Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence hosts ‘AI for Leadership’ Training Course for Government Sector Leaders with the Abu Dhabi School of Government

Sunday, December 13, 2020

ABU DHABI, 13 December 2020 – The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence (AI) university, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), the learning and development arm of Abu Dhabi Government, held a specialized ‘AI for Leadership’ immersion training course tailored to government sector leaders seeking to master the key concepts behind Artificial Intelligence and how to incorporate it into their respective organizations.

The ‘AI for Leadership’ course empowered leaders to contribute to the success of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, key initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy, and delivering improved government services. Designed by AI experts at MBZUAI, the course equipped Abu Dhabi government leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to leverage AI applications effectively through exposure to AI applications in various business cases. The four-day course was open to all senior decision-makers in the government sector who seek a better understanding of the applications of AI technology within their respective sectors.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, said: “In line with the wise leadership’s vision to leverage the capabilities of AI, through platforms like the ‘AI for Leadership’ training course, MBZUAI aims to build a thriving AI community in the UAE, encourage deeper dialogue and closer cooperation between the university and government stakeholders, attract leading experts to the region, and share expertise and knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence. ‘AI for Leadership’ is a showcase of MBZUAI’s efforts to build this ecosystem by empowering government leaders to apply AI in their respective organizations in order to better support the UAE’s national priorities and strengthen its knowledge economy, and advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of MBZUAI’s Advisory Board, said: “It is important to empower national leaders in government and economic sectors with the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, expanding their expertise and knowledge, and introducing them to the most prominent future opportunities stemming from AI-enabled solutions. Our government is committed to accelerating the adoption of AI in various vital areas to achieve the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in AI.”

The inauguration ceremony of the course was attended by high level speakers from public and private sector organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), EDGE, Group 42, IBM, and numerous others. The speakers shared their experience in applying AI across various industries of relevance to the UAE National priorities including energy, healthcare, technology, agriculture and capacity building.

MBZUAI faculty members Dr. Mohammed Yaqub, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Fahad Khan, Associate Professor, led the course, alongside leaders in AI from the government sector and the industry.

‘AI for Leadership’ included workshops covering key AI concepts like Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning and Reinforced Learning, in addition to Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision and Remote Sensing among many others. The course focused on use cases of government and industrial case studies of AI implementation and strategy. Among these were: ADNOC’s Panorama Digital Command Center and the impact of AI in the Oil and Gas sector; using Machine Learning to advance cryptographic technologies; computer vision for healthcare and automation of medical screening to accelerate disease detection; leveraging AI to combat emerging pathogen epidemics; computer vision to make cities safer and boost quality of life, and the Abu Dhabi AI Lab platform for advancing AI in Abu Dhabi government entities.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Executive Vice President for Outreach and Engagement said: “AI is changing lives and businesses. The UAE has pioneered future applications of AI through strategic adaptation of AI. As the UAE continues to digitize its economy, this course, delivered through our strategic collaboration with ADSG, sought to empower decision-makers to understand and adapt AI applications within their businesses. Government services will only fulfil their AI advancement through the support of their leaders and executives.”

Dr. Nama Salmeen Alameri, Dean of the Abu Dhabi School of Government, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to offer senior-level leaders within Abu Dhabi’s government sector access to the latest training and perspectives on how to effectively incorporate AI into business strategy and operations. Artificial Intelligence technologies are going to change the lives of millions of people across the globe and it is essential that the government sector is prepared to benefit from their deployment.”

“Home to some of the world’s AI pioneers, the UAE has recognized and anticipated the impact of AI on its economy and growth, and has already worked to incorporate AI into its short and long term strategies and plans,” she added.

“ADSG is committed to developing an empowered and skilled government workforce capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future, and ensuring that government sector leaders are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to make effective use of AI is crucial to the future success of the Abu Dhabi government,” added Dr. Alameri.

ENDS

About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

MBZUAI is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence (AI) university. Launched in October 2019 and located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, the University aims to empower students, businesses and governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive progress. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.

About the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG):

ADSG was established in 2018 and is the government entity responsible for overseeing and planning the learning and development of all Abu Dhabi government employees. Its remit is to develop the most effective government workforce for the emirate through the provision of high-quality training and development activities, based on international best practice, while considering the priorities and requirements of Abu Dhabi.

To achieve its mandate of offering a world-class comprehensive learning experience to UAE government employees, ADSG is forging partnerships with the best local and international academic institutions, as well as online educational platforms from around the world.

For more information about Abu Dhabi School of Government, visit www.adsg.gov.abudhabi

For more information, please visit http://www.adsgabudhabi.ae

Related

thumbnail
Tuesday, September 17, 2024

How the MBZUAI Executive Program is helping shape the future of the UAE

The MBZUAI Executive Program’s Capstone Projects challenged students to develop AI-based applications that could improve people’s lives.....

  1. executive program ,
  2. innovation ,
  3. collaborations ,
  4. MEP ,
  5. leadership ,
  6. capstone projects ,
Read More
thumbnail
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Influencing AI: Five key innovations from MBZUAI to celebrate as part of UAE Innovation Month

In-line with this year’s theme for UAE Innovation Month – ‘Influential Innovations’ – Mohamed bin Zayed University.....

  1. research ,
  2. Arabic LLM ,
  3. MIEC ,
  4. partners ,
  5. entrepreneurship ,
  6. innovation ,
Read More
thumbnail
Thursday, January 25, 2024

Participants pitch AI startup ideas after success of new MBZUAI Entrepreneurship Program

MBZUAI Entrepreneurship Courses concluded with 12 AI-based startup business plans presented at an on-campus event in Masdar.....

  1. IEC ,
  2. MIEC ,
  3. startup business ,
  4. partners ,
Read More