UAE launches region's first Chief AI Officer executive program

Abu Dhabi launches the Middle East's first Chief AI Officer executive program this November, targeting C-suite leaders as 92% of UAE firms prioritise AI despite critical skills gaps. The two-week intensive could position the UAE as the region's AI leadership hub.

The AI Academy has launched the region's first Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in Abu Dhabi, targeting senior executives across public and private sectors. The strategic significance extends beyond executive education: with 92% of UAE firms prioritising AI but facing universal skills gaps, this program addresses a critical market failure. According to The AI Academy's announcement, the two-week intensive begins November 16, 2025.

The competitive dynamics

This programme represents a land grab for AI leadership talent in a market with clear winner-take-all dynamics. The value chain for executive AI education comprises three parts: academic credentials, practical deployment experience, and industry networks. The AI Academy has integrated all three through its partnership with Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, with NVIDIA's enterprise-grade technologies providing the practical infrastructure.

What matters is not just another executive programme; what matters is positioning the UAE as the regional hub for AI leadership development. By launching the region's first CAIO programme, the UAE gains first-mover advantage in developing the executive talent that will shape MENA's AI transformation over the next decade.

Why this matters now

The timing addresses a fundamental market inefficiency. Research shows that 69% of organisations in the Middle East plan to increase AI investment, yet LinkedIn analysis reveals that, whilst UAE job seekers are confident in using AI, they don't understand how it's transforming hiring and corporate strategy. This creates a strategic gap between boardroom ambitions and execution capability.

The UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 projects AI will add over $96 billion to the nation's GDP by 2031. This programme serves as a catalyst for that economic transformation by developing the leadership pipeline required to deploy AI at enterprise scale. Chief AI Officers are already appointed across Federal and Dubai government entities, creating immediate demand for this specialised training.

The programme structure

The two-week intensive covers 10 advanced modules spanning AI systems architecture, enterprise deployment, governance frameworks, ethics, and public policy. Participants gain access to enterprise-grade AI infrastructure through Polynome Group, the UAE's only certified NVIDIA Solution Advisor. An optional five-day international module extends the programme to Europe or the United States.

The instructor panel combines academic depth with practical deployment experience. Professors from Oxford University, ETH Zurich, Khalifa University, and Carnegie Mellon University provide a theoretical foundation. Chief AI Officers and senior leaders from NVIDIA, UAE Cybersecurity Council, G42, NASA JPL, Mubadala, AMD, e&, and HCLTech contribute real-world implementation insights.

Looking forward

If this model succeeds, we should expect similar programmes to emerge across the GCC, but with a critical disadvantage: network effects favour the first mover. Graduates join an exclusive alumni network of global AI leaders, creating a self-reinforcing cycle where the programme's value increases with each cohort.

The programme targets C-suite leaders (CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs), public sector advisors, and senior strategy executives. Applications close October 15, 2025, with the programme beginning November 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Programme details

The Executive Program for Chief AI Officer begins November 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. The two-week intensive is delivered through the strategic collaboration between Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, with NVIDIA expertise integrated throughout. Applications close October 15, 2025. Programme fees have not been disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Executive Program for Chief AI Officer?

It's the region's first executive programme by The AI Academy, in partnership with ADSM and Polynome AI, designed to equip senior executives with skills for responsible and scalable AI transformation.

When does the CAIO program start in the UAE?

The intensive two-week programme is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.

Who is the CAIO program for?

It's ideal for C-suite leaders (CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs), public sector advisors, innovation leads, and senior strategy, transformation, and digital executives across private and government sectors.

What is the role of NVIDIA in The AI Academy program?

NVIDIA's expertise and technologies are integrated into select programmes to accelerate AI readiness and real-world deployment across the region.

How does this program support the UAE AI Strategy 2031?

The programme serves as a catalyst for the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, aiming to position the UAE at the forefront of global AI transformation by developing skilled AI leadership.