The UAE AI Track has officially launched its first technical learning phase under the National Experts Program (NEP), marking a significant step in developing national artificial intelligence capabilities. The inaugural session was attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology.

A total of 32 Emirati experts are participating in Module 1, titled “AI Foundations and the AI Stack.” The module introduces participants to the technologies, infrastructure, and data that power modern artificial intelligence systems.

Omar bin Sultan Al Olama said investing in national talent is essential to strengthening the UAE’s long term leadership in artificial intelligence and building a future ready economy. He noted that as AI continues to transform industries and societies, developing highly skilled Emirati professionals with technical expertise and strategic insight has become a national priority.

He added that the UAE AI Track within the National Experts Program reflects the country’s commitment to building world class AI capabilities and preparing Emirati experts to lead the next generation of innovation. According to him, equipping participants with technical knowledge and leadership skills will support AI adoption across industries, strengthen future policymaking, accelerate high impact initiatives, and reinforce the UAE’s global leadership in artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Omran Sharaf said artificial intelligence has reshaped the foundations of the new global order. He explained that AI is no longer only a driver of technological progress but has become a strategic pillar for improving economic competitiveness, national resilience, international cooperation, and global influence.

Sharaf added that the UAE’s strategic approach to artificial intelligence is supported by strong national leadership and strategic partnerships. He said this vision demonstrates the country’s commitment to investing in human capital, empowering Emirati talent, and building a secure and prosperous future for coming generations.

The “AI Foundations and the AI Stack” module goes beyond the use of AI applications by exploring how AI systems are built, trained, deployed, and scaled in real world environments. A key area of focus is AI compute, the processing power required to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems.

Participants will study specialized chips, including Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), while also examining the energy requirements and global supply chains that support AI development. As a result, they will gain a practical understanding of the opportunities and limitations associated with modern AI technologies.

In addition, the curriculum covers the infrastructure that supports AI, including data architecture, model development, and enterprise deployment. Participants will also learn how data quality, governance, structure, and availability directly affect AI performance.

As part of the learning experience, participants will visit the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ADIA Lab to gain firsthand insight into how advanced AI research is transformed into real world applications and national impact.

At ADIA Lab, Director Dr. Horst Simon and the lab’s scientists will discuss AI compute as a strategic resource for innovation. They will also introduce participants to the lab’s research programs and contributions to advancing artificial intelligence.

During the visit to TII, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer of TII, will lead a panel discussion titled “Building the UAE’s AI Stack: From National Strategy to Real Infrastructure.” The discussion will focus on the foundations needed to build sovereign AI capabilities in the UAE.

Furthermore, participants will apply the knowledge gained throughout the module to a Capstone Project designed to address real organizational and national challenges. Each project aims to convert technical expertise into practical AI solutions with measurable impact while supporting the UAE’s broader AI ambitions.

The UAE AI Track will also provide participants with a common technical language and a deeper understanding of the AI stack. This foundation will prepare them for future modules focused on leadership, strategy, and innovation, further strengthening the UAE AI Track as a key initiative for advancing the country’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.

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