MBZUAI: A Global Leader in AI Education and Innovation
MBZUAI Among Top Global AI Institutions
MBZUAI ranks among the top 10 universities globally in core AI disciplines, focusing on areas like computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology.
Centres of Innovation and Research
The university has launched several initiatives, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, to foster AI-focused startups and enhance its academic standing.
Nationwide Expansion of AI Education
Universities across the UAE are integrating AI into academic programs, preparing the next generation of innovators and leaders in this transformative field.
AI to Be Introduced into K–12 Curriculum
Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, public schools in the UAE will incorporate AI into their curricula, ensuring students are equipped for a technology-driven future.
UAE’s Centennial Vision
The UAE’s AI agenda aligns with the Centennial 2071 Vision, focusing on sustainable development and economic diversification.
Core Goals of the National AI Strategy
The national AI strategy aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI, transform key sectors, and develop a digitally empowered society poised for future challenges.
MBZUAI Among Top Global AI Institutions
A Rising Star in Artificial Intelligence Education
According to CSRankings, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has secured its place among the top 10 universities worldwide in core artificial intelligence (AI) disciplines, including computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology. This remarkable recognition underscores MBZUAI’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education and research in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Currently, MBZUAI offers 13 master’s and PhD programs focused on these areas, with a new bachelor’s degree introduced in 2025 that provides two specializations: Business and Engineering. The inclusive academic environment attracts a diverse student body from 39 countries, where Emiratis constitute around 17% and women account for 31% of total enrolments. With over 300 graduates already earning advanced degrees, it’s encouraging to see that a significant 80% have joined the UAE’s burgeoning AI ecosystem, contributing to its growth and innovation.
Centres of Innovation and Research
2023 marked a significant milestone for MBZUAI with the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, designed to support AI-focused startups. This initiative aligns with the university’s goal of facilitating innovation and spurring growth in the tech sector. Additionally, MBZUAI has established notable research bodies, including the Center for Integrative AI and the Metaverse Center. These entities have collectively contributed over 1,200 conference papers and 2,200 journal publications, reinforcing the university’s reputation on the global academic stage.
Nationwide Expansion of AI Education
The commitment to AI education extends beyond MBZUAI. Several universities across the UAE are enhancing their academic offerings to include AI-related programs:
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: Bachelor’s in Mathematics with a Data Science for AI specialization
- Abu Dhabi University: Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Khalifa University: Bachelor’s in Robotics and AI
- American University of Sharjah: Established an AI Centre
- Ajman University: Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Each of these institutions is contributing to the UAE’s ambition to cultivate a knowledgeable workforce in AI, aiming to prepare students for future challenges and opportunities within the field.
AI to be Introduced into K–12 Curriculum
Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, AI will be formally integrated into public school curricula across the UAE, spanning from kindergarten through Grade 12. This pioneering initiative aspires to equip students with foundational tools and knowledge necessary for thriving in a technology-driven world. The national AI curriculum will encompass seven key areas:
- Foundational AI concepts
- Data and algorithms
- Software tools
- Ethical awareness
- Real-world applications
- Innovation and project design
- Policy and community engagement
The implementation of this AI-centric curriculum is poised to revolutionize the educational landscape in the UAE, ensuring that young minds are prepared for the future.
UAE’s Centennial Vision
The UAE’s ambitious AI agenda aligns seamlessly with the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision, designed to promote sustainable development, digital transformation, and economic diversification. Central to this strategy are several core goals:
- Achieving Centennial 2071 Objectives: Positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI innovation and governance.
- Transforming Key Sectors: Enhancing healthcare, education, transportation, and public services through AI integration.
- Building a Digitally Empowered Society: Developing national talent and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
- Boosting the Digital Economy: Stimulating productivity, creating tech-driven jobs, and driving economic growth.
With a strong focus on education, the UAE continues to pave its path to AI leadership, equipping the next generation to shape the future through advanced digital knowledge and innovative solutions.
Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi, an experienced Emirati journalist and Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief for Gulf News, eloquently captures this transformative journey through his insightful analyses. His extensive background lends credibility to the ongoing narrative of AI’s impact on society.
In conclusion, as MBZUAI and other educational institutions enhance their focus on AI education, the UAE is well on its way to fostering a technologically adept society that will play a pivotal role in the global AI landscape for years to come.