Abu Dhabi, September 2025 – The AI Academy, a new regional hub for executive education in artificial intelligence, has opened early applications for its Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO), the first of its kind in the Middle East. The program aims to equip senior leaders and decision-makers with the expertise needed to drive large-scale AI transformation across industries.
The Academy was first unveiled at the Machines Can See 2025 summit in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Its launch comes as 69% of organizations in the Middle East signal plans to increase AI investment, underscoring the urgent need for capable leadership in this space.
Developed under a strategic collaboration between the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, the program reflects the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in AI adoption, governance, and regulation. The initiative is also aligned with the country’s AI economy targets, which are projected to add over $96 billion to GDP by 2031.
The AI Academy will also integrate NVIDIA’s technologies and expertise into select modules, reinforcing its mission to accelerate AI readiness and real-world deployment across the region.
The intensive two-week program, scheduled to begin on November 16, 2025, includes 10 advanced modules covering:
- AI systems architecture and enterprise deployment
- Governance frameworks, ethics, and public policy
- Practical strategies for cross-functional AI leadership
Participants will also have the option to extend their learning through a five-day international module in Europe or the United States, offering exposure to leading global innovation ecosystems.
Polynome Group ensures access to enterprise-grade AI infrastructure, global best practices, and hands-on deployment insights. With Chief AI Officers already appointed in federal and Dubai government entities, the program is positioned as a key catalyst for the UAE AI Strategy 2031 and broader UAE 2031 Vision.
“In today’s fast-changing landscape, visionary and strategic leadership is critical to unlocking the full potential of AI responsibly,” said Dr Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ADSM. “This program equips leaders with foresight, ethical foundations, and the practical skills needed to leverage AI’s opportunities.”
Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, added: “What makes this program unique is that it was designed by leaders who have implemented AI at scale. Participants will leave with execution-ready strategies, enterprise tools, and membership in a powerful peer network of global AI leaders.”
