The United Arab Emirates has taken another step in its national AI strategy by launching the first AI learning module under the National Experts Program – Artificial Intelligence (NEP-AI). The initiative is designed to equip Emirati professionals with advanced AI knowledge, leadership capabilities, and practical skills needed to accelerate AI adoption across critical sectors.
The program reflects the country’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for AI by investing in homegrown talent and technological infrastructure.
The program’s introduction marks the beginning of a seven-month learning journey for 32 AI experts from the United Arab Emirates. It also represents one of the largest and most diverse AI cohorts in the history of the National Experts Program. The program includes representatives from six different emirates across various industries. This corresponds with the government’s strategy to have AI expertise made available in public and private sectors.
Phase 1 acquaints participants with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, principles of AI governance, priorities, and the emerging AI environment. It lays down the foundation of knowledge that participants will use in their specialization learning tracks.
While traditional AI training programs are mainly oriented towards the imparting of technical abilities, NEP-AI integrates both academics and executive education along with mentoring, international experience and problem-solving skills.
Learners will participate in various workshops, expert lectures, panel discussions, and international study tours. The curriculum covers AI infrastructure, generative AI, enterprise applications of AI, product development using AI, governance, and responsible AI deployment.
The program aims to equip the professionals not only with knowledge about the functioning of AI but also its application in organizations and nation building.
One of the distinguishing aspects of this program is the Capstone Project that requires every participant to address a problem in their organization/sector and create a viable AI-based solution.
Such projects may focus on the improvement of public service, better decision-making, operational effectiveness, and increased economic competitiveness. Participants are encouraged to use their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations in the UAE’s priority sectors.
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The introduction of the learning module indicates the UAE’s emphasis on homegrown AI capabilities, rather than depending solely on foreign AI technology. The country is actively taking measures such as initiating teacher training modules, AI-enabled government services, and upskilling workers in federal agencies to create a future-ready workforce.