The AI track of the UAE National Experts Programme has drawn more than 1,000 applications within two months of opening, highlighting a sharp rise in Emirati interest in artificial intelligence and its role in shaping the country’s future.
Applications opened on 29 January and closed on 24 March, with candidates representing a wide spectrum of AI disciplines. These include core technologies, product development, and emerging applications across key national sectors.
Participants will be selected through a structured evaluation process that assesses academic and professional achievements, leadership potential, and the ability to translate expertise into practical impact. Final selections are expected to be announced in May.
The inaugural NEP-AI cohort will run from May to December 2026, offering an intensive programme designed to build both technical and leadership capabilities. Structured across six tracks and spanning 25 sectors, the initiative aims to align participants’ expertise with national priorities.
The programme includes two levels of mentorship. Senior leaders from government and the private sector will provide strategic guidance, while AI specialists will support participants on capstone projects with technical insights and applied feedback.
Participants will also take part in international study visits, gaining exposure to leading global AI institutions and governance models relevant to their sectors.
Aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the programme builds on the broader National Experts Programme launched in 2019 to develop Emirati talent across priority industries.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
