Google, Microsoft, CIFF pledge Dh230 million for education, AI at World Schools Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi

In a landmark development, global tech giants and a philanthropic foundation have announced commitments totalling more than $65 million (over Dh230 million) to boost youth skills, AI literacy, and learning outcomes across the MENA region and the UAE.

Three major announcements were made at the World Schools Summit, hosted by T4 Education, Aldar Education, and the Emirates Foundation, and supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Google, Microsoft, and HP. The summit aims to transform education and youth skills development in the region.

Google announced a commitment of $5.5 million in funding to three non-profit organisations – Injaz Al Arab, Inco, and Chance – to improve AI literacy, advanced skills, and online safety for learners across the region and in the UAE. The initiative aims to reach 2.3 million youth, teachers, and caregivers by 2028.

This builds on Google’s longstanding commitment to advancing digital literacy, AI skilling, and online safety in the Mena region, where the company has trained 3 million people to date and provided $25 million in funding through Google.org since 2019.

Microsoft pledged to bring AI skills training to 1 million people in the region and confirmed a $15.2 billion investment in the UAE by 2030, highlighting its long-term commitment to the country’s technology and education ecosystem.

Meanwhile, CIFF unveiled a $45.5 million investment aimed at keeping children in school and improving their learning outcomes across the region, reinforcing its mission to ensure quality education for every child.

These announcements underline the growing role of technology, innovation, and philanthropy in reshaping education and youth development in the Middle East, a region that has seen rapid growth in digital adoption and investment in human capital.

The two-day summit drew education leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi. It features panel discussions and showcases on the latest trends in education, learning technologies, and skills development.