The UAE Experts program has announced the selection of 135 candidates within the “Artificial Intelligence Pathway,” chosen from over 1,000 applicants. This initiative aims to enhance national efforts in building a foundation of Emirati expertise in artificial intelligence across vital sectors, with only 25 participants to be selected for the inaugural cohort in the coming months.
The candidate list reflects a comprehensive national presence, with 80 candidates from Abu Dhabi, 21 from Dubai, and the remaining candidates coming from Sharjah (14), Ras Al Khaimah (9), Ajman (6), Umm Al-Quwain (3), and Fujairah (2).
The list demonstrates an unprecedented level of diversity, incorporating professional expertise from both public and private sectors and advanced technical disciplines. Women make up 38% of the candidates, with 52 participants, while men comprise 62% with 83 participants.
Moreover, the profile of the candidates indicates significant professional depth, as 44% have over ten years of experience, while 35% possess between five and ten years of experience, highlighting the program’s focus on selecting individuals capable of translating knowledge into practical applications.
Academically, the candidates hold advanced degrees, with 53% having a master’s degree and 24% holding a doctorate, indicating the commitment of national talents to enhance and develop their technical skills.
The majority of the candidates come from the public sector, with 98 selected, compared to 37 from the private sector, aligning with the country’s strategy to promote the use of artificial intelligence within governmental institutions while ensuring integration across various sectors.
These figures showcase a growing national commitment to prepare for a new era led by artificial intelligence, as many candidates view their participation as a direct contribution to elevating the UAE’s status on the global AI landscape by developing practical, applicable solutions across future sectors.
During the evaluation phase, several candidates proposed innovative, executable ideas targeting diverse sectors, which could potentially evolve into practical projects within the program, thus facilitating the transition from concept to implementation.
The high level of interest and the quality of candidates reflect the prominent position the UAE Experts program has attained as a national platform for attracting and developing talents capable of making a real impact in advanced technology fields.