MBZUAI Executive Programme Updates To Align With Global AI Market Shifts

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has recently unveiled the latest iteration of its MBZUAI Executive Programme (MEP), now welcoming its fifth cohort. This group consists of 44 senior leaders who will delve into the application and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. The programme, known for its industry focus, spans government, energy, finance, law, transport and logistics, health, sports, and education sectors. Participants are set to gain insights from real-world projects, policy development, and ethical considerations in AI.

This enhanced version of the MEP aims to foster a robust regional and global AI community. Its objective is to bolster the development of UAE organisations and facilitate essential digital transformations. The course structure has been updated to include in-person sessions spread over 16 weeks, encompassing four chapters and seven modules. Notably, four new chapters have been introduced: AI and its Current Paradigm Shift, AI Fundamentals, AI-Driven Industry Transformations, and AI Strategy, Policymaking, and Ethics.

An aspect worth highlighting in the fifth edition of the MEP is its commitment to gender balance, with females making up 43% of the participants. Additionally, the programme offers an international trip that allows participants to observe AI applications in action at leading technology organisations worldwide. This experience aims to provide insights into best practices within AI-specific industries.

MBZUAI’s President and University Professor, Eric Xing, emphasized the programme's alignment with the evolving market demand for AI skills and solutions across both public and private sectors. He noted that the curriculum focuses on critical areas of AI transformation such as policy, ethics, and strategy. This approach reflects the broader need for organisations to adopt a comprehensive understanding of AI's context and impact.

The MEP leverages expertise from MBZUAI’s own faculty as well as global AI authorities including Professor Michael Jordan from UC Berkeley; Professor Justine Cassell from Carnegie Mellon University; Professor Karl Ulrich from Wharton Business School; and Dr. Xuedong Huang from Zoom.

The programme culminates with participants undertaking capstone projects that apply AI to address national or organisational challenges. These projects have the potential to effect significant societal changes in areas like healthcare, education, and sustainability.

Since its inception, the MEP has seen over 150 C-suite executives, directors, and secretaries-general graduate. These alumni represent a broad spectrum of UAE-based entities including government departments, startups, SMEs, and non-commercial NGOs. Their shared experiences contribute to a diverse and skilled community committed to advancing AI within their respective organisations.

With inputs from WAM