Dubai, February 16 (WAM) - Emirati experts in artificial intelligence led discussions today in Abu Dhabi and Dubai through two awareness events on the AI track within the Emirates Experts Program aimed at attracting Emirati talent.

The two events addressed the strategic priorities that form the AI agenda in the UAE and highlighted the role of the track in supporting and accelerating the achievement of the goals of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.

The events were held at both the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation in Dubai, bringing together experts from the program, policymakers, and sector leaders to discuss ways to develop national AI capabilities through governance, advanced computing infrastructure, product development, and responsible application.

Building on the successes achieved by the Emirates Experts Program since its launch in 2019, the AI track comes as a specialized track focusing on the country’s strategic priorities with the aim of preparing a national cadre of Emirati leaders in this vital field.

The discussions emphasized the central role of the track in developing Emirati expertise capable of leveraging artificial intelligence in priority sectors including sustainability, healthcare, education, transportation, and other important sectors.

Participants discussed the need to align technical depth with clear regulatory frameworks and achieve sustainable institutional impact.

The speakers at the Dubai Emirate session included Khaled Al-Naemi, a graduate of the Emirates Experts Program and its spokesperson, and Mohammed Al-Qubaisi, a member of the program’s programs committee.

The session of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was attended by "Dr. Khaled Al-Nakbi, Dr. Hoda Al-Khazيمي and Iman Al-Mughirey", all graduates of the UAE Experts Program and representing diverse sectors in the country.

Khaled Al-Naemi, spokesperson for the UAE Experts Program, said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the event held in Dubai that the "AI Track" of the UAE Experts Program is a new specialized track aimed at preparing Emirati leaders capable of employing artificial intelligence capabilities to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates across vital sectors and supports the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 by combining technology, leadership, and national development.

Al-Naemi noted that the program launched in 2026 a specialized track in artificial intelligence aimed at developing and empowering Emirati leaders and experts in this vital sector, which has become a fundamental pillar for many sectors of importance to the country.

He explained that registration for the track opened last month and will continue until March 23, 2026, with program activities starting in May and continuing until December 2026. He noted that over 600 applications have been received so far, while the program aims to select between 25 and 30 experts based on criteria including technical and professional experience, academic background, leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to translate strategic goals into practical initiatives.

He added that the program includes seven academic, applied, and professional stations under the supervision of strategic and technical mentors, with the participation of academic entities including the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, as well as local and international institutions.

The speakers noted that "the artificial intelligence track" within the Emirates Experts Program received over 600 applications during the first two weeks after opening the application window, reflecting a growing interest from Emirati talents working in the field of artificial intelligence. The application process is still open for qualified Emirati talents with at least five years of experience in AI-related fields until March 23, 2026.