Ajman University and the University of Arizona Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Launch the Generative AI Leadership Accelerator in the UAE

Ajman, 14 September:

Ajman University’s Executive Education Centre and Eller Executive Education, part of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona in the United States, have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Generative AI Leadership Accelerator Programme in the UAE, marking the first offering of this pioneering US programme in the Middle East. The initiative aims to develop executive leadership capabilities and enhance readiness to lead organisational transformation in the age of artificial intelligence.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, and Dr Joe Carella, Chief Learning Officer, on behalf of Eller Executive Education at the University of Arizona.

The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation between the two parties in delivering specialised executive education programmes in generative artificial intelligence and developing AI leadership capabilities across government entities and business sectors.

The UAE edition of the Generative AI Leadership Accelerator Programme has been designed with the region’s unique context at the core of its content. It includes case studies from the UAE and GCC countries, regional data, governance considerations, and a final applied project based on participants’ experiences and their organisations’ operational realities.

Dr Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated that the impact of artificial intelligence is not limited to reshaping institutional capabilities, but also extends to the nature of the decisions leaders must make. He noted that the UAE has set a clear ambition for leadership in artificial intelligence, and that achieving this ambition requires leaders capable of harnessing these technologies responsibly, translating strategies into tangible institutional transformation, and delivering measurable value.

He added that this collaboration brings together international expertise and a deep understanding of the region’s unique context, contributing to the development of advanced AI leadership capabilities across different organisational levels.

The Generative AI Leadership Accelerator Programme will be delivered across three distinct yet interconnected levels, enabling participants to enrol at the level that most closely aligns with their roles and responsibilities.

For his part, Justin Dutra, Senior Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eller Executive Education at the University of Arizona, stated that the AI revolution is reshaping the ways in which organisations compete, innovate and create value. He noted that the Generative AI Leadership Accelerator Programme in the UAE is distinguished by its practical and applied nature, and that the collaboration between the two universities brings together the expertise, research and insights provided by leading faculty members and researchers from both institutions. This will equip executive leaders with applicable, practical insights that help them navigate AI strategies, applications and associated institutional transformation.

He added that, through this partnership, Ajman University’s Executive Education Centre and Eller Executive Education provide leaders in the UAE with the knowledge, confidence and practical capabilities needed to lead AI transformation. The programme will also help organisations move beyond understanding artificial intelligence towards harnessing its potential to drive innovation, strengthen competitive advantage and deliver sustainable value.