United Arab Emirates initiative unveils application process for 2025 AI program, geared towards bolstering Emirati graduates with essential digital, technical, and leadership capabilities for driving the nation's economic growth.
e& Launches New Intake of AI Graduate Program in UAE
Global technology group e& has announced the opening of applications for its AI Graduate Program in the UAE. The 12-month initiative, now in its 2025 cycle, aims to equip young Emirati university graduates with essential digital, technical, and leadership skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, product development, HR, and business strategy.
Since its launch in 2021, the AI Graduate Program has already trained over 284 graduates and has a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. In 2024, 62% of those hired through the program were women, with an overall female participation rate of 81 since its inception.
The program is significant in supporting the UAE’s goals for Emiratisation and talent development in high-impact sectors, preparing nationals for vital roles across various domains including AI, sustainability, finance, telecom engineering, and more. It integrates international best practices through partnerships with global institutions like LinkedIn, Harvard Business Review, Microsoft, and ADGM to ensure graduates are globally competitive.
The AI Graduate Program includes mentoring, a personalized development plan, and training in leadership and emotional intelligence. It reinforces e&'s broader Emiratiation and diversification vision, complementing initiatives like Bidayati and Excelerate&.
Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer at e&, has stated that the AI Graduate Program reflects a long-term commitment to developing future Emirati leaders in technology and innovation. The program recently celebrated the graduation of 25 new alumni, and there are 100 new roles available for Emirati university graduates in the AI Graduate Program.
Applications for the next intake, starting in September 2025, are now open. The program aligns with the UAE's digital transformation goals, aiming to build careers that contribute to the UAE's digital economy and future knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. By developing a skilled Emirati workforce ready to contribute to, and lead, the digital, technology, and innovation sector, the AI Graduate Program directly feeds into the UAE's long-term national strategy, which focuses on reducing dependence on oil and fostering growth in knowledge-driven, high-value industries.
- The AI Graduate Program, launched by global technology group e&, offers a 12-month initiative focused on developing digital, technical, and leadership skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
- The program equips young Emirati university graduates with skills in various domains, including product development, HR, and business strategy.
- Since its launch in 2021, the AI Graduate Program has already trained over 284 graduates, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, as demonstrated by a 62% hiring rate of women in 2024.
- Partnering with global institutions like LinkedIn, Harvard Business Review, Microsoft, and ADGM, the program integrates international best practices to ensure graduates are globally competitive.
- The AI Graduate Program includes mentoring, a personalized development plan, and training in leadership and emotional intelligence, reflecting e&'s broader Emiratiation and diversification vision.
- The program aligns with the UAE's digital transformation goals and aims to build careers that contribute to the UAE's digital economy and future knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
- By developing a skilled Emirati workforce ready to contribute to and lead the digital, technology, and innovation sector, the AI Graduate Program directly supports the UAE's long-term national strategy, which focuses on reducing dependence on oil and fostering growth in knowledge-driven, high-value industries.
