Abu dhabi: The AI Academy has officially announced the opening of applications for its second cohort of the Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer (CAIO). This flagship initiative aims to cultivate executive-level AI leadership across both government and industry sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the second cohort builds on the success of the inaugural programme, which successfully certified 35 senior executives from various sectors, including government, defense, energy, healthcare, technology, and national infrastructure, spanning the UAE, GCC, and key global regions. The programme, delivered in partnership with Polynome Group and the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), has set a new standard for executive AI education in the region.
The inaugural cohort graduated after completing an intensive curriculum that combined masterclasses, workshops, and applied exercises. The programme's focus areas included responsible AI governance, regulatory alignment, fiscal impact, and large-scale AI deployment, equipping leaders with the necessary skills to drive AI transformation at both organisational and national levels.
Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, emphasized the importance of structured, executive-level AI leadership programmes. He noted, "The success of the first cohort shows just how important structured, executive-level AI leadership programmes are. As AI becomes central to competitiveness and performance, these leaders are now equipped to turn potential into real, responsible impact."
Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), highlighted the programme's commitment to nurturing leaders who can integrate advanced technology with governance and strategic decision-making. He stated, "This programme reflects our commitment to nurturing leaders who can bridge advanced technology with sound governance and strategic decision-making. The achievements of the inaugural cohort confirm the value of executive education that truly meets national and regional priorities."
The first cohort also delivered six high-impact capstone projects that addressed challenges in AI governance, healthcare sustainability, and energy resilience. These projects included initiatives like a GCC-wide AI regulatory intelligence platform, a unified national AI layer for government services, AI-driven healthcare transformation models, and strategies for addressing rising AI-related energy demand.
Building on this foundation, the second intake of the Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer aims to continue elevating executive AI leadership. The programme will once again feature distinguished faculty, senior-level peer learning, and direct engagement with leaders who are actively shaping AI practices.
Designed for a select group of experienced executives from government and industry, Cohort Two will offer participants the opportunity to engage closely with global AI practitioners, policymakers, and technologists. The emphasis will remain on practical execution, strategic decision-making, and measurable impact.
Graduates of the second cohort will also join an exclusive global CAIO network, fostering long-term collaboration, insight-sharing, and strategic dialogue across various sectors and regions.
