Montreal:Eleven Emirati artificial intelligence experts from the National Experts Programme's Artificial Intelligence track (NEP-AI) are collaborating with Canada's top researchers and institutions to investigate how advanced AI research can be applied responsibly in government and develop commercially viable solutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the study visit, which commenced on Monday and will continue until October 2nd in Montreal and Sherbrooke, is part of NEP-AI and includes sessions at notable institutions including Mila, McGill University, Scale AI, and Universit© de Sherbrooke.
These visits are designed to connect participants with leading experts and institutions in major global AI hubs. The goal is to enhance their understanding of international AI applications, governance approaches, and best practices while promoting comparative learning and long-term collaboration.
The Emirati delegation comprises professionals from diverse AI-related fields such as computing, generative AI, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. They include Dr. Nadya Mohamed, Dr. Mariam Al Harbi, Dr. Reem Al Jneibi, Dr. Mohammad Alsharid, among others.
During the visit, the experts will explore the evolution of Mila, a Montreal-based AI research institute, from a university lab to one of the world's largest academic AI centers, examining the foundations of a national AI ecosystem, including funding, talent development, and government partnerships.
Participants will engage in a sovereign AI decision simulation and discuss the deployment of large language models within government. Sessions will be led by prominent figures such as Professor Yoshua Bengio and Hugo Larochelle, focusing on safe-by-design AI and the future challenges of AI research.
The programme at McGill University will cover responsible AI engineering and governance, exploring how AI affects information environments and global shipping through a live simulation. Sessions with Mila Ventures and Canadian startups will address translating frontier research into marketable solutions.
The visit will conclude at the Universit© de Sherbrooke, where participants will explore advances in quantum computing and neuromorphic systems, focusing on developing energy-efficient hardware for future AI applications. This study visit is a segment of NEP-AI's comprehensive learning journey supporting the UAE¾¢s national AI priorities.