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The AI Academy launches region’s first Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer
Equipping executives to lead responsible and scalable AI transformation
- PUBLISHED: Fri 12 Sept 2025, 3:34 PM
The AI Academy, a regional hub for executive education and leadership in artificial intelligence, has opened early applications for its Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer (CAIO). The AI Academy was first unveiled at the prestigious Machines Can See 2025 summit in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The new first-of-its-kind executive programme in the region will equip senior executives and decision-makers with the vision and expertise to drive the next wave of AI transformation. The latest research shows 69 per cent of organisations in the Middle East plan to increase investment in AI, highlighting the urgent need for skilled leadership.
The executive programme is launched under the strategic collaboration between the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to shaping future-ready leadership as a global hub for AI adoption and regulation. It also contributes to an AI economy set to add over US$96 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2031, making it a key enabler of national economic impact.
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The intensive two-week programme is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2025 and includes 10 advanced modules covering AI systems architecture, enterprise deployment, governance frameworks, ethics and public policy. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, the programme prepares executives to lead cross-functional AI strategies and unlock innovation agendas across the MENA region. Participants will also have an opportunity to join an optional five-day international module in Europe or the United States as an extension of the main programme, expanding their exposure to leading global innovation ecosystems.
Polynome Group ensures participants gain exclusive access to enterprise-grade AI infrastructure, global best practices and hands-on deployment insights. This uniquely positions The AI Academy’s Executive Programme at the intersection of education and execution. With chief AI officers already appointed across federal and Dubai government entities, the programme is a catalyst for the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the UAE 2031 vision, which seek to position the UAE at the forefront of global AI and digital transformation.
“In today’s fast-changing landscape, visionary and strategic leadership is critical to unlocking the full potential of AI in a responsible way that meets the needs of businesses and society alike,” said Dr Tayeb Kamali, chairman of the board of trustees at ADSM. “This programme equips leaders with the strategic foresight, ethical foundation, and practical skills required to leverage the exciting opportunities AI creates, while strengthening the UAE’s role as a global hub for technological excellence.”
“What makes this programme unique is that it was designed by leaders who have implemented AI at scale,” added Alexander Khanin, founder of Polynome Group. “Participants will leave with execution-ready strategies, direct access to enterprise tools, and membership in a powerful peer network of global AI leaders.”
The programme’s instructors unite world-class expertise from academia, government, and industry. Professors and researchers from leading institutions such as Oxford University, ETH Zurich, Khalifa University, and Carnegie Mellon University contribute deep academic insight. Alongside them, chief AI officers, heads of technology, vice-presidents and executive directors from top AI organisations, including NVIDIA, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, X, G42, NASA JPL, Mubadala, AMD, e&, HCLTech and others, bring practical leadership and industry perspective. Together, this distinguished panel highlights the programme’s global influence on AI strategy and governance.
Graduates will join an exclusive global alumni circle of chief AI officers and senior leaders, gaining lifelong access to a peer network shaping the next decade of AI transformation across industries and geographies.
The Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer is ideal for C-suite leaders (CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs), Public sector advisors and innovation leads, senior strategy, transformation and digital executives and AI sponsors across private and government sectors. The application deadline is October 15, 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://polynome.ai/caio.