The UAE has taken another major step in its artificial intelligence journey with the launch of the first National Experts Programme AI cohort, also known as NEP-AI. The programme brings together 32 Emiratis for a specialised seven-month initiative. This is designed to build national AI expertise and support the country’s long-term technology ambitions.
The cohort is part of the UAE’s growing effort to cultivate local talent that can harness artificial intelligence across government, business, and key economic sectors. As a result, the programme supports the country’s wider digital transformation goals.
In addition, AI is becoming increasingly important to national competitiveness. Therefore, the programme aims to prepare Emirati experts to lead strategic projects. Moreover, it will help shape the UAE’s digital future.
32 Emiratis Join the First NEP-AI Cohort
The first National Experts Programme AI cohort includes 32 Emirati participants from different parts of the UAE economy. According to the report, 50 percent of the participants come from public institutions. In addition, 28 percent come from state-owned enterprises, and 22 percent from the private sector.
This cross-sector approach is important because artificial intelligence is no longer the preserve of technology companies. AI is now being used to improve public services, enhance decision-making, drive business growth and create new economic opportunities.
The programme is expected to gather professionals from a variety of sectors. As a result, it will foster collaboration and practical AI adoption across the UAE.
Supporting UAE’s AI Goals
The NEP-AI programme was announced by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The initiative was designed to train Emirati professionals to deploy AI in ways that support national progress and future innovation.
“Investing in national talents is one of the key foundations for building strong AI capabilities,” Sheikh Mansour said. The programme is part of the UAE’s wider effort to strengthen its leadership in artificial intelligence. It will help prepare specialists who can apply advanced technologies across different industries.
How the National Experts Programme AI Cohort Will Work
Over the seven-month programme, participants will study how artificial intelligence can help address important opportunities and challenges within their sectors. Their work will focus on practical AI applications rather than theory alone.
Areas of focus might include:
Improving public services through AI-powered systems
Enhancing decision-making through data and automation
Supporting economic growth through emerging technologies
Strengthening business competitiveness
Developing AI-driven solutions for national priorities
The programme will draw on expertise from government, industry, academia and technology specialists. This will give participants access to a broad knowledge base as they work on strategic AI-related projects.
Why This Matters for the UAE’s AI Future
The launch of the first National Experts Programme AI cohort reflects the UAE’s commitment to investing in artificial intelligence as a national priority. As countries around the world race to be at the forefront of AI development, talent will be a major factor. It will determine which nations stand to benefit most from the technology.
Training Emirati experts is helping the UAE build a stronger foundation for long-term innovation. Rather than relying solely on outside expertise, the country is nurturing its own AI leaders. These leaders understand local needs, national priorities and challenges specific to the sectors.
This could help speed up AI adoption across public services, infrastructure, finance, education, healthcare and other key parts of the economy.
UAE Developing National Talent Pipeline for Artificial Intelligence
The NEP-AI cohort supports the UAE’s larger ambition to develop a national pipeline of AI specialists. As artificial intelligence continues to grow more sophisticated, it will be increasingly important for governments and businesses to have the experts. They will need to oversee AI projects in a responsible, strategic, and effective way.
The programme is expected to help participants become future leaders in AI policy, implementation, and innovation. Their work could contribute to the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The launch of the first National Experts Programme AI cohort marks an important milestone in the UAE’s artificial intelligence strategy. With 32 Emiratis beginning a seven-month specialised programme, the country is investing directly in the people. These experts will help drive its AI future.
As AI is expected to reshape industries and economies, the UAE’s drive to build national expertise could cement its place. This is at the forefront of one of the world’s most significant emerging technologies.
