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.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has appointed Professor Dr. Eric Xing as its new president, succeeding Interim President Professor Sir Michael Brady. Dr. Xing joins from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was Associate Department Head of Research at the Machine Learning Department. He is a globally recognized AI academic and will lead MBZUAI in developing AI and AI solutions as the first graduate student cohort commences studies. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top global talent and advancing its mission as a leading AI research institution in the UAE.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, visited MBZUAI with a delegation to tour the campus and discuss potential collaborations. The delegation was received by MBZUAI President Eric Xing, G42 CEO Peng Xiao, and other university leaders. The visit showcased MBZUAI's projects and milestones in AI research and education. Why it matters: High-level visits like this reinforce the UAE's commitment to AI development and signal potential future partnerships between academic institutions and emirates.
Executives from AIQ, an ADNOC subsidiary in partnership with G42, met with MBZUAI leadership including President Eric Xing. The AIQ delegation toured the MBZUAI campus and received updates on the university's goals and activities. Both parties discussed potential collaborations in AI research and internships. Why it matters: Partnerships between academic institutions like MBZUAI and industry players such as AIQ are crucial for translating AI research into practical applications within the UAE's key sectors like energy.
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.