MBZUAI hosted its annual Alumni Suhoor, attended by graduates, faculty, staff, and leadership, to foster connection and engagement. The event featured remarks from Joni Cholwich and Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, and included the launch of an alumni advisory board. Alumni shared their diverse experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and public/private sector roles, exploring collaborations. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks helps solidify MBZUAI's role in the UAE's AI ecosystem and expands its influence beyond academia.
MBZUAI hosted its annual Alumni Suhoor, gathering graduates, faculty, staff, and leadership to reconnect and discuss alumni engagement. During the event, the launch of the alumni advisory board was announced, which aims to give alumni a more formal role in shaping engagement strategies and strengthening the University’s global network. The evening included networking sessions to foster new connections and potential collaborations among alumni working in diverse sectors.
MBZUAI Executive Program participants gathered for community-building activities on Jubail Island, including a mangrove walk and dinner. MBZUAI President Eric Xing emphasized the opportunity to build partnerships and an AI community. The event aimed to foster collaboration and understanding among participants to drive positive AI progress. Why it matters: Such initiatives can help bridge divides between organizations and facilitate the responsible development of AI in the UAE.
MBZUAI held a campus event with over 150 attendees to celebrate the UAE's 50th National Day. The celebration included Emirati music, food, and speeches from MBZUAI leadership reflecting on the UAE's progress. Amna Al Mansouri highlighted the UAE's transformation from an oil economy to a regional AI leader. Why it matters: This event underscores MBZUAI's role in realizing the UAE's vision of becoming a knowledge hub and leader in AI.
MBZUAI alumnus Adnan Khan is pursuing a Ph.D. at Carleton University, focusing his research on using computer vision to improve accessibility in healthcare, particularly for the visually impaired. His work builds upon his master's thesis at MBZUAI, which focused on domain generalization, enabling models to adapt across different data domains. Khan credits his experiences at MBZUAI for shaping his community spirit and career path. Why it matters: This highlights the role of AI education in fostering socially impactful research and driving innovation in healthcare accessibility in the region and beyond.