MBRSG Pioneers Global AI Governance Education with Landmark Master's Program

The United Arab Emirates continues to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation in public administration. In a significant development for higher education in the region, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government has introduced a pioneering postgraduate qualification that addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing governments worldwide: the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into public services and policy frameworks.

This new offering arrives at a time when nations across the globe are grappling with how to harness the power of frontier technologies while safeguarding ethical standards, data privacy, and public trust. By focusing specifically on innovation management alongside AI governance, the program fills a critical gap in traditional public policy education.

Understanding the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government

Located in Dubai, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government serves as the Arab world's first dedicated institution for governance and public policy studies. Since its establishment, it has built a reputation for delivering programs that blend rigorous academic theory with practical applications tailored to the unique needs of government leaders and public sector professionals.

The school emphasizes experiential learning and has consistently aligned its curriculum with national priorities such as economic diversification, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Its student body includes mid-career officials from various government entities, creating a dynamic environment for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.

Program Structure and Delivery Model

The Master in Innovation Management and AI Governance spans 180 credits, comprising 120 credits of taught modules and a substantial 60-credit dissertation component. Students can pursue the degree on a full-time basis over 18 months or opt for the part-time route extending to two years, accommodating the schedules of working professionals.

Delivery follows a blended approach, combining in-person sessions with online components, primarily scheduled on weekends. This flexible format ensures accessibility without compromising the depth of engagement required for complex subjects like AI ethics and strategic foresight.

Core modules include Frontier Technologies and Innovation Management, Public Sector Innovation and Foresight, Service Innovation and AI Governance, Micro-economics of Competitiveness, and Strategic Management and Leadership. A foundation course in research methods supports the dissertation phase, where participants conduct original research often contributing directly to public policy recommendations.

Alignment with UAE National AI Ambitions

The launch directly supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which outlines a comprehensive vision for establishing the country as a global leader in AI applications. Key objectives include building an AI-ready ecosystem, deploying AI across priority sectors to enhance competitiveness, attracting top talent, and ensuring robust governance frameworks.

By training leaders equipped to manage agentic AI systems—autonomous technologies capable of independent decision-making—the program prepares graduates to support ambitious targets, including the transition of 50 percent of government operations to AI-driven models. This strategic alignment positions the qualification as a vital tool in realizing broader national goals for economic growth estimated in the hundreds of billions of dirhams through AI adoption.

Why This Program Stands Out in Global Higher Education

Unlike existing offerings that may touch on AI from a technical or purely ethical standpoint, this master's explicitly integrates innovation management with governance principles tailored for the public sector. It adopts a quintuple helix framework that incorporates theoretical foundations, experiential workshops, personal competency development, stakeholder collaboration, and real-world policy application.

The focus on wicked problems—complex, interconnected challenges requiring multi-stakeholder solutions—distinguishes it from standard business or technology degrees. Participants learn design thinking and customer-centric approaches specifically adapted for delivering public value in an era of rapid technological disruption.

Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash

Target Audience and Career Pathways

The program attracts professionals from government, semi-government, and private sectors who interact with AI or other emerging technologies. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) and demonstrate English proficiency through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Graduates typically advance into roles involving service innovation, policy development, project leadership in digital transformation, or advisory positions on AI regulation. Many leverage the dissertation experience to influence organizational strategies or even launch initiatives that shape national AI policies.

• Policy advisors shaping AI regulations
• Innovation managers in public agencies
• Strategic leaders driving government digital initiatives
• Consultants specializing in responsible technology deployment

Curriculum Highlights and Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced competencies in evaluating the ethical, cultural, and societal impacts of frontier technologies. They gain proficiency in applying innovation governance theories to local contexts while building leadership skills essential for navigating organizational change.

Practical elements include workshops at partner locations, case studies drawn from UAE government experiences, and collaborative projects that simulate real policy challenges. The emphasis on foresight equips learners to anticipate technological trends and their implications for public administration.

Broader Implications for UAE Higher Education

This development underscores the UAE's commitment to evolving its higher education landscape to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Institutions like the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government are pioneering specialized programs that bridge academia and government practice, fostering a pipeline of talent ready to lead in an AI-augmented world.

The initiative complements other advancements in the emirates, including expanded research capabilities and partnerships with international universities, further enhancing the region's appeal as a hub for forward-thinking education.

Expert Perspectives on the Launch

H.E. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of the school, highlighted the program's role in empowering leaders to address AI's transformative effects on public operations. Stakeholders from academia and industry have noted its timeliness, especially as governments accelerate AI integration while seeking frameworks for accountability and transparency.

Observers point to the potential for graduates to contribute to international dialogues on AI governance, positioning the UAE as a thought leader beyond its borders.

Future Outlook and Enrollment Opportunities

With registration open for the Fall 2026 intake, prospective students are encouraged to explore how this qualification can advance their careers in public sector innovation. The program's design reflects ongoing national priorities, ensuring its relevance amid evolving technological landscapes.

As more universities in the UAE expand offerings in emerging fields, this milestone sets a benchmark for specialized, impact-oriented higher education that directly serves societal needs.

Photo by Dovlet Hojayev on Unsplash

Conclusion: Shaping Responsible AI Leadership

The introduction of this specialized master's marks a transformative moment for higher education in the United Arab Emirates. By equipping public sector professionals with the skills to govern AI responsibly while driving innovation, it contributes to a more agile, citizen-focused government ecosystem. For those aspiring to lead in this dynamic space, the opportunity represents a strategic investment in both personal growth and national progress.