32 Emiratis begin specialised programme to accelerate UAE's AI journey

Thirty-two Emiratis have begun a seven-month programme - NEP-AI - to develop strategic projects and strengthen the national talent pipeline needed to support the UAE's AI ambitions.

Launched by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in November 2025, the programme is created to prepare Emirati experts to harness the power of AI in shaping the UAE’s future.

They will look into how AI can be applied to some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing their sectors.

In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Mansour said investing in national competencies creates a foundation that drives innovation and support the growth of AI in the UAE. 

انطلاق أول دفعة من ‘برنامج خبراء الإمارات’ المتخصصة في الذكاء الاصطناعي يمثل خطوة مهمة نحو إعداد 100 خبير وطني قادر على توظيف تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي في مختلف القطاعات. الاستثمار في الكفاءات الوطنية هو الأساس لبناء قدرات وطنية تقود الابتكار، وتدعم طموح الدولة في ترسيخ ريادتها في… pic.twitter.com/DsXEm9Cz0j

— منصور بن زايد (@MansourBinZayed) June 11, 2026

The participants represent the public, state-owned and private sectors, with 50 per cent drawn from public institutions, 28 per cent from state-owned enterprises and 22 per cent from the private sector.

Over the coming months, the team will explore how AI can be applied to some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing their sectors.

Drawing on expertise from government, industry, academia, and technology, they will examine how AI can improve decision-making, enhance public services, strengthen competitiveness, and unlock new economic opportunities.