The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) continues to strengthen its institutional presence and active participation at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026.
Through MBRSG’s research Centre for the Future of Government, the School announced the launch of a global, open executive training course in Arabic titled “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Government” during the Arab Public Administration Forum at the World Government Summit.
The initiative reflects MBRSG’s commitment to empowering government leaders and public sector employees across the region, while enhancing their capabilities in digital governance and preparing them for the future of government work.

The course, delivered online through video sessions, was developed by the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and in collaboration with the School. It aims to equip government employees and Arab public sector leaders with practical skills, strategic tools and ethical frameworks that enable them to lead and manage digital transformation effectively and responsibly. This is in line with the School’s strategic vision to advance government innovation.
The course, fully funded by UNESCO, provides decision-makers, public sector leaders, and government service employees with an in-depth understanding of the ethical and operational risks associated with the use of modern technologies, as well as the mechanisms for addressing them. It strengthens their awareness of how to employ artificial intelligence responsibly, thereby supporting the development of trustworthy, inclusive and transparent digital government services.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), said: “Organising the course reflects MBRSG’s commitment to supporting governments, particularly across the Arab region, in building leadership capabilities that can utilise artificial intelligence and digital transformation efficiently and responsibly. The success of digital transformation is not limited to the adoption of technologies; it requires clear governance frameworks, ongoing investment in human capital, and the promotion of transparency, inclusion, and trust in government.”
His Excellency added that MBRSG’s partnership, through the Centre for the Future of Government, with the University of Oxford and UNESCO reflects the School’s strategic goal of connecting global knowledge with regional contexts. It also demonstrates MBRSG’s commitment to turning research and capacity-building into practical tools that support public policy development and enhance the quality of government services, while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced knowledge in governance and future-focused practice.
Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, stated: "The future of digital governance depends on people. This course is a strategic intervention to equip civil servants with the competencies needed to govern AI responsibly and inclusively. By investing in people, we build trust in public AI systems and ensure that technology serves humanity—not the other way around."

The course is a short executive training programme comprising approximately 12 hours of guided learning. It is delivered online at a flexible pace to accommodate the needs of public sector participants. The programme covers digital transformation and artificial intelligence, data governance, legal and regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity, and ethical and human considerations. It addresses the design of customer-centric government services and the leadership of institutional transformation initiatives with a clear vision and active stakeholder engagement.
The course is delivered by a group of international experts from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in collaboration with UNESCO and its SPARK-AI Alliance, currently led by MBRSG’s Centre for the Future of Government. It is based on the UNESCO Framework for AI Competencies and Digital Transformation in Government Administration and incorporates both global and regional case studies. The course is offered entirely in Arabic, with case studies specifically tailored to Arab public sector employees, enhancing its relevance and value for participants from Arab nations.

Registration is open on the Center’s website: https://adt.cfg.ae/ with the course offered free of charge to accepted participants and will be available in several languages, including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. 
The course is designed for public sector professionals, including policymakers; project managers in digital transformation and data management; leaders in service delivery and innovation; specialists in information technology, legal affairs, and compliance; and civil servants seeking to strengthen their digital skills, data governance knowledge, and understanding of ethical artificial intelligence. No prior technical background is required. This inclusive approach helps government institutions prepare to lead digital transformation responsibly.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to apply artificial intelligence tools in a systematic and responsible way to support their work; assess their organisations’ readiness for digital transformation; identify and mitigate the ethical and operational risks associated with modern technologies; contribute to the design of comprehensive and accessible government services; and lead institutional change initiatives.
Upon successful completion of the programme requirements, participants will receive an official digital certificate issued by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in partnership with UNESCO and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.
This enhances the programme’s professional and academic value and supports the development of government leaders capable of shaping the future of digital government. Further information is available on the official website of the Centre for the Future of Government at MBRSG: https://cfg.ae/