The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Google Gemini have launched a one-year complimentary Google AI Plus subscription for university students across the UAE, expanding access to generative AI tools for learning, research and content creation.
The initiative is open to eligible university students aged 18 and above, with registration required by December 31, 2026.
The programme is intended to strengthen practical AI capabilities among students and help prepare them for changing workforce requirements as artificial intelligence becomes more widely integrated into education and professional environments.
Students gain access to Gemini and AI research tools
Under the offer, participating students will receive access to the Google AI Plus plan, including the Gemini app and its latest available AI model.
The package includes tools designed to support academic research and study, including capabilities for organising information and sources, summarising educational materials and references, and assisting with research preparation.
Students will also receive access to AI-powered image and video generation tools.
The plan includes 400 GB of storage.
Gemini Notebook targets study and research workflows
Gemini Notebook is also included as part of the initiative.
The tool allows students to interact with academic materials and information sources, generate summaries and access interactive audio content.
Rather than limiting AI use to general-purpose chat interfaces, the programme is therefore intended to introduce students to AI-assisted research and knowledge-management workflows.
This could help students develop more practical understanding of how generative AI can be incorporated into everyday academic tasks.
Training programme to promote responsible AI use
The UAE AI Office and Google will supplement access to the technology with virtual and in-person training sessions.
These programmes will focus on using Gemini and Gemini Notebook for learning and research while also promoting responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The training component reflects the UAE government’s view that access to AI systems needs to be accompanied by stronger understanding of how the technology should be applied.
Al Olama said students will increasingly need to move beyond simply using AI tools toward understanding how they can be applied effectively and responsibly.
“Empowering students with the latest models and tools, and developing their skills in using them, fosters a culture of continuous learning, exploration, and innovation,” said Google.
Programme builds on AI for All initiative
The student offer forms part of the wider AI for All programme established by the UAE AI Office and Google in 2024.
The initiative seeks to broaden access to artificial intelligence technologies, develop foundational AI skills, support research and encourage AI solutions targeted at different parts of society.
The latest student programme follows a previous university initiative and is intended to extend access to a larger number of students.
AI skills become part of UAE workforce strategy
The initiative fits within the UAE’s wider focus on developing domestic AI capabilities and preparing its workforce for greater use of advanced technologies.
Providing students with direct access to commercial AI platforms can help increase familiarity with tools they are likely to encounter in future workplaces.
However, the programme also places emphasis on responsible usage, particularly as universities continue to develop policies around academic integrity, source verification and appropriate use of generative AI in coursework and research.
Why this matters
The UAE is approaching AI skills development from both the infrastructure and user side.
While the country continues investing in advanced computing, models and AI businesses, initiatives such as this aim to increase the number of people capable of using those technologies effectively.
Giving university students sustained access for a full year could be more meaningful than short introductory courses because it allows AI tools to become part of regular learning and research workflows.
The accompanying training will be particularly important if students are to develop skills in verification, responsible use and effective prompting rather than simply becoming frequent users of generative AI.
Editor’s note
The most significant aspect of the programme is the combination of broad access with structured skills development.
Giving students premium AI tools can reduce barriers to experimentation, but access by itself does not create an AI-ready workforce. The stronger outcome would be students learning when to use AI, how to evaluate its outputs and how to integrate it responsibly into research and problem-solving.
The longer-term test will be whether programmes such as AI for All translate widespread familiarity with generative AI into deeper technical skills, stronger research capability and measurable workforce readiness across the UAE.
