Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a regional AI hub with the launch of the AI Academy and the opening of early applications for its flagship program, the first Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in the Middle East. The initiative is a strategic collaboration between the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, designed to equip senior leaders with the expertise to spearhead large-scale AI transformation.
Cultivating C-Suite AI Leadership
The launch addresses a critical need for specialized leadership in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. With 69% of organizations in the Middle East planning to increase their AI investments, the demand for C-suite executives who can navigate the complexities of AI deployment has never been higher. The program is directly aligned with the UAE’s national AI ambitions, including the UAE AI Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country as a global leader in AI governance and is projected to add over $96 billion to the national GDP by 2031.
A Curriculum For Real-World Impact
The intensive two-week program is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2025, and features 10 advanced modules. The curriculum covers critical areas such as AI systems architecture, enterprise deployment, governance frameworks, ethics, and public policy. Further enhancing its practical focus, the academy will integrate NVIDIA’s technologies and expertise into select modules to accelerate AI readiness.
“In today’s fast-changing landscape, visionary and strategic leadership is critical to unlocking the full potential of AI responsibly,” said Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ADSM. “This program equips leaders with foresight, ethical foundations, and the practical skills needed to leverage AI’s opportunities.”
Designed By AI Practitioners
A key differentiator of the program is its design, which was led by industry veterans with direct experience in implementing AI at scale. This practical foundation ensures that participants gain actionable insights and execution-ready strategies.
“What makes this program unique is that it was designed by leaders who have implemented AI at scale,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group. “Participants will leave with execution-ready strategies, enterprise tools, and membership in a powerful peer network of global AI leaders.”
About The AI Academy
The AI Academy is a new Abu Dhabi-based hub for executive education in artificial intelligence, established through a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy. Its mission is to develop a new generation of C-suite leaders capable of driving AI transformation responsibly and effectively across industries in the UAE and the wider region.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
