Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first university dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) research, has opened applications for the sixth edition of the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), a 16-week, in-person programme that empowers senior leaders from business and government in the UAE to drive AI transformation in their organisation.
With a strong focus on industry, MEP prepares leaders for the latest application and implementation of AI principles across sectors. Participants come from sectors including government, energy, finance, law, transport and logistics, health, sports, and education, and are taught by MBZUAI’s world-class faculty. The ideal candidate for MEP typically has more than 10 years executive or leadership experience, a vision to drive AI transformation within their line of work, and a strong willingness to support a global network of executives committed to the responsible use of AI.
Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations at MBZUAI, said: “MEP has become a key pillar of MBZUAI’s mission to deliver the skills needed to drive transformation in the UAE in line with the aims of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the recently announced Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which seeks to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in AI-powered governance.”
Al Hajji added: “We’re excited to open admissions for the 2025 6th edition of MEP, and we look forward to selecting talented leaders to join the programme. We have refined and enhanced the programme in response to valuable feedback from previous editions and to reflect the latest advances in AI. We look forward to equipping the new cohort with the skills and knowledge they need to drive innovation, efficiency, and transformation in their sectors and solve societal challenges.”
With modules focusing on areas including AI and its current paradigm shift, AI fundamentals, AI-driven industry changes, and AI strategy, policymaking, and ethics, MEP provides leaders with well-rounded AI knowledge and skills. The programme culminates with capstone projects in which students form teams and apply their AI skills to develop tangible solutions to real world challenges.
Launched in 2021, MEP has more than 200 distinguished alumni, including ministers, undersecretaries, ambassadors, CEOs, and directors general who have become leaders of AI innovation in the UAE and beyond. The sixth edition of MEP will build on the success of the 2024 edition, which graduated thirty-seven senior leaders from UAE organisations.
Organisations represented in last year’s MEP class included the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, the UAE Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, M42, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Etihad Airways, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Emirates Post, and others. Nearly half of the participants were women, a level of diversity that brought new perspectives and innovation to capstone projects including an AI-powered system to improve traffic management in Abu Dhabi; an app to address chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity; and an AI-driven platform to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Leaders interested in MEP can submit their applications online here, by March 16 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged. As in previous years, two free seats will be on offer to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and startups.
