First Graduates of MBZUAI Executive Programme Accelerated to Drive AI Transformation.


ABU DHABI: Thirty-two executives from regional and global organisations have graduated from an intensive six-day programme at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), where they gained essential knowledge of AI strategy and implementation that they will use to drive transformation within their companies.

According to Emirates News Agency, the MBZUAI Executive Programme Accelerated (MEP-A) is an expedited version of the University’s popular 16-week MEP course and is designed to provide a unique understanding of AI, giving leaders from a broad range of organisations and locations access to MBZUAI’s world-class facilities and faculty from institutions including MBZUAI, Columbia, and Berkeley.

The inaugural programme provided participants with critical tools to support and cultivate AI integration and innovation within their organisations, covering topics such as real-world AI application and its business and policymaking implications. Participants also gained access to a global communi
ty of senior business and government leaders and AI experts, receiving insights into best practices, strategic implementation, ethics, and the latest advancements in AI technology.

The cohort had hands-on experience and observed AI in action during site visits to ADNOC, AD Ports Group, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, Dubai Future Foundation, and Dubai Future Labs.

The debut MEP-A cohort included 32 executives from seven countries, with 26 participants from the UAE’s public and private sectors, such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Mubadala, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority, Department of Government Enablement, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Department of Finance. The six international participants were from KSA, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines.

Professor Timothy Baldwin, provost and professor of natural language processing at MBZUAI, commented on the programme’s success, stating that MEP-A brings crucial insights and learnings from the
full course to a broader audience of global executives. Feedback from the graduates has been positive, highlighting the value of the course and their confidence in adapting their learnings to their organisations. Importantly, their newfound knowledge will aid in implementing AI in a safe and ethical manner.