Emirati artificial intelligence experts are preparing to take on a larger national role. The UAE is accelerating its efforts to execute its UAE AI Strategy 2031.
AI experts, policymakers, industry leaders and NEP alumni met in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the National Experts Program Artificial Intelligence track or NEP-AI roadshows. They gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the country. Moreover, the sessions looked at how the UAE can build stronger national AI capabilities in governance, infrastructure, product development and responsible deployment.
The events were hosted at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. They were also held at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation in Dubai. Together, the sessions highlighted the UAE’s growing focus on developing homegrown AI leadership. This leadership will support long-term national priorities.
NEP-AI Supports the UAE AI Strategy 2031
The NEP-AI track was created as a specialized pathway under the National Experts Program. The aim is to train Emirati professionals to be leaders in AI implementation in major sectors. As a result, they will contribute directly to the UAE AI Strategy 2031.
The UAE’s national AI strategy aims to make the country a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031. It supports broader economic and national development goals, including digital transformation, better government services, and the growth of the digital economy.
Through NEP-AI, the UAE seeks to nurture a new generation of AI leaders. These leaders can marry technical know-how with a policy awareness, leadership skills and experience in implementing AI in the real world.
Major areas of discussion included Governance, Compute and Responsible AI
The roadshow discussions focused on several key areas of AI for the UAE. Notably, these included AI governance, compute infrastructure, product development and responsible AI deployment.
Participants also talked about the potential for artificial intelligence to be used in high impact areas. For example, these included healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility and public services.
This approach to sector focus is part of the UAE’s wider ambition to leverage AI as a national capability. The goal is to not only capitalize on a technology trend, but to also enhance services, strengthen industries and enable long-term competitiveness.
NEP-AI: Building Emirati AI Leadership
NEP-AI is a cohort-based program with core curriculum, mentorship, international study visits, and a capstone project. It aims to support participants in applying AI skills to create tangible impact in sectors of national priority.
The Abu Dhabi and Dubai sessions were attended by alumni and members of the National Experts Program from different fields. They emphasized the importance of linking AI knowledge with leadership, policy and institutional transformation.
Organisers said there was strong interest from Emirati professionals after applications opened. This is a further sign of the growing appetite for advanced AI leadership pathways in the UAE.
UAE Pushes Toward Global AI Leadership
The UAE has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence as part of its long-term economic and technological strategy. The UAE AI Strategy 2031, first launched in 2017, was aimed at integrating AI across major sectors. It also aimed at improving the country’s global position in advanced technology.
The UAE is developing a national pipeline of experts to help take AI projects from strategy to execution. This is achieved by building specialized AI talent through initiatives like NEP-AI.
This is especially crucial as governments around the world are moving quickly to adopt AI for public services. They are also using AI for economic development, infrastructure and national competitiveness.
Why It Matters
The UAE’s emphasis on Emirati AI experts signals that national AI leadership is becoming as important as AI infrastructure and investment.
The UAE AI Strategy 2031 needs more than advanced models, data centers and digital platforms to succeed. It needs skilled local leaders who understand the technology and the national priorities that drive its deployment.
NEP-AI could be an important tool in helping the UAE turn AI ambitions into tangible results. This is especially true in healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility and government services. As countries compete to be the leaders in the next phase of artificial intelligence, the UAE is betting that homegrown expertise will be one of its biggest advantages.
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