NEP-AI Sends Emirati Experts to Explore China’s AI Ecosystem
The UAE’s National Experts Programme Artificial Intelligence Track (NEP-AI) will send 16 Emirati AI experts to Beijing and Shanghai from October 12 to 16, 2026. The five-day visit will examine how China turns AI research into commercial products, startups, and large-scale technology deployments.
Under the theme “AI Governance, Smart Nation Systems and Digital Government,” the delegation will explore how AI policy and digital infrastructure support national priorities. Moreover, participants will study how governments use advanced technologies to improve public services and strengthen digital operations.
Visits to China’s Leading AI Companies
The delegation will meet researchers and technology leaders across several parts of China’s AI ecosystem. These engagements include the following organisations.
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Zhipu AI: The delegation will examine AI research and the development of advanced models.
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China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT): Participants will explore technology policy, standards, and digital infrastructure.
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ByteDance: The visit will offer insights into AI deployment across large-scale digital platforms.
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AgiBot: Experts will study developments in AI-powered robotics and embodied intelligence.
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Agentrix: The delegation will examine enterprise AI systems and agent-based business applications.
Together, these visits will expose participants to research, policy, robotics, and commercial implementation. Consequently, the programme aims to show how different parts of the AI industry work together to bring technologies into practical use.
Strengthening the UAE’s National AI Capabilities
The China visit forms one of three international study visits under NEP-AI. In addition, the wider programme aims to expose participants to different approaches to AI research, governance, and commercialisation across global technology ecosystems.
Six NEP alumni and fellows will accompany the 16 participants. They will contribute experience from earlier programme cohorts and take part in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions throughout the visit.
NEP-AI supports the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 by developing technical expertise, leadership skills, and practical knowledge among Emirati professionals. The programme spans areas such as AI infrastructure, generative AI, agentic AI, robotics, enterprise automation, and AI entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the visit offers participants an opportunity to compare China’s AI development model with the UAE’s own ambitions. By examining how research moves into products and public services, the delegation can identify approaches relevant to national priorities, responsible AI governance, and long-term technological growth.
