100 Emiratis graduate UAE AI Programme
Federal AI Programme has now graduated more than 370 Emirati professionals
#UAE #education – More than 100 Emiratis have graduated from the latest cohort of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Programme, a key initiative under the UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence. Launched to build future-ready talent for the government and private sector, the programme has now trained over 370 professionals from more than 100 organisations. The new graduates presented 27 applied AI projects tackling issues such as productivity, accessibility, and digital safety. The executive education programme is part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to lead in AI and digital innovation.
SO WHAT? – The Federal Artificial Intelligence Programme is central to the UAE’s strategy to cultivate a highly skilled, tech-literate workforce. By training hundreds of professionals to lead digital transformation across sectors, the country is creating a sustainable pipeline of national AI talent ready to drive innovation, governance, and economic competitiveness.
Key facts about the AI Programme
In a ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, over 100 Emiratis graduated in the latest cohort of the Artificial Intelligence Programme, which falls under the UAE’s National AI Strategy.
The Artificial Intelligence Programme, which is run in partnership with the UK’s University of Birmingham, has now trained more than 370 professionals from over 100 government, semi-government, and private sector entities.
The training prepares professionals for strategic AI roles, with alumni now working in senior positions such as Chief AI Officers across the UAE.
Graduates presented 27 practical AI projects, focused on productivity, accessibility for People of Determination, education outcomes, and digital safety.
The initiative equips participants with advanced AI and generative AI skills, blending theory with real-world applications.
Graduation was attended by senior UAE leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and other top government officials.
Meanwhile the sixth cohort of the programme was launched last week and runs from May to September 2025.
Participants are trained to use data and AI to develop solutions aligned with national priorities and operational challenges.
ZOOM OUT – The UAE’s early investment in national AI education is setting a global benchmark for government-led AI talent development. While many countries focus on regulating AI, the UAE prioritised building domestic expertise at the beginning of its National AI Strategy. Programmes like the Artificial Intelligence Programme support digital sovereignty and ensure long-term leadership in emerging technologies. As global competition intensifies for AI talent, the UAE is one of the leading nations in building that capability from within.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
LINKS
Find out more or apply for the AI Programme (UAE AI Office website)
Read more about the UAE’s executive AI education programmes:
UAE AI programme launches 6th edition of AI course (Middle East AI News)
MBZUAI's exec graduates propose sustainability solutions (Middle East AI News)
Third cohort completes AI training (Middle East AI News)