The Abu Dhabi-based AI Academy is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Executive Programme for Chief AI Officer (CAIO), signaling a rapid expansion of specialized training for high-level AI leadership. This program, a partnership between ADSM (Abu Dhabi School of Management) and Polynome Group, directly addresses a critical gap in the market: executives equipped to deploy AI responsibly and at scale.
First Cohort Delivers Tangible Results
Last year, the inaugural cohort certified 35 senior leaders from government, defense, energy, healthcare, technology, and national infrastructure sectors. These participants weren’t just learning theory; they produced six high-impact projects with real-world implications. These included a proposed AI regulatory platform for the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a unified national AI infrastructure for government services, and strategies to optimize AI’s energy consumption.
This is significant because AI deployment without careful leadership can lead to wasted resources, ethical missteps, or regulatory clashes. The program’s focus on governance, regulation, and fiscal impact isn’t academic; it’s a direct response to the practical challenges organizations face when integrating AI.
What the Program Offers
The second cohort is designed for experienced executives seeking direct engagement with leading AI practitioners, policymakers, and technologists. Unlike traditional education, the curriculum emphasizes practical execution, strategic decision-making, and measurable results. Participants will benefit from:
- Masterclasses and workshops: Focused on responsible AI governance and regulatory compliance.
- Applied exercises: Hands-on experience deploying AI solutions in complex environments.
- Exclusive network: Access to a global CAIO network for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Why This Matters
The demand for AI leadership is surging, especially in regions like the UAE and GCC, where governments are actively investing in AI-driven transformation. The program isn’t just about training individuals; it’s about building a critical mass of leaders who can steer AI investments effectively.
The AI Academy’s approach is notable for its focus on outcomes. Capstone projects, like the GCC regulatory platform, demonstrate that structured executive training can translate into concrete benefits at both organizational and national levels. The program’s emphasis on fiscal impact also suggests a growing awareness that AI investments must deliver measurable value to justify their cost.
The second cohort will join an invitation-only global network, ensuring sustained collaboration beyond formal training. This is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term success of AI initiatives.
The program’s success indicates a shift from purely academic AI education towards leadership training that directly addresses real-world implementation challenges.
