News
Feb 19, 2026
News
Artificial Intelligence
Middle East & Africa
NewDecoded
3 min read
Image by WAM
The AI Academy has officially opened applications for the second cohort of its Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer. This flagship initiative is designed to develop high level leadership across both government and industry sectors. It is delivered in partnership with the Polynome Group and the Abu Dhabi School of Management to establish a new regional benchmark.
In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, this specialized training has become a vital asset for modern organizations. Analysts suggest that in the near future, almost every major company will include a Chief AI Officer within its executive ranks. This program ensures that leaders are ready to bridge the gap between technical innovation and sound corporate governance.
The second intake follows a successful inaugural program that recently certified 35 senior executives from the healthcare, energy, and defense sectors. These participants completed an intensive curriculum that balanced hands on workshops with applied exercises in fiscal impact and regulatory alignment. Their final projects already address pressing challenges such as national healthcare sustainability and energy resilience.
Alexander Khanin, founder of the Polynome Group, noted that structured leadership programs are now central to maintaining a competitive advantage. Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali of the Abu Dhabi School of Management added that the initiative nurtures leaders who can combine advanced tech with strategic decision making. Their shared goal is to ensure that large scale AI deployments meet both national and regional priorities.
Selected executives will collaborate with global practitioners and technologists who have led significant AI deployments and navigated complex regulations. Graduates will also be invited to join a global network designed to foster long term dialogue and cross sector collaboration. This ensures that the program influence extends far beyond the classroom and into real world strategic application.
By focusing on practical execution and measurable results, the academy is setting a new standard for executive education in the Middle East. The second intake will continue to raise the bar for how leaders interpret and implement automated solutions within their specific domains. Further details regarding the application process can be found through the official WAM portal.
The creation of a dedicated Chief AI Officer program signals a transition from treating artificial intelligence as a technical experiment to managing it as a core business asset. By formalizing this role, the UAE is establishing a leadership blueprint that prioritizes governance and fiscal responsibility alongside pure innovation. This shift indicates that the next phase of the digital economy will be defined by how effectively organizations integrate AI into their top level strategy.