DHA launches AI training programme for healthcare workers

Dubai's got its eyes firmly set on the future — and it's not just talk. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has rolled out a bold new training program to bring its workforce up to speed with the rise of AI in healthcare. This isn't your run-of-the-mill seminar series; rather, it's an all-out digital brain boost designed to help doctors, data analysts, and decision-makers tackle tomorrow's problems today.

As Fatima Al Khaja, Chief AI Officer at DHA, put it, the aim is clear: "to enhance capabilities to integrate smart solutions within transformation projects."

Put simply, they want everyone ready for what's next.

How does it work?

The program isn't a one-size-fits-all crash course. Instead, it's a layered strategy built to reach every rung of the healthcare ladder.

• Executive Diploma in Enabling AI in the Healthcare Sector: Tailored for DHA's leadership, this high-level course — crafted with ESCP Business School — dives into AI, cybersecurity, and data strategy. It's about giving the top brass real-world tools to lead the tech revolution from the frontlines.
• Specialized AI Training Programme: Aimed at 200 employees in technical and analytical positions, this course focuses on building in-house expertise. Think hands-on training, LinkedIn Learning modules, and globally recognized certifications that link straight to your profile. It's flexible, on-demand, and tracks progress from day one.
• One Million AI Prompters Programme: Built with the Dubai Future Foundation and the Dubai Centre for AI Applications, this is where the magic of generative AI and prompt engineering comes in. Already, over 25% of DHA staff have completed the course. The goal? A future where AI-enhanced decisions are the norm, not the novelty.

Why does it matter?

Because the future waits for no one. If healthcare in Dubai wants to remain cutting-edge, its people need to speak the language of AI — fluently. This training rollout isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a lifeline for staying competitive and resilient in a rapidly shifting landscape. It's not about replacing people with machines. It's about equipping humans to work smarter with machines.

"The programme aims to foster a sustainable digital institutional culture," said Al Khaja. That means embedding AI into the DNA of the DHA — not just a shiny tool, but a mindset.

The context

The launch of this initiative came during the inaugural Dubai AI Week, a city-wide spotlight on artificial intelligence, innovation, and future-proofing everything from transport to health. Backed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the timing couldn't be more symbolic. Dubai isn't dabbling in AI. It's diving headfirst.

This move also ties neatly into the city's broader digital transformation playbook. By encouraging private healthcare providers to hop on board too, DHA's drawing a big, inclusive circle around the future of health in Dubai.

So yes, it's a training program — but it's also a statement: Dubai isn't just riding the AI wave. It wants to lead it.