What happened
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has opened enrolment for a new interdisciplinary Master’s programme titled “Management of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence.” The two‑year, 120‑ECTS degree combines management, AI technology, entrepreneurship, ethics and digital transformation. It is jointly awarded by Sorbonne Université and accredited by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation and the French Ministry of Higher Education. The first cohort begins in September 2026, delivered through evening classes with a blended 70 % on‑campus and 30 % online format. The curriculum was developed with the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) and includes industry projects, a professional internship and a research‑based thesis.
The master’s programme was announced by Professor Dr. Lama Tarsissi at the Quantum Innovation Summit in Dubai on 30 September 2026. She highlighted the need for leaders who can bridge AI technology and strategic decision‑making.
The curriculum spans four semesters, delivering 120 ECTS credits. Core modules cover AI fundamentals, data analytics, innovation management, AI ethics, governance and digital transformation, supplemented by electives chosen in collaboration with industry partners.
Classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals, with a blended learning model that allows up to 30 % of coursework to be completed online. Small class sizes are intended to foster personalized mentorship from Sorbonne faculty based in Paris and Abu Dhabi.
The programme is accredited by both the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation and the French Ministry of Higher Education, ensuring that the degree meets rigorous international standards.
Why it matters
The programme directly supports the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aim to build a globally competitive, AI‑enabled economy. By training leaders who understand both the technical and managerial aspects of AI, the degree seeks to fill a regional talent gap in responsible AI deployment. Graduates will be equipped for roles across public and private sectors—technology, consulting, finance, healthcare and manufacturing—potentially accelerating AI‑driven innovation and ethical governance in the Gulf. The collaboration with Sorbonne’s AI centre also brings cutting‑edge research and French academic standards to the Emirati market, strengthening international academic‑industry links.
The UAE has identified AI talent development as a cornerstone of its 2031 strategy; this programme provides a formal pathway for mid‑career professionals to acquire AI leadership skills without leaving the region.
By ethics and responsible into the curriculum, the degree addresses growing concerns about AI misuse and aligns with global calls for trustworthy AI deployment.
The partnership with Sorbonne’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence brings access to European research networks, potentially fostering joint projects that could benefit UAE industries seeking to adopt advanced AI solutions.
Graduates will be positioned to influence AI policy, corporate strategy and innovation pipelines, thereby amplifying the economic impact of the UAE’s broader digital transformation agenda.
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What to watch next
Key indicators to monitor include enrolment numbers and diversity of the first cohort, the depth of industry partnerships that provide internships and project work, and the career trajectories of early graduates. Follow whether SUAD expands the programme to additional specialisations or offers scholarships tied to UAE AI initiatives. Also watch for any policy feedback from the UAE’s AI strategy bodies regarding the programme’s alignment with national talent‑development goals.
Enrollment trends: whether the programme attracts a sufficient number of applicants from diverse sectors to sustain its two‑year cycle.
Industry engagement: the scale and depth of collaborations with local firms for internships, case studies and guest lectures, which will affect the practical relevance of the curriculum.
Graduate outcomes: placement rates in AI‑focused roles, contributions to AI projects in the Gulf, and any measurable impact on organisational AI adoption.
Program evolution: potential expansion into related specialisations (e.g., AI policy, AI for health) or the introduction of scholarship schemes linked to national AI initiatives.