Applications open for the second Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The AI Academy has opened applications for the second cohort of its Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO). The first cohort certified 35 senior leaders across government, defense, energy, healthcare, technology, and national infrastructure in the UAE, GCC, and select global markets. Built with Polynome Group and the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), the program set a regional benchmark for executive AI education.
If you lead strategy, you need leaders who know how to operationalize AI with clear governance, real financial impact, and enterprise-scale delivery. That's the promise of this program.
Why it matters for executives
- AI governance that aligns with regulation and board-level accountability.
- Clear fiscal impact: prioritization, budgeting, and measurable value creation.
- Enterprise deployment playbooks that work across data, infrastructure, and security.
- Practical instruction from operators who have shipped at national and industry scale.
Proven impact from Cohort One
- Graduates completed an intensive curriculum across masterclasses, workshops, and applied exercises focused on responsible AI governance, regulatory alignment, fiscal outcomes, and large-scale rollout.
- Instruction and insights from leaders at NVIDIA, Databricks, Mubadala, HCLTech, OpenCV Foundation, Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, e&, G42, Core42, and others.
- Six capstones tackled priority issues: a GCC-wide AI regulatory intelligence platform, a unified national AI layer for government services, AI-driven healthcare transformation models, and strategies to address AI-related energy demand.
- Site visits to ADNOC, Core42, Khazna Data Centers, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council offered direct exposure to national AI, cloud, and cybersecurity infrastructure.
What you can expect in Cohort Two
- A selective peer group of senior executives from government and industry.
- Direct engagement with global AI practitioners, policymakers, and technologists who have led large programs and worked with regulators.
- Hands-on focus on execution, strategic decision-making, and measurable outcomes.
- Access to an invitation-only global CAIO network for ongoing collaboration and insight-sharing.
Who should apply
- CAIOs, CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, CDSOs, and Chief Risk/Compliance Officers.
- Directors General, agency heads, and leaders responsible for national or sector programs.
- Heads of strategy, digital, data platforms, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture.
- Program owners accountable for AI roadmaps, budgets, and policy alignment.
Key dates and admissions
- Program start: 10 April 2026
- Applications close: 29 March 2026
- Early application deadline: 15 February 2026
- Early applicants receive a 10% discount
- Limited seats; selective admissions
Partner perspectives
Program leaders emphasize the need for structured, executive-level AI capability that converts potential into responsible impact. The inaugural cohort's achievements validate a model that blends practical instruction with governance and strategic decision-making.
About Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM)
ADSM, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Established in 2011 and accredited by the CAA, the school holds multiple international recognitions and contributes to the nation's knowledge economy through 20+ global partnerships and 50+ UAE-based case studies.
About Polynome Group
Polynome Group is a Dubai-based AI company delivering enterprise-grade AI across national and industry-scale projects. Through AI Academy, the company advances professional development and is the only certified NVIDIA Solution Advisor in the UAE and GCC. Polynome also holds the Dubai AI Seal as a Trusted AI Company.
Apply now
Applications are open. For details and to submit your application, visit the program page: polynome.ai/caio.
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