MBZUAI has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a postdoctoral fellowship for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to undertake two-year, fully-funded research positions at leading global institutions. The program aims to cultivate local talent in AI and computational research, with the goal of strengthening participants' eligibility for faculty positions at MBZUAI. The fellowship covers a stipend, research funds, insurance, relocation support, and conference travel.
MBZUAI has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to conduct research at leading global institutions. The fellowship covers a competitive stipend, research funds, insurance, relocation support, and conference travel, with no cost to host institutions. Completion aims to strengthen eligibility for tenure-track faculty positions at MBZUAI. Why it matters: This program represents a strategic investment in developing Emirati AI talent and building a globally competitive, homegrown AI faculty to drive the UAE's research ambitions.
MBZUAI will present robotics research and solutions at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in Abu Dhabi from October 14-18. Professors Yoshihiko Nakamura and Sami Haddadin, renowned robotics experts, lead MBZUAI's robotics initiatives. MBZUAI will be located at Booth 6 at ADNEC. Why it matters: Showcasing MBZUAI's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI and robotics research, attracting top talent and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the UAE.
MBZUAI has launched The Academy, a global platform for AI knowledge exchange, along with the world’s first AI x Arts Fellowship. The inaugural cohort of eight fellows includes artists and innovators like Refik Anadol and Amrita Sethi, who will participate in residency programs in Abu Dhabi in 2026. The Academy also encompasses the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), which empowers UAE leaders to leverage AI. Why it matters: This initiative signals MBZUAI's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between AI and the arts, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for innovative AI applications in culture and heritage.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its inaugural Ph.D. cohort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), set to begin in Fall 2026. The interdisciplinary program will focus on human-AI alignment, multimodal interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to design AI systems that improve lives responsibly. Applications for the Master of Science in HCI (fall 2027 intake) will open in 2026. Why it matters: This program expands MBZUAI’s focus on human-centered AI design, aligning with the UAE’s vision for an innovation-led economy.