AI policy, governance, and national AI strategy from GCC governments — including UAE AI Strategy, Saudi Vision 2030 AI initiatives, and SDAIA regulatory frameworks.
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.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov is researching methods to identify and combat the harmful uses of large language models in generating disinformation. He notes that disinformation, unlike fake news, is weaponized with the intent to persuade, not just to lie. His research focuses on the linguistic differences between human-written and machine-generated disinformation, such as the use of rhetorical devices in human propaganda. Why it matters: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, understanding and mitigating its potential for spreading disinformation is critical for maintaining trust and integrity in information ecosystems, especially during major election cycles.
LibrAI is an AI startup founded by Xudong Han, a University of Melbourne PhD graduate, in December 2023 after the release of ChatGPT. The company focuses on advancing AI safety and responsible AI practices, building on Han's prior work creating FairLib, an open-source toolkit for fairness in deep neural networks. LibrAI's team of seven aims to create practical solutions ensuring AI is both responsible and revolutionary. Why it matters: The establishment of a startup focused on AI safety highlights growing awareness of ethical considerations in AI development within the region.
Professor Timothy Baldwin has been appointed as the Provost of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). He previously served as Department Chair of NLP, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, and Acting Provost. During his tenure, Baldwin co-led the technical development of Jais, the leading Arabic LLM, and spearheaded initiatives including new academic departments and the Undergraduate Research Internship Program. Why it matters: Baldwin's appointment signals continued investment in AI talent and research at MBZUAI, particularly in Arabic NLP and large language models.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov has developed FRAPPE, an interactive website that analyzes news articles to identify persuasion techniques. FRAPPE helps users understand framing, persuasion, and propaganda at an aggregate level, across different news outlets and countries. Presented at EACL, FRAPPE uses 23 specific techniques categorized into six broader buckets, such as 'attack on reputation' and 'manipulative wording'. Why it matters: The tool addresses the increasing difficulty in discerning factual information from disinformation, providing a means to identify biases in news media from different countries.
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 researcher Karima Kadaoui is using AI to assist disadvantaged communities and languages, with a focus on democratizing NLP tasks for Arabic dialects. Her master's thesis focused on impaired speech recognition, converting disfluencies of individuals with speech disabilities into clear speech. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI to avoid bias and ensure systems reflect the user distribution. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's commitment to gender equity in STEM and the development of AI solutions tailored to the nuances of the Arabic language.
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.
MBZUAI will showcase AI research for sustainability at COP28 in Dubai, highlighting AI's role in addressing climate change. The university will present research projects including generative AI, efficient AI operating systems, remote patient monitoring, and AI solutions for urban heat islands. MBZUAI will also emphasize its role in developing the UAE’s AI ecosystem. Why it matters: This underscores the increasing recognition of AI as a crucial tool for achieving sustainability goals in the Middle East and globally.
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.
ADGM and MBZUAI have signed an MoU to advance AI applications in financial regulatory compliance. The partnership will focus on developing regtech and suptech solutions, including an AI model to extract meaning from financial regulations. A key project is enhancing FSRA’s ‘Risk Analyser’ platform, which uses AI to provide insights on supervised firms. Why it matters: This collaboration signals a push towards AI-driven regulatory innovation in the UAE's financial sector, potentially improving efficiency and compliance.
A team of MBZUAI graduate students won first place at the UAE University's University Challenge for their SawabAI project, which addresses AI-generated misinformation about climate change. The winning team included Salem Bin Saqer AlMarri, Hanoona Bangalath, and Muhammad Maaz, all Computer Vision Ph.D. students. SawabAI is envisioned as a platform to evaluate the authenticity and source of information, including text, image, and video, to combat fake news. Why it matters: This win highlights the growing importance of AI in addressing misinformation and promoting sustainability in government communication within the region.
MBZUAI President Professor Eric Xing argues against exaggerated claims of AI existential threats, contrasting them with real dangers like climate change and nuclear warfare. He critiques the "doomer outcry" fueled by sensationalism rather than rational analysis, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based discussion. Xing suggests that overregulation risks stifling the startup and open-source community, which are vital for transparent and responsible AI development. Why it matters: The piece advocates for a balanced perspective on AI's risks and benefits, promoting informed discussion over alarmist narratives in the region's rapidly developing AI landscape.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing discussed the transformative potential of AI with Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development, likening its impact to that of the printing press. He emphasized AI's role in democratizing knowledge and enabling discoveries in genetics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Xing also highlighted the UAE's strategic thinking and openness to innovation, positioning the nation as an international leader in AI, exemplified by MBZUAI's Jais LLM. Why it matters: This signals the UAE's continued focus on AI as a strategic priority, with emphasis on its potential to drive societal and economic development.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov is researching methods to combat fake news and online disinformation through NLP techniques. His work focuses on detecting harmful memes and identifying the stance of individuals regarding disinformation. Four of Nakov’s recent papers on these topics were presented at NAACL 2022. Why it matters: This research aims to mitigate the impact of weaponized news and online manipulation, contributing to a more trustworthy information environment in the region and globally.
An article highlights the role of AI in promoting female empowerment, particularly in the UAE, where Emirati women entrepreneurs constitute a significant portion of business owners. MBZUAI is playing a key role by equipping women with AI skills, as exemplified by alumna Farha Albreiki, who is applying her ML expertise at Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO). Albreiki is also involved in initiatives like the TRANSCO Women Working Group to foster gender diversity in the tech sector. Why it matters: This underscores the importance of AI education and initiatives within the GCC to support women's participation and leadership in technology and engineering.
An article in Forbes highlights the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) as the first university devoted exclusively to AI advancement. MBZUAI President Eric Xing champions a 'connectionism' approach, designing computational models inspired by interconnected human cognition networks. AI's ability to process and analyze data at high speeds unlocks new knowledge realms, acting as a universal translator between humans and the digital world. Why it matters: MBZUAI is positioned as a key institution driving AI innovation and responsible AI practices in the Middle East.
MBZUAI's President addressed the graduating class of 2023, consisting of 59 graduates from 25 countries, at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The speech emphasized AI's transformative power and the need to shift education towards problem-solving and knowledge creation. It encouraged graduates to embrace AI while nurturing independent thinking and contributing to interdisciplinary problem-solving. Why it matters: The address highlights MBZUAI's vision of shaping future AI leaders and promoting a balanced perspective on AI's potential and risks in the region.
MBZUAI students participated in the Climate Ambassadors Programme (CAP) at Expo City Dubai, role-playing a COP28 session. Representing different countries, the students developed innovative climate change solutions, emphasizing AI's role. The event, part of a series leading up to COP28, saw MBZUAI ambassadors highlighting the need for proactive environmental action. Why it matters: This initiative showcases the potential of AI-focused education in addressing global climate challenges and promoting youth engagement in sustainability efforts within the UAE.
COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber visited MBZUAI and emphasized AI's role in the UAE's economic diversification and sustainable growth. He highlighted AI's potential to contribute $13 trillion to global GDP by 2030. Al Jaber also met with researchers to discuss projects related to sustainable environment, healthcare, education, and Arabic LLMs. Why it matters: This underscores the UAE's commitment to AI as a key driver for its future economy and its focus on leveraging AI for climate solutions and national priorities.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing has been named a 2023 Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS). He was honored for contributions to statistics, machine learning research, AI entrepreneurship, and AI education. The IMS will formally recognize the 2023 fellows at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Toronto in August. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing prominence of MBZUAI and its leadership in the international AI and statistics community.
MBZUAI faculty Kun Zhang is researching methods to improve the reliability of generative AI, particularly in healthcare applications. Current generative AI models often act as "black boxes," making it difficult to understand why a specific result was produced. Zhang's research focuses on incorporating causal relationships into AI systems to ensure more accurate and meaningful information. Why it matters: Improving the trustworthiness of generative AI is crucial for sensitive sectors like healthcare and ensuring responsible AI deployment across the region.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan stated that AI is crucial for the UAE to achieve its Net Zero goals by 2050. Other Emirati officials who graduated from the MBZUAI Executive Programme also shared their views on AI applications in healthcare, government services, and energy. They highlighted AI's potential in disease diagnosis, digital transformation, and resource allocation. Why it matters: This underscores the UAE's commitment to leveraging AI across various sectors to address climate change and improve public services.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduation ceremony showcased AI sustainability solutions developed by 83 UAE leaders. Two winning projects, X-4 Cast and Pulse, focused on improving weather forecasting accuracy and increasing inclusivity in climate change discussions, respectively. The 12-week program included instruction from UC Berkeley, Harvard, and other top universities, with participants developing 14 collaborative projects. Why it matters: The program highlights the UAE's commitment to AI-driven solutions for national challenges, particularly in sustainability, and fosters AI awareness across diverse sectors.
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.
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.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov believes AI can outpace human fact-checkers in detecting fake news by analyzing language and sentence structure. AI systems can identify common sources of fake news and flag domains for blocking. Nakov's research focuses on disinformation, fact checking, and media bias detection. Why it matters: AI-driven solutions for combating fake news could help mitigate the spread of misinformation and its impact on society, especially in the Arabic-speaking world.
Prof. Mérouane Debbah of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) warns that current AI development relies on unsustainable, energy-intensive "bruteforce computing." He argues that the field needs more energy-efficient algorithms instead of simply scaling up GPUs. Debbah suggests neuromorphic computing as a potential solution, drawing inspiration from the human brain's energy efficiency. Why it matters: This critique highlights a crucial sustainability challenge for AI in the GCC and globally, as the region invests heavily in compute-intensive AI models.
MBZUAI has launched the third edition of its Executive Program (MEP), bringing together 45 global leaders, with over a third being women. The 12-week program will cover topics from AI fundamentals to ethics, and will include capstone projects addressing real-world problems with AI solutions. This edition will sponsor participants from an NGO and a startup to broaden perspectives. Why it matters: The program aims to build AI capabilities in line with UAE's vision and establish Abu Dhabi as an international AI hub, equipping leaders with skills to implement AI solutions across sectors.
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.
MBZUAI President Professor Eric Xing discussed AI's potential to augment human capabilities and the responsibility of AI researchers in shaping future leaders. Xing's background includes professorships at Carnegie Mellon University, leadership at Petuum Inc., and directorship of the Center for Machine Learning and Health. He also held visiting positions at Stanford University and Facebook Inc. Why it matters: The emphasis on responsible AI development and education aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to become a leader in ethical and human-centric AI.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj from MBZUAI and TII discussed the impact of quantum computers and machine learning on cryptographic algorithms. The talk covered post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) schemes, standardization efforts, and the role of machine learning in advancing cybersecurity solutions. Dr. Aaraj also highlighted the challenges of transitioning current cryptographic systems to quantum-resistant alternatives. Why it matters: As quantum computing advances, understanding and implementing post-quantum cryptography is crucial for maintaining secure communications and data protection in the UAE and globally.
WAM (Emirates News Agency) and MBZUAI have signed a strategic agreement to collaborate on media and AI, knowledge sharing, training, and development. MBZUAI will be the Strategic Academic Sponsor of the Global Media Congress organized by ADNEC and WAM in November 2022. MBZUAI will also provide WAM employees with seats in its Executive Program and offer consultancy services for establishing an AI lab at WAM. Why it matters: This partnership aims to modernize the UAE's media sector by leveraging MBZUAI's AI expertise to develop innovative media applications and support the Global Media Congress.
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. 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 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.
UC Berkeley professor Michael I. Jordan will lead a session on AI, Machine Learning and Economy as part of the MBZUAI Executive Program. The program is headed by MBZUAI President Eric Xing and includes 42 participants from ministerial leadership and top industry executives. The 12-week program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership mission through education, capacity building, innovation, and R&D. Why it matters: The involvement of a prominent academic figure like Jordan highlights the UAE's commitment to attracting global expertise in AI education and solidifying its position as an AI hub.
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.
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's president Eric Xing warns against the unchecked pursuit of increasingly large AI models, drawing an analogy to an "atomic bomb" due to the unpredictability of their behavior. He argues that the field lacks sufficient understanding of what these models learn and whether their outputs are reliable, advocating for more efficient models. Xing emphasizes the need for debuggability and error tracking in AI, similar to established engineering practices. Why it matters: The piece highlights growing concerns within the AI community about the scalability and potential risks associated with increasingly complex AI models, particularly regarding transparency and control.
MBZUAI has appointed Professor Mohsen Guizani as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Institutional Advancement, bringing over 30 years of academic experience. Guizani previously served as the Founding Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies at Qatar University. He has secured over $30 million in research grants and published extensively in AI, IoT, and cybersecurity. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's leadership and faculty development, contributing to its goal of becoming a globally recognized institution in AI research and education.
MBZUAI is launching the second edition of its Executive Program, following the completion of its inaugural edition in January. The 12-week program aims to enhance AI capacity building for senior leaders in the UAE across both public and private sectors. The program covers topics such as AI ethics, policy-making, and the future of robotics, and is taught by global AI leaders. Why it matters: This program signals the UAE's commitment to developing national AI leadership and integrating AI into its economic development plans.
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 Executive Program held a module on AI ethics, safety, and societal impacts, led by Professors Tom Mitchell and Justine Cassell. The session covered machine learning bias, privacy, AI's impact on jobs and education, and the ethical use of AI. Forty-two participants from ministerial leadership and top industry executives are part of the first cohort. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI and the UAE's commitment to ethical AI development as part of building a knowledge-based economy.
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.