KAUST held its fifth annual KAUST Saudi Leadership Program (KSLP) in collaboration with the Haas School of Business of UC Berkeley. The 2018 KSLP edition included workshops and a six-day training course for 25 Saudi female academics in leadership and deanship positions. Participants reviewed strategic planning, team management, and effective executive leadership, and attended lectures by KAUST's senior leadership. Why it matters: Such programs contribute to developing leadership capabilities within Saudi academic institutions, fostering a stronger educational ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
MBZUAI has joined the Aspen Institute’s Technology Leaders Initiative as a founding partner, alongside the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford. This two-year program within the Aspen Global Leadership Network will convene 20 senior leaders from the global technology ecosystem. The initiative aims to explore ethical innovation, responsible leadership, and the societal impact of technology. Why it matters: The partnership highlights MBZUAI's commitment to fostering responsible AI development and ethical leadership in the technology sector.
MBZUAI has launched the 6th edition of its Executive Program (MEP) aimed at empowering over 40 senior leaders from UAE's public and private sectors with AI knowledge. The 16-week program will cover AI fundamentals, industry transformations, strategy, policymaking, and ethics. Participants will explore a refreshed curriculum with immersive learning experiences, site visits, and an Ideas Launchpad to address real-world challenges. Why it matters: The program demonstrates the UAE's commitment to AI upskilling and aims to accelerate AI-driven transformations across sectors by equipping leaders with strategic, technical, and ethical foundations of AI.
MBZUAI's executive programs (MEP and MEP-A) have trained nearly 240 senior leaders from the UAE's public and private sectors to implement AI solutions. Cohort six of the MEP begins in April, while the MEP-A will commence later in the year. The programs, taught by instructors from MBZUAI, UC Berkeley, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT, cover AI fundamentals, industry applications, strategy, policymaking, and ethics. Why it matters: These programs aim to empower leaders to contribute to the UAE's growing AI ecosystem and promote ethically-rooted innovation, aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy.
MBZUAI has announced an enhanced MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP) welcoming its fifth cohort of 44 senior leaders from various sectors across the UAE. The program focuses on AI application and implementation, covering real-world projects, policy development, and ethics. The in-person modules are spread over 16 weeks and include new chapters on AI transformation, policymaking, and ethics. Why it matters: The enhanced MEP helps develop a strong regional AI community, supporting digital transformation in UAE organizations and aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy.
MBZUAI is launching the second edition of its Executive Program, following the completion of its inaugural edition in January. The 12-week program aims to enhance AI capacity building for senior leaders in the UAE across both public and private sectors. The program covers topics such as AI ethics, policy-making, and the future of robotics, and is taught by global AI leaders. Why it matters: This program signals the UAE's commitment to developing national AI leadership and integrating AI into its economic development plans.
A delegation from the Embassy of Poland in the UAE met with senior leaders at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Discussions focused on potential collaboration opportunities between MBZUAI and Polish institutions. The meeting included Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Prof. Le Song, and Reem Al Orfali from MBZUAI. Why it matters: This meeting indicates MBZUAI's continued efforts to expand its international partnerships and foster collaboration in AI research and education.
A delegation from Rabdan Academy, led by Academy President James Morse, visited MBZUAI and met with President Eric Xing and other senior leaders. They toured the MBZUAI campus and received an update on MBZUAI activities. Both parties discussed establishing a long-term partnership and exploring future collaborations. Why it matters: Partnerships between specialized academies like Rabdan and research universities like MBZUAI can help align AI education with specific industry and government needs in the UAE.