UAE Announces AI Scholarships at Five Universities

The United Arab Emirates has unveiled the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Fellowships, a flagship initiative that aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of driving innovation and transformation in the public sector. Launched in partnership with five of the world’s most prestigious universities, the programme is described as a strategic investment in human capital, designed not only to provide education but also to equip participants with advanced skills essential for shaping the country’s long-term prosperity. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, underlined the vision behind the initiative, saying it reflects “the path toward the future we aspire to — one that guarantees sustainable progress for our country and people.” His remarks echoed the UAE’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a leader in governance innovation, technology integration, and future-ready policymaking.

The fellowship programme is set to begin with two highly specialized master’s tracks: Economic Strategies and International Policy and Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector. Both courses have been carefully designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global landscape, where governments are increasingly required to balance economic resilience with the adoption of advanced technologies. By offering these tracks through top-ranking universities recognized for their excellence in executive education and public sector innovation, the UAE is ensuring that participants gain exposure to global best practices while tailoring their learning to the unique challenges and opportunities of governance in the Gulf and beyond. The 2026 global university rankings were used as a benchmark to select partner institutions, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to world-class standards.

In its first phase, the fellowships will be available exclusively to exceptional Emirati professionals nominated from various government institutions. A total of 200 fellows will be selected, with an even split between the two fields of study. Of these, 100 will focus on economic strategy and international policy, while another 100 will concentrate on the use of artificial intelligence in government. Participants will be distributed across five prestigious institutions: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (50 fellows), University of Oxford (25 fellows), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (25 fellows), New York University (40 fellows), and Georgetown University (60 fellows). This global distribution highlights the UAE’s emphasis on both homegrown excellence, through MBZUAI, and international collaboration with some of the world’s most respected academic centres.

The graduates of this programme will emerge with advanced expertise in policy design, international strategy, and applied artificial intelligence, equipping them to become key drivers of the UAE’s digital transformation agenda. They will be tasked with crafting forward-looking policies that strengthen the country’s governance models, boost efficiency in public administration, and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. By embedding AI knowledge directly into government functions, the initiative ensures that the UAE’s public sector is not only aligned with the technological revolutions of the 21st century but is also capable of leading them. For those focusing on economic strategy and policy, the emphasis will be on building resilience, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring sustainable growth in line with national priorities.

Al Gergawi emphasized that such investment in people is at the heart of the UAE’s long-term vision. By directing resources toward education, leadership development, and global collaboration, the UAE is positioning itself as a hub of innovation and governance excellence. He explained that economic strategy, AI, and international policy form the pillars of sustainable development and that nurturing leaders in these fields will guarantee the UAE’s progress in the decades ahead. The Mohammed bin Rashid Government Fellowships therefore represent not just an educational programme, but a forward-looking commitment to maintaining the UAE’s leadership in government transformation, digital readiness, and human development.