Abu Dhabi, UAE: The AI Academy has officially opened applications for the second cohort of its Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO), following the success of its inaugural class. This initiative aims to cultivate executive-level AI leadership across both governmental and industrial sectors.
The second cohort builds on the foundation laid by the first program, which successfully certified 35 senior executives from diverse sectors, including government, defense, energy, healthcare, and technology. The program was delivered in partnership with the Polynome Group and the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), marking a significant step forward in executive AI education in the region.
Graduates of the inaugural cohort engaged in an intensive curriculum that included masterclasses, workshops, and practical exercises. The program focused on essential themes such as responsible AI governance, regulatory alignment, fiscal impact, and large-scale AI deployment, thereby equipping leaders with the skills necessary to drive transformation at both organizational and national levels.
Participants benefited from insights provided by industry leaders and world-class instructors from organizations like NVIDIA, Databricks, Mubadala, HCLTech, OpenCV Foundation, Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, e&, G42, and Core42. This collaboration ensured that participants received practical tools and knowledge grounded in real-world applications.
According to Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, the successful completion of the first cohort underscores the critical need for structured, executive-level AI leadership programs. “As AI becomes central to competitiveness and performance, these leaders are now equipped to turn potential into real, responsible impact,” he stated.
Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali, Chairman of ADSM, emphasized the program’s role in nurturing leaders who can effectively integrate advanced technology with responsible governance. He noted, “The achievements of the inaugural cohort confirm the value of executive education that truly meets national and regional priorities.”
Cohort One produced six significant capstone projects addressing urgent issues in AI governance, healthcare sustainability, and energy resilience. Initiatives included a GCC-wide AI regulatory intelligence platform and strategies for AI-driven healthcare transformation. Participants also visited key sites such as ADNOC, Core42, Khazna Data Centers, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, gaining firsthand insight into the nation’s AI, cloud, and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Building on this foundation, the second intake of the Executive Program is designed to further elevate executive AI leadership. This year’s cohort will once again feature distinguished faculty, senior-level peer learning, and direct engagement with leaders actively shaping AI in practice.
This second cohort is tailored for a select group of experienced executives from various sectors. Participants will closely collaborate with global AI practitioners, policymakers, and technologists who have a track record of managing large-scale AI deployments and navigating regulatory landscapes. The program will continue to emphasize practical execution, strategic decision-making, and measurable impact.
Graduates of the second cohort will join an invitation-only global CAIO network, fostering ongoing collaboration, insight-sharing, and strategic dialogue across sectors and regions.
The second cohort is set to commence on 10 April 2026, with applications currently open until 29 March 2026. Early applicants can take advantage of a 10% discount. Given the program’s selective admissions and limited cohort size, early applications are strongly encouraged, with a deadline for a further discount on 15 February 2026.
For additional details and to apply, interested parties can visit https://polynome.ai/caio.
About Abu Dhabi School of Management
ADSM, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is focused on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Established in 2011, it holds multiple international accreditations and partnerships, playing a strategic role in advancing the UAE’s knowledge economy.
About Polynome Group
The Polynome Group, based in Dubai, specializes in enterprise-grade AI solutions, with a focus on national and industry-scale projects. It is recognized as a certified NVIDIA Solution Advisor in the UAE and GCC and has received the Dubai AI Seal as a Trusted AI Company. Polynome aims to connect global AI advancements with regional implementation.
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