MBZUAI and Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based agri-food company, signed an MoU at COP28 to bring AI innovation to agriculture and food production. The agreement establishes a joint AI Center of Excellence to develop the UAE's food production sector, improve food security, and enhance sustainability. Both parties will conduct joint research, exchange expertise, and support startups focused on improving efficiency and innovation in the UAE’s food sector. Why it matters: The partnership aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and aims to leverage AI for sustainable food production, addressing critical challenges like climate change and resource management.
MBZUAI and the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) have signed an agreement to launch an AI lab within MOCCAE. The lab will focus on AI solutions for environmental, agricultural, and climate-related challenges, supporting the UAE's food security strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Example use cases include AI-powered strawberry-picking robots and AI tools for monitoring and visualizing climate change. Why it matters: This initiative signals a commitment to leveraging AI for sustainability and environmental stewardship, potentially establishing the UAE as a leader in applying AI to address critical environmental challenges.
MBZUAI has launched the Institute for Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) in collaboration with the UAE Presidential Court and the Gates Foundation. The IAAI will focus on strengthening global food security by providing digital advisory tools to over 43 million smallholder farmers. The institute will develop a new data corpus for agriculture to train AI models and offer localized insights on crops, pests, soils, weather, and markets. Why it matters: This initiative highlights the UAE's commitment to using AI for global good, specifically addressing food security challenges and empowering small-scale farmers through advanced technologies.
MBZUAI and Virgin Hyperloop have signed an MoU to collaborate on AI research and innovation for the transportation sector. The partnership will focus on joint research in computer vision, cloud computing, and commercial projects in smart transportation. Hyperloop aims to transport passengers and goods at speeds exceeding 1,000km/h, becoming a sustainable means of mass transportation. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the UAE's focus on using AI to advance transportation technology and its ambition to become a global hub for innovation in the region.
MBZUAI and Etihad Airways have signed an MoU to explore AI applications in the aviation sector. The partnership includes joint training programs, research, seminars, and workshops. MBZUAI students will gain aviation industry experience and explore AI's potential in addressing challenges. Why it matters: The collaboration aims to enhance AI competitiveness in the UAE's aviation sector and foster sustainable growth and innovation.