NEP-AI: UAE National Experts Programme Opens AI Track For Emirati Leaders

Emirati specialists working with artificial intelligence are being invited to apply for the new Artificial Intelligence track of the National Experts Programme, known as NEP-AI, with applications scheduled to open on 29 January 2026. The track aims to build a skilled national group of AI leaders for key sectors.

NEP-AI builds on the National Experts Programme, which has operated since 2019, and aligns with the UAE’s wider economic agenda. The first NEP-AI cohort is planned to start in May 2026 and will target practical deployment of AI across priority areas of the national economy.

The specialised track has been created to support the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. NEP-AI contributes to the strategy’s goal of placing the UAE among leading AI nations by turning national priorities into projects and solutions that serve public and private institutions.

NEP-AI was launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, during the graduation ceremony of NEP Cohorts 2.0 and 3.0 in October 2025. The launch linked the programme’s earlier achievements with its new AI focus.

Participants are chosen based on academic strength, professional experience, leadership potential, and proven ability to convert AI knowledge into measurable outcomes. Selection also considers how candidates can support national sectors by applying AI solutions that respond to institutional challenges and wider policy goals.

The programme covers 25 priority sectors within the UAE economy. It is organised around six core tracks: AI Infrastructure and Hardware, AI Models and Application, AI Productisation and Entrepreneurship, Sovereign AI and National Capability, Human–AI Leadership and Foresight, and Applied AI Domains. These tracks connect technical capabilities with policy, business, and implementation skills.

Throughout the programme, NEP-AI focuses on human capital development, data readiness, governance, ethics, and responsible AI deployment. Participants design initiatives and projects tied to their organisations, each delivering a capstone project aimed at scientific, sustainable solutions with clear impact indicators.

NEP-AI participants gain access to mentors from the National Experts Programme network and benefit from international expertise. The track links UAE-based centres of excellence with leading global institutions and includes overseas study visits aligned with each AI specialisation, supporting long-term growth of the Emirates’ artificial intelligence capabilities.

With inputs from WAM