UAE Launches AI Leadership Programme to Build Future Emirati Experts

The UAE has launched the National Experts Programme – AI Track (NEP-AI) to develop a new generation of Emirati artificial intelligence leaders. The initiative supports the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and aims to expand AI adoption across government services and key sectors. Here’s what residents and businesses need to know.

The UAE is taking another major step towards becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence.

A new national initiative called the National Experts Programme – AI Track (NEP-AI) has officially launched, creating a pathway for Emirati professionals to become leaders in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. The programme forms part of the UAE’s wider effort to accelerate the implementation of the National AI Strategy 2031 and strengthen the country’s position as a global AI hub.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the programme begins this month and will focus on developing highly skilled Emirati experts capable of leading AI transformation projects across government entities and strategic sectors.

What is the new UAE AI leadership programme?

The National Experts Programme – AI Track is a specialised leadership and technical development initiative designed specifically for Emirati professionals working in artificial intelligence and related fields.

The programme builds on the National Experts Programme, which was first launched in 2019 to nurture national talent in priority sectors. The AI track focuses entirely on artificial intelligence, helping participants develop advanced expertise while preparing them for leadership roles within the country’s digital economy.

WAM stated that the programme supports five major priorities under the UAE National AI Strategy 2031. These include strengthening the UAE’s position as a global AI leader, accelerating AI adoption across government services, improving competitiveness in priority sectors, developing national AI talent, and connecting research with real-world implementation.

The initiative comes as the UAE continues to integrate AI into public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, transport, and other key industries.

Why does the UAE need more AI leaders?

Artificial intelligence has become one of the UAE’s most important long-term economic priorities.

The UAE National AI Strategy 2031, launched by the government in 2017, aims to position the country among the world’s leading nations in artificial intelligence. The strategy focuses on integrating AI into government operations while creating new economic opportunities and improving quality of life for residents.

According to the UAE’s official AI Strategy framework, priority sectors include transportation, healthcare, education, renewable energy, environment, technology, space, water resources, and traffic management.

Developing local talent is considered a critical part of achieving these goals. While the UAE continues to attract international technology experts, authorities are also focused on creating a strong pipeline of homegrown Emirati leaders who can guide future AI projects and policies.

This latest programme reflects that commitment by ensuring local expertise remains at the centre of the country’s AI transformation journey.

Who can participate in the National Experts Programme AI Track?

The programme is aimed at experienced Emirati professionals with strong technical, strategic, or policy backgrounds related to artificial intelligence.

Earlier this year, the National Experts Programme received more than 1,000 applications for the AI track, highlighting growing interest among Emiratis seeking careers in advanced technologies.

WAM previously reported that 135 finalists were shortlisted from applicants across all seven emirates. A final cohort of 25 participants was selected for the inaugural programme.

The participants come from diverse professional backgrounds, including government entities, private companies, technology organisations, research institutions, and specialised technical sectors.

The programme also includes mentorship from senior government leaders, ministers, CEOs, and AI specialists, providing participants with direct access to some of the UAE’s most experienced decision-makers and technology experts.

How will this programme support the UAE National AI Strategy 2031?

One of the programme’s main objectives is to turn AI strategies into practical results.

Participants will work on implementation-focused projects designed to address real challenges facing industries and government organisations. These projects are expected to contribute directly to the UAE’s national AI ambitions while creating measurable outcomes for various sectors.

The programme also focuses on emerging areas such as Agentic AI, AI cybersecurity, data economy models, AI governance, and responsible AI deployment.

The timing is significant. The UAE government has recently intensified efforts to expand AI use across public services. In May 2026, senior government officials gathered at the Agentic AI Retreat in Abu Dhabi, where plans were announced to transition 50 per cent of federal government sectors, services, and operations to Agentic AI models within the next two years.

The new leadership programme helps ensure the country has the skilled workforce needed to support these ambitious plans.

What opportunities could this create for the UAE economy?

While the programme targets Emirati professionals, its impact is expected to extend across the wider economy.

As more government services adopt AI technologies, residents could benefit from faster digital services, improved customer experiences, and more efficient public sector operations.

Businesses are also likely to see increased opportunities as AI adoption expands across industries. From healthcare and logistics to finance and education, organisations will require skilled professionals capable of managing and implementing advanced AI systems.

The programme highlights a broader trend already visible across the UAE: artificial intelligence is no longer viewed as a future technology. It is becoming a core part of how government services, businesses, and industries operate today.

FAQs

Q: What is the National Experts Programme AI Track?

A: It is a specialised UAE programme designed to develop Emirati AI leaders and support the goals of the National AI Strategy 2031 through advanced training, mentorship, and real-world AI projects.

Q: Who can apply for the programme?

A: The programme is designed for Emirati professionals with experience in artificial intelligence, data science, innovation, digital policy, and related technology fields.

Q: How does the programme support the UAE National AI Strategy 2031?

A: It develops national AI talent, promotes AI adoption across government and industries, and helps turn AI strategies into practical solutions and projects.

Q: Why is AI important for the UAE?

A: AI is a key part of the UAE’s economic diversification plans. The government aims to use AI to improve services, boost innovation, increase competitiveness, and create new growth opportunities.

Q: Will residents benefit from the UAE’s AI initiatives?

A: Yes. Increased AI adoption can improve public services, streamline government processes, enhance digital experiences, and create new career opportunities across various sectors.

The launch of the National Experts Programme – AI Track marks another important milestone in the UAE’s ambition to become a global artificial intelligence leader. By investing in Emirati talent and practical AI implementation, the country is building the expertise needed to support its National AI Strategy 2031 and future digital economy.

Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.

Read More

• Saudi Arabia Declares 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence
• UAE to Host Artificial Intelligence Summit 2028 in Major Global Tech Move