Polynome AI Academy, in partnership with Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), has unveiled the expanded global instructor lineup for the second cohort of its Executive Program for Chief AI Officers (CAIO), running from 10-21 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

The programme brings together leading AI experts from NVIDIA, Mubadala, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), G42, AI71, and top research institutions to equip senior executives with the frameworks and tools needed to lead AI initiatives at organisational and national scale.

It was created in response to growing demand from governments and large enterprises for structured AI leadership. It aims to provide CAIOs and senior executives with governance frameworks, operating models, and decision-making structures that can support AI strategy and deployment across complex environments.

“The first cohort confirmed what we’ve long believed: the CAIO role requires a dedicated programme built for the realities of leading AI at scale,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group. “Executives came to Abu Dhabi and left with actionable strategies they are already putting into practice. By 2027, AI is expected to guide half of all business decisions. Cohort 2 builds on this momentum with a refined curriculum and fresh global perspectives.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of Abu Dhabi School of Management, added, “The first cohort demonstrated the demand we anticipated; top executives across the region recognise that AI strategy cannot simply be delegated. The programme equips leaders with the skills to navigate AI adoption and translate technological potential into real business impact.”

The inaugural programme in November 2025 attracted 35 C-suite executives and senior technology leaders. Participants completed ten modules covering AI strategy, sovereign AI infrastructure, governance frameworks, agentic systems, Arabic NLP, AI investment strategy, and enterprise deployment methodology. The programmeme also included site visits to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Core42’s Khazna data centres, ADNOC, and executive roundtables with policymakers.

“The Executive Chief AI programme is unlike any course I’ve attended,” said Dr. Noura AlDhaheri, Chairman of DNA Investments. “It brings us directly to the AI creators, experts, and leaders, offering insight into real challenges and the evolving AI landscape. AI is set to transform business, and staying ahead is essential.”

Confirmed instructors for Cohort 2 include Dr. George Tilesch, Dr. Andrew Jackson, Prof. Merouane Debbah, Prof. Nizar Habash, Dr. John Ashley, Charbel Aoun, Jean-Christophe Bernardini, Faris Al Mazrui, Chiara Marcati, and Jorge Colotto, with more to be announced.

The 10-day programme combines executive seminars, case labs, operating model workshops, site visits to AI institutions, and policymaker roundtables, offering lifetime access to the CAIO alumni network. It targets CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, public sector advisors, and senior digital transformation leaders, preparing them to lead AI strategy, governance, and enterprise deployment effectively.

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), describing it as the industry’s first open, software-defined distributed control system (DCS).

The new platform combines the established reliability of Foxboro systems with the flexibility of software-defined automation, aimed at helping hybrid and process industry customers modernise operations more quickly and with lower risk.

For decades, Foxboro DCS has functioned as the core control system for complex industrial operations, enabling real-time coordination of processes. However, Schneider Electric said evolving industrial requirements now demand greater agility, simplified compliance and fewer costly system upgrades. EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA has been developed to address these needs by delivering enhanced scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency while maintaining high levels of reliability.

The importance of open industrial systems was underscored in Schneider Electric’s recent global research report with Omdia, which found that closed systems cost mid-sized industrial companies an estimated 7.5% of annual revenue due to downtime, inefficiencies and compliance-related retrofits.

Hany Fouda, Senior Vice President, Process Automation at Schneider Electric, said the launch represents a pivotal moment for the sector. “EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA marks a defining moment for industrial automation. By embracing openness and software-defined architecture, we’re giving our customers the agility to modernise without compromise, protecting their investments while unlocking future-ready capabilities. This evolution is a strategic enabler for digital transformation.”

Developed in response to customer challenges such as ageing systems and rising costs, Foxboro SDA decouples hardware from software, enabling organisations to retain existing infrastructure while adopting a smoother, lower-risk modernisation pathway. Schneider Electric said this approach simplifies workflows, accelerates access to operational insights and supports long-term performance improvements.

Powered by EcoStruxure Automation Expert, the system is designed to enable interoperability, rapid deployment and fit-for-purpose configurations while maintaining high availability. By separating control logic from hardware, it supports vendor independence and scalable architectures. Built in line with IEC 62443-3-3 cybersecurity standards, the platform is designed to support IT and OT convergence, artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, and the transition towards more autonomous Industry 4.0 operations.

The system also enables digital continuity across the plant lifecycle, from design and engineering through to production and maintenance. By keeping data consistent and connected, Foxboro SDA supports automated workflows, improved product quality and integration with advanced analytics tools to enable real-time business decision-making.

Craig Resnick, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group, said the launch represents a significant shift in process automation. “By decoupling control logic from hardware, Schneider Electric is providing manufacturers with the agility to scale, adapt and simplify their operations. This software-defined approach helps reduce maintenance costs, protect legacy automation investments and ensure digital continuity throughout the entire plant lifecycle,” he said.

“With cybersecurity built into its core and a commitment to open, interoperable standards, Foxboro SDA enables manufacturers to modernise at their own pace, accelerate IT and OT convergence and expand adoption of next-generation technologies such as AI, edge computing and autonomous operations.”

Schneider Electric said the platform provides customers with a future-ready upgrade path, embedded cybersecurity and simplified operations, positioning Foxboro SDA not just as a control system, but as a strategic foundation for long-term digital transformation.

The UAE Cyber Security Council today hosted the CyberFirst UAE Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together CISOs, senior cybersecurity executives, government officials and technology leaders to strengthen national cyber resilience amid an increasingly complex global threat landscape.

Positioned as a high-level forum for strategic dialogue, the summit highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in supporting the UAE’s AED 100 billion-plus digital economy ambitions. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, cybersecurity has emerged as a core pillar of national development, protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive data and public trust across a highly interconnected digital ecosystem.

The event was closely aligned with the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy, which has positioned the country among the world’s most cyber-ready nations. In 2024, the UAE achieved a 100% score in the Global Cybersecurity Index and was recognised as a global “pioneering model” for cyber readiness, reflecting sustained investment in governance, innovation and digital trust.

Despite this progress, speakers at the summit noted that the regional threat landscape continues to intensify, with cyber incidents across the GCC rising by nearly 40% year-on-year.

H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasised the need for collective resilience, stating that cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical function but a national imperative underpinning economic growth, public trust and societal stability. He added that the scale and sophistication of cyber threats demand a unified approach that integrates policy, innovation and leadership.

Dr Al Kuwaiti said the CyberFirst UAE Summit served as a critical platform for collaboration, enabling decision-makers and industry leaders to align on strategy, share intelligence and advance secure-by-design frameworks to ensure the UAE’s digital future remains trusted and competitive.

The one-day summit brought together senior stakeholders from government, finance, utilities and energy, healthcare, manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Discussions focused on national cyber resilience, AI and cloud security, Zero Trust architectures, cyber governance and regulation, threat intelligence, supply chain security and the role of leadership in sustaining digital trust.

A key highlight of the event was the Awards & Recognition Ceremony, which celebrated excellence across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Awards recognised achievements in areas including cloud and AI security, Zero Trust implementation, threat intelligence leadership, innovation and strategic vision, as well as individual leadership across the UAE and MENA region.

The CyberFirst UAE Summit 2026 reinforced the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for digital trust and cybersecurity excellence, supporting a secure, resilient and future-ready digital environment for the nation and the wider region. The summit was supported by leading industry partners, including Google Cloud Security, Anomali, OPSWAT, Pentera, AmiViz, hwg, Tenable, Securonix, Paramount Assuring Value and Kron Technologies.

stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has returned as the principal partner of World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, the Kingdom’s flagship defence and security exhibition.

The event opened in Riyadh and runs until 12 February, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and innovators from around the world.

During the exhibition, specialized by stc, the group’s arm focused on mission-critical communications, is showcasing its Mission-Critical Communications (MCC) solution. Designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity, the solution provides resilient communications in fast-moving and high-risk environments. While essential for defence operations, the technology also supports other critical sectors where uninterrupted and trusted networks are vital for command execution, operational coordination and mission success.

A central feature of the showcase is the MCC Dome, an immersive exhibition experience that presents real-world mission-critical scenarios. The experience is divided into four interactive zones, beginning with a Crisis Response Simulation that demonstrates multi-agency coordination and highlights how mission-critical networks enable reliable communication and faster, more informed decision-making.

The Satellite Integration Zone focuses on hardened infrastructure and redundancy, designed to extend coverage and ensure service continuity across the Kingdom. This is followed by the Device Zone, which displays a range of rugged, field-ready equipment used by mission-critical personnel. The experience concludes with the Future of Mission-Critical Communications Zone, highlighting emerging technologies including AI-enabled incident prediction, drones, robotics and next-generation critical communication solutions.

In addition to the main display, specialized by stc is presenting dedicated use cases illustrating how mission-critical communications are applied across public safety, energy, healthcare, transportation, entertainment and giga-projects. In these environments, the technology supports emergency medical response, energy infrastructure management and public safety at large-scale events, where timing, reliability and coordination are paramount.

Riyadh Mouawd, chief business officer at stc group, said the event provides a strategic platform to demonstrate how secure connectivity supports real-world operations and national resilience. Khaled Aldharrab, chief executive officer at specialized by stc, added that the group’s responsibility is to ensure vital sectors remain connected during large-scale events, emergencies and complex operations.

stc group’s continued partnership with World Defense Show underscores its role in enabling secure, sector-wide transformation through advanced digital infrastructure, supporting operational readiness, digital sovereignty and long-term resilience across the Kingdom and the wider region.