MBZUAI kicks off 6th edition of executive program to empower over 40 senior leaders from UAE entities with applied knowledge of AI

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) kicked off the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), with more than 40 senior executives and changemakers from the UAE’s public and private sectors. The 16-week program, which has graduated more than 200 leaders in past editions, empowers participants with applied knowledge of AI to accelerate innovation within their organizations and drive national progress.

Cohort 6 is a diverse group of professionals from the critical sectors of energy, transportation, healthcare, higher education, culture, and real estate development. More than two-thirds of participants are high-level executives, including undersecretaries, executive directors, CEOs, and senior vice presidents. Representing both federal and local government as well as the private sector, the new cohort reflects the importance and investment being placed on AI upskilling and investment in the UAE.

This year’s participants will explore a refreshed curriculum structured around the program’s four main pillars: AI’s current paradigm shift; AI fundamentals; AI-driven industry transformations; and AI strategy, policymaking, and ethics. Participants will benefit from immersive learning experiences, including site visits to leading UAE institutions pioneering AI adoption, and a dedicated Ideas Launchpad where they co-create solutions to address real-world challenges.

Spring Fu, Managing Director of The Academy at MBZUAI, said: “The MEP plays a direct role in accelerating AI-driven transformations across sectors. By equipping senior executives with the strategic, technical, and ethical foundations of AI, the program not only enhances institutional capacity but also empowers participants to lead change, spark innovation, and cultivate AI-literate cultures within their organizations. In alignment with the UAE’s Year of Community, it supports upskilling, nurtures AI talent, and helps unlock the full potential of individuals and institutions committed to building an inclusive and future-ready society.”

Sessions are led by MBZUAI’s globally recognized faculty and an international lineup of guest instructors. These include Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President and University Professor; Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI’s VP of Research and Professor of Robotics; Professor Elizabeth Churchill, MBZUAI Professor and Department Chair of Human-Computer Interaction; and Professor Ian Reid, MBZUAI Professor and Department Chair of Computer Vision.

Global AI luminaries such as Dawn Song, Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley; and Mona Diab, Institute Director and Full Professor at Language Technologies Institute, Heinz College (ACL Fellow) will also host sessions. These modules were designed to be highly engaging and interactive including but not limited to workshops, mini projects, hands on demonstrations, use cases, and critical thinking activities.

Designed with a future-focused curriculum, MEP provides hands-on practice in the development, governance, and implementation of AI technologies across priority sectors, culminating in capstone projects. MEP has evolved with the rapid pace of AI innovation, ensuring its content remains relevant, impactful, and deeply aligned with national priorities.

Executives who are committed to leading responsibly in an AI-driven era are encouraged to explore the program’s offerings and join the growing community of MEP alumni shaping the UAE’s AI-powered future by registering your interest via this form or emailing us at ep@mbzuai.ac.ae