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.
A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO) Education Affairs Department visited MBZUAI on December 15, 2021. Ian Mathews, VP of Corporate Services, presented MBZUAI's progress and 2022 initiatives. Discussions covered the importance of collaboration and recruitment enhancements with ADEO's support. Why it matters: This visit highlights the ongoing relationship between MBZUAI and key Abu Dhabi government entities, signaling continued support for the university's AI initiatives.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai as the Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The ATRC oversees technology research and strategy in Abu Dhabi. Why it matters: The appointment signifies continued investment in Abu Dhabi's advanced technology sector and AI ecosystem.
MBZUAI held its first summer school for UAE high school students in collaboration with ADEK, focusing on AI and sustainability. The program received over 230 applications for 38 slots, indicating strong interest in AI among students. Participants engaged in workshops led by MBZUAI faculty and worked on AI projects addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Why it matters: This initiative nurtures local talent and promotes AI education, aligning with the UAE's focus on becoming a leader in AI.
MBZUAI and the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG) signed an MoU at GITEX 2021 to develop AI training programs for UAE leadership. The programs will focus on integrating AI technologies into governance, industry, education, and healthcare. MBZUAI and ADSG will jointly develop training programs and offer seminars/workshops on key AI research areas. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens the UAE's knowledge economy and supports Abu Dhabi's digitalization agenda by enhancing AI expertise in the government sector.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the first 45 Emirati talents selected for the Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) ‘NexTech’ program. The NexTech program aims to develop Emirati talent in research and technology, aligning with Abu Dhabi's investment in knowledge development. ATRC will empower UAE national talent via outreach, talent scouting, and directing talent to TII research projects. Why it matters: This program signifies a strategic push towards building national competencies in advanced technology and accelerating the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has announced strategic partnerships with institutions including the University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and McGill University. These partnerships include visiting scholar fellowships, graduate programs with internships, and dual-degree programs. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between AMRC experts and students from around the world, providing access to resources, mentorship, and financial support. Why it matters: This collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and R&D sectors through global knowledge transfer and talent development.
The UAE's National Programme for Coders will train 20,000 students in coding across eight universities, including MBZUAI and Khalifa University. The program includes 500 training opportunities at local and international companies. Amazon, Huawei, and IBM will launch digital libraries providing resources on AI, data science, and other technologies. Why it matters: This initiative aims to bolster the UAE's AI talent pool and enhance graduates' competitiveness in the job market through practical coding skills.