Brandon-Jason Adebayo, the youngest student ever accepted to MBZUAI at age 17, used ChatGPT to find the AI-focused degree program. Adebayo chose MBZUAI over offers from U.S. universities due to its specialized AI curriculum and full scholarship. He aims to contribute to AI superintelligence (ASI) by improving his reasoning abilities and bridging the gap in AI advancements. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's draw for international talent and the UAE's growing focus on cultivating future AI leaders, even at the undergraduate level.
Careem co-founder Magnus Olsson visited MBZUAI to share insights on AI, entrepreneurship, and purpose. He emphasized the importance of solving real-world problems and understanding customer needs before focusing on technology. Olsson also discussed Careem's 'three plus three buckets' approach, leveraging AI to enhance marketplace and payment experiences. Why it matters: The visit highlights the growing intersection of AI research and practical business applications in the region, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students.
MBZUAI has launched "WAI", a community initiative to provide youth and senior citizens with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications. The inaugural event hosted over 30 youth and 15 senior citizens at MBZUAI’s campus for a day of learning and discussion. The program includes interactive sessions and hands-on activities in prompt engineering, with all participants receiving certificates of completion. Why it matters: This initiative promotes AI awareness across generations and aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community 2025, fostering inclusivity and shared learning in the digital age.
MBZUAI concluded its inaugural Global AI Leadership Program (GAILP) in Abu Dhabi, hosting 46 participants from UAE's public and private sectors. The program, delivered by The Academy, featured insights from faculty at MBZUAI, MIT Sloan, NYU, and industry experts from ADNOC and Palantir. UAE Minister Omar bin Sultan Al Olama presented at the event, emphasizing the importance of AI understanding for decision-makers. Why it matters: The program aims to equip UAE leaders with the knowledge to drive AI adoption and transformation across sectors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global AI leader.
Laura Koesten, Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at MBZUAI, studies how people interpret and interact with data, driven by the increasing need to adapt digital environments to people. Her work focuses on making data more accessible and understandable for various audiences, drawing from her Ph.D. research at the University of Southampton and postdoctoral work at King's College London. She emphasizes the importance of data literacy for citizens in understanding how data is used in decision-making systems. Why it matters: This research contributes to bridging the gap between complex AI systems and human understanding, fostering broader societal engagement with data-driven technologies in the UAE and beyond.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed has issued a resolution to reconstitute the Board of Trustees of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The board is chaired by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, with other members including Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Saif Saeed Ghobash, and Professor Daniela Rus. MBZUAI is recognized as a leading global institution in AI, focusing on research and innovation across sectors like healthcare and sustainability. Why it matters: The restructuring reinforces the UAE's commitment to AI leadership and MBZUAI's role in driving innovation and supporting the nation's AI strategy.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the UAE's focus on AI as a key economic and social driver, estimating AI's potential contribution to the UAE's GDP at $97.9 billion by 2030. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is positioned to play a crucial role in achieving the UAE's national AI strategy goals by 2031. The UAE aims to become a global leader in AI, leveraging it across various sectors to enhance efficiency and innovation. Why it matters: This reaffirms the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in AI, supported by strategic initiatives and investments in education and technology.
MBZUAI's inaugural class included eight Emirati master's graduates in computer vision and machine learning, making up 15% of the Class of 2022. All eight have secured employment or will pursue Ph.D. studies at MBZUAI, contributing to healthcare, technology, energy, transport, and government sectors in the UAE. Fatima Albreiki and Wafa Al Ghallabi will continue at MBZUAI for Ph.D. studies in Computer Vision. Why it matters: MBZUAI is nurturing local AI talent to support the UAE's national strategy and address global challenges in key sectors.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing addressed the Class of 2025 at Space42 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the university's growth and impact. He thanked outgoing chairman H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber and welcomed new chair H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak. Xing emphasized the shift of technological innovation towards the MENA region, citing the UAE-US AI partnership and the unveiling of the world’s largest AI campus outside the U.S. Why it matters: This address underscores the UAE's ambition to become a global AI hub and the pivotal role of MBZUAI in driving this transformation.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited MBZUAI and was briefed on academic programs, research areas, and partnerships. Researchers presented AI projects spanning energy, climate, medicine, genetics, media, and robotics, and two start-ups from the university’s incubator showcased their work. MBZUAI President Professor Eric Xing noted the university's ranking as 10th globally in AI fields. Why it matters: The visit underscores the UAE's commitment to developing national AI talent and building a knowledge-based economy with AI at its core.
MBZUAI has opened admissions for the Fall 2026 intake for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The university highlights its rapid rise to a global top 10 AI institution in just five years. Early submission is encouraged, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis via the university's online portal. Why it matters: This signals MBZUAI's continued growth and commitment to attracting international talent to advance AI research and education in the UAE.
MBZUAI concluded its 2025 Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP), hosting 57 students from 24 countries. The four-week program, held in Abu Dhabi, allowed undergraduates to collaborate with faculty on AI research projects in machine learning, computer vision, and NLP. The 2025 edition had a 4% acceptance rate, with nearly 2,000 applications received. Why it matters: The program highlights MBZUAI's role in attracting global AI talent to the UAE and fostering research collaborations.
MBZUAI welcomed over 400 students this semester, including its inaugural undergraduate cohort. The university received over 8,000 applications for its Bachelor and graduate programs, with a 5% acceptance rate. The newly launched Bachelor of Science in AI program offers streams in AI for Business and AI for Engineering. Why it matters: This expansion, particularly the undergraduate program, supports the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031 and strengthens Abu Dhabi's growing AI ecosystem.
The sixth cohort of MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) has concluded, with 42 UAE leaders graduating after completing the 16-week training. The program aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of AI and drive AI-driven transformation within their organizations. Participants learned from MBZUAI faculty and experts from institutions like MIT, UC Berkeley, and industry leaders from Palantir and e&. Why it matters: This program reflects the UAE's commitment to developing AI leadership and effectively adopting AI solutions across critical sectors, equipping decision-makers with technical knowledge and strategic insights.
NYU Abu Dhabi and MBZUAI researchers have developed ARWI, a free web application to help Arabic language learners improve their writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic. ARWI provides essay prompts aligned with CEFR skill levels, features an Arabic text editor, and gives personalized feedback. The tool won the Diversity Award at the Workshop on Intelligent and Interactive Writing Assistants (In2Writing). Why it matters: This tool can help preserve the quality and personal voice of Arabic writing amid the rise of LLMs.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2025 commencement ceremony for 104 graduates across Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He congratulated the students and emphasized the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI hub. The ceremony was attended by several high-profile UAE officials and MBZUAI leadership. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's continued investment in AI education and its strategic focus on developing local talent in key AI specializations.
MBZUAI has launched the 6th edition of its Executive Program (MEP) aimed at empowering over 40 senior leaders from UAE's public and private sectors with AI knowledge. The 16-week program will cover AI fundamentals, industry transformations, strategy, policymaking, and ethics. Participants will explore a refreshed curriculum with immersive learning experiences, site visits, and an Ideas Launchpad to address real-world challenges. Why it matters: The program demonstrates the UAE's commitment to AI upskilling and aims to accelerate AI-driven transformations across sectors by equipping leaders with strategic, technical, and ethical foundations of AI.
MBZUAI alumnus Hanan Gani, a 2024 master's graduate in machine learning, is now a research associate at MBZUAI working on a meteorological project with the UAE government. He also focuses on multimodal and embodied intelligence research, mentors AI students, and has published nine papers during his time at MBZUAI. His research includes work on vision transformers, text-to-image generation, and large multimodal models. Why it matters: Showcases MBZUAI's role in attracting and developing AI talent within the UAE, contributing to the nation's AI research capabilities.
MBZUAI and UC Berkeley held a joint workshop on machine learning, featuring discussions on online learning, fair allocation in dynamic mechanism design, and causal inference. Michael I. Jordan, Laureate Professor and Honorary Program Director at MBZUAI, highlighted the institute's rapid growth during his visit. Researchers explored methods for enhancing the properties of large, complex models, such as calibration, fairness, and robustness. Why it matters: Such collaborations advance AI research and foster knowledge exchange between leading global experts and regional institutions like MBZUAI.
Faris Almalik, an MBZUAI alumnus, discusses his journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a senior data scientist at the Department of Government Enablement – TAMM in Abu Dhabi. Almalik emphasizes his passion for continuous learning and knowledge sharing, which has driven his career across defense, education, finance, and government sectors. He published his first paper on adversarial attacks on medical imaging at MICCAI during his time at MBZUAI. Why it matters: This highlights the success of MBZUAI in producing impactful AI professionals who contribute to both research and practical applications in key sectors within the UAE.
MBZUAI researchers have developed "Culturally Yours," a reading assistant that highlights and explains culturally-specific items on webpages to help users understand unfamiliar terms. The tool addresses the "cold-start problem" by asking users for demographic information to personalize the identification of potentially unfamiliar cultural references. It was presented at the 31st International Conference on Computational Linguistics in Abu Dhabi. Why it matters: This tool can help bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, particularly for underrepresented languages and cultures, and aid businesses in reaching diverse audiences.
MBZUAI's Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) is a one-month summer program in Abu Dhabi for promising AI students. Launched in 2023, UGRIP aims to expose undergraduates to AI research and talent development. In 2025, around 60 interns will join the program to work on research projects and receive mentorship from faculty. Why it matters: The program strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for AI research and attracts global talent.
MBZUAI held its fourth annual Internships and Opportunities Fair, connecting over 160 students with 48 industry partners. The fair provided a platform for students to explore internships and career opportunities in AI-related fields. Participating companies included ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Police, e&, and IBM. Why it matters: The event highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in supplying skilled graduates to the local AI ecosystem.
MBZUAI's executive programs (MEP and MEP-A) have trained nearly 240 senior leaders from the UAE's public and private sectors to implement AI solutions. Cohort six of the MEP begins in April, while the MEP-A will commence later in the year. The programs, taught by instructors from MBZUAI, UC Berkeley, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT, cover AI fundamentals, industry applications, strategy, policymaking, and ethics. Why it matters: These programs aim to empower leaders to contribute to the UAE's growing AI ecosystem and promote ethically-rooted innovation, aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy.
Maha Elgarf from NYU Abu Dhabi presented research on using social robots to stimulate creativity in children through subconscious mimicry, leveraging the 'chameleon effect'. The research involved a series of studies where children engaged in storytelling with a social robot, and their creativity was assessed. Elgarf also discussed using Large Language Models (LLMs) in education and challenges in the field. Why it matters: This explores innovative applications of social robotics and AI in education within the UAE, potentially enhancing children's learning and creativity.
This article previews a presentation by Kevin Murphy (Google Brain) at MBZUAI on a unified perspective of machine learning, based on his book "Probabilistic Machine Learning: Advanced Topics". The presentation will cover the "4 pillars of ML": predictions, decisions, discovery and generation. Murphy will summarize recent methods and his own contributions in each of these tasks. Why it matters: Hosting prominent international AI researchers strengthens MBZUAI's position as a global hub for AI research and education.
MBZUAI is hosting a short course on developing open-source machine learning packages. The course will be led by Chih-Jen Lin, an affiliated professor at MBZUAI and distinguished professor at National Taiwan University, who has developed widely used ML packages like LIBSVM and LibMultiLabel. The course will cover topics such as starting a project, choosing functionalities, and identifying research problems from user feedback. Why it matters: This course can help improve the quality and usability of open-source machine learning tools coming from the region's research institutions.
MBZUAI has opened graduate admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year, offering five M.Sc. and five Ph.D. programs, alongside a new Master in Applied AI (MAAI). The MAAI program is designed for working professionals, focusing on applying AI to solve organizational and societal challenges, taught by MBZUAI faculty and international guest speakers. The university also provides fully-funded scholarships for its M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Why it matters: This new program and scholarship offerings will help MBZUAI attract top talent and further establish itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.
MBZUAI Professor Timothy Baldwin reflects on his decision to move from the University of Melbourne to help build MBZUAI. He emphasizes the importance of inclusive AI education to ensure the benefits of AI are shared globally. Baldwin notes the concentration of AI innovation in a few countries, leading to disparities in language model performance for non-dominant languages. Why it matters: The article highlights MBZUAI's role in addressing the global imbalance in AI development and promoting inclusivity in AI education and research, particularly for Arabic and other underrepresented languages.
Raisa Mahomed, CTO of OpusDigitech in Dubai and an MBZUAI Executive Program alumna, focuses on using AI to improve sustainability and ESG goals for energy companies. She joined MBZUAI in 2023 to deepen her understanding of AI's technical and business impact. The MBZUAI program provided her with a clearer understanding of AI implementation and its societal effects. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in developing AI leadership in the UAE and fostering the use of AI for sustainable development in key sectors.
MBZUAI alumnus Abdulaziz Aleissaee is working as a Senior Specialist in AI at Abu Dhabi Media Company after graduating from MBZUAI's inaugural class. He credits his early interest in video game NPCs with sparking his passion for AI, leading him to implement AI solutions at Abu Dhabi Media. He emphasizes the importance of sharing AI knowledge and combating AI illiteracy. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in developing local AI talent and its graduates' contributions to AI adoption in key regional industries like media.
The fifth edition of the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP) concluded with 44 leaders from UAE's public and private sectors generating six innovative AI-driven ideas. Participants engaged in 16 weeks of learning, including modules on AI fundamentals, industry changes, policy, and ethics, with instruction from MBZUAI, UC Berkeley, and other top institutions. The capstone projects focused on using AI to solve national challenges under the theme of sustainability, including an AI-driven personalized learning platform for UAE schools. Why it matters: The program demonstrates MBZUAI's role in shaping future leaders and fostering AI innovation to address national priorities in the UAE.
MBZUAI has placed over 90 master's and PhD students in internships at public, private, and multinational organizations globally. The internships span various AI disciplines, including computer science, CV, ML, NLP, and robotics. Students are undertaking placements at institutions like the Technical University of Darmstadt, Johns Hopkins University, and Microsoft Research Lab – Asia, as well as UAE entities like ADNOC and Dubai Police. Why it matters: This initiative strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem by providing hands-on experience for students and addressing the growing demand for AI expertise in the region.
MBZUAI researchers presented a study at NAACL 2024 analyzing errors made by open-source LLMs when solving math word problems. The study, led by Ekaterina Kochmar and KV Aditya Srivatsa, investigates characteristics that make math word problems difficult for machines. Llama2-70B was used to test the ability of LLMs to solve these problems, revealing that LLMs can perform math operations correctly but still give the wrong answer. Why it matters: The research aims to improve AI's ability to understand and solve math word problems, potentially leading to better educational applications and teaching methods.
MBZUAI welcomed its largest cohort of 209 graduate students for Fall 2024, selected from over 4800 applications. The new cohort includes the first students in computer science and robotics, representing 36 countries with 44 Emiratis. MBZUAI is also creating new departments dedicated to human-computer interaction, statistics and data science, and computational biology. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem and MBZUAI's position as a leading global AI institution, providing a diverse talent pool for the UAE's innovation goals.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) emphasizes campus life to support its growing international student population. The Masdar City campus provides living quarters, communal spaces, and services for student wellbeing. MBZUAI offers advanced AI labs with nearly 1,000 Nvidia GPU servers and high-performance computing resources, along with technology-enhanced classrooms and a well-stocked library. Why it matters: This focus on comprehensive campus resources signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting and supporting top AI talent in the UAE.
MBZUAI is launching a six-day intensive AI executive program (MEP-A) in Abu Dhabi in October, condensing its popular MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP). The program includes lectures, site visits, and networking, covering the UAE’s AI strategy, AI fundamentals, and industry case studies. Instructors include Eric Xing, Michael Jordan, and Sami Haddadin. Why it matters: This program offers executives a concentrated opportunity to gain insights into AI strategy and implementation from leading global minds, fostering AI adoption in the region.
MBZUAI held its first summer school for UAE high school students in collaboration with ADEK, focusing on AI and sustainability. The program received over 230 applications for 38 slots, indicating strong interest in AI among students. Participants engaged in workshops led by MBZUAI faculty and worked on AI projects addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Why it matters: This initiative nurtures local talent and promotes AI education, aligning with the UAE's focus on becoming a leader in AI.
MBZUAI welcomed 45 international STEM students to its month-long Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP), a 32% increase from its second year. The program exposes students to AI research and faculty, attracting applicants from universities like IIT Madras, Harvard, and Yale. Interns worked on AI projects including digital healthcare metaverse prototypes, baby cry analysis, and LLM generalizability. Why it matters: This program helps to foster AI talent and promote the UAE as a global hub for AI research.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2024 commencement ceremony for 101 graduates. The graduates included PhDs in ML and master's degrees in CV, ML, and NLP. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI research and innovation hub, aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Why it matters: This graduation highlights the UAE's investment in AI education and its ambition to become a leader in AI research and development, training national talent to address global challenges.
MBZUAI President delivered an address to the Class of 2024 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. He congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of AI as a transformative technology, comparing it to the printing press in its potential impact. He urged graduates to bring AI to the people and people to AI, emphasizing the need for understanding and safe steering of this powerful technology. Why it matters: This speech signals MBZUAI's continued emphasis on the societal impact and ethical considerations surrounding AI as it trains the next generation of AI specialists in the region.
Elizabeth Churchill, formerly Senior Director of UX at Google, has joined MBZUAI as Department Chair of Human-Computer Interaction. Churchill will lead the establishment of MBZUAI's newest HCI department, after computer science and robotics. She recently received the ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Practice Award. Why it matters: The appointment of a renowned UX expert like Churchill signals MBZUAI's commitment to integrating human-centered design principles into its AI research and education, potentially fostering more user-friendly and impactful AI applications in the region.
MBZUAI has announced an enhanced MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP) welcoming its fifth cohort of 44 senior leaders from various sectors across the UAE. The program focuses on AI application and implementation, covering real-world projects, policy development, and ethics. The in-person modules are spread over 16 weeks and include new chapters on AI transformation, policymaking, and ethics. Why it matters: The enhanced MEP helps develop a strong regional AI community, supporting digital transformation in UAE organizations and aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy.
MBZUAI held its third annual Internships and Opportunities Fair, connecting students with over 40 potential employers including Etihad, e&, Abu Dhabi Police, ADNOC and Bayanat.ai. Over 100 master’s and Ph.D. students in CV, ML, and NLP will undertake summer internships, while graduating students explored full-time positions. The event featured speed interviews and coaching to support students in securing AI roles across sectors like health, telecommunications, and finance. Why it matters: This fair facilitates the integration of MBZUAI-trained AI talent into the UAE's expanding tech ecosystem, addressing the growing demand for AI expertise.
MBZUAI hosted the 2024 Middle East Advancement Conference (MEAC) in Abu Dhabi, gathering over 50 delegates from global educational institutions. The conference, organized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), focused on international best practices in areas like alumni relations and student recruitment. The event included discussions on the impact of AI on advancement professionals and featured leaders from MBZUAI, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Why it matters: The conference highlights the UAE's growing role as a hub for educational innovation and its commitment to fostering a globally networked approach to talent development in the AI era.
Wesam Manassra, an MIT-trained full-stack engineer at OpenAI, spoke to MBZUAI students about his experiences in tech and entrepreneurship. Manassra, who also worked at Uber and Microsoft and co-founded two startups, emphasized the importance of communication, adaptability, and team culture. The event was held in collaboration with startAD and sponsored by the MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center. Why it matters: The talk highlights the growing interest in AI careers among UAE students and the role of local institutions like MBZUAI in fostering tech entrepreneurship.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduated its fourth cohort of 42 UAE-based leaders, bringing the total to 166 graduates since 2021. The 12-week program focused on AI's potential to transform society with an emphasis on sustainability. Capstone projects included AI-powered solutions for food security, child exploitation prevention, disease screening, supply chain resilience, and AI training. Why it matters: This program cultivates a new generation of leaders equipped to leverage AI for sustainable development, aligning with the UAE's strategic priorities and positioning the nation as a hub for ethical AI innovation.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and MBZUAI have signed an MoU to collaborate on research and education initiatives. The partnership aims to create opportunities such as joint research projects and mentorship programs for students. Both institutions will leverage their expertise to explore AI applications in healthcare, focusing on areas like diagnostics and digital twins. Why it matters: The collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for AI-enabled healthcare innovation and talent development.
MBZUAI hosted an event for UAE students to demonstrate generative AI and its potential, featuring an interactive storytelling demonstration on Jais, the Arabic LLM. A survey at the event showed that 77% of students aged 12-15 believe AI skills will be required for future employment. The event included speakers from MBZUAI and NASA, showcasing AI applications in education and creative fields. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's focus on AI literacy among youth and MBZUAI's role in promoting AI education and awareness, aligning with the country's national AI strategy.
MBZUAI launched the AI Quorum, a winter series from October 2022 to March 2023, to stimulate AI research. The first session, led by Professor Michael Jordan, focused on collaborative learning with around 20 research experts. Discussions covered the use of edge devices like cell phones and hospitals providing data to build large models, as well as risks like free-riding and adversarial attacks. Why it matters: The AI Quorum initiative positions MBZUAI as a hub for global AI collaboration, addressing key challenges and opportunities in collaborative learning for real-world applications.