Over 120 students from 26 nationalities have graduated from the 2024 Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) program in the UAE. The graduation ceremony, held in Dubai, celebrated the students’ completion of a rigorous three-month course focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This year’s program, themed “Reimagine the Future,” provided students with a comprehensive education in these increasingly important technologies.
The curriculum covered a wide range of essential topics, including statistics, algorithms, and programming. A particular emphasis was placed on Python, a popular programming language widely used in machine learning. Students gained a solid foundation in Python and learned how to apply it to real-world ML challenges. The program aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, Director at the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, highlighted the significance of the program for the UAE’s AI ambitions. He stated that the UAE’s collaborations with leading international companies, like Samsung, are essential to its goal of becoming a leader in the AI sector. By providing young people with cutting-edge AI skills, the UAE is developing a generation of forward-thinking problem-solvers. This initiative, he noted, directly supports the UAE’s National AI Strategy and its aim to cultivate future tech pioneers.
Doohee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI innovators. He recognized the graduates’ dedication to mastering AI principles and applications, skills he described as critical for success in the modern digital economy. Mr. Lee also noted the alignment of this achievement with the UAE’s vision for technological progress and its position as a prominent AI hub in the region.
The SIC program provided students with in-depth knowledge of the statistical and mathematical principles underlying machine learning. They also mastered Python programming and gained expertise in specialized machine learning libraries. Critically, the training included hands-on experience. Students applied algorithms to real-world datasets and learned to manage entire data science project lifecycles. This practical focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared to make immediate contributions to the rapidly growing field of AI.
The top three students, each achieving a score of 95% or higher, were recognized for their outstanding performance. This recognition highlights the high caliber of the students participating in the program.
A key element of the 2024 SIC program was a partnership between Samsung and the UAE’s AI Office. This collaboration integrated the SIC program into the UAE AI Camp 2024. This combined approach provided a more comprehensive learning experience, merging Samsung’s global expertise in technology education with the UAE’s national vision for AI leadership.
The program aligns with the UAE’s ambitious AI initiatives, including the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. This strategy aims to establish the UAE as a global leader in AI. By investing in advanced AI education for young talent, the SIC program contributes to the development of a skilled workforce, a crucial element in driving the UAE’s ongoing digital transformation. The graduates of the program represent not only a new generation of AI specialists, but also a key component in the UAE’s broader strategy for economic growth and technological advancement. They are now equipped to contribute to the nation’s growing tech sector and help shape its future.
