Today's Edition
DUBAI (WAM)
The Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Office has announced the opening of registration for the seventh cohort of the Artificial Intelligence Programme, which will run from September 2026 to January 2027.
Led by the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, this year’s edition will place a particular focus on Generative AI and Agentic AI technologies.
The new cohort forms part of the National Program for Artificial Intelligence’s efforts to advance the priorities of the UAE Government and strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for advanced technologies.
It also supports the UAE Government’s drive to transition 50% of government sectors, services, and operations to Agentic AI-powered operating models within two years, a first-of-its-kind global initiative aimed at advancing government efficiency and performance.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, affirmed that developing national skills and capabilities is a strategic priority for the UAE Government, reflecting its belief that talent is a driving force in shaping the future and a cornerstone of the country’s leadership in the AI economy.
He noted that as technology becomes more intelligent and capable, human expertise becomes even more critical in translating technological potential into decisions that shape a better future for the UAE.
Al Olama said that the Artificial Intelligence Program, designed to equip national leaders for one of the world’s fastest-evolving sectors, reflects the UAE’s vision to move from adopting technology to leading its development and shaping its future globally.
By developing talent capable of harnessing AI to drive transformation, redesign operating models and enhance the performance of vital sectors, the programme reinforces the UAE’s long-term competitiveness.
Al Olama added that investing in national capabilities is a direct investment in the country’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The Artificial Intelligence Programme focuses on strengthening leadership and technical capabilities, enabling participants to design innovative solutions and translate them into practical applications within their organisations.
It provides participants with access to advanced tools and knowledge while exposing them to the latest global developments in Agentic AI and Generative AI.
The seventh cohort introduces an expanded focus on Agentic AI, alongside core concepts in Generative AI and Agentic AI, data strategies for machine learning, and the capabilities and applications of Agentic AI across different fields.
Through five specialised modules, participants will explore how Agentic AI systems are built, developed, and governed.
The programme aims to develop a new generation of AI leaders and talent while strengthening national capabilities to lead AI initiatives and build more agile and sustainable operating models across sectors.
Participants will gain advanced knowledge and practical skills that enable them to design and implement innovative solutions, accelerate AI adoption and contribute to strengthening the UAE’s global competitiveness.
The programme offers two distinct tracks. The Technical Track, designed for developers and engineers with advanced AI expertise, covers architecture, programming, model development, and hands-on experimentation.
The Professional Track is designed for leaders, strategists, and non-technical professionals, with a focus on strategic AI applications, governance, technology vendor assessment, and digital adoption planning.
The programme provides participants with the opportunity to learn from a distinguished group of international academics and experts, including Professor Nigel Mehdi, Fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford; Professor Kashif Rajpoot, Professor of Medical AI at the University of Birmingham and specialist in AI, Medical AI, and data science; Dr David Johnson, Professor of Information Systems, Uppsala University, Sweden; and Dr Farah Shamout, Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Employees from government and semi-government entities, as well as the private sector, who wish to join the programme can register by contacting Program@ai.gov.ae.
Since its launch, the Artificial Intelligence Programme has graduated more than 450 professionals from over 100 government and private-sector entities, many of whom hold leadership positions within their organisations. Throughout the programme, participants develop AI-powered solutions and innovative projects aimed at enhancing institutional performance and introducing new approaches across vital sectors.
The programme also supports participants in developing new models and mechanisms that contribute to more efficient government services and accelerate digital transformation, while strengthening their ability to anticipate developments in emerging technologies and apply them in ways that advance the UAE’s strategic priorities.
