SHARJAH, 8th September, 2026 -- The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), represented by the Sharjah Training and Development Centre (STDC), has successfully wrapped up its Oxford and Cambridge Executive Programme in Leadership, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. Held at prominent academic institutions in the United Kingdom from 30th August to 5th September 2026, the intensive initiative was designed to cultivate future-ready leadership capabilities among UAE nationals.
The specialized program gathered senior executives, organizational leaders, and digital strategy managers from both public and private sectors. The curriculum focused on equipping these professionals with the necessary strategic tools to navigate rapid digital shifts, utilize artificial intelligence, and enhance data-informed executive decision-making.
The academic journey commenced at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, with workshops centered on leadership, ethics, risk management, and decision-making within the AI landscape. Academic experts and specialists from Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading UK entities led discussions on mitigating digital risks, managing misinformation, and utilizing complex data for responsible strategic planning.
In addition to sessions on strategic leadership and technological disruption, participants joined a field visit to the Warwick Innovation District. This visit provided direct exposure to modern global innovation practices, knowledge transfer methodologies, and the integration of academic research into commercial sectors.
Maryam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General of the Support Services Sector at SCCI, highlighted that the programme's successful outcomes reflect the Chamber's commitment to investing in local talent. She noted that the experience demonstrated the capacity of Sharjah's leaders to use AI to bolster the emirate's economic resilience, improve institutional efficiency, and attract innovation-focused enterprises.
Amal Abdullah Al Ali, Director of STDC, expressed confidence in the attendees' ability to share their newfound expertise with their respective organizations. She emphasized that the combination of lectures by global trainers and practical site visits has equipped participants to manage risks effectively and lead digital transformations flexibly.
Beyond technical learning and themes like AI governance and financial services applications, the programme featured cultural excursions. These included an exploratory tour of historic Oxford landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, alongside a punting tour on Cambridge's River Cam and a visit to the architecturally unique Cambridge Central Mosque.
