stating that these efforts will enable MENA communities to capture the full potential of AI.
Held at the Etihad Museum, the AI Connect event included key industry leaders and underscored the importance of Google’s initiatives for sustainable and inclusive AI-driven growth in MENA.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
