Artefact and HEC Paris Expand AI Education Across MENA
Artefact, a global data and AI consulting firm, has partnered with HEC Paris Doha to develop executive-level AI education programmes across the Middle East. Announced on October 19, 2026, the collaboration aims to help senior leaders turn AI strategies into practical business results.
The initiative will begin in Qatar and Saudi Arabia before expanding across the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Moreover, it builds on an existing partnership between the organisations in France. The programme combines HEC Paris’s expertise in executive education with Artefact’s experience implementing AI solutions for governments and major organisations.
Executive AI Training for Business and Government Leaders
The programmes will target ministers, board members, executive teams, and senior government and business leaders. In particular, they will address the decisions organisations face when adopting AI across operations, services, and strategic planning.
The curriculum will cover AI strategy, value creation, governance, investment, and risk management. Additionally, participants will explore AI operating models, service redesign, workforce development, and large-scale adoption. The courses will also examine generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI, including their practical applications in organisations.
Combining Academic Expertise With Real-World AI Experience
HEC Paris will contribute its leadership development programmes, faculty expertise, and academic resources. Meanwhile, Artefact will bring hands-on experience in AI transformation, along with access to practitioners and real-world business cases. Consequently, participants can connect academic concepts with the challenges of implementing AI at scale.
The partnership will also create opportunities for wider academic and talent development. For example, Artefact specialists will contribute to HEC Paris courses, masterclasses, hackathons, and applied student projects. In addition, the collaboration will support internships and regional career pathways.
Rahul Arya, Managing Partner and CEO of Artefact Middle East, Southeast Asia and India, said the collaboration aims to give leaders the tools and practical understanding needed to turn AI ambitions into lasting organisational impact.
Joshua Kobb, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at HEC Paris Doha, highlighted the importance of translating AI capabilities into strategic decisions, responsible adoption, and sustainable outcomes. He also emphasised the value of combining academic perspectives with practical industry experience.
The collaboration comes as organisations across the region move from AI experimentation towards broader deployment. Therefore, leaders increasingly need to understand governance, investment priorities, operational change, and workforce readiness alongside the technology itself.
By launching programmes in Qatar and Saudi Arabia before expanding across MENA, Artefact and HEC Paris Doha aim to strengthen executive AI capabilities throughout the region. Ultimately, the partnership seeks to help business and government leaders adopt AI responsibly and translate its potential into measurable organisational results.
