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 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.
Dr. James She from Hamad Bin Khalifa University will give a talk on AI for Art, Culture and Heritage, covering history, trends, opportunities, and potential impacts in the Gulf region. His research focuses on AI and multimedia technologies for art, media, culture, and human creativity, with recent artworks using AI for cultural or heritage content in Arabic regions. He was also a visiting artist-in-residency at Fire Station Museum, Qatar Museums in 2020-2021. Why it matters: This lecture highlights the growing interest and applications of AI in preserving and promoting cultural heritage within the Gulf region, potentially fostering innovation in art and culture.
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-curate a program involving international professors, artists, and scientists. The collaboration will focus on STEAM projects, artist residencies, and publishing research papers. The partnership was announced in conjunction with the Riwaq Al Fikr talk exploring AI's implications for the music and creative industries. Why it matters: This MoU signifies a growing trend of integrating AI with arts and culture in the UAE, potentially fostering innovation and new forms of artistic expression.
32 Emirati AI experts have embarked on a seven-month mission aimed at advancing the United Arab Emirates' strategic priorities using artificial intelligence. This initiative seeks to bolster national AI capabilities and foster innovation across various sectors within the country. The program represents a significant investment in local talent and reinforces the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI. Why it matters: This initiative underscores the UAE's strategic focus on developing indigenous AI talent and integrating advanced AI solutions into its national development agenda.