FUTURE AI LEADERS PROGRAM

-ALIGNED
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AI
ENGINEERING
PROPOSAL

FEB 2025
Executive Summary

The AI Engineering Microsoft-Aligned Program is an elite, four-year degree program developed

in close partnership with Microsoft. This program is designed to equip students with deep
technical expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cloud computing,
while also fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and strong industry connections.

Students will earn Microsoft-recognized certifications, gain real-world experience through

industry-aligned projects and internships, and receive mentorship from AI professionals. They
will participate in design thinking workshops, AI entrepreneurship initiatives, and global
competitions such as the Microsoft Imagine Cup. With a competitive cohort size of 15–20
students per year, the program ensures high-caliber graduates who are immediately job-ready for
Microsoft, its ecosystem, and the global AI industry. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to
and drive innovation across all fields, leveraging AI to solve complex challenges in diverse
industries.

Program Overview

• Program Title: AI Engineering Microsoft-Aligned Program

• Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
• Cohort Size: 20 students per year (highly selective admissions)
• Delivery Mode: Blended on-campus learning with industry-integrated projects,
internships, and Microsoft-led certifications • Partnership: Co-developed and
continuously updated with Microsoft to align with industry trends, AI innovations, and
cloud-based AI applications

Introduction

The AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program is a highly specialized, interdisciplinary course

designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge, technical expertise, and
entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence
(AI). Co-developed with Microsoft, this program ensures that students are not only proficient in
AI technologies but are also capable of integrating these innovations into real-world solutions.
As AI becomes integral to various sectors, such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and smart
cities, this program prepares graduates to lead and innovate within these industries.

The AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program is structured to provide students with a robust

understanding of AI principles, machine learning, deep learning, cloud computing, and business
strategy. It also emphasizes the development of essential soft skills such as communication,
teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship, ensuring graduates can collaborate across
disciplines and lead AI-driven projects effectively.
The program employs a competitive admissions process, where only the most talented students
are selected. Prospective students must undergo a rigorous assessment that evaluates their
technical skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and personality traits to ensure they
meet the high standards required for success in the AI field (Maxim,2023). The rigorous process
aims to ensure that only 20 students are selected per intake.

Upon completion, students will be equipped with Microsoft certifications in key areas such as AI,
cloud computing, and data engineering, alongside an UAE-recognized certification, providing
them with a competitive edge in the global job market. The program's curriculum integrates
hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and global competitions, ensuring that students gain
practical exposure to AI application.

STIRS Framework

The STIRS Framework (Student-Centric, Technology-Driven, Industry-Relevant, Responsible,

and Scalable) is the guiding philosophy for the AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program
(Kumar, 2022). The framework ensures that the program’s structure is student-focused while
addressing emerging industry trends, ethical considerations, and scalability in the application of
AI technologies. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• Student-Centric: The program prioritizes personalized learning by adapting the

curriculum to meet individual needs and career aspirations. Students engage in hands-on
projects, group work, and real-world scenarios to develop practical skills in addition to
theoretical knowledge (Mandell, 2022). Through mentorship from industry professionals,
students receive guidance on both technical and career development.
• Technology-Driven: At the core of the program is the use of cutting-edge AI technologies
such as machine learning, deep learning, and cloud computing tools, including Microsoft
Azure. The program ensures that students are familiar with the most current
developments in AI, enabling them to work with the tools that will drive innovation in
industries worldwide ( (Mandell, 2022). They also gain hands-on experience with AI
deployment on the cloud, preparing them for scalable solutions in real-world settings.
• Industry-Relevant: This program bridges the gap between academic knowledge and
industry demands. Through internships, industry projects, and participation in global
events like the Imagine Cup, students gain practical, industry-specific experience. The
partnership with Microsoft ensures that students are learning from leading professionals
and working with real-world problems, making them highly employable upon graduation.
• Responsible: Ethical considerations are embedded into every aspect of the program.
Students are educated on the social impact of AI technologies, ensuring that they design
solutions that are fair, transparent, and accountable ( (Mandell, 2022). The program
places a strong emphasis on ethical AI development, addressing challenges such as
algorithmic bias, data privacy, and responsible deployment of AI systems.
 • Scalable: The program is designed to scale as AI technology continues to evolve. By
teaching students not only the technical fundamentals but also the principles of
entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, the program ensures that graduates can
drive the scalable deployment of AI solutions in various industries, particularly in the
UAE’s smart cities, healthcare, and industrial sectors (Kumar, 2022). Additionally, the
students’ ability to work with cloud-based solutions ensures that they are ready for AI
applications at scale.

AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program Course Outline

Table 1: AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program Course Outline

Year Semester Course Course Title Credits
Code
Semeste

ICB101 Strategic Learning and Growth 4

Year

ICB102 Expressive Clarity 4

1

ICB103 Applied Algorithmic Thinking 4

r1

IDS102 Applied Creative and Critical Thinking 4

Total 16
Semeste

IDS101 Critique and Communications 4

IDS103 Statistical Intuitions and Applications 4
IDS105 Systems and Society 4
r2

IDS104 Deriving Insights from Evidence 4

Total 16
Semeste

ICS211 Single and Multivariable Calculus 4

Year

ICS213 Theory and Applications of Linear Algebra 4

2

IAH244 Ethical Systems, Moral Dilemmas 4

r3

Elective College Elective 4

Total 16
r4
Semeste

ICS210 Data Structures and Algorithms 4

ICS264 Optimization Methods 4
IDS206 Systems and Strategic Leadership 4
Elective College Elective 4
Total 16
Semeste

ICS362 Building Powerful Applications 4

Year

ICS366 Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems 4

3

Elective Electives from other programs 4

r5

IDS391 Capstone Seminar I 4

Total 16

ICS346 Computational Bayesian Statistics 4

ICS352 Theory and Applications of Artificial 4
 Semeste
Intelligence
Elective Electives from other programs 4
IDS392 Capstone Seminar II 4

r6
Total 16

Semeste
ICS456 Finding Patterns with Machine Learning 4
Year

Elective Program Elective 4

4

Elective Electives from other programs 4

r7
IDS493 Capstone Project I 4
Total 16

IDS499 Internship 4
IDS494 Capstone Project II 4
Semeste

Total 8
r8

Total Credit 120

Hours

Microsoft Certification Mapping to Curriculum

Table 2:Microsoft Certification Mapping to Curriculum

Year Semester Certifications
Semester DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data
Year

1 Analyst, SI AI Skilling
1

Semester DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure, Copilot
2 Foundations (AI-3018), ESI AI Skilling
Semester AI-102: Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution, DP-203: Data
Year

3 Engineering on Microsoft Azure, Enterprise Skills Initiative AI Skilling

2

Semester DP-420: Designing and Implementing Cloud-Native Applications Using Microsoft

4 Azure Cosmos DB, DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft
Azure, AI ENGINEERS - ESI AI Skilling
Semester AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure, AZ-2007: Accelerate App
Year

5 Development by Using GitHub Copilot, AZ-400: Designing and Implementing

3

Microsoft DevOps Solutions, DEVELOPERS - ESI AI Skilling

Semester AI-3002: Create Document Intelligence Solutions with Azure AI, AI-3003: Build a
6 Natural Language Processing Solution with Azure AI Language, AI-3004: Build an
Azure AI Vision Solution with Azure AI Services, DATA ENGINEERS - ESI AI
Skilling
Semester AI-3016: Develop Generative AI Apps in Azure AI Foundry Portal, AI-3017:
Year

7 Transform Your Business with Microsoft AI, DP-604: Implement a Data Science
4

and Machine Learning Solution for AI in Microsoft Fabric, BUSINESS

EXECUTIVES - ESI AI Skilling
Semester DP-602: Implement a Data Warehouse with Microsoft Fabric, DP-603: Implement
8 Real-Time Analytics with Microsoft Fabric, AZ-2005: Develop AI Agents Using
 Azure OpenAI and the Semantic Kernel SDK, PR-701: Migrate Enterprise
Applications
In Year 1, students build a foundation in strategic learning, critical thinking, algorithmic
problem-solving, and data analytics. They earn certifications like DP-900 (Azure Data
Fundamentals) and DP-100 (Data Science on Azure), ensuring hands-on exposure to AI and
cloud computing.

In Year 2, students deepen their expertise in mathematics, optimization, and systems thinking,
with electives allowing exploration of AI applications across disciplines. Certifications such as
AI-102 (Azure AI Solutions) and DP-203 (Data Engineering) equip them with essential AI
development and data management skills.

In Year 3, students tackle advanced AI, deep learning, and real-time data processing, applying
knowledge through Capstone Seminar I & II. Certifications like AZ-204 (Azure Development)
and AI-3002-3004 (Azure AI for NLP, Vision, and Document Intelligence) prepare them for
AIdriven industries.

In Year 4, students specialize through capstone projects and internships, integrating AI, cloud
computing, and business applications. Electives foster critical thinking on AI’s impact in fields
like finance, smart cities, and entrepreneurship. Certifications such as AI-3016 (Generative AI
Apps) and DP-604 (Data Science in Microsoft Fabric) position students at the forefront of AI
innovation.

By graduation, students earn a UAE-recognized certificate, multiple Microsoft certifications, and

hands-on AI experience, preparing them for careers in AI engineering, consulting, and
leadership. Global opportunities like the Imagine Cup provide international exposure and
networking.

Program Objectives (POs)

Program Objectives (POs) are clear, measurable goals that define what students should be able to
achieve by the end of an academic program (Jha, 2023). They outline the skills, knowledge, and
competencies that students are expected to acquire throughout their studies (Sumathi et al.,2024).
POs provide a structured framework for curriculum development, ensuring that the content is
aligned with the overall educational goals of the program.

Saravanan and Vinotha (2021) explains that in the context of an AI Engineering

Microsoftaligned Program , POs are essential because they ensure students are equipped with
both the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving AI
industry. Technical POs focus on core areas such as programming, machine learning, deep
learning, and AI deployment, which are crucial for developing AI systems that can solve real-
world problems in sectors like healthcare, smart cities, and finance. On the other hand, soft skill
POs, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, ensure that students can effectively
collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, communicate complex AI solutions to non-technical
stakeholders, and lead AI projects (DeWaters and Kotla, 2023).

Having well-defined POs in an AI program is critical for shaping well-rounded professionals

who can innovate, manage AI systems, and address ethical concerns in an AI-driven world
(Saravanan and Vinotha,2021). These objectives guide students through a comprehensive
learning experience, aligning their development with the needs of both industry and society.
Table 2 represents the POs in each semester over the 4 year course.

Table 3: AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program POs in Each Year

Year Semester Program Outcomes (POs)
Semeste

PO1: Problem Solving and Analytical Skills – Develop foundational

Year

problemsolving abilities through algorithmic thinking and critical analysis.

PO2: Technical Proficiency in Core Disciplines – Build core knowledge in
1

r1

learning strategies, expressive clarity, and basic applied algorithmic thinking. PO3:
Communication and Collaboration – Learn how to communicate technical ideas
effectively in both written and verbal formats, working within collaborative teams.
Semeste

PO4: Problem Solving and Analytical Skills – Strengthen skills in critique,

statistical analysis, and systems thinking.
PO5: Ethical and Social Responsibility – Understand ethical systems and moral
r2

dilemmas, applying these frameworks to solve real-world problems.

PO6: Communication and Collaboration – Continue enhancing communication and
collaboration skills in academic and professional contexts.
PO1: Technical Proficiency in Core Disciplines – Gain deeper knowledge in
Semeste
Year

calculus, linear algebra, and the application of mathematical theories in technology.

PO2: Leadership and Strategic Thinking – Learn leadership concepts and strategic
2

r3

problem-solving approaches in a technical context.

PO3: Innovation and Application of Technology – Apply theoretical knowledge to
real-world situations, innovating with new technologies and applications in
computing.
Semeste

PO4: Technical Proficiency in Core Disciplines – Master advanced data structures,

algorithms, and optimization methods.
PO5: Leadership and Strategic Thinking – Develop skills for leadership roles,
r4

including systems thinking and decision-making in complex environments. PO6:

Innovation and Application of Technology – Learn to innovate in solving real-
world problems using technology, optimizing solutions with advanced
computational techniques.
 Semeste
PO1: Problem Solving and Analytical Skills – Use computational models and
Year complex system analysis to tackle interdisciplinary problems.
3 PO2: Innovation and Application of Technology – Focus on building powerful

r5
applications, including real-world implementation of complex algorithms.
PO3: Research and Lifelong Learning – Start applying research methodologies,
fostering skills for independent inquiry and continuous learning. PO4:
Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Understand the principles of
entrepreneurship, including identifying opportunities, business modelling, and
taking innovative solutions to market.
PO5: Problem Solving and Analytical Skills – Dive deeper into computational
Semeste

statistics and machine learning to analyze and solve data-driven problems. PO6:
Technical Proficiency in Core Disciplines – Develop expertise in artificial
r6

intelligence and computational methods.

PO7: Research and Lifelong Learning – Continue refining research and data
analysis skills, preparing for lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing
field.
PO1: Leadership and Strategic Thinking – Hone leadership skills with real-world
Semeste
Year

applications through capstone projects and team leadership.

PO2: Innovation and Application of Technology – Lead the creation and
4

r7

implementation of innovative machine learning solutions.

PO3: Professional Development and Work Readiness – Focus on developing soft
skills and professionalism in preparation for the workforce, particularly during
internships and industry collaborations.
Semeste

PO5: Leadership and Strategic Thinking – Demonstrate leadership in managing the

capstone project and executing a strategy for its completion.
PO7: Research and Lifelong Learning – Synthesize learning through the completion
r8

of capstone project, cultivating critical research and evaluation skills. PO8:

Professional Development and Work Readiness – Showcase readiness for
professional practice with an internship, applying acquired knowledge in real-world
scenarios.

Assessment

The current AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program framework will be designed to evaluate

students holistically, ensuring they develop not only technical skills but also the cognitive
abilities, soft skills, and ethical awareness essential for success in AI (George, 2023). By
incorporating hard skills assessments such as coding tasks, AI algorithms, cognitive ability tests,
personality tests, and behavioral feedback, we ensure students can collaborate effectively, think
critically, and perform under pressure. Collaborative assignments simulate real-world projects,
fostering teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. This comprehensive approach
addresses industry needs, preparing students for leadership roles in AI by blending technical
proficiency, entrepreneurship, and ethical responsibility.
Table 4: AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program Assessment Methods
Year Assessment Methods Market Gap Addressed Solution

Year Hard Skills Many AI programs focus Year 1 assessments go beyond traditional
1 Assessments: Regular solely on technical skills but tests to evaluate students holistically,
coding assignments and do not evaluate essential including collaboration, critical thinking,
tests in Python, C#, and cognitive abilities, and performance under pressure,
Azure fundamentals to problemsolving, and ensuring only the most talented students
assess programming personality traits needed for move forward in the program.
skills.
success in AI (Benvenuti et
Cognitive Ability Tests:
Assess students' al.,2021).
problemsolving, logical
reasoning, and
mathematical skills
crucial for AI
development.
Personality Tests:
Evaluate students' ability
to work in teams, their

adaptability, and
resilience.
Work Sample Tests:
Hands-on coding tasks
simulating real-world
programming challenges.
Behavioral Assessments:
Evaluate students'
collaborative and
communication skills
through peer and instructor
feedback on teamwork and
project outcomes.
Year Technical Skills The AI education landscape Year 2 addresses this gap by
2 Assessments: In-depth often lacks practical exposure incorporating business-focused and
assessments of machine to the business side of AI, design-related assessments, giving
learning models, data including data management students hands-on experience in
handling, and AI and AI solution deployment managing and implementing AI solutions
deployment on cloud
(Rehan, 2023). in real-world business environments.
platforms like Azure.
Business Skills
Assessments: Business
simulation exercises
where students create and
present AI-driven
business solutions to
industry mentors and
faculty. Design Skills
Assessments:
Projectbased learning
where students design
scalable AI models for
real-world business
problems. Behavioral
Assessments: Feedback
on students’ ability to
work under pressure,
manage client
relationships, and think
creatively during project
tasks.

Year Technical Assessments: Many AI programs lack Year 3 bridges this gap by offering
3 Evaluate students’ sufficient real-world, industry internships and hands-on
proficiency in deploying industry-specific experience experience, helping students gain the
complex AI models and and fail to prepare students technical, business, and leadership skills
handling big data for leadership roles in AI and necessary for real-world AI deployment.
analytics through tech companies
realworld industry (SWARGIARY,2024).
projects.
Work Sample
Assessments: Students
are given work samples
that simulate AI
deployment scenarios,
such as designing AI
systems for real-time data
processing.
Business and Design
Assessments: Students
work on business
 simulations, presenting AI
solutions to industry
stakeholders.
Behavioral and
Leadership Assessments:
Industry mentors provide
feedback on students’
leadership abilities,
teamwork, and
decisionmaking under
real-world conditions.
Year Comprehensive The AI field lacks Year 4 addresses this gap by offering a
4 Assessments: The final professionals who are comprehensive capstone project that
year assessment will wellversed in both technical integrates all aspects of AI engineering,
evaluate students' mastery AI development and from technical to business and
of technical skills, leadership, leadership skills, preparing students to
business acumen, and especially in entrepreneurship
become AI leaders and innovators.
leadership abilities in the and AI ethics
context of their (SWARGIARY,2024).
specialization.
Capstone Project: The
final project will
synthesize all the learning
from previous years,
including the technical,
business, and ethical
dimensions of AI
development.
Entrepreneurial Pitch:
Students pitch their AI
solutions as business
ventures, with
assessments on their
ability to scale, lead, and
innovate.

Comparison between the Current Program and the top ten in the world

From research top-tier institutions like MIT (2025), Stanford (2025), Carnegie Mellon (2025),
and UC Berkeley (2025) offer strong AI programs, the AI Engineering program stands out by
offering a unique blend of industry-integrated learning, entrepreneurial opportunities, and global
certifications. These features are designed to cover a gap identified by Chaka (2023), where tech
students are only equipped with technical expertise and lack practical, real-world skills that are
highly sought after in the AI industry.
Even though universities like MIT and Stanford provide world-class research opportunities, their
programs tend to focus heavily on theoretical knowledge and academic research (Pham and
Sampson,2022). In contrast, the current AI engineering program integrates hands-on experience
early in the curriculum, starting from Year 2, through paid part-time internships with Microsoft
and other tech partners. Raj et al. (2021), explains that the direct exposure to industry
professionals and AI projects offers students a real-world application of AI technologies, helping
them become job-ready long before graduation, something not typically emphasized in more
theory-driven programs.

Furthermore, while Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley offer comprehensive AI research facilities
and technical education, our program integrates Microsoft certifications such as AZ-900, AI-900,
AI-102, and DP-203 at various stages (Wang, 2023). These certifications are globally recognized
and ensure that students graduate not only with advanced AI skills but with credentials that are
directly aligned with the needs of the tech industry. (Brown et al., 2021) This is a critical
advantage in a competitive job market, providing students with both theoretical and practical
qualifications.

In comparison to programs like ETH Zurich and Tsinghua University, which are renowned for
their research and technical rigor, the AI Engineering program also emphasizes entrepreneurial
thinking (Mejía-Manzano et al., 2024). Students are encouraged to innovate and develop
AIdriven startups with guidance from Microsoft’s Founders Hub and through participation in the
Microsoft Imagine Cup (Bashir et al., 2021). This entrepreneurial focus ensures that students can
transition from learning to launching, something that is often not a primary focus in traditional
AI programs.

While institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge prioritize research excellence and AI ethics,
our program sets itself apart by integrating AI ethics alongside technical development, ensuring
students are trained to be not only skilled developers but responsible AI leaders (Floridi, 2023).
This unique combination of skills prepares graduates to tackle the ethical challenges posed by AI
and to lead projects with a focus on responsible innovation.

The current AI Engineering program offers a comprehensive and competitive advantage by

combining advanced technical knowledge, industry exposure, global certifications,
entrepreneurial training, and a strong foundation in ethical AI design. This multi-faceted
approach equips graduates to lead in the rapidly advancing field of AI, making them
wellprepared to contribute to the transformation of industries and society at large.

How the Program Prepares Students for the Global AI Space

The global AI landscape is rapidly expanding, with industries worldwide adopting AI to drive
innovation and improve efficiencies. The AI Engineering program prepares students to work
within this global space in several ways:
 1. Industry-Aligned Skills: The integration of Microsoft certifications such as AZ-900, AI-
900, AI-102, DP-203 ensures that students not only gain advanced AI knowledge but also
acquire globally recognized credentials that make them highly competitive in the global
job market (Brown et al., 2021). These certifications, combined with the comprehensive
curriculum, provide students with the practical skills needed to work on cloud-based AI
projects, data-driven decision-making, and automated systems used by companies across
the globe.
2. Hands-On Experience: The inclusion of industry internships from Year 3 onward
enables students to gain real-world experience working on global AI projects. Whether
it's developing AI solutions for autonomous vehicles, predictive analytics in healthcare,
or cloud-based automation systems, students work directly with industry leaders such as
Microsoft. This experience prepares them to enter the workforce with a deep
understanding of how AI is applied across different industries and regions.
3. Exposure to Global AI Trends: The program emphasizes emerging AI technologies
such as deep learning, AI ethics, and robotic process automation (RPA) (Ng,2023). These
areas are at the forefront of global AI development, ensuring that students are equipped to
contribute to cutting-edge projects in smart cities, autonomous systems, and AI-powered
business intelligence solutions.
4. Ethical AI Development: One of the key aspects of the program is its focus on ethical AI
design. As AI technologies advance, ethical considerations in AI deployment will become
increasingly important (Walter,2024). The program ensures that students are well-versed
in responsible AI development, capable of building transparent, fair, and accountable
systems. This aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to developing AI that is responsible
and aligned with societal values.
5. Entrepreneurial Focus: The integration of entrepreneurship throughout the program,
especially in Year 4, empowers students to launch their own AI-driven startups or lead AI
innovation initiatives within existing companies. Participation in events like the
Microsoft Imagine Cup further strengthens students' ability to pitch AI ideas and secure
funding for their ventures, thus preparing them to be leaders in the global AI ecosystem
(Bashir et al., 2021).

Alignment with Microsoft’s Vision for the Future of AI

The program’s design is in direct alignment with Microsoft’s (2025) ongoing commitment to
AIdriven innovation and global transformation. As a leader in cloud computing and AI
technologies, Microsoft continues to shape the future of AI with platforms like Azure AI, which
powers the development of AI models, automation, and data solutions across
industries(Kumar,2024). By partnering with Institutions in the UAE, Microsoft is not only
investing in the future of AI talent but also helping shape the next generation of AI leaders who
will work across borders to solve global challenges. Through industry collaborations, internships,
and Microsoft certifications, the program ensures that students are equipped to contribute directly
to Microsoft’s AI ecosystem and become part of its mission to empower organizations and
individuals around the world.

How the Program Prepares Students for UAE’s Future Challenges

Each year of the AI Engineering program is carefully designed to equip students with the skills to
address specific UAE challenges at both the individual and societal levels. Through the
integration of Microsoft certifications, hands-on industry internships, and a focus on AI ethics,
the program prepares students to become leaders in fields that are central to the UAE’s Vision
2030 and smart city initiatives.

In Year 1, students are introduced to basic AI technologies and programming skills, which will
provide a solid foundation for addressing UAE’s sustainability goals, economic diversification,
and urbanization challenges. Students will gain exposure to how AI can improve efficiency in
industries like renewable energy and smart cities, two priority areas for the UAE’s future
development. For example:

● Renewable Energy: AI is playing a key role in optimizing energy consumption and

managing renewable energy grids (Boza and Evgeniou,2021). Students will learn the
mathematical principles that are fundamental to predictive modeling and optimization
algorithms, skills that are critical in energy management.
● Smart Cities: Through basic AI and programming skills, students will be prepared to later
tackle smart city problems such as traffic management, public safety, and resource
optimization using machine learning algorithms for real-time data analysis (Issac,2024).

In Year 2, the program delves deeper into machine learning, cloud computing, and data
management. This phase of the program aligns with the UAE's ambitions to diversify its
economy and leverage technology to solve societal challenges:

● Healthcare: Machine learning is crucial in the UAE’s vision of transforming healthcare

(AlDhaheri et al.,2021). With an emphasis on data management and cloud technologies,
students will be trained to develop AI models for healthcare applications like predictive
diagnostics, patient management systems, and drug discovery critical for addressing the
UAE’s future healthcare challenges.
● Economic Diversification: As the UAE seeks to reduce its dependence on oil and expand
into knowledge-based industries (Nusairi, 2021). Students will learn how to apply AI and
data analytics to optimize business processes, automate workflows, and improve supply
chain management in emerging sectors like finance, tourism, and manufacturing.

Year 3 introduces advanced AI and industry-specific internships that align closely with the
UAE’s goals of technological innovation and sustainability:
 ● Urbanization & Smart Cities: With the rapid urban growth in the UAE, AI is essential in
developing smart city solutions (Issac,2024).Students will apply deep learning techniques
and work on real-time big data analytics to solve problems related to urban planning,
traffic optimization, and smart infrastructure. During internships, students may work on
large-scale AI projects for cities like Dubai, which is building a future-oriented,
AIpowered urban ecosystem.
● Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: AI’s application in smart grids and energy
optimization will be crucial in supporting the UAE's sustainability agenda. Year 3
students will learn how to deploy AI models that optimize energy use, predict renewable
energy patterns, and improve waste management, all of which are central to the UAE’s
green economy initiatives.

In the final year, students apply all the skills they’ve acquired to solve complex, real-world
problems through the capstone project. The focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and AI ethics
ensures that graduates are equipped to lead AI-driven initiatives that are relevant to the UAE’s
development goals:

● AI for Governance and Ethics: As the UAE becomes a leader in AI governance, students
will focus on building AI systems that address ethical issues such as privacy, security, and
bias in decision-making. These solutions will be aligned with the UAE’s goal of being a
global leader in AI governance while ensuring responsible and ethical deployment of AI
technologies (Walter,2024).
● Entrepreneurship & Startups: Students will have the opportunity to pitch AI solutions that
can be developed into startups or products that solve specific challenges within the UAE,
such as AI-powered fintech for digital transformation, automated agriculture solutions for
food security, and smart mobility solutions for urban transport (Boza and
Evgeniou,2021).

Conclusion

The AI Engineering Microsoft-aligned Program provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary

education designed to address the growing demand for AI professionals who can not only
develop cutting-edge technologies but also lead AI-driven innovations across industries. By
integrating the STIRS framework, the program ensures that students receive a well-rounded
education that balances technical proficiency with essential soft skills such as leadership,
communication, and entrepreneurship.

The partnership with Microsoft ensures that students gain access to industry-leading tools,
certifications, and real-world projects, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.
With a strong focus on ethics and social responsibility, students will be equipped to design AI
systems that are both innovative and impactful, addressing global challenges while prioritizing
ethical considerations.
Upon completion, graduates will be ready to contribute to the UAE's AI ecosystem and global
industries, ensuring their success in a rapidly advancing technological world. By providing both
technical and entrepreneurial skills, this program prepares students to be future leaders,
innovators, and changemakers in the field of AI.
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