MBZUAI showcased AI applications for health, education, and climate at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023. Talks highlighted AI's capacity to address challenges in climate change and other sectors, aligning with the UAE’s vision for technology-enabled solutions. MBZUAI researchers will demonstrate real-world AI applications and discuss research related to climate, health, and education. Why it matters: MBZUAI's focus on AI for sustainability demonstrates the UAE's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for addressing global challenges and advancing its leadership in clean energy and emissions reduction.
MBZUAI's Women in AI (WAI) club, founded by master’s students Asma Hashmi and Ameera Bawazir, aims to increase female representation in AI at MBZUAI and the UAE. The club aligns with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, addressing the underrepresentation of women in AI globally (22%). MBZUAI reports 31% female students in its first cohort and hopes to increase this, supported by faculty like Prof. Najwa Aaraj. Why it matters: This initiative highlights efforts to close the gender gap in AI within the UAE's leading AI university, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins are developing AI-driven video analysis tools to provide surgeons with unbiased skill assessments and personalized feedback. The system segments surgical procedures, detects instruments, and assesses skill in cataract surgery. Dr. Shameema Sikder is leading the development of technologies to improve ophthalmic surgical care standards internationally. Why it matters: AI-based surgical skill assessment could standardize training and improve patient outcomes in the region and globally.
MBZUAI held a pre-commencement celebration for its inaugural graduation on January 30, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. The first graduating class includes 52 students from 24 countries earning master's degrees in computer vision and machine learning. MBZUAI has quickly risen to become a top 25 institution globally in AI, with faculty from top 100 AI institutions. Why it matters: This milestone highlights the rapid growth and increasing importance of AI education and research in the UAE and the broader Middle East.
MBZUAI's Metaverse Lab is developing AI algorithms for photorealistic virtual humans and dynamic environments. Hao Li, Director of the lab, envisions using the metaverse for immersive learning experiences related to history and culture. He is also working on tools to prevent deepfakes and other cyberthreats. Why it matters: This research at MBZUAI aims to advance AI and immersive technologies for education and address potential risks in the metaverse.
MBZUAI's Professor Le Song is developing an AI-driven simulation to model the human body at societal, organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. The goal is to reduce the time and cost associated with bringing new medicines to market by removing the need for wet lab biological research. Song aims to create a comprehensive model using machine learning. Why it matters: This research could revolutionize drug discovery in the region by accelerating the development process and reducing reliance on traditional research methods.
An all-female team including two MBZUAI master's students won the WomenHackAI competition, presented by Siemens Female Data Science Network. The team developed an anomaly detector for financial time-series datasets, achieving 99% performance. The solution involved building models to analyze historical data and a GUI for real-time data upload and anomaly flagging. Why it matters: The recognition of MBZUAI students in an international competition highlights the growing talent pool in AI within the UAE and the university's role in fostering innovation.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing has been named an ACM Fellow for his contributions to machine learning algorithms, architectures, and applications. His research focuses on machine learning, statistical methodology, and large-scale computational systems. As MBZUAI’s first president, Xing has facilitated the university's growth in AI research. Why it matters: The recognition of MBZUAI's president highlights the university's growing prominence and commitment to AI research and development in the region.
100 C-suite leaders from UAE's industrial sector graduated from the Leadership 4.0 training program, implemented by MoIAT in collaboration with MBZUAI. The program aims to develop AI implementation skills in industry, aligning with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. The training took place at MoIAT’s headquarters in Dubai. Why it matters: This initiative signals a strategic push to integrate AI into the UAE's industrial sector by upskilling leadership, potentially boosting competitiveness and innovation.
Two student teams from MBZUAI won top prizes at the inaugural Agritech Hackathon (“Agrithon”) organized by ADAFSA. The “Masdar Boys” team developed a dashboard integrating ML models for plant disease diagnosis, optimal animal clinic placement, and disease outbreak zone classification. The “Green AI” team built a machine learning framework for plant disease classification, winning second prize. Why it matters: This highlights the growing role of AI in addressing food security challenges in the UAE and the region, with potential for real-world applications through ADAFSA's interest in further developing the students' work.
MBZUAI Assistant Professor Qirong Ho is researching AI operating systems to standardize algorithms and enable non-experts to create AI applications reliably. He emphasizes that countries mastering mass production of AI systems will benefit most from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Ho is co-founder and CTO at Petuum Inc., an AI startup creating standardized building blocks for affordable and scalable AI production. Why it matters: This research aims to democratize AI development and promote widespread adoption across industries in the UAE and beyond.
Kevin Toner from Northern Ireland is the first student from NI to graduate from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi. He will receive a Masters in machine learning as part of the inaugural graduating class. Toner's interest in machine learning began during his computer science studies at Queen's University Belfast. Why it matters: This milestone highlights MBZUAI's growing international reach and its role in attracting global talent to the UAE's AI ecosystem.
Hao Li, CEO of Pinscreen and associate professor at MBZUAI, discussed the Metaverse at GITEX 2022. Li's work focuses on virtual humans, reality capture, and AI synthesis to enable AI and immersive technologies. He aims to develop tools that prevent cyberthreats like deepfakes. Why it matters: This highlights the GCC's growing role in shaping the development and ethical considerations of metaverse technologies.
The article discusses the potential of AI in piloting planes, noting current autopilot systems still require human input. Martin Takáč from MBZUAI expresses confidence in AI's ability to handle flight scenarios, citing its capacity for extensive simulation and error minimization through reinforcement learning. AI is already used in aviation for tasks like route planning and maintenance. Why it matters: The piece highlights the growing role of AI in aviation and raises important questions about the future of autonomous flight in the region.
Ekaterina Kochmar from the University of Bath presented the Korbit Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), an AI-powered dialogue-based platform providing personalized learning experiences. A comparative study showed that students using Korbit achieved 2-2.5 times higher learning gains and higher completion rates compared to a traditional MOOC platform. Kochmar is also a co-founder and CSO of Korbit AI. Why it matters: The research highlights the potential of AI to deliver personalized education and significantly improve learning outcomes in online STEM education, an area of focus for many GCC universities.
The Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, will give a talk on AI adoption in government. The talk will cover key points related to AI utilization within government organizations. Al Askar has experience managing digital initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Government Services Program (TAMM). Why it matters: This signals the increasing importance of AI in public sector modernization efforts in the UAE and the broader region.
MBZUAI Professor Fakhri Karray delivered a talk on advances in operational AI, highlighting its potential to grow global GDP by 15% by 2025. He discussed AI's impact on IoT, self-driving machines, virtual assistants, and other fields. Karray outlined milestones in AI, achievements in operational AI, future directions, and challenges for safe and beneficial AI. Why it matters: The presentation underscores MBZUAI's role in shaping the discourse around AI's transformative potential and ethical considerations in the region.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub from MBZUAI will present AI solutions used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing healthcare consequences, social, economic, and policy-making decisions. The talk will cover the applications of AI and also discuss challenges like privacy, data needs, generalizability, data noise, and human acceptance. Yaqub's background includes a DPhil from the University of Oxford in Biomedical Engineering and research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, focusing on machine learning solutions for medical problems. Why it matters: This talk highlights the important role of AI in addressing pandemics and the ethical considerations that come with its application in healthcare and policymaking.
Daniela Rus from MIT CSAIL discussed the role of AI in revolutionizing autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the need for risk evaluation, intent understanding, and adaptation to diverse driving styles. The talk highlighted integrating risk and behavior analysis in autonomous vehicle control systems. Social Value Orientation (SVO) can be incorporated into decision-making for self-driving vehicles. Why it matters: This research advances the development of safer and more adaptive autonomous vehicles, crucial for their successful deployment in diverse real-world driving scenarios within the GCC region and globally.
This article discusses the application of uncertain time series (UTS) approach to manage and analyze big traffic data for high-resolution vehicular transportation services. The study addresses challenges such as data sparseness, decision-making among multiple UTSs, and future forecasting with spatio-temporal correlations. Jilin Hui, previously a Research Associate at the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (UAE), is applying this approach to solve problems related to increased congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced air quality in urban environments. Why it matters: The application of AI techniques to traffic management could significantly improve urban mobility and environmental sustainability in the GCC region and beyond.
MBZUAI concluded the second edition of its Executive Program (MEP) with 43 UAE leaders from public and private sectors completing 12 weeks of coursework. The program covered AI and machine learning topics, AI ethics and policymaking, and robotics, taught by global AI leaders. Participants addressed UAE national challenges with AI research solutions as part of a capstone project. Why it matters: This program aims to enhance AI capabilities and knowledge among UAE leaders, fostering innovation and increasing efficiency across various sectors.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, Lody Embrechts, met with MBZUAI's Interim President Michael Brady and Provost Ling Shao. They discussed promoting further collaboration between the UAE and the Netherlands on AI innovation. MBZUAI is partnering with G42, Cerebras, and India’s C-DAC to advance AI research. Why it matters: International collaborations like this are crucial for fostering innovation and developing a robust AI ecosystem in the UAE.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has rescheduled the start of its first academic year to January 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees during a video conference chaired by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The board also discussed campus progress, student onboarding, faculty appointments, and industry partnerships. Why it matters: The delay, while pragmatic, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by new academic institutions in establishing themselves amid global health crises, potentially impacting the growth of the AI ecosystem in the UAE.
MBZUAI has appointed Dr. Ling Shao as Executive Vice President and Provost to lead academic affairs and research. Dr. Shao is also the CEO and Chief Scientist of the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI). MBZUAI is partnering with IIAI for PhD student supervision and curriculum development. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top AI talent and establishing itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.
MBZUAI has appointed Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf as Executive Vice President for Outreach and Engagement. Dr. Al Yousuf will lead the university's external partnership mission, develop AI research initiatives, and provide AI advisory services to public and private sector organizations. Previously, Dr. Al Yousuf was Interim Provost of Masdar Institute and has held roles in the UAE Space Agency and other international groups. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and community engagement in the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI is hosting a webinar on September 1st featuring Professor Anil K. Jain to discuss AI research advances in biometrics, its applications, and challenges like user privacy. The webinar will highlight opportunities presented by new biometric and facial recognition systems and key application areas like airport security. The UAE's adoption of multi-biometric entry and exit programs in airports will also be discussed. Why it matters: As biometric technology sees increased adoption, this talk will help address concerns around reliability, security and accuracy of biometric recognition algorithms.
MBZUAI launched its Executive Program, a hybrid course for government and industry leaders to promote greater engagement with AI. The program's first session, led by MBZUAI President Eric Xing, covered the history and future of AI and machine learning. It aims to accelerate AI development across various sectors in the UAE, focusing on efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact reduction. Why it matters: This initiative signals the UAE's commitment to fostering AI literacy and driving AI adoption across key sectors, aligning with national economic development plans.
MBZUAI is developing AI algorithms to intelligently process data from wearables and home sensors for remote patient monitoring. The algorithms aim to analyze multiple strands of health data to provide a more comprehensive view of a patient's health, distinguishing between genuine emergencies and benign situations. MBZUAI's provost, Professor Fakhri Karray, believes this approach could handle 20-25% of diagnoses virtually, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Why it matters: This research could significantly improve healthcare efficiency and accessibility in the UAE and beyond by enabling more effective remote patient monitoring and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Harvard Professor David C. Parkes is leading a session on AI, Machine Learning, and Economics for the inaugural cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program. This program includes 42 participants, including ministers and C-suite executives, and spans 12 weeks. The program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership mission through education and capacity building. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's ongoing efforts to attract global AI expertise and develop local leadership in the field, furthering its national AI strategy.
Microsoft Azure AI CTO Dr. Xuedong Huang will speak at the MBZUAI Executive Program on AI-powered communications. Huang will share his experience in advancing Microsoft's AI stack, from deep learning infrastructure to new user experiences. He has over 170 U.S. patents and has contributed to speech technology, including Windows SAPI and Azure Speech. Why it matters: This talk can help foster knowledge transfer and collaboration between a global AI leader and the UAE's flagship AI university.
Turing Award winner Raj Reddy spoke at the MBZUAI Executive Program. Reddy is a Professor of Computer Science and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and has held leadership roles at CMU, AAAI, and IEEE. His research focuses on AI, human-computer interaction, and technology's societal impact. Why it matters: High-profile speakers at UAE AI programs can help attract talent and investment to the region.
The MBZUAI Executive Program's fifth module will cover the future of robotics, featuring UC Berkeley Professors Pieter Abbeel and Ken Goldberg. Abbeel will discuss deep learning in robotics, while Goldberg will share insights on robotic technologies in business. The 12-week program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership through education and innovation, with 42 high-level decision-makers participating. Why it matters: By training leaders in AI and robotics, the program can accelerate the adoption of advanced automation technologies across various sectors in the UAE and the broader region.
MBZUAI students achieved top honors at the 2022 Dubai Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Transport Hackathon. Sultan Abu Ghazal and his team developed Scooty, an app for scooter safety monitoring that rewards users for rule adherence. Muhammad Uzair Khattak led a team that created Salem, a mobile application to monitor motorcycle delivery drivers' safety and reduce traffic infractions by using computer vision and mobile sensors. Why it matters: The hackathon win highlights the practical AI skills being developed at MBZUAI and their application to real-world transportation challenges in the UAE.
MBZUAI held its first Advisory Board meeting to discuss ongoing activities as it prepares to welcome its first graduate student class in September 2020. The board emphasized the importance of practical results and industry engagement, including knowledge of IP, patent laws, and startup finance. The Advisory Board will provide strategic recommendations and support in securing financial aid, internships, training, and employment opportunities for students. Why it matters: This event underscores MBZUAI's commitment to aligning AI education with real-world applications and fostering innovation in the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI has launched online refresher courses in math and programming for its inaugural cohort of 100 admitted students from 31 countries. These courses, taught by MBZUAI faculty, aim to prepare students for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer vision and machine learning starting January 2021. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive refresher in core subjects. Why it matters: This initiative ensures students are well-prepared for the specialized AI education at MBZUAI and helps foster a strong foundation for future AI research in the region.
Dr. Kun Zhang from Carnegie Mellon University will spend 2022 as a Visiting Associate Professor in the Machine Learning Department at MBZUAI. Zhang's research focuses on causal discovery and causality-based learning, with applications in neuroscience, computer vision, computational finance, and climate analysis. He aims to develop methods for automated causal discovery from various kinds of data. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's machine learning department and promotes research in causal AI, which is crucial for understanding and predicting complex systems.
MBZUAI Adjunct Professor Mérouane Debbah was named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate, placing him in the top 1% of researchers globally. Debbah, who joined MBZUAI's machine learning department in 2021, also serves as chief researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi. His research focuses on multi-agent reinforcement learning, distributed AI, and applying AI to improve telecommunications, including reducing dead spots and improving energy efficiency. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the UAE's growing prominence in AI research, particularly in leveraging AI for advancements in telecommunications infrastructure and multi-agent systems.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, an Assistant Professor at MBZUAI, leads the BioMedIA lab and focuses on applying AI to real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in smart imaging. He was inspired by a textbook by Tom Mitchell and his work at Oxford University where he helped develop ScanNav, an AI solution aiding sonographers in anomaly scans during pregnancy. ScanNav assists in assessing fetal growth and detecting abnormalities, potentially improving early intervention. Why it matters: This highlights the growing importance of AI in enhancing medical diagnostics and improving healthcare outcomes in the UAE and globally.
MoIAT and MBZUAI conducted the second edition of their "Industry 4.0 and AI for Industrial Leaders" training program. The four-day program aims to develop skills in AI implementation within industry and enhance national industrial capacity through 4IR technologies. Industrial leaders gained technical knowledge to harness AI and accelerate industrial transformation. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in AI by 2031, boosting industrial productivity, and integrating advanced technologies to contribute significantly to the national GDP.
MBZUAI's President Eric Xing compares the current state of AI to the early stages of physics and chemistry, emphasizing the university's role in shaping the future of AI. He stresses the importance of addressing societal concerns and ensuring AI's trustworthiness, safety, and responsibility, advocating for AI researchers to engage with the community and uphold scientific principles. MBZUAI aims to foster a culture of innovation and contribute to the transparent and socially minded development of AI. Why it matters: This underscores the UAE's strategic focus on responsible AI development, positioning MBZUAI as a key player in guiding the ethical and societal implications of AI on a global scale.
MBZUAI, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Government, held an ‘AI for Leadership’ training course for government sector leaders. The four-day course was designed by AI experts at MBZUAI to equip leaders with the knowledge to leverage AI applications. The course supports the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and aims to diversify the economy and improve government services. Why it matters: The initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to building a thriving AI ecosystem by empowering government leaders to apply AI in their organizations.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) welcomed its inaugural cohort of 78 students from 29 countries in a virtual event. The students have enrolled in Machine Learning and Computer Vision programs, comprising 13 PhD students and 65 MSc students. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasized the importance of AI in transforming industries, with MBZUAI focusing on R&D across services, manufacturing, and sustainability. Why it matters: This marks a key step in the UAE's strategy to become a leader in AI research and development, particularly in areas that can address critical global challenges.
A delegation of Ethiopian government officials, led by State Minister for Innovation and Technology Dr. Ahmedin Mohammed, visited MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi. The delegation included representatives from Ethiopia's Technology and Innovation Institute and Artificial Intelligence Institute. Discussions focused on potential research collaborations and partnerships in AI. Why it matters: This meeting indicates growing interest from African nations in partnering with leading AI institutions in the GCC to advance their own AI capabilities.
Professor Le Song has joined MBZUAI as Deputy Department Chair of the Machine Learning Department. He brings decades of experience from institutions like Georgia Tech, Google Research, and Carnegie Mellon University. Le Song's research focuses on machine learning methods and algorithms for complex and dynamic data, with over 160 papers published in top ML conferences. Why it matters: This appointment bolsters MBZUAI's machine learning department and signals the university's commitment to attracting world-class AI talent to the UAE.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska of Ukraine visited Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi. They met with MBZUAI leadership including President Dr. Eric Xing and Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf. The delegation received a briefing on MBZUAI’s goals and strategies to support the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based economy and AI leadership. Why it matters: The visit signifies the UAE's growing prominence as a hub for AI research and education on the global stage.
Kazakhstan's Prime Minister, Askar Mamin, and senior delegates visited Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and were hosted by Professor Eric Xing and Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf. The visit included a tour of the MBZUAI campus in Masdar City and a briefing on the university's goals. Discussion between Mr. Shigeo Katsu, President of Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, and MBZUAI leadership explored potential partnerships. Why it matters: This visit signals growing interest and potential collaboration between Central Asian nations and the UAE in the field of AI research and education.
A delegation from Luxembourg, including H.E. Franz Fayot, Minister of Economy, and H.E. Elisabeth Cardoso, Ambassador to the UAE, visited MBZUAI. They met with MBZUAI President Prof. Eric Xing, Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, and Prof. Le Song to discuss potential collaborations. The discussions focused on opportunities between MBZUAI and Luxembourg institutions. Why it matters: This visit signals growing international interest in partnering with MBZUAI, potentially fostering research and educational exchanges.
A delegation from the Embassy of Poland in the UAE met with senior leaders at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Discussions focused on potential collaboration opportunities between MBZUAI and Polish institutions. The meeting included Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Prof. Le Song, and Reem Al Orfali from MBZUAI. Why it matters: This meeting indicates MBZUAI's continued efforts to expand its international partnerships and foster collaboration in AI research and education.
H.E. Sara Musallam, Chairwoman of ADEK, met with MBZUAI President Prof. Eric Xing on June 16, 2021. They toured the MBZUAI campus in Masdar City and discussed MBZUAI’s vision for AI. Potential collaborations between MBZUAI and ADEK, as well as MBZUAI's role in supporting Abu Dhabi's education ecosystem, were also discussed. Why it matters: The meeting indicates growing alignment between Abu Dhabi's education policymakers and its flagship AI university, potentially leading to new AI-focused educational initiatives.
An interview with MBZUAI President Professor Eric Xing discusses the university's unique focus on AI as a scientific discipline. He emphasizes MBZUAI's role as a global hub connecting AI and data science to various fields. Professor Eric highlights the importance of AI education for economic growth and societal advancement. Why it matters: The interview underscores the UAE's strategic investment in AI education and research through MBZUAI, positioning the nation as a key player in the global AI landscape.