The AI Academy, a premier center for executive education in artificial intelligence leadership, has initiated early applications for its Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Unveiled first at the prestigious Machines Can See 2025 summit, attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, this innovative programme aims to empower senior leaders with the vision and skills necessary to lead the next phase of AI evolution. Recent studies indicate that 69% of Middle Eastern organizations plan to boost their AI investments, underscoring the pressing demand for adept leadership.
This executive programme is the result of a strategic partnership between the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and Polynome AI Academy, further cementing the UAE’s dedication to cultivating future-ready leaders and establishing itself as a global AI hub. It also plays a pivotal role in enhancing an AI-driven economy projected to contribute over US$96 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2031, thereby being a major driver of national economic growth.
The AI Academy will incorporate NVIDIA’s technological expertise into select courses, aligning with its mission to enhance AI preparedness and actual deployment across the region.
Scheduled to start on November 16, 2025, the intensive two-week programme features 10 advanced modules, including AI system architecture, enterprise implementation, governance frameworks, and public policy ethics. By focusing on real-world applications, it equips executives to spearhead cross-functional AI strategies and foster innovation throughout the MENA region. The programme also offers an optional five-day international module in Europe or the USA, broadening participants’ exposure to leading global innovation ecosystems.
Through Polynome Group, participants receive exclusive access to enterprise-grade AI infrastructure, global best practices, and practical deployment insights, uniquely positioning The AI Academy’s Executive Programme at the crossroads of education and execution. With chief AI officers already active in federal and Dubai government agencies, this programme is instrumental for the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and UAE Vision 2031, aiming to place the UAE at the forefront of global AI and digital transformation.
“Amidst today’s rapidly evolving landscape, visionary and strategic leadership is essential for fully realizing AI’s potential in a way that responsibly addresses both business and societal needs,” stated Dr. Tayeb Kamali, chairman of the board of trustees at ADSM. “This programme provides leaders with the strategic foresight, ethical grounding, and practical skills necessary to harness AI’s exciting opportunities, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in technological excellence.”
“The uniqueness of this programme lies in its design by leaders who have successfully implemented AI at scale,” added Alexander Khanin, founder of Polynome Group. “Participants will gain execution-ready strategies, direct access to enterprise tools, and become part of a robust global network of AI leaders.”
The programme’s faculty combines top-tier expertise from academia, government, and industry. Professors and researchers from prestigious institutions like Oxford University, ETH Zurich, Khalifa University, and Carnegie Mellon University offer deep academic insights. Alongside them, chief AI officers, technology heads, vice-presidents, and executive directors from leading AI organizations such as NVIDIA, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, X, G42, NASA JPL, Mubadala, AMD, e&, HCLTech, among others, provide practical leadership and industry perspectives. This esteemed panel underscores the programme’s global impact on AI strategy and governance.
Graduates will join an exclusive global alumni network of chief AI officers and senior leaders, gaining lifelong access to a peer community that shapes the future of AI transformation across industries and regions.
The Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer is tailored for C-suite leaders (CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs), public sector advisors, innovation leads, senior strategy, transformation and digital executives, and AI advocates across private and government sectors. Applications close on October 15, 2025.
For additional details and application, visit: https://polynome.ai/caio.
