The National Experts Programme has announced the launch of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence track, inviting Emirati professionals in the field to apply when applications open on 29 January 2026, as the UAE accelerates efforts to build national AI leadership.
Known as NEP-AI, the specialised track builds on the programme’s success since its launch in 2019 and aims to develop a national cadre of AI leaders aligned with the country’s long-term strategic priorities. The first cohort is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
The initiative was launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, during the graduation ceremony of NEP Cohorts 2.0 and 3.0 in October 2025.
NEP-AI is aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and supports the nation’s ambition to rank among the world’s leading AI-driven economies. Participants will be selected based on academic excellence, professional experience, leadership potential, and their ability to translate expertise into measurable national impact.
The programme spans 25 priority sectors across the economy and is structured around six core tracks, including AI infrastructure, models and applications, product development and entrepreneurship, sovereign AI, human-AI leadership, and applied AI domains.
Designed to move beyond theory, NEP-AI emphasises execution, responsible AI deployment, governance, ethics, and data readiness. Participants will develop sector-specific initiatives and present capstone projects linked to their organisations, supported by local and international mentors, global institutions, and targeted international study visits.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
